---
title: "Design Classics — Building Designers and Drafters | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/building-designers-and-drafters/design-classics-pfvwus-pf~721442150
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~721442150.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Design Classics"
category: ["Building Designers and Drafters"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/bc8398ba0f3dde2c_9093-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "Turlock, California 95380, United States"
latitude: 37.4888
longitude: -120.8535
phone: "(209) 668-1222"
website: http://www.DesignClassics.net
rating: 5
review_count: 17
best_of_houzz_awards: 2
followers: 124
last_updated: 2026-08-13
---

# Design Classics

Original Houzz profile: [Design Classics](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/building-designers-and-drafters/design-classics-pfvwus-pf~721442150)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Building Designers and Drafters
- **Location:** Turlock, CA
- **Serves:** Stockton, Modesto, Merced, Turlock, Ceres, Atwater, Patterson, Oakdale, Livingston, Delhi, Hughson, Hilmar-Irwin, Keyes, Bret Harte, Denair, Hickman, Ballico, Hilmar
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (17 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2017–2018), for Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Star Houzzer
- Houzz Influencer
- Recommended on Houzz
- 1,000 Ideabook Saves

Design Classics is an award-winning design firm based in Turlock, California (between Fresno and Sacramento). We specialize in computerized 3-D design, helping people see their project BEFORE its built!  Jim is a Certified Interior Designer and a Professional Building Designer.  He is a member of the California American Institute of Building Design (CAIBD) and the National Kitchen &amp; Bath Association (NKBA).  Additionally, he authored "101 Great Building Design Ideas" and has been the featured designer in several home design magazines. Visit our website to learn more: www.DesignClassics.net

### Services Provided

- 3-D Computerized Design
- Bathroom Remodeling
- Custom Home Design
- Interior Design
- Kitchen & Bath Planning
- Kitchen Remodeling
- Remodeling

### Areas Served

- Stockton
- Modesto
- Merced
- Turlock
- Ceres
- Atwater
- Patterson
- Oakdale
- Livingston
- Delhi
- Hughson
- Hilmar-Irwin
- Keyes
- Bret Harte
- Denair
- Hickman
- Ballico
- Hilmar

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Design Classics |
| Address | Turlock, California 95380, United States |
| Phone | (209) 668-1222 |
| Website | http://www.DesignClassics.net |
| License Number | Cert. Interior Designer, \#6963 |
| Followers on Houzz | 124 |

**Social profiles:**
- Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/pages/Design-Classics/376408374306

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Design Classics](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/building-designers-and-drafters/design-classics-pfvwus-pf~721442150)
- **Website:** http://www.DesignClassics.net
- **Phone:** (209) 668-1222

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- "People's Choice Award" Sub Zero / Wolf Regional Kitchen Design Contest, 2015"Best of Show" and "Designers Choice Award", AIBD California, 2015"Designers Choice Award" AIBD California, 2014"Kitchen Design" 1st, 2nd & 3rd place, AIBD California, 2013

- **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2017–2018), for Service.

**Affiliations**
- [National Kitchen &amp; Bath Association](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/national-kitchen-and-bath-association-pfvwus-pf~1351084655)
- [AIBD - American Institute of Building Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aibd-american-institute-of-building-design-pfvwus-pf~1544540709)
- [CCIDC, Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/ccidc-inc-pfvwus-pf~1385158534)

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 17 reviews**

### Reviews

**★★★★★ — Joe and Jenni Avila, Oct. 2017**

> Jim, we want to tell you how happy we are with your work!  Our kitchen is 99.99% done and we love it!!!  It all started with your vision. Everything is perfect.  Gary (Madsen Construction and Design) has done an excellent job creating what you designed. We just wanted to thank you!!!
> Joe and Jenni Avila

**★★★★★ — Jim and Dora Ericksen, Dec. 2016**

> After much consideration, we decided to remodel a good portion of our home. Our house was almost 25 years old and needed refurbishing. Naturally we knew it needed to be done, but didn't have the faintest idea of how to begin the process and to come up with good and practical ideas. A close friend, who is a highly regarded contractor, Gary Madsen of Madsen Construction & Design, introduced us to his brother Jim, owner of DESIGN CLASSICS.
>
>
>
> Jim came up with wonderful ideas and plans to transform our aging home into something new and beautiful. He was very patient and professional, getting us through very exciting, but somewhat stressful decisions that leave no room for error; because after all, final decisions are long lasting. You will be living with and looking at the final project for years to come.
>
>
>
> Its been about a year now since our remodel was completed. We would have to say after all is said and done, that if we had it to do all over again, there is NOT ONE THING WE WOULD DO DIFFERENTLY! We would highly recommend Jim Madsen if you are thinking about remodeling your home.
>
>
>
> Sincerely, Jim Ericksen and Dora Lucas Ericksen

**★★★★★ — hooligan256, Aug. 2016**

> Working with Jim was a great experience.  His professionalism and patience were great.  He was very helpful, had great design ideas and, worked with us on our changes. Highly   Recommended!

**★★★★★ — Barbara Vieira, Aug. 2016**

> It is a pleasure to receive Jim's professional guidance on our home remodeling project.  He has provided us with designs that are both beautiful and practical.  He is flexible in  accommodating our ideas and needs and provides ample information and direction  regarding product options and choices.  We appreciate his professional design  talent, his honesty in all respects and attention to detail.....and always his great attitude and smile.   Thank you Jim!

**★★★★★ — Charby Holdener, Aug. 2016**

> Jim is a very talented designer.  He is very easy and flexible to work with. His ideas and attention to detail are second to none.

**★★★★★ — barindelli, Aug. 2016**

> We hired Jim to help us design a more functional use of our current home.  He is very professional, easy to work with, and listened to what we wanted.  We are very pleased with what he has to offer and his expertise in getting the most of what we already have. We wanted to see a 3-D design and Jim was able to do this for us. I would highly recommend consulting Jim.  We are just getting started and I can't wait to see what else he brings to the table.

**★★★★★ — C Tyson, Aug. 2016**

> Jim at Design Classics is very patient and came up with great ideas for our remodel!  He understood some of our limitations and designed around those issues.  He is so easy to work with!

**★★★★★ — Alta Fernandes, Aug. 2016**

> Jim is an amazingly talented designer with an abundance of knowledge and experience that can take your project to "the next level"!  He's an award winning gem that you will not regret getting involved in your project!  Jim has helped with many of our building projects, including residential and commercial.

**★★★★★ — carolhamm, Aug. 2016**

> Jim is very professional and easy to work with.  We had no experience in designing and building a house.  He was very patient with us.  Carol & Phil

**★★★★★ — courtney\_ott66, Aug. 2016**

> We feel very lucky to be working with Jim. We are currently in the process of building our dream home, and we could not do this without Jim's help. He is working hard to make our vision become a reality, and to make sure we get every detail right! He is up-to-date on current trends and technologies and keeps our budget in mind when providing ideas to us. Thanks for helping make our dreams come to life!

**★★★★★ — cbakernow, Aug. 2016**

> Innovative, elegant designs for all your home tastes. Attention to every detail with style as the ultimate goal. The design never disappoints.

**★★★★★ — baronbig6, Aug. 2016**

> Jim does a fantastic job. Attention to detail, able to listen to customers wishes.
> Full of great ideas. I've worked with Jim on many projects.

## Selected projects

- [Ballico: Award Winning Colonial Style Pool House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ballico-award-winning-colonial-style-pool-house-pj-vj~1020049)
  - Location: Ballico, CA
  - Photos: 27
  - Description: \*\*\*This project won prestigious Designers Choice Award (voted favorite project by peers) and Best of Show at the 2015 AIBD California Design Awards convention. The client desired to create an entertaining space that matched their Colonial style home, but with one distinct difference. This space needed to look rustic, more like the servants quarters vs. the formal decor that was standard in fine colonial style homes of the 1800’s. It also had to include appliances with modern conveniences, so hid…
- [Denair: Ranch House to Transitional Style Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/denair-ranch-house-to-transitional-style-remodel-pj-vj~1029322)
  - Location: Denair, CA
  - Photos: 37
  - Description: This ranch style house was in need of updating. For the most part, the original footprint was maintained, but we moved/removed walls and raised the ceiling by a foot to open up the space. Wood paneling was removed to brighten up the home. In the kitchen, dark wood cabinets were replaced with white custom cabinetry, a walk-in pantry was added, storage and counter work space was significantly increased, and upgraded appliances were added for convenience and functionality. An unused patio area nort…
- [African Safari Game Room & Hunting/Fishing Trophy Room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/african-safari-game-room-and-hunting-fishing-trophy-room-pj-vj~886663)
  - Location: Denair, CA
  - Photos: 10
- [Contemporary Bluff-House Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-bluff-house-remodel-pj-vj~773886)
  - Location: Hughson, CA
  - Photos: 50
  - Description: This 3,400 square foot, 2-story house with walk-out basement was built in the early 80’s on a beautiful bluff lot overlooking the river. We expanded the kitchen, removed the golden oak cabinets and flooring and added 20' of glass to take advantage of the view.
- [Contemporary Outdoor Kitchen, Pool & Pool House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-outdoor-kitchen-pool-and-pool-house-pj-vj~1019849)
  - Location: Hughson, CA
  - Photos: 22
- [Hickman: Rustic Timberframe Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hickman-rustic-timberframe-home-pj-vj~2329334)
  - Location: Hickman, CA
  - Photos: 35
- [Ballico: Colonial Style Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ballico-colonial-style-home-pj-vj~1998179)
  - Location: Ballico, CA
  - Photos: 32
- [Livingston: Custom Home with Timber Frame Elements](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/livingston-custom-home-with-timber-frame-elements-pj-vj~739997)
  - Location: Livingston, CA
  - Photos: 3
  - Description: 5,400 square foot custom home on the river with timber frame elements.
- [Denair: Traditional Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/denair-traditional-home-pj-vj~740391)
  - Location: Denair, CA
  - Photos: 22
- [Santa Barbara Style Custom Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/santa-barbara-style-custom-home-pj-vj~740019)
  - Location: Turlock, CA
  - Photos: 11
- [Denair: Soapstone Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/denair-soapstone-kitchen-pj-vj~740077)
  - Location: Denair, CA
  - Photos: 11
- [Ballico: 1970’s Ranch House Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ballico-1970s-ranch-house-remodel-pj-vj~1024736)
  - Location: Ballico, CA
  - Photos: 25
  - Description: A dark, 1970’s ranch house was transformed into a classy, light, open space. The front entry was moved to a different side of the house to match natural traffic patterns. A master suite was created from what used to be the front entry and front room. The wall separating the kitchen from the great room was removed, deleting the long hallway look from one side of the house to the other. It opened up the space, making it conducive for interaction and entertaining. 1970’s elements that dated the hou…
- [Turlock: Timber frame remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/turlock-timber-frame-remodel-pj-vj~612543)
  - Location: Turlock, CA
  - Photos: 7
  - Description: A 2,000 sf standard 2-story farmhouse becomes a stately 4,800 sf masterpiece.
- [Hilmar: Southwestern Rustic](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hilmar-southwestern-rustic-pj-vj~612536)
  - Location: Hilmar, CA
  - Photos: 7
- [Bear Valley: Mountain Cabin](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bear-valley-mountain-cabin-pj-vj~612540)
  - Location: Arnold, CA
  - Photos: 9
- [Turlock Lake: Transitional Kitchen Upgrade](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/turlock-lake-transitional-kitchen-upgrade-pj-vj~953657)
  - Location: La Grange, CA
  - Photos: 5
  - Description: This 1970's kitchen received a much-needed upgrade. The yellowed cabinets and tiled counters were replaced with light, bright, white cabinets and solid surface counters
- [Modesto: Traditional Custom Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modesto-traditional-custom-home-pj-vj~2329393)
  - Location: Modesto, CA
  - Photos: 29
- [Modesto: Contemporary Whole Home Remodel and Makeover](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modesto-contemporary-whole-home-remodel-and-makeover-pj-vj~2338931)
  - Location: Modesto, CA
  - Photos: 27
- [Turlock: Custom Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/turlock-custom-home-pj-vj~2338929)
  - Location: Turlock, CA
  - Photos: 4
- [Turlock: Elegant Kitchen Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/turlock-elegant-kitchen-remodel-pj-vj~2338873)
  - Location: Turlock, CA
  - Photos: 18

[See all 21 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/building-designers-and-drafters/design-classics-pfvwus-pf~721442150)

## Ideabooks

- [Duane](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/164358425/list/duane) — 1 idea
- [Bathroom Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2066956/list/bathroom-ideas) — 12 ideas
- [jimmadsen's Favorites](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1498016/list/jimmadsen-s-favorites) — 5 ideas
- [Carrera Marble in Bathroom](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/26295145/list/carrera-marble-in-bathroom) — 3 ideas
- [White Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/59269464/list/white-kitchen) — 2 ideas
- [Tuscan exteriors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/21283442/list/tuscan-exteriors) — 19 ideas
- [Tuscan Interiors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/22430277/list/tuscan-interiors) — 2 ideas
- [Front Entry](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/17274103/list/front-entry) — 1 idea
- [French Country](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5522777/list/french-country) — 29 ideas
- [contemporary design ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1896155/list/contemporary-design-ideas) — 13 ideas
- [Garage Design Idead](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1896530/list/garage-design-idead) — 1 idea
- [Traditional Kitchen Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1896501/list/traditional-kitchen-ideas) — 1 idea
- [Mantle Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1896473/list/mantle-ideas) — 1 idea
- [Laundry / Craft Room](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1896453/list/laundry-craft-room) — 1 idea

[See all 14 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/designclassicscalifornia)

## Community Q&A

**Q: Kitchen Flooring** *(in Photo Questions)*

What brand &amp; color flooring did you use for the kitchen?

A: Hello. I’ll check with the homeowner. I know it is vinyl...not sure if it is plank or sheet vinyl.

**Q: The exterior color is gorgeous. What color is it?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: Hi Sara. Try Sherwin Williams 7036 Accessible Beige.  The colors on that card are very similar.  Where are you at in the project? Any changes?

**Q: Tile manufacturer??** *(in Photo Questions)*

Could you tell me the tile color and manufacturer??

A: The flooring is Vermont Slate. It's been a while since this project was complete and I don't remember the specific color, but real slate doesn't come in too many &quot;light green&quot; colors

**Q: What material is the counter top and sink?  It's beautiful.** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: It is a travertine top with an integrated vessel sink

**Q: Love the lights - where did you find them?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: I was going through my Houzz site and saw that I never answered your question. I am sorry for the delay...but I don't have a good answer for you. I asked the client and she can't find the receipt and doesn't remember the brand.  The look kind of similar to a Hubbardton Forge design, either the Axis or Impressions

**Q: where can I find  this Rangehood?** *(in Photo Questions)*

I am looking for a Rangehood of this type but would like a bit more detailing,  I am remodeling Spanish Colonial.

A: This was built on site, then sheetrocked and plastered

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*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-13.*
