---
title: "Elena Calabrese Design & Decor — Interior Designers & Decorators | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/elena-calabrese-design-and-decor-pfvwus-pf~503392640
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~503392640.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Elena Calabrese Design & Decor"
category: ["Interior Designers & Decorators"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/b1f3bd200e38ca8a_5585-w400-h400-b1-p10--.jpg
address: "480 Gate 5 Road, suite 113, Sausalito, California 94965, United States"
latitude: 37.8685
longitude: -122.5091
phone: "(415) 250-5074"
website: http://www.elenacalabrese.com/
rating: 5
review_count: 20
best_of_houzz_awards: 9
followers: 341
last_updated: 2026-09-04
---

# Elena Calabrese Design & Decor

Original Houzz profile: [Elena Calabrese Design & Decor](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/elena-calabrese-design-and-decor-pfvwus-pf~503392640)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Interior Designers & Decorators
- **Location:** Sausalito, CA
- **Serves:** San Francisco, San Rafael, Mill Valley, Larkspur, San Anselmo, Tamalpais-Homestead Valley, Corte Madera, Tiburon, Sausalito, Lucas Valley-Marinwood, Marin City, Sleepy Hollow, Ross, Belvedere, Fairfax, Lagunitas-Forest Knolls, Woodacre, Bolinas, Stinson Beach, Muir Beach, San Geronimo, Belvedere Tiburon, Forest Knolls, Greenbrae, Lagunitas, Napa & Sonoma Counties, Peninsula
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (20 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 9 awards (2014–2025), for Design, Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Houzz Influencer
- Recommended on Houzz
- 25,000 Ideabook Saves

Elena Calabrese Design’s philosophy is about combinations. She creates visual interest with layers of texture, combines sleek modern elements with earthy ones and adds a touch a glam, the unexpected. Frequently combining vintage with new, modern sleek elements with organic natural materials, these combinations are what create an interesting environment. 

Elena strives to create an interior that is elevated in its’ design as well as reflective of the client’s personality. Services offered range from, designing and implementing a complete interior schematic, to color consultations, to space and furniture planning, as well as designing and customizing furniture pieces.

The joy she derives from her work comes from creating spaces that are modern and warm, that nurture and inspire, and reflect her own distinct individual Northern California style. 
Elena earned a BFA, from the California College of the Arts, and studied Interior Design at the University of California at Berkeley. After a decade in the fashion industry, working for DKNY in New York City, and designing accessories for large companies in the Bay Area, Elena made the inevitable switch to interior design in 2007.

She lives in Mill Valley California, with her husband, son and two Maine Coon cats.

### Services Provided

- Interior Design
- Kitchen Design
- Bathroom Design
- Living Room Design
- Bedroom Design
- Color Consulting
- Space Planning
- Furniture Selection
- Kids Bedroom Design
- Floor Plans
- Playroom Design
- Laundry Room Design
- Nursery Design
- House Plans
- Universal Design
- Basement Design
- Sunroom Design & Construction
- Sustainable Design
- Energy-Efficient Homes
- Green Building
- Kitchen Remodeling
- Home Office Design

### Areas Served

- San Francisco
- San Rafael
- Mill Valley
- Larkspur
- San Anselmo
- Tamalpais-Homestead Valley
- Corte Madera
- Tiburon
- Sausalito
- Lucas Valley-Marinwood
- Marin City
- Sleepy Hollow
- Ross
- Belvedere
- Fairfax
- Lagunitas-Forest Knolls
- Woodacre
- Bolinas
- Stinson Beach
- Muir Beach
- San Geronimo
- Belvedere Tiburon
- Forest Knolls
- Greenbrae
- Lagunitas
- Napa & Sonoma Counties
- Peninsula

### Typical Job Cost

$50,000 - 1,000,000

Please email us to discuss the details of your project and we can assist with pricing details.

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Elena Calabrese Design & Decor |
| Address | 480 Gate 5 Road, suite 113, Sausalito, California 94965, United States |
| Phone | (415) 250-5074 |
| Website | http://www.elenacalabrese.com/ |
| Followers on Houzz | 341 |

**Social profiles:**
- Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/pages/Elena-Calabrese-Design-Decor/9484467737?ref=hl

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Elena Calabrese Design & Decor](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/elena-calabrese-design-and-decor-pfvwus-pf~503392640)
- **Website:** http://www.elenacalabrese.com/
- **Phone:** (415) 250-5074

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- ASID, Sustainable Furnishings Council

- **Best of Houzz:** 9 awards (2014–2025), 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)

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 20 reviews**

*Aspect averages:*
- Work Quality: 50.0
- Communication: 50.0
- Value: 50.0

### Reviews

**★★★★★ — Mandy Ellen, Dec. 2020**

> I've worked with quite a few different designers over the years, and Elena was by far the best. She's very communicative and allowed me to be involved in the process as much or as little as I wanted. She did a great job of listening to my needs as a client, and helped us design a beautiful house without going over budget. I really enjoyed working with Elena and would definitely work with her again.
> Thanks Elena!

**★★★★★ — Elisa Cullen, Dec. 2018**

> We hired Elena after we finished rebuilding our house due to a fire. We had to buy all new furniture, and also had a deadline where everything had to be purchased by a certain date. She and her assistant Nicole worked with us to not only meet our deadline, but also helped us simplify something that I thought was pretty overwhelming. We love everything in the house, and how not only does everything look great, but it's also comfortable, and just really works well for our family with two young children. We also really enjoyed working with both Elena and Nicole, and would work with them again. We wouldn't have been able to put our house together without them!

**★★★★★ — Maria Reilly, Dec. 2017**

> I was first intrigued to work with Elena when I saw her transform a tired club house into an inviting, contemporary space for all to enjoy.  When I checked out her beautiful website, I knew her elegant, practical style would be ideal for our newly remodeled master bedroom and our unfinished great room.
> It was a pleasure working with her and her associate, Nicole.  From our first meeting where we set out expectations, to our various other meetings where they presented gorgeous options, they were professional, friendly and fun to work with!  They have an incredible eye for aesthetic and ability to stay within budget.
> We love the look and feel of our master bedroom, and receive many compliments about the pieces and accents in our great room when friends come over.
> Whether you are remodeling your entire home or want to liven up a room or two, I would highly recommend working with Elena Calabrese Design & Decor.

**★★★★★ — Pamela Goldman, Dec. 2017**

> I first hired Elena Calabrese about two years ago to help me with a kitchen remodel and powder room remodel.  I enjoyed working with her and her team so much that I have since hired her for other projects as well, including furniture and decor advice.  She listens to your ideas and takes the time to understand your asthetic and respects your budget.  Her taste is excellent and she has great ideas and really thinks outside the box.  She doesn't just offer up the same cookie cutter ideas and aesthetic.  I would hire her again and refer friends to her without hesitation.

**★★★★★ — Carolyn Burton, June 2017**

> We had a relatively small project focused on updating our living room and making it a better space for socializing. Elena Calabrese turned out to be the perfect choice. Her approach to collaboration is spot-on. She effectively wove together our ideas and preferences with her own style and expertise. Our home was built in the early 60’s and a lot of our furniture is from that era. Elena has a real affinity for the MCM style and found ways to include existing pieces so we could focus our budget on the most critical new pieces. Elena and her associate, Nicole, were very enjoyable to work with—excellent rapport between them and with us, responsive and diligent with follow-up. We were happy with the contractors that they recommended, particularly for the painting and staining work. When we’re ready for a larger project, we’re looking forward to working with Elena and her team again.

**★★★★★ — Steven Serotte, June 2017**

> Even though Elena was referred to me I hired her because she feel in love with my home and we shared the same design vision. Her sense of style and deliverable's during the project made the process seamless and enjoyable. I truly enjoyed working with Elena and her team and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a talented design team!

**★★★★★ — suzstrong, May 2016**

> Elena Calabrese was wonderful to work with.  We had never done a project like this before and she was incredibly helpful and most importantly patient with us.  She is knowledgable, professional, organized and available.  Elena quickly comes to know your personal style and taste and takes that into account with all her design aspects.  I would highly recommend Elena Calabrese Design & Decor and look forward to working with them in the future.

**★★★★★ — Laurie Bernstein, May 2016**

> Elena helped me design and furnish my remodeled home. I had such a great experience with her throughout. My home is more beautiful than I ever imagined it would be! Elena was easy to work with, accommodating in her scheduling to meet my availability and most importantly helped bring everything I wanted to do to life. She let me know up front she would be flexible on how we worked together and that held true. She ordered some pieces for me but also allowed me to order things directly and save some cost. She worked well with both the architect and contractor and was available to assist them when I wasn't. Her taste is great and I couldn't be happier with the end result. I would highly recommend her and her assistant Nicole is great too.

**★★★★★ — Emily Noble Pashman, May 2016**

> I hired Elena to collaborate with me on my 4000 sq foot gut renovation. I was attracted to her easy going personality, fantastic style and aesthetic from the start. She was a pleasure to work with, and has an incredible eye. She joined our team in the early stages and participated in over a year of brainstorming, designing and problem solving with the myself, the architects and contractor. She exhibited great patience and was a fabulous sounding board for me the entire time. She has tremendous experience with interior finishes, and furniture layout / design. I am very pleased with our new home, and I'm so glad that I hired her as our designer.

**★★★★ — truvy, Nov. 2015**

> Elena helped me design a beautiful office/oasis. She's got a great eye, especially with color,  and is very professional.

**★★★★★ — G D, Oct. 2015**

> I really enjoyed working with Elena Calabrese.  She's fun and hip... and on top of the trends.  Elena was able to immediately grasp my eclectic and eco-friendly style and suggest key pieces that would make the bold and creative statements I wanted, but didn't know how to achieve on my own.  From new light fixtures and carpets to up-cycled chairs and custom pillows (Her pillows are the best!), Elena helped me make the home that's truly me.

**★★★★★ — hilarydebiase, Oct. 2014**

> It was a pleasure to work with Elena during our kitchen design project.  Her design style, creative energy and attention to detail really helped create the kitchen of our dreams.  Besides her design acumen, she was extremely easy to work with, was very responsive and a great sounding board to our thoughts and ideas.  We really enjoyed the whole experience in working with her from concept to completion and have already started sketching out our next project with her!

## Selected projects

- [Hilltop Kitchen & Dining](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hilltop-kitchen-and-dining-pj-vj~3133005)
  - Location: Mill Valley, CA
  - Photos: 6
  - Description: A partial remodel in one of the classic Mill Valley homes, this household was built in 1896. Located in the Blithedale Canyon area, our client hired the seasoned Mill Valley architect, Kim Jessup to do the gut remodel. Collaboration between the architecture firm and ECDD resulted in interiors infused with a modern vibe. The kitchen is a combination of classic Schumacher prints on the custom banquette, clean sleek surfaces for the countertops, along with warm antiqued brass for the hardware and l…
- [Sunset Pied a Terre](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sunset-pied-a-terre-pj-vj~3133022)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 9
  - Description: We were hired to take this wonderful new single house in the Inner Sunset to the next leveland turn it into a home for our client. As a world traveler, she had a wonderful collection of Asian Art. This inspired us to create a modern home with custom built-ins and clean lines to house her treasures. We loved her sense of style and color so we embraced the deep reds/oranges and combined them with clean calming grays. Texture, comfort and style are the defining characteristics of this San Francisco…
- [Mill Valley Bungalow](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mill-valley-bungalow-pj-vj~3133034)
  - Location: Mill Valley, CA
  - Photos: 7
  - Description: A full down to the studs remodel in the desirable Sycamore Park neighborhood, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home received a total facelift. Our goal was to give it a modern touch with comfortable details throughout the indoor/outdoor areas. With a love for travel and roots in Morocco, we incorporated just a touch of that Moroccan Modern style for our clients.
- [Mountain Mod](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mountain-mod-pj-vj~2896571)
  - Location: Mill Valley, CA
  - Photos: 11
  - Description: Home to a single father and his two adorable daughters, this residence sits nestled at the foot of Mt. Tamalpais in Marin County. Inspired by the homeowner’s love of Palm Springs and the city’s iconic mid-century aesthetic, we created a decidedly modern interior with a softer Northern California twist. A “Dream Tween” lounge features an elegant hanging chair and playful poof pendant light, providing a chic and fun space for the girls to hang out in.
- [Country Club](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/country-club-pj-vj~2091755)
  - Location: Mill Valley, CA
  - Photos: 17
  - Description: Our take on the Modern Farmhouse in the hills known as the Country Club area of Mill Valley, CA. The project was a complete remodel and rebuild after a family of four lost their original home to a fire. It was a wonderful collaborative effort with the clients, builder and architects.
- [The Hillside Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-hillside-project-pj-vj~134201)
  - Location: Mill Valley, CA
  - Photos: 15
  - Description: This house screams out with the best of Northern California Modern: The late mid-century modern design and organic elements create a warm and nostalgic interior. One of the biggest challenges for us was to meet this house's uncommonly large scale and open floor plan. The built-in bookcase of large, equal-sized rectangles covers an entire 12-foot wall. They have a high gloss spray-lacquer finish. This area now balances the (24 foot tall) opposite wall in the Great Room, which is built from reclai…
- [Ridgeview](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ridgeview-pj-vj~1131226)
  - Location: Mill Valley, CA
  - Photos: 10
  - Description: This project consisted of a complete cosmetic remodel for a family of 3 in Mill Valley, California. With amazing views from every room, we designed an interior to enhance and not take away from the spectacular landscape. The clients desired a sophisticated, yet casual atmosphere with a bit of an industrial feel. Our favorite highlights are the textural elements and subtle patterns with soft varying shades of gray walls combined with natural elements of horn, reclaimed wood, natural steel and mar…
- [Lowell Kitchen & Bath](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lowell-kitchen-and-bath-pj-vj~766652)
  - Location: Mill Valley, CA
  - Photos: 10
  - Description: What a fun collaborative project. We combined the clients love of anything beachy by using a color palette of gray and green blue cabinets while modernizing the whole look with a chunky white marble island and hand cut chevron patterned back splash.
- [Traditional Home Napa Valley Showhouse 2015](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/traditional-home-napa-valley-showhouse-2015-pj-vj~1425823)
  - Location: Napa, CA
  - Photos: 7
  - Description: Crafted in a cool palette of warm browns and glossy blues, the dining parlor has a sumptuous yet earthy feel. The space features luxurious materials and a mix of vintage and contemporary pieces. A McGuire Laura Kirar aged oak and concrete table serves as the room's centerpiece. A set of vintage Milo Baughman dining chairs have been refreshed with new upholstery in a French blue ombre velvet. Textured details such as the pearlescent Maya Romanoff mica ceiling and burnout brown and hide area rug a…
- [Vista del Sol](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/vista-del-sol-pj-vj~457138)
  - Location: Mill Valley, CA
  - Photos: 34
  - Description: We had so much fun transforming this large, spec home from a generic space into a warm, stylish abode for a busy family of three. The clients brought us in to elevate the design of their home and make it reflective of their personal style. We did this by adding high end touches, subtle glam with shimmery finishes, and plenty of warm textures and tones. In addition to consciously designing with a chic family in mind, we also paid close attention to the usability of the home. Along with adding a m…
- [San Francisco Victorian](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-francisco-victorian-pj-vj~392811)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 9
  - Description: This kitchen was a complete remodel, with a new layout, ceiling, and removal of windows and added skylights. The Victorian house is a pre-Earthquake home (before 1906) in the Castro neighborhood of San Francisco. The previous kitchen was believed to be added in the 1940's, and needed some structural improvements as well as aesthetic. The main goals for this project were to give the owners a fresh new feel and a lot of storage, while also remaining a practical space. Three young children live her…
- [San Rafael Mid Century](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-rafael-mid-century-pj-vj~134195)
  - Location: San Rafael, CA
  - Photos: 3
- [Mill Valley Modern with Kids](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mill-valley-modern-with-kids-pj-vj~134192)
  - Location: Mill Valley, CA
  - Photos: 3
- [Sausalito A-frame](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sausalito-a-frame-pj-vj~134198)
  - Location: Sausalito, CA
  - Photos: 9
- [San Francisco Exploratorium "The Metamorphosis Lounge"](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-francisco-exploratorium-the-metamorphosis-lounge-pj-vj~216817)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 4

[See all 15 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/elena-calabrese-design-and-decor-pfvwus-pf~503392640)

## Ideabooks

- [Heather Way Outdoor](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/95711025/list/heather-way-outdoor) — 29 ideas
- [Hillside Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/93797324/list/hillside-kitchen) — 49 ideas
- [Mountain Project](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/93798242/list/mountain-project) — 3 ideas
- [Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/29207993/list/kitchens) — 18 ideas
- [MVTC projects](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/93826255/list/mvtc-projects) — 2 ideas
- [Heather Way-kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/93797878/list/heather-way-kitchen) — 2 ideas
- [Heather Way-fireplace ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/93674563/list/heather-way-fireplace-ideas) — 13 ideas
- [Seadrift](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/13212453/list/seadrift) — 18 ideas
- [Anita-Living/dining/office](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/80231775/list/anita-living-dining-office) — 9 ideas
- [color palette](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7149259/list/color-palette) — 32 ideas
- [esk kitchen ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/79883421/list/esk-kitchen-ideas) — 34 ideas
- [del casa basement](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/78565763/list/del-casa-basement) — 6 ideas
- [vanities](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/73006806/list/vanities) — 1 idea
- [Mar West](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/64295020/list/mar-west) — 58 ideas
- [Chapman Kitchen/bath](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/67110405/list/chapman-kitchen-bath) — 16 ideas
- [bathrooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/3851383/list/bathrooms) — 42 ideas
- [architectural details](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/64445581/list/architectural-details) — 1 idea
- [DREAM](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/52078071/list/dream) — 3 ideas
- [Mar West outside](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/64370670/list/mar-west-outside) — 1 idea
- [decks/outdoors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1749299/list/decks-outdoors) — 40 ideas

[See all 79 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/elenacalabrese)

## Community Q&A

**Q: another person interested in fireplace material** *(in Photo Questions)*

Also, do you know the model of the sofa sectional?

A: The fireplace material is actually porcelain tile that looks like steel. I am sorry I don't know the name of it! The sofa is custom. Thanks !

**Q: What is the height of the hearth shelf?** *(in Photo Questions)*

Can you share the height of the hearth shelf?  I like the way it ties the fireplace and tv areas together.  Thank you!

A: I am sorry I just don't recall, this project was done several years ago ! My guess is 10-12"

**Q: Love this vanity. Where is it from?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: it is custom designed and made by a local cabinet maker.

**Q: What kind of door is this?** *(in Photo Questions)*

Hi, I am looking for different styles of doors and I like this one. Do you have any photos? What kind is it?

A: Hello, This is a bifold accordion style door through La Cantina.

**Q: Where is the ottoman from?** *(in Photo Questions)*

Interested in knowing where this ottoman is from.

A: its a custom piece

**Q: Love this kitchen! Do you recall who makes this fixture? Thx** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: rejuvenation.

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-04.*