--- title: "Carisa Mahnken Design Guild — Interior Designers & Decorators | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/carisa-mahnken-design-guild-pfvwus-pf~58836926 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~58836926.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Carisa Mahnken Design Guild" category: ["Interior Designers & Decorators"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/677364f60f1452e4_7766-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Boonton, New Jersey 07005, United States" phone: "(973) 452-0588" website: http://www.cmahnken.com rating: 4.9 review_count: 12 best_of_houzz_awards: 5 followers: 268 last_updated: 2026-09-10 --- # Carisa Mahnken Design Guild Original Houzz profile: [Carisa Mahnken Design Guild](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/carisa-mahnken-design-guild-pfvwus-pf~58836926) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Interior Designers & Decorators - **Location:** Boonton, NJ - **Serves:** Clifton, Wayne, West Orange, Livingston, Randolph, Parsippany, Morristown, Hawthorne, Dover, South Orange, Denville, Madison, Hanover, Short Hills, Florham Park, East Hanover, Pompton Lakes, Totowa, West Caldwell, Lincoln Park, Lake Hopatcong, Lake Hiawatha, White Meadow Lake, Caldwell, Boonton, Northfield, Butler, Wharton, Roseland, Morris Plains, Pine Brook, Mendham, Mountain Lakes, Westville, Riverdale, Essex Fells, Kenvil, Victory Gardens, Lake Telemark, Hibernia, Hamptons, Haskell, Mount Freedom, New York City, Picatinny Arsenal - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (12 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2013–2015), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 50,000 Ideabook Saves Carisa Mahnken Design Guild is a full service interior design firm located in Northern New Jersey. Known for their highly customized, livable designs, CMDG focuses on high end residential projects, with a specialty in historic restorations. ### 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 - Lighting Design - Custom Kitchen Cabinets - Custom Built-ins - Floor Plans - Playroom Design - Custom Bathroom Vanities - Custom Furniture - Laundry Room Design - Nursery Design - Custom Blinds & Shades - House Plans - Custom Home Bars - Closet Design - Universal Design - Basement Design - Custom Bookcases - Custom Walk-in Closets - Custom Entertainment Centers - Sunroom Design & Construction - Custom Rugs - Custom Fireplace Mantels - Home Theater Design - Wine Cellar Design - Custom Shelving - Custom Pantries - Home Staging - Downsizing - Drafting - Holiday Decorating - Decluttering - Historic Building Conservation - Interior Design Photography - Kitchen Remodeling - Home Office Design ### Areas Served - Clifton - Wayne - West Orange - Livingston - Randolph - Parsippany - Morristown - Hawthorne - Dover - South Orange - Denville - Madison - Hanover - Short Hills - Florham Park - East Hanover - Pompton Lakes - Totowa - West Caldwell - Lincoln Park - Lake Hopatcong - Lake Hiawatha - White Meadow Lake - Caldwell - Boonton - Northfield - Butler - Wharton - Roseland - Morris Plains - Pine Brook - Mendham - Mountain Lakes - Westville - Riverdale - Essex Fells - Kenvil - Victory Gardens - Lake Telemark - Hibernia - Hamptons - Haskell - Mount Freedom - New York City - Picatinny Arsenal ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Carisa Mahnken Design Guild | | Address | Boonton, New Jersey 07005, United States | | Phone | (973) 452-0588 | | Website | http://www.cmahnken.com | | Followers on Houzz | 268 | **Social profiles:** - X (Twitter) — @cmahnkendesigns - Blog — www.cmahnken.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Carisa Mahnken Design Guild](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/carisa-mahnken-design-guild-pfvwus-pf~58836926) - **Website:** http://www.cmahnken.com - **Phone:** (973) 452-0588 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - ASID Industry Partner, Best of Houzz 2013-2016. - **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2013–2015), for Design, Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 12 reviews** ### All 12 reviews **★★★★★ — Next Generation Homes, Inc, April 2014** > You can not find a more dedicated professional to her clients. Carisa is creative, detail oriented and manages costs expectations extremely well, a rare combination in the design business. Her project scope documents are thorough and fully detailed for both the client and the construction professional. There are very few questions remaining after reviewing her scope of work documents. I have now worked with Carisa on multiple projects and recommend her to all of my construction clients. **★★★★★ — dnathemolecule, March 2014** > Carisa has been a total partner in the complete renovation of our historic Craftsman style home. Carisa's strengths include attention to details and timing, a desire to create a unique, personal style, an ability to see opportunity and to synchronize with the nature of the home and an ability to rise above the limitations of the home. I've worked with other decorators, designers and contractors and she is truly unique in her vision. Carisa is so good within the home that I use her to design landscape features as well! > In particular Carisa designed a spectacular walnut kitchen which is a modern take on the craftsman esthetic. She also designed 3 bathrooms and a mudroom (featured in the pictures on the site.) Carisa introduces both whimsy and fabulousness while keeping true to consistency /flow across the home . She has a knack for choosing pieces and colors which can be moved from room to room and fit in. Her rug selection,so critical because the rug will set the direction for each room, is extraordinary. I can't say enough about how happy I am to continue working with Carisa Mahnken Design Guild. **★★★★★ — cmbondy, Feb. 2014** > I have been using her services for 6+ years. Everything from decorating to a full basement design project. Handles project from initial design to final accessories. Even helps out with party ideas and gift ideas. Wealth of knowledge and contacts in the industry. **★★★★★ — ron824, Jan. 2014** > We were proud to work with Carisa Mahnken. > Her work was second to non and we would definatly use her again. **★★★★★ — mmalady, Jan. 2014** > Carisa is redoing my 13 year old daughter's bedroom and a shared bathroom on the 2nd floor, as well as helping with a few punch list items that have been accumulating over the 5 years that we have lived here. **★★★★★ — kimsparno, Jan. 2014** > Carisa was hired for our kitchen renovation in 2012. Carisa was a tremendous help in her design ideas, execution and attention to detail. Carisa's level of work is superior. She truly understands the clients vision and works within your needs and budget. Carisa is very practical as far as usage of the area and is flexible and easy to communicate with. > Carisa constantly gave us great suggestions and ideas we would have never thought of. > I have since then hired Carisa for a remodel of 2 bathrooms and 2 bedrooms. I enjoy working with her and would highly recommend Carisa for any job in your home. **Comment from Carisa Mahnken Design Guild:** > Thanks so much. I am excited to work on the Girls' rooms and reflect their unique sense of style. **★★★★★ — dspan, Jan. 2014** > From the initial construction of our home to various renovations we made over the past eight years, we have used Carisa Mahnken Design Guild for all of our projects with complete satisfaction. Their extensive knowledge and experience transformed our house into a home where we appreciate, utilize, and enjoy every room. They are the upmost professionals and expect the same from anybody who is hired to work on a project. While they are perfectionists and accept nothing less than high quality standards, they manage to stay within the budget allotted and there are never any surprises. They are also able to achieve the rare accomplishment of completing a project within the time frame represented by them. Their final projects in our home have been nothing short of extraordinary whether it be the creation of an upscale kitchen to the renovation of a basement as a playroom for children. I would highly recommend them for any project. **★★★★★ — tstrauss, Jan. 2014** > I have hired Carisa Mahnken Design for multiple renovation projects in my home and can honestly recommend her without reservation. She has impeccable taste and has helped my husband and myself to cultivate our own style. On par with her outstanding design skills is her capacity to run an efficient and accountable business. From the initial contract to the final fine details, Carisa has demonstrated her commitment to quality while staying true to her vision. Perhaps most impressive is her ability manage contractors and require their commitment to her high standards. As they say; "the proof is in the pudding" and the results are dynamite! **★★★★★ — skisx, Jan. 2014** > Very thorough and doesn't forget the details. Understands what I like and what I won't like. Never worked with a decorator before and she made it easy. **★★★★★ — bgoodman15, Dec. 2013** > We have worked with Carisa Mahnken on several projects over the last few years including a full re-design of our home. We have worked with Carisa on bathrooms, bedrooms, our kitchen and our basement and we highly recommend her for any project. > > Carisa is an excellent design consultant with a unique ability to introduce creative new concepts and to overcome difficult obstacles but is also able to ensure she adapts to the customers' needs and design preferences. Carisa has helped us think more openly about new concepts but has also been sensitive to our design style throughout. Carisa also understands engineering concepts and limitations and is able to effectively design for these. > > Carisa has a high-level of energy and has the creativity and project management skills that are needed for large-scale design projects. We highly recommend her for any project being considered. **★★★★ — kengurley, Dec. 2013** > I have yet to meet Carisa in person, but have done a number of jobs over the phone and through email. We have produced custom rugs for her clients as well as sourced rugs from our inventory. I have always found her to be very professional and focused, with a clear vision of what she is looking for. **★★★★★ — asawransky, Dec. 2013** > What started out as a home office design has changed my life and my home. Carisa and her team have come in and immediately grasped my design preferences and working style. They work tirelessly to find the perfect items to match your taste and price point. They understand how and where to make the most impact. I feel lucky to have found Carisa and I look forward to the next project with her. **Comment from Carisa Mahnken Design Guild:** > Thanks so much, we cant wait for you to see the kids' space. ## Selected projects - [Over the Top Basement](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/over-the-top-basement-pj-vj~96226) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - [Lakeside Green Build](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lakeside-green-build-pj-vj~2427347) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - [Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitchens-pj-vj~96855) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - [Bathrooms](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bathrooms-pj-vj~96758) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 20 - [Utility Spaces](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/utility-spaces-pj-vj~96893) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 - [Living Spaces](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/living-spaces-pj-vj~96882) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - [Kids' Spaces](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kids-spaces-pj-vj~96870) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - [Master Bedroom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/master-bedroom-pj-vj~96904) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - [Craftman Manor House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/craftman-manor-house-pj-vj~38099) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 [See all 9 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/carisa-mahnken-design-guild-pfvwus-pf~58836926) ## Ideabooks - [157](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/126656995/list/157) — 28 ideas - [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/120692830/list/wish-list) — 6 ideas - [TUBS](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/113109381/list/tubs) — 3 ideas - [21N GIRLS ROOM](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/110494378/list/21n-girls-room) — 18 ideas - [Darkbaselightupper](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/105030439/list/darkbaselightupper) — 1 idea - [BEACHY](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/104269544/list/beachy) — 5 ideas - [shower niches and shelves](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/94239057/list/shower-niches-and-shelves) — 22 ideas - [Screened Porches](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/93844301/list/screened-porches) — 1 idea - [736P Billiard](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/81030037/list/736p-billiard) — 4 ideas - [17-O Powder Room](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/80130966/list/17-o-powder-room) — 4 ideas - [22 Larchdel Way](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/74808879/list/22-larchdel-way) — 76 ideas - [basement](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/58404006/list/basement) — 2 ideas - [Wooden Traditional Fireplace](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/52669620/list/wooden-traditional-fireplace) — 8 ideas - [Orange and Blue Media Room](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/51421694/list/orange-and-blue-media-room) — 18 ideas - [100L Window Treatments](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/47205201/list/100l-window-treatments) — 1 idea - [Laundry](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/4423743/list/laundry) — 8 ideas - [16D Bedroom](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7004366/list/16d-bedroom) — 16 ideas - [Kitchens I Like](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1499417/list/kitchens-i-like) — 9 ideas - [window treatments](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2326958/list/window-treatments) — 7 ideas - [Casual Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1650776/list/casual-kitchen) — 10 ideas [See all 103 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/cmahnken) ## Community Q&A **Q: Console sink** *(in Photo Questions)* Who makes that lovely double console sink? A: this is a custom item using the base from a Restoration Hardware Sink. You can get similar bases from Palmer Industries as well. **Q: What type of wood is the vanity? Stain color?** *(in Photo Questions)* suekitt A: The vanity is Walnut, the stain color was custom but you can approximate it with equal parts Van Dyke Brown and Natural. **Q: Cabinet color** *(in Photo Questions)* What type of wood/stain are the cabinets? A: It is mahogany in a custom color. **Q: What is the accent tile (the darker brown small staggered) used?** *(in Photo Questions)* At the top of the wall tile, right before the finishing piece, I see a small row that has 3 small staggered tiles. What is this tile and where could I find some? Or, what is the size so I can replicate it somehow/ Thanks. A: This is a black mosaic that was custom made out of black terra cotta by a mosaic artist. **Q: where do you get archway woodwork like that?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: This is custom made by our cabinet shop. **Q: Counter top material and color, please?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Honed Noce Travertine --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-10.*