---
title: "Designs & Decorative Arts, Inc. — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/designs-and-decorative-arts-inc-pfvwus-pf~914695984
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~914695984.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Designs & Decorative Arts, Inc."
category: ["Architects"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/de337c37037518f3_3028-w400-h400-b1-p10--.jpg
address: "2926 Torito Road, Montecito, California 93108, United States"
latitude: 34.4378
longitude: -119.6159
phone: "(805) 565-0447"
website: http://dda-online.biz
rating: 5
review_count: 20
best_of_houzz_awards: 1
followers: 131
last_updated: 2026-08-25
---

# Designs & Decorative Arts, Inc.

Original Houzz profile: [Designs & Decorative Arts, Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/designs-and-decorative-arts-inc-pfvwus-pf~914695984)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Architects
- **Location:** Montecito, CA
- **Serves:** Santa Barbara, Carpinteria, Montecito, Mission Canyon, Toro Canyon, Summerland, Goleta Valley, Santa Barbara North County
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (20 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2015), for Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Star Houzzer
- Recommended on Houzz
- 500 Ideabook Saves

Designs & Decorative Arts, Inc. was established in 1994 specializing in residential interior design. Our combined educational background and experience solidifies our commitment to design integrity, artistic expression and personal enrichment.

Design Philosophy
At Designs & Decorative Arts, our goal is to provide concise professional design services through individual attention, professional collaboration and a firm understanding of the design process. We strive to create designs for living that enhance experiences and support characteristics of individual lifestyle and passion, while anticipating the transition from one generation to the next. 

Design Services
DDA offers residential interior design services for new construction, renovation and outdoor spaces. We provide design development, space planning, drawing documentation and material specifications. We oversee the procurement of items and collaborate with necessary allied professionals. 
If you wish to enhance your environment and are looking for a little guidance; DDA provides all levels of design services for custom furnishings, retail purchases, color schemes, art and accessories. Each project and budget varies; we work with you to define the specific services needed to meet your individual goals.

We offer a complimentary initial consultation to discuss project needs and scope of work.

### Services Provided

- Architectural Design
- Building Design
- Home Remodeling
- Custom Homes
- House Plans
- New Home Construction
- Home Additions
- Home Extensions
- Kitchen Design
- Sustainable Design
- Kitchen Remodeling
- Energy-Efficient Homes
- Floor Plans
- Bathroom Design
- Space Planning
- Universal Design
- Multigenerational Homes
- Pool House Design & Construction
- Drafting
- Home Restoration
- Project Management
- Handicap-Accessible Design
- Mudroom Design
- Attic Conversion
- Basement Design
- Staircase Design
- Deck Design
- Garage Design
- Laundry Room Design
- Home Gym Design & Construction
- furniture design & material selection

### Areas Served

- Santa Barbara
- Carpinteria
- Montecito
- Mission Canyon
- Toro Canyon
- Summerland
- Goleta Valley
- Santa Barbara North County

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Designs & Decorative Arts, Inc. |
| Address | 2926 Torito Road, Montecito, California 93108, United States |
| Phone | (805) 565-0447 |
| Website | http://dda-online.biz |
| Followers on Houzz | 131 |

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Designs & Decorative Arts, Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/designs-and-decorative-arts-inc-pfvwus-pf~914695984)
- **Website:** http://dda-online.biz
- **Phone:** (805) 565-0447

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- CKBD, CID California, ASID

- **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2015), for 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: 5.0 out of 5 — 20 reviews**

### Reviews

**★★★★★ — ann1066, July 2014**

> I have followed Lesley's (owner of Designs & Decorative Arts) career for over 20 years.  She is versatile in designing for both compact and expansive homes, and modest or ample budgets.  She is dedicated to enhancing each individual living space with great attention to detail.  She welcomes the challenge of incorporating each individual client's taste and personality.  She tactfully and skillfully works toward centering co-client's differences of opinion and goals, to benefit all.  She produces a clean yet warm ambiance and environment.  The outcome is always satisfying.

**★★★★★ — jimbartsch, July 2014**

> I have done several photo shoots for Designs & Decorative Arts and thoroughly enjoyed working with Lesley Sterns.  She's a true professional with high integrity, plus she's a excellent designer.  She's got a great eye for detail and knows what works.  While doing her photo shoots I've seen the exceptional relationships  she has with her clients.  I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Designs & Decorative Arts.

**★★★★★ — perkman741, July 2014**

> I cannot express how much we enjoyed working with the owner and her very professional, friendly and experienced staff. We first approached them with a need for design and remodel help for our main bathroom and kitchen. Their keen eye and best practice knowledge of workflow design guided us through to a design that gave us improved workspace, increased storage and is just beautiful. They were able to help us visualize and clearly documented what was needed and what would be done. We cannot wait to work with them on the future plans for the rest of our first floor renovation.

**★★★★★ — jloreth, July 2014**

> DDA and Lesley Stearns have been one of Santa Barbara Plumbing Supplies favorite designers for years.
> She is very easy to work with and does a very through job.
> She is great with every aspect of design, including the plumbing requirements needed.
> I would recommend her to anyone who needs professional design help.

**★★★★★ — jchacko72, July 2014**

> We are partway through and it has been very smooth so far.  She has great ideas and is very responsive to our questions and needs.

**★★★★★ — salesman5, July 2014**

> I work for cabinet company that was hired by Designs & Decorative Arts to do a project in Montecito, California. They are very professional, very good in designing and choosing the right colors for this project. They are knowledgeable on the latest products and easy to work with. We completed the project and the home owners were very happy with the results.

**★★★★★ — Greg Shirvanian, July 2014**

> I have worked with Lesley Stearns for some time and I enjoy and respect
> how professional her company Designs & Decorative Arts, Inc. is with me
> and her clients.  The great thing I am finding out,  Lesley listens to my concerns and follows through making it a true pleasure to accommodate
> all of her floor coverings requests.
> I am looking forward to the future floor covering needs.
> Greg Shirvanian
> Curtis Carpet Inc.

**★★★★★ — littutor, July 2014**

> Working with Leslie and Designs & Decorative Arts was a pleasure.  Leslie is an artist when it comes to blending colors and designs while at the same time an absolute professional in organization and completion.
>
> She designed the remodel of our kitchen, dining area, and redecorated our living room.  The project came in under budget and on time.  We are thrilled with the transformation of our English-pub stile dining area into an open, airy, light-filled space.  On presentation, my husband was somewhat reluctant to implement all of Leslie's suggestions, but she knew best, prevailed, and we are forever grateful for her expertise.

**★★★★★ — porterson214, July 2014**

> I have had the pleasure of working with Designs & Decorative Arts, Inc. for almost 17 years.
> I provide doors, windows and hardware for their Beautiful Projects!
> They have a great eye for quality design. It is wonderful to be a part of their work!
> Leslie Kadillak
> Artisan Windows and Doors

**★★★★★ — doni033137, July 2014**

> We have had the great pleasure of utilizing the design services of Designs & Decorative Arts, Inc for several home projects, both in Santa Barbara and our current home in Farmington (NM).  The results have been exceptional and the costs within budget. On more than one occasion visitors to our home have made the remark of “this is serine and beautiful”.  Leslies creativity has been multifaceted and in tune with our expectations.
>
> We welcome the opportunity to again utilize her designer skills.
> The most recent project was the preparation of our new home. This included a complete interior painting and utilization of our special treasures (antiques and Native American art) for presentation on walls and shelves. The result was a melding of several art forms into beautiful presentations.

**★★★★★ — Victoria Riskin, June 2014**

> Lesley and her team are outstanding by any measure. Her sense of color and design, her ability to listen to clients, her knowledge of resources, her artistic acumen, her wise and gentle approach and professionalism have made working with her a great pleasure. We have completed several projects with D & D and feel blessed to have found them. They give 100% to their work. I can't recommend D&D highly enough.

**★★★★★ — staffordhuffman, June 2014**

> Lesley Stearns and her staff provided us with design expertise incorporating our needs and desires balanced with good taste and sustainable product choices.  Her style is exquisite and timeless and her demeanor relaxed and fun.   Even during stressful events that often come with a major remodel she maintained a calm but authoritative atmosphere.   She is credentialed, honest and dedicated to her client's best interests while understanding the importance that their personal spirit shines through. We will always be grateful for the elegance, grace and sophistication Lesley has helped bring to our home.

## Selected projects

- [New Spanish Colonial](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-spanish-colonial-pj-vj~550515)
  - Location: Montecito, CA
  - Photos: 2
- [Canyon Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/canyon-residence-pj-vj~550518)
  - Location: Toro Canyon, CA
  - Photos: 10
- [Contemporary Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-residence-pj-vj~550516)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 8
- [Riviera Spanish Colonial](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/riviera-spanish-colonial-pj-vj~576744)
  - Location: Santa Barbara, CA
  - Photos: 4
- [Master Bath](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/master-bath-pj-vj~651432)
  - Location: Goleta, CA
  - Photos: 2
- [Lisianski Inlet Lodge](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lisianski-inlet-lodge-pj-vj~1458904)
  - Location: Pelican, AK
  - Photos: 2
- [Innisbrook Traditional](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/innisbrook-traditional-pj-vj~1386568)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 2
- [Contemporary Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-home-pj-vj~1386537)
  - Location: Montecito, CA
  - Photos: 7

[See all 8 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/designs-and-decorative-arts-inc-pfvwus-pf~914695984)

## Ideabooks

- [M. Client - Chicago Condo](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/151390879/list/m-client-chicago-condo) — 2 ideas
- [ST](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/108128383/list/st) — 2 ideas
- [Jack](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/110105964/list/jack) — 4 ideas
- [Glen Oaks - Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/107661586/list/glen-oaks-kitchen) — 1 idea
- [LG](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/106638804/list/lg) — 2 ideas
- [Glen Oaks - Guest House](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/78813615/list/glen-oaks-guest-house) — 13 ideas
- [Glen Oaks - Dining Room](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/78813653/list/glen-oaks-dining-room) — 1 idea
- [Torino Road Exterior](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/91504635/list/torino-road-exterior) — 8 ideas
- [Rez](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/96341558/list/rez) — 1 idea
- [Glen Oaks - Master Bedroom](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/78813681/list/glen-oaks-master-bedroom) — 1 idea
- [Glen Oaks - Family Room](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/76812312/list/glen-oaks-family-room) — 1 idea
- [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/78780311/list/wish-list) — 1 idea
- [DDA](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/78779748/list/dda) — 4 ideas
- [Saffir - Interior Materials](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/69254577/list/saffir-interior-materials) — 1 idea
- [Saffir - Exterior](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/69254453/list/saffir-exterior) — 2 ideas
- [Saffir - Exterior Window/Door](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/69254497/list/saffir-exterior-window-door) — 1 idea
- [Saffir - Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/69254400/list/saffir-kitchen) — 1 idea
- [Saffir - Guest Wing](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/69254289/list/saffir-guest-wing) — 1 idea
- [Saffir - Kitchen Appliance](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/69254250/list/saffir-kitchen-appliance) — 1 idea
- [Via Manana - Dressing Room](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/68583095/list/via-manana-dressing-room) — 5 ideas

[See all 27 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/ddabiz)

## Community Q&A

**Q: where can i get this rug** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: Hi Denise Thank you for your interest in the rug in this room, it is a one of a kind antique piece. You can try Claremont Rugs Company http://claremontrug.com they have a wonderful selection of similar rug and very helpful in making a selection. All the best, Lesley

**Q: Really a lovely project!! Great sliding doors and windows.** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: Thank you so much!

**Q: what is the material on the floor and the color of the tile** *(in Photo Questions)*

what is the material on the floor and the color.

A: Hi Fatima
Thank you for your interest in this project.
The floor tile is 18" x 18" Jerusalem Antique Limestone.
I hope this helps, Lesley

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-25.*