--- title: "Fran Kerzner- DESIGN SYNTHESIS — Interior Designers & Decorators | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/fran-kerzner-design-synthesis-pfvwus-pf~469851117 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~469851117.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Fran Kerzner- DESIGN SYNTHESIS" category: ["Interior Designers & Decorators"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/243358c90d6401d6_0010-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Sherman Oaks, California 91403, United States" latitude: 34.1514 longitude: -118.4603 phone: "(818) 907-7349" website: http://designsynthesis.com rating: 4.7 review_count: 27 best_of_houzz_awards: 14 followers: 870 last_updated: 2026-09-04 --- # Fran Kerzner- DESIGN SYNTHESIS Original Houzz profile: [Fran Kerzner- DESIGN SYNTHESIS](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/fran-kerzner-design-synthesis-pfvwus-pf~469851117) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Interior Designers & Decorators - **Location:** Sherman Oaks, CA - **Serves:** Los Angeles, Bel Air, Brentwood Los Angeles, Hollywood, Glendale, Burbank, Santa Monica, North Hollywood, Northridge, Encino, Canoga Park, Granada Hills, Chatsworth, Culver City, Porter Ranch, Beverly Hills, Pacific Palisades, Lake Balboa, North Hills, Hidden Hills, Panorama City, Reseda - **Houzz rating:** 4.7 out of 5 (27 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 14 awards (2012–2022), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 100,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Online consultation - 19 years in business DESIGN SYNTHESIS was founded in 2001 by Fran Kerzner, who brings 30 years of design and space planning experience to her clients. Prior to becoming an Interior Designer, Fran was a CPA for 12 years and spent 6 years managing Accounting Departments for multi-million dollar construction companies. Her top-notch budgeting skills is just one of many reasons her clients enjoy working with her, and what separates her apart. Fran has a true knack for listening to her clients and creating original spaces that fulfill all of their dreams and more. The essence of her design philosophy is epitomized in the name of her company: Design Synthesis. She's truly adept at combining modern and traditional design components against a background of clean lines to create a synthesis that is more than the sum of its parts. ### Services Provided - Interior Design - Kitchen Design - Bathroom Design - Living Room Design - Bedroom Design - Color Consulting - Space Planning - Furniture Selection - Kids Bedroom Design - Dining Room Design - Custom Cabinets - Custom Kitchen Cabinets - Custom Built-ins - Entry Design - Floor Plans - Project Management - Playroom Design - Custom Furniture - Custom Bathroom Vanities - Laundry Room Design - Nursery Design - Custom Home Bars - Universal Design - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Custom Bookcases - Custom Entertainment Centers - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Custom Fireplace Mantels - Home Theater Design - Custom Pantries - Handicap-Accessible Design - Accessibility Design - Home Office Design ### Areas Served - Los Angeles - Bel Air - Brentwood Los Angeles - Hollywood - Glendale - Burbank - Santa Monica - North Hollywood - Northridge - Encino - Canoga Park - Granada Hills - Chatsworth - Culver City - Porter Ranch - Beverly Hills - Pacific Palisades - Lake Balboa - North Hills - Hidden Hills - Panorama City - Reseda ### Typical Job Cost $25,000 - 2 million Initial Consultation free with signed Contract Hourly Design Fee $175 Minimum starting cost for bathroom remodel is $15,000, plus Design and project management fee $2000-$5000 Minimum starting cost for Complete kitchen remodel is $75,000 plus Design Fee and project management fee $4000-7000. Partial remodels are less depending on requirements ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Fran Kerzner- DESIGN SYNTHESIS | | Address | Sherman Oaks, California 91403, United States | | Phone | (818) 907-7349 | | Website | http://designsynthesis.com | | Followers on Houzz | 870 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/designsynthesis - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/designsynthesis - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/pub/fran-kerzner/a/617/423 - Blog — http://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?llr=eo89tydab&p=oi&m=1103558962628 ## Offers FREE - 2 hours of Kitchen Design Fees _For remodels contracted before 12/31/19_ (valid through Dec. 2019) ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Fran Kerzner- DESIGN SYNTHESIS](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/fran-kerzner-design-synthesis-pfvwus-pf~469851117) - **Website:** http://designsynthesis.com - **Phone:** (818) 907-7349 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Best of Houzz 2012-2021; Chair Emeritus of Sherman Oaks Chamber of Commerce, Board Member of Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council, President of Sherman Oaks Chamber Foundation, Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Service Award, - **Best of Houzz:** 14 awards (2012–2022), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [American Society of Interior Designers](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/american-society-of-interior-designers-pfvwus-pf~1510192642) - [National Kitchen & Bath Association](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/national-kitchen-and-bath-association-pfvwus-pf~1351084655) - [ASID Los Angeles](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/asid-los-angeles-pfvwus-pf~723021874) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.7 out of 5 — 27 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Julie Harris, March 2021** > Working with Fran was an absolute pleasure. She is a true professional, extremely talented and very patient. She got the job done and she got it done right. Looking very much forward to working with her again in the future. **★★★★★ — Nursery and family room remodel, Aug. 2020** > In an age when apps and “virtual designers” seem to be taking over the home improvement world, it’s easy to lose sight of the benefits of an ACTUAL PERSON!! My fiancé and I recently had our first baby and I was overwhelmed with remodeling our home while keeping a crawling, curious baby alive. I reached out to Fran and she was amazing!!!!! She was able to make sense of my endless Pinterest boards, helped to prioritize our wish list to stay within our budget and the end result was perfect! We were able to achieve a “child friendly” home while maintaining our “big kid” sense of style. She handled the little hiccups that come with any remodeling project and was always one step ahead of everything. If you are looking for someone that is diligent, reliable, easy to work with and just plain GOOD AT WHAT SHE DOES I highly recommend you reach out to Fran! She also knows just about everyone in the valley and all the good places to eat so, bonus!!!! **Comment from Fran Kerzner- DESIGN SYNTHESIS:** > Thank you!! It was wonderful working with you as well! Hope to stay in touch and upgrade your darling baby to a "Big Boy room" when the time comes!! **★ — Sheryl Kramer, May 2020** > The worst experience ever!!! I was so happy when my husband and I decided to hire a designer. We had done two home improvement projects on our own and were confident, with Fran on board to remodel our kitchen we would eliminate potential mistakes and have someone to oversee the project. The disappointments are too numerous to list. I will focus on the ones I am dealing with a year after the end of the project. What was most mportant to me was that my family of four could all comfortably fit around the kitchen island. What Fran designed was beautiful but one problem, it could not be build the way she designed it as she had not taken the weight of the quartz countertop in to consideration. The necessary changes were made, increasing the cost of the cabinetry. Fran assured me that the four bar stools would still fit. She was wrong and I can only comfortably fit three. Our family is frustrated every evening when we cannot comfortably fit around the island and then there is the $800+ barstool we cannot comfortably use. > The stone above the fireplace was not installed correctly and the contractor, the one she recommended, has made three attempts to correct it. At the end of the day it seems it is not going to be possible to fix and we may need to be removed and reinstalled. Good thing she way over ordered the product, making her mark up on all of it! This issue may have been eliminated had she been here when it was installed but she had long taken our money and abandoned the project by that time. Although part of her design fee was to be here to oversee the installation, remember to avoid the errors, she was no where to be found. I can go on. My advise, find someone else! **★ — G KRAMER, May 2020** > After three major remodels and investing the cost of our house into our house, I can safely say that Fran is the worst I've ever dealt with. Basically, she managed to get it all wrong. Colors, measurements, cabinets and our kitchen island. When I called this out to her, she very defensively and inaccurately, played the "You said game." Basically, she would not own up to any of her mistakes and adherently defended them as not being her own. Boy, did we pay greatly for them! Before, the job was completed she abandoned it. Watch out for the term "Concepts" in her contract. As she will try to use this to defend faulty designs and measurements. I should have just lit my money on fire! **★★★★★ — Catherine Afarian, Sept. 2019** > Working with Fran was wonderful in every way. My husband’s childhood home suffered massive water damage from a broken pipe just months after his mother passed. The entire project was emotionally charged for both my husband and father-in-law and Fran helped us navigate the process as smoothly as possible. We tried to update the use and flow of the home while honoring the spirit, style and design my mother-in-law had originally used in the home. Fran provided practical design options that kept the project on point while getting the work done as efficiently and cost effectively as possible. Fran is a consummate professional. I highly recommend her and would work with her again in the future should the opportunity arise. **Comment from Fran Kerzner- DESIGN SYNTHESIS:** > Thank you! It was wonderful working with you and I am so glad you are so happy with how everything turned out. **★★★★★ — ANDREW MARTON, Sept. 2019** > We hired Fran to help us with a bathroom remodel and then that work expanded to assisting us with remodeling other parts of our house. She did a wonderful job. She met with us on a number of occasions to come up with a design, sent us a lot of information, samples and pictures for suggestions and also made excellent recommendations regarding bids, the GC, subs and other trades we hired to do the work. She made sure they did their work and was there to supervise when needed and to check the finished product. Her eye for pointing out practical concerns before it is too late was excellent. Her design aesthetics are first class. I highly recommend her. **★★★★★ — Michelle Peterson, Aug. 2019** > Fran has been an indispensable part of our kitchen, den and powder room remodel. She has made what could have been an overwhelming project manageable, successful and even enjoyable. > > From design to construction to finishing touches, Fran has been integral to decisions big and small. We especially appreciate the way she combines practical, cost-effective solutions with great design expertise. > > Fran worked seamlessly with our contractor and was always quick and responsive to our every question. Hiring Fran paid off in every way and we look forward to working with her again in the future. **★★★★★ — Ann Snyder, Aug. 2019** > Fran is fabulous. Not only does she have great ideas but she is timely with great follow through. She leads and suggests without pushing. She helped me redesign a TV room I'd lived with for 25 years. The room is now beautiful, updated yet still cozy and warm.. Th TV cabinet is perfect in look and utility. What was really wonderful about Fran was that after the room was partially complete, I didn't think I liked it. She did not take offense but worked with me to finish the project the way we had envisioned it together. I highly recommend her for her artistic eye, follow through and personality. **★★★★★ — Janice Wald Henderson, May 2019** > We hired Fran to remodel a bathroom, and were so pleased with her professionalism, efficiency, and cost-control, we proceeded to use her for our entire house. (She even gave landscape design tips that our landscape designer had not come up with, and agreed they were great. She’s currently designing our outdoor living room and backyard dining room. We love the look she’s creating! Fran is also easy to work with; if you don’t like something, she doesn’t take it personally. She “gets” our taste, works quickly, and sources ideas in a range of prices. We couldn’t be happier with our new kitchen, bathroom, living room, dining room, and soon, our outdoor rooms complete. In short, she’s an amazing talent and a kind human being!! Book her and you’ll be thrilled as we are. **★★★★ — HU-820084528, Nov. 2018** > Fran Kerzner has been our designer since 2014-2015, we remodeled the first level of our home, which included the living room, dining area and entertainment room. Fran is extremely knowledgeable in all areas of home design, diligent, flexible and enjoyable to work with. She is very adaptable to her client’s tastes and desires. The subcontractors that she has brought to us have always been highly qualified professionals that have been considerate and pleasant to have in our home. We are working on our second phase this year, which includes our Master Bedroom and Bath and are very appreciative to have her to guide us through this latest project. **★★★★★ — Alison Kirshner\_Kalinski, Sept. 2018** > Fran did an outstanding job in designing our new kitchen. This was our first time doing any major home renovation so we were nervous, but Fran was with us every step of the way. We gutted the entire kitchen and Fran came up with a great design that fit all of our needs. We also tend to get overwhelmed with choices so having her help in picking out tiles, counters, paint colors etc. was extremely helpful. Fran also visited the site frequently and went over all kinds of details that we wouldn't have even known to ask - such as how the edges of the counters were finished, etc. Fran was very prompt and efficient - she quickly responded to all our questions, had quick turn around time, and was patient when we needed more time to decide. We would highly highly recommend Fran for anyone considering a kitchen remodel or any major home design or construction project. **★★★★★ — wfassberg, Dec. 2017** > Fran was terrific to work with. She is professional and tireless in her search to find what is right for the client. I am thrilled with the results of her work. ## Selected projects - [Eclectic Bathroom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/eclectic-bathroom-pj-vj~5869328) - Location: Los Angeles, CA - Photos: 12 - Description: This Asian-inspired Master Bathroom is highlighted by a custom mural over the new spa tub. Resin panels with embedded grasses separate it from the WC and are used as inserts in the custom cabinetry. Blue glass tile accents the vanity backsplash and niches in the shower and tub areas. Wavy dimensional tile and a pebble floor in the shower add to the natural spa feel while satin brass plumbing and sconces add glamour and shine. - [Larchmont Transitional Style Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/larchmont-transitional-style-kitchen-pj-vj~4451886) - Location: Los Angeles, CA - Photos: 10 - Description: Our new clients lived in a charming Spanish-style house in the historic Larchmont area of Los Angeles. Their kitchen, which was obviously added later, was devoid of style and desperately needed a makeover. While they wanted the latest in appliances they did want their new kitchen to go with the style of their house. The en trend choices of patterned floor tile and blue cabinets were the catalysts for pulling the whole look together. - [Modern Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-farmhouse-pj-vj~5989291) - Location: Los Angeles, CA - Photos: 11 - [Mid-Century Modern Man Cave](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mid-century-modern-man-cave-pj-vj~1998376) - Location: Los Angeles, CA - Photos: 13 - [Transitional Mediterranean Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/transitional-mediterranean-kitchen-pj-vj~10675) - Location: Santa Monica, CA - Photos: 16 - Description: Transitional/Spanish Kitchen -Although this was a great space to work with the client had many requirements which took quite of bit of planning to fulfill. And though he changed from a more Traditional style to a more Contemporary version in the middle of the project we were able to create a beautiful Transitional space that is uniquely his. - [Transitional Family Room and Bar](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/transitional-family-room-and-bar-pj-vj~2964037) - Location: Calabasas, CA - Photos: 11 - Description: The client wanted to update her tired, dated family room. They had grown accustomed to having reclining seats so one challenge was to create a new reclining sectional that looked fresh and contemporary. This one has three reclining seats plus convenient USB ports. They also needed new custom cabinetry to accommodate their new 75" flat screen so we worked with the cabinetry and AV vendors to design a unit that would encompass all of the AV plus display and storage extending all the way to the win… - [Mid-Century Modern Kitchen & Great Room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mid-century-modern-kitchen-and-great-room-pj-vj~2106743) - Location: Los Angeles, CA - Photos: 12 - [Transitional Whole House Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/transitional-whole-house-remodel-pj-vj~10673) - Location: Los Angeles, CA - Photos: 18 - Description: Transitional Living Room has soft contemporary furnishings that complement the amazing views - [Transitional Kitchen and Family Room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/transitional-kitchen-and-family-room-pj-vj~1183213) - Location: Los Angeles, CA - Photos: 9 - [Transitional Kitchen and More](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/transitional-kitchen-and-more-pj-vj~1998382) - Location: Calabasas, CA - Photos: 11 - [Mediterranean Whole House Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mediterranean-whole-house-remodel-pj-vj~1736106) - Location: Los Angeles, CA - Photos: 14 - [Art Deco Powder Room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/art-deco-powder-room-pj-vj~210915) - Location: Los Angeles, CA - Photos: 7 - [Traditional Tuscan Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/traditional-tuscan-kitchen-pj-vj~1998390) - Location: Woodland Hills, CA - Photos: 10 - [Traditional Mediterranean Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/traditional-mediterranean-kitchen-pj-vj~284094) - Location: Beverly Hills, CA - Photos: 9 - [Modern Kitchen and More](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-kitchen-and-more-pj-vj~983653) - Location: Calabasas, CA - Photos: 10 - Description: Modern White Kitchen - [Tuscan Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tuscan-kitchen-pj-vj~10674) - Location: Woodland Hills, CA - Photos: 2 - Description: The client wanted a Tuscan style Kitchen and loved the stone hearths we had done before so we created this complete wall of stone which compliments the granite countertops, tumbled travertine backsplash with bronze accents. An iron and crystal chandelier hightlights the large island. - [Contemporary Whole House Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-whole-house-remodel-pj-vj~10682) - Location: Arcadia, CA - Photos: 8 - Description: The clients asked us to turn their Victorian style Living Room into a spectacular Art Deco style theater. Using exotic anigre and macassar ebony woods we custom designed cabinetry and doors that not only enhances the walls but hides the audio video equipment and creates a beautiful bar area. A Crestron system controls the AV, draperies and lighting. - [Southwestern Style Kitchen and Bath](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/southwestern-style-kitchen-and-bath-pj-vj~10677) - Location: Los Angeles, CA - Photos: 3 - Description: These clients requested that their love of Southwest style , which is apparent thoughout their home be reflected in their Kitchen remodel. So we designed an Adobe like hood and embedded the clients collected handmade tiles into the backsplash. Unusual bronze appliances complement the desert colors in the granite. - [Eclectic Kitchen & Dining Room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/eclectic-kitchen-and-dining-room-pj-vj~10681) - Location: Granada Hills, CA - Photos: 2 - [French Provincial Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/french-provincial-kitchen-pj-vj~10680) - Location: Van Nuys, CA - Photos: 1 [See all 24 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/fran-kerzner-design-synthesis-pfvwus-pf~469851117) ## Ideabooks - [Horn kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/183763462/list/horn-kitchen) — 4 ideas - [Lush Guest Baths](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/180753031/list/lush-guest-baths) — 24 ideas - [Lush Dining](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/180994908/list/lush-dining) — 5 ideas - [Alpha Phi](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/16003011/list/alpha-phi) — 9 ideas - [Schapiro](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/179558358/list/schapiro) — 19 ideas - [1920s Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/94859661/list/1920s-kitchens) — 16 ideas - [Lush Kitchen Concepts](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/169720711/list/lush-kitchen-concepts) — 44 ideas - [\#ImpactOfDesign](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/52275732/list/impactofdesign) — 5 ideas - [Henderson](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/104537755/list/henderson) — 113 ideas - [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/108499361/list/wish-list) — 2 ideas - [Agler](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/160775747/list/agler) — 36 ideas - [Fassberg Bedroom](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/151186358/list/fassberg-bedroom) — 61 ideas - [Matsuda](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/141799776/list/matsuda) — 33 ideas - [Engelman-Fran Kerzner](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/154238627/list/engelman-fran-kerzner) — 77 ideas - [Sky](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/153373436/list/sky) — 7 ideas - [Dunn](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/148294615/list/dunn) — 21 ideas - [Carter Guest bath](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/143842140/list/carter-guest-bath) — 40 ideas - [Thomas bedroom](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/140192569/list/thomas-bedroom) — 56 ideas - [Felman](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/142924598/list/felman) — 31 ideas - [Thomas Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/139246204/list/thomas-kitchen) — 28 ideas [See all 95 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/designsynthesis) ## Community Q&A **Q: Where is the wallpaper from?** *(in Photo Questions)* Great contemporary bathroom. Love the wallpaper. A: Thaank you for the kind words. That was many years ago so don’t think it is available any more. It was from JV Italian Design Collection. **Q: interested in console table** *(in Photo Questions)* Can you tell me where you purchased the console table behind the sofa? A: The console table was designed by Design Synthesis and custom made for our client. The glass top was manufactured by Thinkglass. **Q: where is the sofa from?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: It's from Valley Leather in Encino, CA with fabric we supplied. **Q: High Glass Table** *(in Photo Questions)* interested in finding out more about the high top glass table A: The table was custom designed for the client. The glass top is from Thinkglas **Q: cabinets paint color** *(in Photo Questions)* what exact color are the cabinets ? A: Benjamin Moore 1622 Mineral Alloy but note its a lot more grey blue than it looks in the pic **Q: Recliner sofa??** *(in Photo Questions)* Absolutely love the recliner sofa! What brand? A: It is fabric. We used our own. I think its the Larsen --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-04.*