Design Matters

Design Matters Welcome to Design Matters

We are passionate about design. Every day we are inspired by architecture, nature, and the textures that surround our lives.

Serving Northern California, Utah, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming

KITCHEN + BATH / SPACE PLANNING / CUSTOM CABINETRY / MATERIAL SELECTIONS / LIGHTING / FURNITURE + FABRIC SELECTIONS / COLOR PALETTE DEVELOPMEN Most of all we are inspired by you, to create interiors that are spectacular and unique, just like you and your family.

This kitchen is most definitely the heart AND SOUL of this home! Introducing our latest project...MODERNIST REVERIE. War...
09/03/2026

This kitchen is most definitely the heart AND SOUL of this home!

Introducing our latest project...MODERNIST REVERIE. Warm, expressive, and deeply personal, this kitchen reimagines Mid-Century modernism through color, texture, and heritage. The dramatic oxblood Zellige tile creates a handcrafted focal point that draws you in, beautifully contrasted by the sophisticated green cabinetry and a warm walnut island.

Our homeowners’ collection of found objects and meaningful pieces rooted in their heritage help to create a space that feels collected rather than styled—an inviting, soulful interpretation of modernism where thoughtful design and personal history live beautifully together.

Click the link to view full project https://www.designmatters.design/westcoast/modernist-reverie

Interior Design by Julie Cavanaugh, Photography by Bernardo Grijalva
Tile by Zia Tile, Zellige in Brown Sugar

Leading with Flexibility.Busy seasons are inevitable in a creative business. The key is having the right systems, and th...
09/01/2026

Leading with Flexibility.

Busy seasons are inevitable in a creative business. The key is having the right systems, and the right people, to navigate them.

Our Founder & Principal Designer, Julie Cavanaugh, recently shared her perspective on leadership with Houzz in How Pros Build Systems and Teams That Can Handle Busy Times.

“Projects ebb and flow — it’s the nature of the business,” Julie says. “Being able to multitask, being nimble on our feet to meet ever-changing needs and doing it with your heart and head forward is how I lead.”

Great teams know how to adapt, support one another and keep moving forward, especially when things get busy.

Read the full article at the link in our bio.


https://ow.ly/OB9R50ZF0jk

Design Excellence is always the goal—and creating Livable Luxury is at the heart of what we do. We’re thrilled to be hon...
08/27/2026

Design Excellence is always the goal—and creating Livable Luxury is at the heart of what we do. We’re thrilled to be honored with four Design Excellence Awards from ASID California Peninsula!
Follow the link to see more about each winning project!

Photography by Bernardo Grijalva

https://ow.ly/TkHH50ZFL41

THRILLING night with ASID California Peninsula Chapter at the 40th Annual Design Excellence Awards Gala! ✨We’re incredib...
08/25/2026

THRILLING night with ASID California Peninsula Chapter at the 40th Annual Design Excellence Awards Gala! ✨

We’re incredibly proud to share that Design Matters took home four Design Excellence Awards, including a GOLD Award for our beloved Sea Ranch project—a project that holds a very special place in our hearts.

We were also honored with three additional awards celebrating the work of our talented team and the homes we’re privileged to create for our clients. It was an inspiring evening surrounded by so many incredibly talented designers, and we’re honored to be recognized alongside them. Congratulations to all of the winners!

Most of all, we’re grateful for the creativity, dedication, and collaboration of our entire Design Matters team—and for the opportunity to create homes that embody our philosophy of Livable Luxury.

Thank you, ASID, for another unforgettable evening and for celebrating the work of our industry!

08/23/2026

About last night 💫 What an incredible group of people to spend time with at the ASID Design Excellence awards! Thank you for such a lovely evening!

Back to school means new routines, fresh schedules, and a little bit of chaos! We’re rounding up all the inspo that keep...
08/20/2026

Back to school means new routines, fresh schedules, and a little bit of chaos! We’re rounding up all the inspo that keeps us motivated to stay organized through it all. ✨

08/18/2026

Designed to endure. Legacy homes with Design Matters.

Sweet dreams in The Sea Ranch. A beautiful, and iconic place for easy living. Interiors by Julie Cavanaugh / Photos by ...
08/13/2026

Sweet dreams in The Sea Ranch. A beautiful, and iconic place for easy living.

Interiors by Julie Cavanaugh / Photos by Bernardo Grijalva

Great design starts with great leadership.In a recent Houzz article on managing a growing team, Julie Cavanaugh, Founder...
08/11/2026

Great design starts with great leadership.

In a recent Houzz article on managing a growing team, Julie Cavanaugh, Founder & Principal Designer of Design Matters, shares a perspective that goes beyond design: “If you can’t be passionate about the work, the passion won’t translate to your team. I show up every day, in every way, for the good of my organization. It feeds my soul to do what we do.”

As Design Matters continues to grow, Julie’s approach to leadership is rooted in the belief that a strong vision, a shared purpose, and genuine passion are essential to building a successful design business.

Thank you to Houzz for including Julie among industry voices and for highlighting the business and leadership principles behind growing a creative practice.

Read the full article here https://www.houzz.com/magazine/8-proven-tips-for-managing-a-growing-team-stsetivw-vs~179454950

08/06/2026

Chasing dreams in this peaceful space 💫

Address

Los Altos, CA
94022–94024

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm

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