All About Design Studio
is a top Venice Beach
interior designer
All About Design Studio is a premium full-service Venice Beach interior designer delivering refined interiors inspired by coastal architecture and timeless materials. Our interior design firm creates bespoke spaces for elevated living in Venice Beach.
If you are dreaming of a high-end, vintage-eclectic, and art-forward home, STR, boutique hotel or a restaurant, hire an experienced designer, specialized in creation of authentic timeless interiors, art curation, and is an expert in creating collected spaces.
Renovating real estate in Venice Beach with strict architectural review boards and specific coastal regulations requires a seasoned design professional.
From Boutique Hotels
To Bespoke Homes
Our studio is led by a visionary founder with over 18 years of world-class hospitality experience designing elite boutique hotels and restaurants.
We bring this exact same level of resort-style luxury, flawless spatial planning, and high-performance durability directly into your residential renovation.
We specialize in crafting high-end coastal properties — both beachfront and inland — engineered specifically to beautifully withstand the challenges of salt air, moisture and sand.
venice beach CALIFORNIA
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Neighborhood-Specific Design Expertise
Renovating a home in Venice Beach, California presents unique neighborhood-specific hurdles, ranging from strict local zoning regulations to the spatial limits of historic beach plots.
The Challenge: Severe Space Limits & Strict Mello Act/Coastal Commission Rules
Venice Beach lots — especially near the historic canals or walk streets - are notoriously narrow and compact. Local property owners must navigate rigorous building regulations, including compliance with the Los Angeles Coastal Zone-Specific Plan and the Mello Act. These rules strictly protect neighborhood character, limit building height, enforce tight setback requirements, and regulate how much of an existing structure can be demolished without triggering massive environmental or affordable housing reviews.
The primary challenge is finding a way to expand a cramped, dark, historic bungalow or cottage into a modern, airy family space without altering its footprint or violating strict city guidelines.
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The Venice Coastal Zone Bottleneck
The most critical factor is the Venice Coastal Zone Specific Plan.
This boundary extends roughly 1,000 yards inland from the high tide line, wrapping around most residential properties west of Lincoln Boulevard.
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The Permit Before the Permit: Before the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) issues a building permit, your project must clear the Director of Planning sign-off to prove compliance with the Coastal Specific Plan.
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The "50% Demolition" Rule: If a remodel involves tearing down more than 50% of the exterior walls or roof structure, it is legally categorized as a "major remodel" or substantial redevelopment. This automatically triggers the requirement for a full Coastal Development Permit (CDP), bypassing standard exemptions and adding months of plan checks and public hearings to your timeline.
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Height Limits and Step-Backs: Standard heights in subareas like North Venice are capped at 30 to 35 feet. Many areas require upper floors to be stepped back 1 foot for every foot of height above 30 feet to preserve neighborhood light and character.
The Design Solution: Indoor-Outdoor Vertical Living
To solve the space problem without violating structural footprints or setback limits, designers rely on biophilic, multi-functional vertical integration. Instead of expanding outward, the architecture maximizes the building's envelope upwards while relying on massive "pocket" or folding glass wall systems to visually dissolve boundaries. By treating tiny outdoor courtyards, narrow side yards, and the rooftop as direct continuations of the indoor floor plan, the home's functional square footage is effectively doubled.
The Material and Architectural Details
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Vanishing Glass Enclosures: Installation of floor-to-ceiling sliding or folding door systems on the main level. When retracted, the living room completely merges with a private, low-maintenance front courtyard.
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Third-Floor Floating Decks: Incorporating a rooftop terrace or an upper-level balcony enclosed with clear glass railings. This expands active living spaces into the open air and preserves views of the coastline or neighborhood without adding forbidden bulk to the building's physical profile.
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Marine-Grade Coastal Materials: To withstand the corrosive Venice ocean air, structures utilize wide-profile steel beams, monolithic concrete slabs, and resilient composite exterior cladding.
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Bohemian Modern Interior Millwork: Light-toned, multi-functional built-ins (like hidden storage beneath stairs and compact wall-mounted furniture) maximize utility. The interior is finished with organic textures—like white oak wood floors and sea-glass accents—maintaining a warm, relaxed beach vibe that respects the area's artistic roots.
Elevate your Coastal Living:
luxury home renovations
Imagine waking up every day in a room inspired by your favorite luxury resort
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With our deep roots in boutique hospitality design, we specialize in turning primary suites, outdoor spaces and guest houses into world-class retreats.
We look forward to designing your dream space soon—
please share your project goals with us.
marina del rey interior designer
Love the vibe of your favorite boutique hotel? Let’s bring that five-star resort feeling into your primary suite or guest house. With 18+ years of hotel design experience, we know exactly how to make your home feel like a permanent vacation.
Marina del Rey Zoning regulations require careful review of height limits, parking, and expansion constraints:
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Renovating a home in Marina del Rey presents highly unique, neighborhood-specific conditions due to its coastal climate, dense waterfront layouts, and strict regulatory oversight.
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Here is a breakdown of a common local renovation scenario featuring a typical neighborhood challenge, design solution, and the precise execution details:
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The Challenge: Salt-Air Corrosion & Spatial Limitations
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Homes in Marina del Rey — especially those along the silver strand, peninsula, or overlooking the main channel — face two major neighborhood-specific issues:
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Marine Microclimate: High humidity, dense coastal fog, and heavy salt spray lead to accelerated oxidation. Standard metal fixtures, exterior fasteners, and low-grade stainless steel rust or pit within a few short years.
Structural Footprint Restrictions: Many local properties (such as multi-story townhomes or narrow lot single-family homes) are tightly bounded by California Coastal Commission height limits and strict setback regulations, preventing outward additions.
The Design Solution:
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The High-Durability Indoor-Outdoor Transition
To maximize the value and livability of a constrained footprint without violating local zoning laws, the optimal design solution relies on building a high-end, seamless indoor-outdoor transition to a rooftop deck or localized patio area. The structure must be engineered exclusively using marine-grade materials that can withstand the coastal elements while creating the illusion of a much larger, open-plan living space.
The Details
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Executing this neighborhood-specific solution requires highly precise material selections and engineering protocols:
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Framing & Structural Metals: All exposed exterior hardware, railings, and structural connectors must be upgraded from standard galvanized steel to Grade 316 Stainless Steel (marine grade) or powder-coated structural aluminum.
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Glazing & Moving Walls: Incorporating a multi-slide or bi-fold glass door system (such as those engineered by brands like LaCantina or Fleetwood) to open up the coastal views. The tracks must feature built-in, high-capacity drainage systems to handle wind-driven rain and dense fog condensation.
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Exterior Finishes: Standard stucco, or wood siding is replaced with tile, stone or with high-density fiber-cement siding or composite decking material (like high-end Trex or Azek) that resists warping and salt-water decay, completely eliminating the need for constant repainting.
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The interiors can be whatever client desires, related to the exterior and personality.
santa monica interior designer
When renovating a home in Santa Monica, consider All About Design Studio as we have a deep understanding of coastal materiality, marine climate mitigation, and beach-side community indoor-outdoor spatial flow. The combination of intense Pacific sunlight, heavy morning marine layers, high humidity, and corrosive salt air requires highly specialized technical knowledge that goes far beyond basic aesthetics.
Love the vibe of your favorite boutique hotel?
Let’s bring that five-star resort feeling into your primary suite or guest house. With 18+ years of hotel design experience, we know exactly how to make your home feel like a permanent vacation.
When renovating for long term residence or for resale, consider the fact that specific upgrades offer strong returns in the Santa Monica market”:
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Indoor-Outdoor Flow: Floor plans are shifting toward "California crafted" layouts.
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Rooftop Decks: These remain the highest-performing feature, returning upwards of (100\%\) on investment in many properties.
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Spa-like Primary Suites: High-quality bathrooms featuring sleek stone counters and spa-like atmosphere.
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Designer-style Lighting: One of the most critical and highest-ROI features requested by modern homeowners.
1. All About Design Studio can specify durable and weather resistant materials for outdoor areas of your home:
Metals: we mandate marine-grade stainless steel (316 grade), solid brass, or powder-coated aluminum for hardware, plumbing fixtures, and light brackets to prevent rust.
Flooring: We specify sand-resistant, low-maintenance options such as large-format natural stone or porcelain tile, or high-quality engineered hardwoods certified for high-moisture coastal environments.
Woodwork: We prioritize dense, moisture-tolerant woods like European white oak, ipe, or teak, which handle humidity swings without warping or buckling.
2. All About Design Studio understands home climate Control & Microclimate Management
Santa Monica microclimates dictate specific architectural interior choices to keep the home comfortable and mold-free year-round
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Humidity Mitigation: All About Design Studio collaborates with HVAC trade partners to integrate variable-speed air handlers or dedicated whole-home dehumidifier systems directly into the design layout.
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Solar Defense: All About Design Studio understands how to optimize gorgeous ocean sunsets while mitigating glare and fading. We understand and source high-performance, UV-filtering window treatments and choose paint formulas that resist fading under intense coastal light..
3. Practical Beach Lifestyle Engineering.
True coastal living requires a home that can gracefully handle sand, water, & guests:
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Performance Textiles: We extensive specify fabrics that repeal moisture-, mold-, and fade-resistant solution-dyed acrylics, linen blends, or slipcovered furniture that can be easily washed after a beach day.
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Beach Transition Zones: All About Design Studio prioritizes practical space planning, including dedicated mudrooms, drop zones, or secondary entries specifically designed to contain wet gear, sandy towels, and surfboards before they reach the main living areas.
4. Local Regulatory and Project Coordination
City of Santa Monica has strict zoning laws, neighborhood view-blockage guidelines, and tight lot layouts (especially in areas like Ocean Park, Sunset Park, and the North of Montana neighborhood). In these prominent single-family residential zones (R1), the City of Santa Monica enforces rigorous development standards:
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Height Caps & Stepbacks: Standard R1 districts limit single-family structures to a maximum height of 28 feet and two stories. To prevent looming building profiles and preserve neighborhood views, upper levels often require specialized architectural setbacks or stepbacks.
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Tight Lot Footprints: Setback and lot coverage requirements dictate narrow building envelopes, leaving minimal margins for expansion. Local neighborhood groups and adjacent homeowners notoriously monitor these property lines closely for any non-compliance.
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Modern Infill Densification: Despite these historical constraints, emergency local ordinances and state-driven mandates (such as California's SB 9/SB 1123 starter-home rules) have introduced exceptions that allow for three-story developments, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), or multiple units on traditionally tight R1 parcels.
All About Design Studio has an established local network of Santa Monica and LA-based architects, builders, and tradespeople. We are adept at coordinating cohesive, open-concept, mid-century modern, historical, or traditional home designs that maximize ocean views while remaining compliant with municipal codes.
Brentwood
interior designer
All About Design Studio is a full service Bentwood interior designer delivering refined interiors inspired by coastal architecture and timeless materials. Our interior design firm in Bentwood creates bespoke spaces for elevated living.
If you are dreaming of a high-end, vintage-eclectic, and art-forward home, find a designer experienced with local permitting, specialized in art curation, and is an expert in curating collected, authentic interiors. Renovating real estate in Palos Verdes with strict architectural review boards and specific coastal regulations requires a seasoned design professional.
1. Navigating Palos Verdes Regulations
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Art Jury & Coastal Approvals: If your estate is in Palos Verdes Estates, you must secure approval from the Palos Verdes Homes Association Art Jury for any exterior changes, window replacements, or rooflines.
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City Planning: Both Rancho Palos Verdes and Palos Verdes Estates have strict building, zoning, and view preservation ordinances. A local professional who understands these municipalities will save you from costly redesigns or stop-work orders.
2. Specialized Art Curation & Lighting
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Art Placement & Wall Space: A contemporary art collection needs deliberate wall space, intentional sightlines, and gallery-level balance. Look for a designer with experience in art curation who can plan layouts that let massive or eccentric pieces breathe.
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Specialty Lighting: Art and vintage pieces require museum-quality lighting. All About Design Studio has expertise in layered lighting—using LED art washes, UV-blocking glazing for windows, and recessed or surface mounted fixtures that won't cause glare on canvas or damage vintage textiles. All About Design Studio has relationships with high end lighting designers.
3. Vintage & Eclectic Sourcing Expertise
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Global Sourcing Network: A high-end vintage style should look "collected over time" rather than purchased from a catalog. All About Design Studio has relationships with antique dealers, custom upholsterers, and vintage sources.
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Material Authenticity: Eclectic contemporary design thrives on texture and material blending. All About Design Studio is highly capable of mixing period pieces with clean, modern architectural backdrops.
4. Vetting the Designer
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Full-Service Project Management: A large-scale estate renovation is complex. All About Design Studio is a full-service firm that provides architectural detailing, contractor coordination, and procurement management (tracking furniture, shipping, and art installation). With more than 18 years of experience across high-end hospitality projects, Alla brings the precision of large-scale hotel design to every commission. Having contributed to award-winning destinations including Hotel Figueroa (Los Angeles), SLS Hote (Beverly Hills), she understands how exceptional environments are conceived, detailed, and executed — from initial vision through construction administration and final installation.
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All About Design Studio has demonstrated their Portfolio Diversity. Designing a variety of hotels and restaurants in the past, taught Alla, the founder of All About Design Studio that her team can break away from a single standardized aesthetic and truly capture a unique, client-driven style.
pacific palisades
interior designer
At All About Design Studio, we believe that a space—whether a private residence or a public venue—should reflect personal history, daily life, and a sense of absolute comfort.
Founded by Alla Carrasco, our studio brings over 18 years of specialized hospitality expertise to every project. Alla has spent nearly two decades designing boutique hotels and restaurants, crafting environments that seamlessly balance operational precision with high-end luxury.
Today, we bring that same curated, guest-centric lens to both our commercial and residential design services.
In Pacific Palisades, where natural beauty and architectural variety coexist, we collaborate with clients to thoughtfully restore, rebuild, or reimagine their spaces with care and creativity. Our designs harmonize the region's stunning coastal landscape with refined, upscale aesthetics, resulting in functional, visually captivating living and dining environments.
Whether you are launching a new boutique hotel or restaurant concept, starting residential construction, navigating the aftermath of recent wildfires, or looking to refine your private interiors, our full-service design studio offers clarity, warmth, and intention at every stage.
We recognize that thoughtful interiors shape the way we live and interact, far beyond a space's appearance.
From commercial hospitality destinations to private sanctuaries, we customize our approach to promote well-being and cultivate a deep, personalized sense of comfort and belonging.
malibu california
At All About Design Studio, we believe that a masterfully designed space is more than just a structure; it is a seamless reflection of personal history, curated experiences, and a profound sense of comfort. Founded by principal Alla Carrasco, our studio brings over 18 years of elite, award-winning international hospitality expertise to the coast of Malibu. Having spent nearly two decades defining the aesthetics of boutique hotels, high-end restaurants, and exclusive nightlife venues, Alla infuses every project with a rare guest-centric lens that harmonizes coastal natural beauty with refined, upscale luxury.
From concept to completion, we dedicate our full-service luxury interior design expertise to the discerning tastemakers of Malibu:
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For Malibu Homeowners: We partner with residents who demand that their private sanctuaries echo the sophisticated, effortless ambiance of their favorite boutique hotels. Whether you are navigating a new build, managing the sensitive aftermath of recent wildfires, or executing a custom remodel, we craft a custom estate that promotes well-being and embodies your ultimate lifestyle.
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For Boutique Hotel & Restaurant Owners: When launching an upscale venue, you need an experienced leader who understands both operational choreography and signature aesthetics. We provide comprehensive commercial solutions, including brand-standard concept generation, custom millwork, bespoke lighting, and premium commercial-grade material specifications to make your venue a standout destination.
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For Luxury Real Estate Agents & Brokers: We act as your secret weapon during high-stakes escrow negotiations. If you have a buyer who loves a location but struggles to envision a property's hidden potential, our studio steps in to bring a fresh, high-end vision directly to life. We map out rapid design concepts and cosmetic transformations, turning a hesitant buyer into a confident owner.
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For Premier Builders & Developers: We serve as a strategic partner to maximize square footage, leverage supplier discounts, and elevate high-end interior assets that accelerate multi-million dollar property values and evoke immediate emotional connections from the market.
Whether your goal is a residential sanctuary or a commercial landmark, our studio delivers clarity, warmth, and intention at every phase—managing everything from procurement to construction administration with the highest level of craftsmanship.
Ready to Bring Your Vision to Life?
Let’s discuss how we can transform your space. Book a session with leading Los Angeles interior designer Alla Carrasco today.
OUR SERVICES
All About Design Studio provides full-service luxury interior design for residential and commercial boutique commercial spaces from concept to completion in Los Angeles and surrounding areas
We provide design and project management services for builders and developers as well as Real Estate Agents & Brokers.
Please select the service that best suits your needs:
commercial services
ALL ABOUT DESIGN STUDIO OFFERS FULL-SERVICE INTERIOR DESIGN SOLUTIONS FOR THE COMMERCIAL AND HOSPITALITY SECTORS
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Studio's principal Alla Carrasco brings extensive 18+ years of design experience and expertise in Hospitality Design creating Award-winning hotels, restaurants & nightlife projects.
See her Commercial Design Portfolio she generated while she worked for leading Hospitality Design companies in Los Angeles, and her Linkedin profile BELOW
residential services
ALL ABOUT DESIGN STUDIO services
1
full service design
CREATED FOR
Busy professionals who want a hands-off, highly personalized design experience — where every detail is taken care of from start to finish, saving time and avoiding costly mistakes.
SERVICE INCLUDES:
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Concept creation.
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Tailored budget creation
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"This or That” client interview & following meetings
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Comprehensive design presentation
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Comprehensive design drawings package (plans elevations, custom furniture or cabinetry, ceiling plan, power plan)
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Selection of all finishes, furnishings, fabrics, lighting, window treatments, accessories, and artwork.
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Access to custom and to-the-trade options
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Procurement, tracking, and storage coordination.
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Full-service white glove installation.
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Seamless communication: weekly design-progress meetings.
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Vendors management and communication (millworker, upholsterer, wallcovering installer, etc)
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Contractor coordination with AADS preferred contractors and project management.
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Final furniture and furnishings + accessories installation.
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Photoshoot coordination.
ALL ABOUT DESIGN STUDIO residential services
2
full service
furnishings & decor
CREATED FOR:
Those looking for a full-service design plan without the added cost of procurement and installation.
This option keeps the integrity of our creative process while offering flexibility and savings—ideal if you're comfortable managing the final steps yourself.
SERVICE INCLUDES:
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Tailored budget creation
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This or That” client interview & following meetings
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Comprehensive design presentation
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Selection of all finishes, furnishings, fabrics, lighting, window treatments, accessories, & art.
5. Hyperlinked shopping list
6. Referrals for local installers
7. Furniture and art installation guidelines
8. Seamless communication.
ALL ABOUT DESIGN STUDIO residential services
3
bathroom design & remodel
CREATED FOR:
Busy professionals who want a hands-off, highly personalized design experience — where every detail is taken care of from start to finish, saving time and avoiding costly mistakes.
SERVICE INCLUDES:
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Bathroom Concept creation.
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Tailored budget creation
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"This or That” client interview & following meetings
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Comprehensive design presentation
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Comprehensive design drawings package (plans elevations, custom cabinetry, ceiling plan, power plan)
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Selection of all finishes, furnishings, lighting, window treatments, accessories, hardware, and artwork.
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Access to custom and to-the-trade options
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Procurement, tracking, and storage coordination.
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Full-service white glove installation.
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Seamless communication: weekly design-progress meetings.
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Vendors management and communication (millworker, window treatment fabricator, wallcovering installer, etc)
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Contractor coordination with AADS preferred contractors and project management.
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Final installation.
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Photoshoot coordination.
ALL ABOUT DESIGN STUDIO residential services
4
kitchen design & remodel
CREATED FOR:
Busy professionals who want a hands-off, highly personalized design experience — where every detail is taken care of from start to finish, saving time and avoiding costly mistakes.
SERVICE INCLUDES:
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Kitchen Concept creation.
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Tailored budget creation
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"This or That” client interview & following meetings
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Comprehensive design presentation
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Comprehensive design drawings package (plans elevations, custom cabinetry, ceiling plan, power plan)
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Selection of all finishes, appliances, lighting, window treatments, furnishings, hardware, plumbing fixtures, accessories, and artwork.
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Access to custom and to-the-trade options
-
Procurement, tracking, and storage coordination.
-
Full-service white glove installation.
-
Seamless communication: weekly design-progress meetings.
-
Vendors management and communication (millworker, window treatment fabricator, wallcovering installer, etc)
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Contractor coordination with AADS preferred contractors and project management.
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Final installation.
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Photoshoot coordination.
ALL ABOUT DESIGN STUDIO residential services
5
vacation rental design
CREATED FOR:
Those vacation rental hosts that want to increase their rental revenue, save time & boost ratings.
For a vacation rental hosts that are looking for a full-service design plan without the added cost of procurement and installation (full service also available when we procure and arrange installation for all items).
This option keeps the integrity of our creative process while offering flexibility and savings—ideal if you're comfortable managing the final steps yourself.
SERVICE INCLUDES:
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Creative Concept Design
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Tailored budget creation
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This or That” client interview & following meetings
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Comprehensive design presentation
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Selection of all finishes, furnishings, fabrics, lighting, window treatments, accessories, & art.
5. Hyperlinked shopping list
6. Referrals for local installers
7. Furniture and art installation guidelines
8. Seamless communication.
* Full Service Vacation Rental is available (when we are purchasing and arranging installation of furnishings).
ALL ABOUT DESIGN STUDIO residential services
6
virtual or E-design
CREATED FOR:
Those Homeowners or small businesses who want a professionally designed space but prefer a more affordable or DIY approach.
For Individuals who are comfortable with the process of purchasing and installing items themselves.
Anyone looking for functional and inspiring design solutions without the cost of traditional services.
SERVICE INCLUDES:
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Concept creation.
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Tailored budget creation
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"Comprehensive design presentation
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Design floor plan
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Selection of some finishes, lighting, window treatments, furnishings, hardware, plumbing fixtures, accessories, and artwork.
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Seamless communication.
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Hyperlinked shopping list
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Furniture and art installation guidelines
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Seamless communication.
ALL ABOUT DESIGN STUDIO residential services
ALL ABOUT DESIGN STUDIO services
7
designer-for-a-day
CREATED FOR:
The client who wants some professional guidance, however, is not ready for a full-service design and has her own ideas and options.
For a small business owner or a residential client that needs a designer for a day to come assess their space, give a professional advice, answer any questions that client may have about your and their existing selections.
Services can be booked 6 hour time blocks. may include, but are not limited to the following...
SERVICE MAY INCLUDE:
2-3 hour, in-home design session
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Up to 3-4 hours of post-design time with a Design Plan sent to you.
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Any notes, drawings or sketches created during the session are sent to the client.
✓ Here are a few examples of what we could achieve in our time together:
- Come up with a room layout and source a few furnishings,
- Tile or stone slab shopping
- Paint colors or Wallcovering selections,
- Space plan for proper flow and function,
- Visit Furniture store and make selections
- Visit Fabric Showroom
- Discuss and come up with a Custom Built In item
- Start a design of a Custom Furniture Piece
... and more
areas we serve
WE OFFER A VARIETY BESPOKE DESIGN SERVICES TO OUR RESIDENTIAL AND HOSPITALITY CLIENTS IN LA AREA AND BEYOND
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All About Design Studio serves all surrounding high-end LA's coastal regions: Venice Beach, Marina Del Rey Santa Monica, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades and Malibu.
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All About Design Studio serves the following premier non-coastal luxury areas organized below by geographic regions like The Platinum Triangle & Westside Enclaves: Bel Air, Holmby Hills, Beverly Hills, Beverly Park, Trousdale Estates, Mandeville Canyon.
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All About Design Studio serves the following top-tier LA's inland enclaves offering privacy and luxury include Mulholland Estates, The Bird Streets, Hollywood Hills, Outpost Estates, Sherman Oaks, and Hidden Hills
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All About Design Studio provides luxury design serving the entire LA's South Bay: Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Palos Verdes, El Segundo & Playa Vista.
ALL ABOUT DESIGN STUDIO is a Los Angeles-based interior design firm serving residential, hospitality, and commercial clients across Southern California and throughout the United States.