Standouts
5x Best of Houzz winner
20 years in business
Speaks Italian
5 Houzz Awards
6 Houzz Badges
Contact Info:
Manuela Paparella
Bay Area, CA
Bay Area, CA
Typical Job Costs:
$10,000 - 1.5 million
Discounted 1-hour consultation if you mention you found MP DESIGN on Houzz. We bill on an hourly basis or a fixed project bid if scope is well defined and limited.
Discounted 1-hour consultation if you mention you found MP DESIGN on Houzz. We bill on an hourly basis or a fixed project bid if scope is well defined and limited.
Category:
License Number:
SF Business Lic. # 0314373
https://www.houzz.com/pro/mpdesign-usa copied to clipboard
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Bay Area Full-Service Remodeling Design Studio
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MP DESIGN is a boutique full-service design studio. We specialize in remodels, from full house projects, to kitchens + baths, to custom built-in cabinetry designs down to paint color consultations, etc.
"Interior Design with an Italian Eye for Design." MP DESIGN is a small woman owned full-service design studio. We specialize in remodels, from full house projects down to a tiny Powder Room redo, or custom built-in cabinetry to paint color consultation. We strive to provide not only well thought through functional designs but also creative and visually pleasing spaces which blend with the existing architecture. We practice a holistic design/remodeling philosophy. Our approach is to take all project aspects in consideration. This includes use of space, furniture layout, budget, value engineering, timing, resale value, etc. We walk you through the process, explaining pros and cons along the way and answering questions while keeping your goals and budget in mind.
A fun fact about MP DESIGN: One of our Master Bath designs was featured on the HGTV Bang for the Buck TV show for which it won the challenge.
A bit about the designer. Manuela Paparella received her degree in Interior Architecture + Interior Design from UC Berkeley, CA in 1997. She has over 18 years of experience in designing kitchens, baths, full house remodels and small additions throughout the Bay Area. Being Italian, she possesses a natural and keen eye for design, detail and beauty. She also holds a Business Degree which she received in Switzerland prior to her moving to California. She is fluent in English, Italian, and German but can also communicate in Spanish and French. Manuela enjoys art, photography, hiking, cooking, sailing, snowboarding, fitness, traveling among many other hobbies.
Link to our Houzz website (copy & paste link into web browser): https://mpdesign_usa.houzz.com
Services Provided
3D Rendering, Art Selection, Basement Design, Bathroom Design, Bedroom Design, Closet Design, Color Consulting, Custom Bathroom Vanities, Custom Blinds & Shades, Custom Bookcases, Custom Built-ins, Custom Cabinets, Custom Entertainment Centers, Custom Fireplace Mantels, Custom Furniture, Custom Kitchen Cabinets, Custom Shelving, Custom Storage, Custom Walk-in Closets, Dining Room Design, Downsizing, Drafting, Entry Design, Floor Plans, Furniture Selection, Handicap-Accessible Design, Home Theater Design, House Plans, Interior Design, Kids Bedroom Design, Kitchen Design, Laundry Room Design, Lighting Design, Living Room Design, Mudroom Design, Nursery Design, Outdoor Kitchen Design, Project Management, Space Planning, Sustainable Design, Universal Design, Wine Cellar Design, Home Office Design, Kitchen Remodeling, Interior Design Full Service, Paint Color Consultation
Areas Served
Belvedere, Mill Valley, San Francisco, Sausalito, Tamalpais-Homestead Valley, Tiburon, Corte Madera, Larkspur, San Rafael, Kentfiled, Ross, Greenbrae, San Anselmo, Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley
Awards
Interior Architecture & Interior Design FIDER accredited, UC Berkeley, CA-USAHGTV Bang for the Buck show for which our Master Bath won the challenge with 90 % ROI- aired on 8/28/2009
25 Projects for MP DESIGN
San Francisco, CA
Single Family Inner Richmond Remodel, San Francisco
35 photos
San Francisco, CA
Glen Park Remodel - completed December 2020
17 photos
San Rafael, CA
Peacock Gap, San Rafael - Full Home Remodel - IN PROGRESS
7 photos
San Francisco, CA
Kite Hill Full House Remodel - December 2020
11 photos
San Francisco, CA
Corona Heights Kitchen Remodel - Almost completed
8 photos
San Francisco, CA
A Noe Valley Victorian Condo gets a face lift
25 photos
San Francisco, CA
Cole Valley Victorian Condo major Bath Remodel
4 photos
San Francisco, CA
CHA-Partial Condo Remodel
15 photos
San Francisco, CA
MEG - Kitchen & Bath Remodel, Duboce Park, San Francisco
13 photos
Belvedere, CA
Cottage Kitchen Remodel, Belvedere, CA 11/2014
8 photos
Pacifica, CA
Pacifica Home Remodel
9 photos
Redwood City, CA
Redwood City Remodel and Small Addition
20 photos
Featured Review
Kent Allen
Relationship
Client
Really enjoyed working on our bathroom renovation with Manuela. We had a challenging space (e.g., small bathroom in a San Francisco Victorian flat) and grand ambitions - and she was able to exceed our expectations. Manuela did a great job "merging" tRead Full Review
21 Reviews for MP DESIGN
Kent Allen
Relationship
Client
Really enjoyed working on our bathroom renovation with Manuela. We had a challenging space (e.g., small bathroom in a San Francisco Victorian flat) and grand ambitions - and she was able to exceed our expectations. Manuela did a great job "merging" two different spousal visions into one actional plan. Lots of plumbing and electrical requirements involved and the construction team converted the plan into a really nice finished product without any hiccups. Easy to work with and a good communicator to boot. On budget and on time. Manuela also connected us with all the fixtures suppliers since we wanted to handle that side of the project ourselves. Excellent industry contacts too!
June 16, 2020
Comment from MP DESIGN:
Kent thank you so much for the outstanding review and for taking the time out of your busy schedule. I very much enjoyed the challenge and working with both you and your and lovely wife, Jane. I have to admit, I was amazed at how stunning it turned out. What a transformation!
Megan Dale
Relationship
Client
Manuela is a fantastic partner for any design project. I am so appreciative of her design sense and her dedication and patience to sitting with me to work through all of the details. We just completed a fireplace renovation project and I don't think I could've done this project without Manuela's guidance and collaboration. I am thrilled with the final result -- it has completely transformed our living room. I've got a couple other projects on my list and I will definitely be asking Manuela for her design services for those projects!
May 26, 2020
Comment from MP DESIGN:
Thank you so much for the 5-star review and your testimonial Megan. I truly enjoyed working with you. Nothing makes me happier than a happy client. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to review my services and design studio. I would be happy to reconnect in the future for any other home upgrades you may consider or if you need additional design assistance with the decks, etc. All the best wishes in the meantime.
Hugh Groocock
Relationship
Client
Manuela did a terrific job helping us figure out the right color scheme for our remodel. We were building out a new, modern kitchen with open sight lines to the rest of the house, and wanted a color scheme which wouldn't clash too much with the more traditional older parts of the house. It was surprisingly difficult to find colors that work and she pointed out that the light and time of day makes a huge difference and there are many types of "white" which either work with or work against other materials you might have nearby. She was gracious, cooperative, punctual and reasonably priced. We would recommend her to anybody who needs help with design.
June 22, 2019
Comment from MP DESIGN:
Hugh, many thanks for the raving review. It was a pleasure working with you and your wife Alisa and figuring out a well suited color scheme for your kitchen and adjoining dining room. I love how it turned out but above all, that you are happy with the outcome. I wish you both many happy meals coming out of that beautiful kitchen. All the best, Manuela
David McDonald
Relationship
Client
I highly recommend Manuela for your remodeling needs.
Manuela provided design and project management for a condo remodel that included a complete gutting of a first floor condo in a 1903 building, adding new radiant floor heating throughout, sprung dance floors throughout, a completely remodeled bathroom with radiant floor heating, a heated bench, three showers and some rather stunning backlighting, a brand-new kitchen, back-lit cabinets, new pocket and closet doors, earth-quake strengthening sheer-walls, all new electrical work, new lighting fixtures, and sound-proofed ceilings.
I had never done a remodel before this one and Manuela was key to turning the project into a reality. From asking the right questions about what I wanted, putting together a bid package, suggesting contractor names and guidance in choosing a general contractor, providing options for all the furniture and fixtures choices that needed to be made, including finding and recommending vendors, ordering and coordinating delivery of furnishings, fixtures, and appliances with the general contractor, as well as providing guidance in working with the contractor and various vendors, to finishing up the punch list, Manuela did so with patience and professionalism from start to finish.
Manuela was invaluable in working with vendors when there were the inevitable problems with orders or products. She had a good working relationship with the general contractor as well.
Manuela has formal education in Interior Design as well, which is something you won’t see with many that call themselves interior designers: A FIDER (Foundation for Interior Design Education Research) accredited Interior Architecture and Interior Design certification from UC Berkeley. She also has CAD (Computer Aided Design) skills to put together the architectural plans needed for a remodel.
December 28, 2018
Comment from MP DESIGN:
David, thank you so much for the raving and thorough review of my business and my services I provided. I really appreciate you taking the time and also researching my expertise/background. I really enjoyed working with you on your new condo. I think it turned out great. What a transformation! Wishing you all the best and a very Happy New Year in your new home!
designedinsf
Relationship
Client
Manuela from MP Design met me at my property and helped with the paint color selection. Before enlisting Manuela, I had polled friends and while I got recommendations on beautiful colors, the respondents didn’t have the benefit of having visited the space, having seen the light, or having more context about goals for the property. I was struggling to decide if I should keep the existing color theme or give it a whole new look. She selected a fresh new look and picked the colors (plus brand and type of sheen) for the kitchen, powder room, bath and rest of the spaces, and it turned out great! My real estate agent strongly agreed. Her choices worked out well with the existing hardwood floors and stained doors. I also really appreciated Manuela's practical and budget-oriented approach based on my stated goals. Her work was done on time based on her original estimate. I highly recommend her services to anyone and will hopefully have the opportunity to use her design services again!
December 14, 2018
Comment from MP DESIGN:
Carla, thank you so much for taking the time in your busy schedule to review my services. Thank you for the wonderful testimony. It is very much appreciated. I enjoyed working with you and I look forward helping you with your kitchen remodel when you are ready. Happy Holidays!
Amy Pflueger
Relationship
Client
"I hired Manuela of MP Design to draw up the plans for my master bath remodel. I took out the tub and replaced it with a new shower and also replaced all the fixtures, cabinet and flooring and lighting. She also had the great idea to explore an unused area and transform that into a shower bench and shampoo niche. She did a great job and helped me along the way with selecting the various items such as tile, etc. I handled the construction part of the project myself also since the project is located in Chicago. Manuela is a very talented and detail oriented designer and fun to work with. I will gladly recommend her services to anyone and will hopefully have the opportunity to use her design services again."
October 6, 2018
Comment from MP DESIGN:
Amy, thank you so much for taking the time in your super busy schedule to review my services/business. I really enjoyed working with you on your Chicago condo bathroom remodel.
John Sourial
Relationship
Client
Manuela was a pleasure to work with. She’s a competent and practical designer who listens to her clients and is attentive. She’s very organized and responsive when clarification is required. She provides good ideas and has a good understanding of building codes. We would recommend her to anyone planning a remodel of any size.
August 25, 2018
Comment from MP DESIGN:
John, thank you so much for taking the time out of your very busy schedule to review my services and company. And thank you for your business and for the great review. I very much enjoyed working with you and your wife as well. I'd be happy to work with you anytime again if you find yourself in need of a designer again, down the road. Best wishes.
Philip Charm
Relationship
Client
Manuela helped us navigate an important Kitchen, 2 Bathroom and living room. Our timeline was very fast with no room for error and she helped delivery. We could not have done it without her.
June 8, 2018
Comment from MP DESIGN:
Phil, thank you so much for taking the time to review my design services. I am glad we were able to pull this off on such short notice and a very tight schedule. And it turned out beautifully! I enjoyed working with you and Brittany and I really appreciated you being on top of things and making fast decision to keep the project moving fast. Wishing you all the best in your newly remodeled condo.
Christine Meginness
Relationship
Client
I hired Manuela to remodel my kitchen and bathroom. She took two very small, and in the case of my kitchen, very awkward, spaces and reimagined the layouts to make them much more spacious and functional. She came up with ideas for space planning and storage that I never would have thought of. And she quickly "got" my desired aesthetic and helped me find the perfect appliances, fixtures and finishes. She helped me watch out for "gotchas" as far as code compliance and avoiding awkward configurations. And she worked tirelessly to help me hire the perfect general contractor during a time when it seemed like every GC in San Francisco was booked up. During construction on my project she was always available and responsive to me and my contractor to answer questions and solve problems. I'm so, so happy with how my kitchen and bathroom turned out and am so grateful I found Manuela of MP Design and got to work with her on my project.
April 1, 2017
Comment from MP DESIGN:
Thank you so much for the terrific review Christine. I am overjoyed to see that everything worked out, design, construction and schedule wise and you are happy with the end result. Plus, the fact that we managed to get rid of that ductwork/chase in your kitchen and open it up a bit and give you more counter and cabinet space sure made a big difference. It was a real pleasure working with you. I could have not wished for a better client. Thank you! (photos coming soon)
Gloria Falcinelli
Relationship
Client
Overall, the project went very well. The drawings had to be re-done (not Manuela’s fault but due to my changes). That added to the overall cost of the project. My contractor needed a lot of hand holding and didn’t pay attention to the drawings, so Manuela had to step in and do a lot of project management with him (also added to her costs). I was extremely happy with the outcome and the house looks great! Manuela listened to me, understood my taste, and what my desired outcome should look like. She translated what I wanted, added her ideas and expertise, and really took my 1950s small ranch into the 21st century. The house feels so much bigger due to her thoughtful design. I am so pleased with the transformation! Additionally, Manuela could NOT have been more professional and responsive. As we all know, remodeling is stressful and not everything goes according to plan. Manuela was always calm and collected, even when I was not!
March 3, 2017
Comment from MP DESIGN:
Gloria, thank you so much for the terrific review. It was a pleasure working with you and helping you transform your home. Wishing you much happiness in your "new" home and all the best. Manuela
lynnobnp
Relationship
Client
Manuela from MP Design drew up the plans for my new kitchen. She did a fantastic job. She had great ideas and listened to mine. She made adjustments to plans as we went along. Manuela is a very talented designer and a consummate professional. Her work was done on time and her original estimate of the scope of work was accurate. I will gladly recommend her services to anyone and will hopefully have the opportunity to use her design services again.
February 26, 2016
Comment from MP DESIGN:
Lynn, thank you so much for the outstanding review. I enjoyed working with you and helping you with your kitchen design. I would love to see your kitchen or pictures of it once the remodel is completed. Best of luck with the project. And of course, I would love to work with you again, in the future, if the opportunity presents itself.
Tomasi Design
Relationship
Colleague
Manuella contacted us to fabricate a small custom entertainment center. She communicated well and got back to us quickly when we had questions. Her attention to detail and knowledge of AutoCad was also very helpful. She was a pleasure to work with!
January 19, 2016
Comment from MP DESIGN:
Thanks so much for your review Chris. I also enjoyed working with you and both my client and myself are very happy with the built-in cabinet you fabricated. I'll share the pictures with you as soon as I have them.
Khrome Studios
Relationship
Colleague
I have known and worked with MP design for almost a decade. She is the consummate professional with an ability to take each project to the highest level in design with each modern project reflecting sophistication and fun. Manuella has a true understanding of interior architecture and can work in any size environment. It's my pleasure to make this recommendation
October 7, 2015
Comment from MP DESIGN:
Karen, thank you very much for the 5-star review and for taking time out of your busy schedule. I very much enjoy working with you as well. I love your showroom and I appreciate your very knowledgeable staff. Yours is my go to showroom for contemporary furnishings in the Bay Area, no question.
katwomblywu
Relationship
Client
Manuela is a lovely professional to work with. She assisted us with the space planning of our new kitchen, bath and downstairs bedroom and bath. In doing so, she provided the architectural drafted CAD drawings for permit and construction, etc. We had strong ideas of what the plans should look like so Manuela being a good listener created those plans along with a few alternatives. We ended up going with her recommendations and are thrilled with the outcome. I'd highly recommend Manuela.
July 29, 2015
Comment from MP DESIGN:
Kimberly, thank you so much for the great review. I know you are very busy and I really appreciate you taking the time to write this testimonial. I was also happy to see that the remodel turned out really nicely..
usfjx
Relationship
Client
Manuela was great at helping me choose some interior colors for my victorian remodel. I had my ideas but she expanded upon them and helped me with accent walls. I was looking for a modern twist on Victorian colors and she helped me do just that.
July 25, 2015
Comment from MP DESIGN:
Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to review my business/services James. I very much enjoyed working with you on your Victorian home with you. Looking forward to being of assistance for your next project.
Aya Spievack
Relationship
Client
Manuela, the owner of MP DESIGN, was wonderful. She sat with me for two hours and we covered a lot of ground which included discussing the desired look and functionality of new furniture and room design. Manuela helped to measure, look at items together online, and gave me advice and recommendations. She has a lovely eye and manner of communicating. Also, having actually studied interior architecture, seems to have a deep understanding of style and function.
July 19, 2015
Comment from MP DESIGN:
Aya, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to write this wonderful review. I very much enjoyed working with you too.
Phoenix Woodworks
Relationship
Colleague
We have worked with Manuela on some very nice projects and have found her to be very professional and knowledgeable with a great eye for design. Her communications with us regarding her clients wishes were clear and concise and done in a timely manner which allowed for us to do our best work. We would not hesitate to work with her on another project with her in the future.
Kevin Woodman
Phoenix Woodworks
July 16, 2015
Comment from MP DESIGN:
Kevin, thank you very much for the wonderful 5 star review. I also enjoyed working with you and cannot praise your quality work and craftsmanship enough. I look forward to our continued collaboration.
rrrita1
Relationship
Colleague
MP DESIGN worked first with my client to explore whether he wanted to do a complete remodel, add a bathroom and loft to a beautiful but somewhat rundown Victoria flat. In the end, my client chose instead to sell the unit.
MP DESIGN helped with the sale by being involved in a "mini" remodel, a low cost facelift to show the unit in the best light possible. We had a tight budget and a short timeline and Manuela was able to make it work and jump in and help as needed. I would certainly recommend her to clients and would be happy to hire her again.
July 10, 2015
Comment from MP DESIGN:
Rita, thank you so much for the great 5-star review! I really appreciate you taking the time to review my business. And to provide details about what the project entailed. I very much enjoyed working with you on this project. Hopefully, we can work together again soon. The attached pictures are the before and after of the kitchen and bathroom.
donnabr
Relationship
Client
MP Design recently helped us for a second time and we could not be happier with the results. Several years ago we remodeled our kitchen with MP's guidance and just finished remodeling the rest of our home and we are now proudly enjoying our "new" home. The most recent project included upgrading two bathrooms, replacing all windows, refinishing the wood floor and painting several rooms and we are very pleased with the outcome. MP Design helped us from start to finish, including choosing tile and tile design, paint colors and the overall design of our master and guest bathrooms. She also helped us choose the contractor and acted as our "project manager" which was invaluable. We highly recommend MP Design for all of your interior design needs.
January 11, 2014
Comment from MP DESIGN:
Donna, thank you so much for the 5-star review! It was a real pleasure working with you again and helping you with all your remodeling needs. A happy client, and in your case, returning client, is always my goad at the end of the day and the best compliment. THANK YOU! Manuela Paparella - MP DESIGN
marianneschier
Relationship
Client
Manuela is a wonderful resource. I have been in the Real Estate Industry for nearly 20 years and personally hired her for my home. She did a great job helping us designing an addition to our home. Furthermore, I have referred her to my Clients who have used her in the remodeling process. They have all been extremely happy.
January 10, 2014Last modified:January 13, 2014
Comment from MP DESIGN:
Marianne, many thanks for your 5-star review and for the clients you have referred to me in the past. I very much appreciate it as most of my business is referral based. THANK YOU! Manuela Paparella - MP DESIGN
preed1
Relationship
Client
Manuela is a very talented designer and great to work with! She managed to pick just the right colors and help us with space planning in our home.
December 29, 2013Last modified:December 30, 2013
Comment from MP DESIGN:
Thank you so much for the wonderful review Patricia. Happy New Year to you and your family.
Commented: Shower structure informationOur client purchased the shower base and glass enclosure online. Unfortunately, we do not have the source. You can check in the Houzz Shop or online or work with a designer to help you source all th...
February 17, 2019
Commented: Glass shower door/wallYou are correct. That is a sliding shower door. My client ordered that online as a whole unit. but I do not know which manufacturer/supplier they ordered it from in the end. There are a number of c...
September 10, 2018
Commented: FaucetHello, does this console sink have an overflow?
August 15, 2018
Commented: Love the tile. What is the name and who makes it?It’s a glass mosaic tile from Daltile. But don’t recall the specific tile name. They might still carry it.
July 17, 2018
Commented: what’s the paint color on the cabinets?Nice little home office :) It's very hard to match a color via computer monitor or smartphone but I am throwing out a suggestion for you to check out: Benjamin Moore - Flint AF-560. Good luck with you...
July 15, 2018
Commented: Where are the shelves from?The home owner/client purchased them so unfortunately, we do not have the source.
April 5, 2018
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