Patricia Benson

We have exceptanaly large windows, 20 feet high. We had the house built 30 years ago and now it is time to replace the sun damaged shades. I had a lot of trouble finding anyone who could make roman shades that large. Then we found Pat Benson with Harmonique Design in Montclair. My husband and I are so pleased with how the shades turned out. The color looks like an exact match and the sewing is amazing.

Pat and her crew are wonderful. Professional, knowledgeable, prompt and amazing customer service. We had shades installed throughout our house a couple of years ago and we've noticed a HUGE improvement in the comfort in the house during these recent heatwaves, by keeping our window coverings closed most the time. It really does block about 80 percent of the heat and keeps it quite comfortable inside (we don't have air conditioning). I really noticed the difference today because yesterday I left the shades up overnight and forgot to pull them down. I was gone all day and when I got home I truly appreciated the effect of the shades because without the shades blocking out that hot sun it was sweltering inside! The shades themselves are gorgeous, and the price was very competitive. We did a lot of looking around, both retail and online, and Pat's inventory was far superior to anything we'd seen. So glad we went with Pat. It's one of the best home improvement projects we've done. Wish we'd done it years ago.

We hired Pat to help us remodel our living and dining rooms but also design a new pantry and wine rack in another area of the house. Pat's design concepts and color recommendations were right on target especially since we were moving from a European traditional design to very contemporary. She is a great listener and brought multiple options to choose from but also asserted her opinions when we asked her to do so. The contractors she works with are also first rate and were always in good communication and on time. I highly recommend Pat and Harmonique Design for your remodel in the Bay Area!

I worked with Pat to design a workable solution for a challenging living room (long and narrow). From the moment Pat arrived for the initial consultation, she put me at ease (even though she acknowledged the space was challenging). She worked closely with me and always took care to include my husband in the process and together we determined a plan to create a workable and lovely space. She created a solar shade solution to our west facing windows. She has a collection of craftspeople and service providers who worked together seamlessly to refinish the wood floors, paint the living and dining rooms and kitchen, did the electrical work for the new lighting and AV system, created a beautiful new concrete fireplace, built a TV cabinet above the fireplace, with doors so it can be closed off when a more formal look is desired, and built a beautiful shelving unit. Everyone she referred us to performed high quality work and were a pleasure to work with. Towards the end of the project, my husband and I were away for an extended trip and while we were away the new furniture and rug were delivered. In our absence Pat arranged everything and added artwork and furnishings so that when we arrived home it was like walking into a completely new and beautiful new space and yet, it felt exactly like our home. Pat is a brilliant problem solver with unending patience and calm and humor. It was a joy to work with her.

I've had the pleasure of working with Pat Benson and her Harmonique Design team on several projects upgrading my 1921 house in Oakland, CA. She is my 'go-to' person for all decorating matters; She is an especially gifted color consultant, but has terrific style and organizational skills herself so can manage a job from idea to completion. Pat imagination and ideas along with her rich experience and contacts make me a very satisfied customer. We're completing an upgrade of my kitchen but Pat has helped me redecorate my den/office, dining room, and purchase a new sofa for my livingroom, and she has given excellent advice on wall color for my living room, bedrooms and house exterior. I've referred many friends to Harmonique and they've all been as happy with the association as I am.

Pat was a joy to work with. She was hired to help me with colour choices for a major redesign of my kitchen ,TV room, and two baths. Her colour sense is outstanding. She also helped me pick out tile, bathroom fixtures, flooring, window treatments, for that part of the remodel. We were so excited by her efforts that we continued to repaint and renew the rest of the house. The finished project is amazing. Our house was built in 1939 and had gotten very tired and shabby. It is now a beautiful and inviting home.

Pat Benson is an excellent designer! She has helped remodel my living room, bathroom, bedroom, closet & office. My house changed from a place I live to a warm & beautiful and functional home that I totally enjoy. I have received many compliments on the look & feel of my home as well. She is organized , thorough, insightful and full of unexpected resources & excellent home design ideas & suggestions. She is fun to work with. She is able to work with my concerns & needs as well as with the contractor to envision & develop my home's potential and to overcome its limitations and meet my needs. She has excellent construction resource people and businesses such as cabinet, glass, stone, tile. We have moved walls, created built ins, redone fireplaces, added skylights to mention a few improvements. Pat has also helped me select and place rugs, furniture, lighting, window covers, chairs etc... So that I end up with an amazing, beautiful place to live. I am hiring her again to guide my basement remodel... She is one of the best professionals I have worked with over the years. I recommend her highly.