Debra Herdman Design

Debra's eclectic aesthetic was a perfect fit for an eclectic family - a single dad looking for a sense of style with three teenage boys looking to 'chill' in comfy surrounds. Working across the broad palette of room repairs, color, fixtures, fabrics and furnishings, Debra gracefully navigated attachments to existing pieces and constraints of a limited budget to create vignettes that are warm and inviting. She was diligent in managing expectations and budget to create a fresh look and feel that authentically reflects and complements the dynamics of my family's lives

Debra is creative, thorough, fun and has a beautiful sense of color and style. As a master seamstress and former owner of a fabrics products store and giftshop, as well as the current co-owner of Goldfinch Blankets, she is a resource in choosing, suggesting, mixing and sourcing everything fabric -beautiful curtains, cushions, bedding, upholstery. However, she is also so experienced and well-versed in all other rooms. Having helped us redecorate a kitchen, four bathrooms, multiple living rooms and bedrooms both in MN and elsewhere we can attest to her ability to adapt and suggest different styles depending on setting. Her suggestions have also helped us find unique tile,, wall coverings, fixtures, fittings, paint colors and fun accessories which has made our spaces beautiful and unique. She has designed and had made pieces of furniture for us as well when we needed unique sizes of benches and side tables, for example. Finally, she is able to suggest a big mix --of modern and antiques suiting our taste, as well as a significant range of price points which is exactly what we've wanted. She is a gem among designers in the Twin Cities with her many skills and experience all over the US.

I've used Debra Herdman Design on my downtown condo. Debra both provided design services and project supervision as I was not in town most of the time. The project took place over about 12 months. Not only would I recommend Debra but I later also used her for most of the interior design work on my San Diego home. I would recommend her to anyone for whom thoughtful, quality design with a trustworthy partner is important. The reasons for this endorsement are several. First is Debra's exquisitely nuanced sense of color, texture and how they balance and interplay with the physical volumes/spaces involved or contemplated. Next, she is readily questions assumptions about what is possible or changeable within what already exists, sometimes making minor (or major) changes that dramatically affects the outcome. Another thing that struck me about Debra is that even once I was satisfied and approved of a design (and I'm very picky) she would often let it season in her mind and come back with some idea that invariably wowed me; a significant improvement. Debra wants complete success. Finally, all this was done within the context of the character of the space and my personal preferences, which were always taken into account in a way that had me feel the space was both beautiful and really me, not some formulaic approach to design or a statement of the designer's own preferences. Most of all, I love the way that Debra questions convention. Additionally, Debra, as an artisan herself (she designs both furniture and textiles) I felt I got someone for whom design runs in her blood. It's a passion and while her manner is quiet, she is unrelenting in pursuing a successful outcome. As an artisan, she also has an array of artisans and craftspeople among her contacts who can customize solutions, often for the same or less cost than a store-bought solution. We had several constraints and I was so happy with her ingenuity in finding solutions - even challenging me to see things differently, on many occasions, and to a positive effect. Finally, while Debra charges for her time, I have found her to be careful with my resources, utterly honest and I was completely comfortable giving her they keys and access to both residences in my absence. She treated them as if they were her own. In summary, I would consider Debra to be an absolutely remarkable designer, a pleasure to work with and a fine human being.

For the past 10 years Debra has worked with us to update and improve almost every room in our house. The master bedroom and bath that she designed for us greatly improved usability, the luxury we feel in that space and added significant value to our home. Her work with us on the kitchen, diningroom and livngroom have also increased the value of our home and enhanced the eligance of our home. She can stay on budget and understands family dynamics working to come to agreement on design issues. Debra is highly recommended D & H Bruce

As a contractor I have enjoyed working with Debra on six projects so far. She has the ability to pull elements together to create a unique environment that draws praise from clients. We have worked on high rise and low rise condo projects as well as nineteenth and twentieth century homes in midwest and southwest locations. She always amazes me with her great ideas and pleasing results.

Debra is a good listener, a careful thinker and a designer of impeccable taste. There is always an articulate rationale behind every decision. And all is done in a timely fashion. She must have a degree in psychology as she works very well with couples who have opposing ideas. Discussions always end with agreement, resolve and good feelings. And she works to a budget. I've been very pleased with all three of the projects she has managed for us. And delighted with her insight and problem solving.

I love working with Debra! She listens, she understands what I'm thinking and takes it a step further. Debra has a fabulous design aesthetic, an elegant personal style and a great sense of humor. She's very organized and well versed in all areas of design. I love what she's done thus far for our home and look forward to what's to come!

Debra has a great design sense, and has specified some really interesting Italian furniture on projects we've worked on with her. She's been a joy to work with!