How Do You Choose the Right Interior Design Firm in the U.S.?
Picture this: you’ve found the home of your dreams. It has the views, the light, the character you love! But, you know, it needs a designer to make it feel like you. So, you search for “interior design firm near me”, and you are met with thousands of names, each with great portfolios. But the question isn't whose portfolio looks good, it is who is going to listen, adjust, and deliver your home?
That’s where L+P Interiors (LARK + PALM) comes in. Based in Sausalito, California, L+P has been helping homeowners across the Bay Area, St. Helena, Belvedere, and even Nantucket since 2018. Their hallmark? Blending storytelling, form + function, and a design philosophy they call Classic with a Twist. In this guide, we will walk you through how to select your residential design partner, drawing on insights influenced by L+P’s decades of experience in designing elevated yet functional homes.
What Should You Look for in an Interior Design Firm?
Does the firm have a defined design philosophy?
A strong philosophy is the foundation of great design. According to the American Society of Interior Designers, understanding a firm’s guiding principles helps you see if they align with your goals. At L+P Interiors, everything begins with storytelling. Their philosophy Classic with a Twist means your home will feel timeless yet playful, sophisticated yet approachable.
Learn more about their studio ethos here.
How important is the firm’s project portfolio?
A portfolio reveals more than style; it shows range and adaptability. According to Houzz, browsing past work is key to finding a designer who “gets” your lifestyle. L+P’s project gallery spans wine country estates in St. Helena, elegant Bay Area homes in Belvedere, and breezy coastal retreats in Nantucket. No two projects look alike because no two clients are alike.
What experience does the team bring to the table?
Behind the design magic is a collective effort of our team. Founding Principal Ansley Majit brings elevated, playful moments to every project. Studio Director Megan Bettor has twenty years of production experience to ensure all details are executed flawlessly. Junior Designer Malia Lucey and Design Assistant Grace Heller provide new perspectives and backgrounds. This combination of experiences allows L+P to keep the big picture in mind, while also providing the minutiae.
How Do You Evaluate a Firm's Style Fit?
Is their aesthetic aligned with your architecture and lifestyle?
Your home’s location and architecture should inform design choices. The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) emphasises the importance of contextual design when evaluating firms (NKBA.org). L+P has shown this adaptability in coastal Nantucket homes versus hillside wine country estates. The result? Homes that feel rooted in their environment while reflecting their owners’ personalities.
Curious how L+P adapts to architecture and lifestyle? Browse their portfolio for inspiration.
Does their work feel bespoke or “just Pinterest-worthy”?
There’s a difference between spaces that are curated and ones that feel copied. L+P deliberately avoids predictable principles of design, embedding a personal narrative such as travel and influences, art and collections, and family traditions in its projects. Most recent on Nantucket is a home that harmoniously combines warmth, function, and the breeze of the coast, an experience that Zhou describes as "a world apart from the cookie-cutter Pinterest boards."
Can they balance beauty with day-to-day function?
Design must add to everyday life, rather than make it complicated. L+P interiors are luxurious and functional- imagine a family room where people play in the morning, and have cocktails in the evening. It is the balance of the livability and refinement that is at the core of their work.
What Are the Key Questions to Ask During Your First Consultation?
What is the firm’s onboarding and discovery process?
During your first chat, ask about their process. L+P’s workflow looks like this:
Discovery call
Site visit
Storytelling-driven design narrative
Mood boards + curated concepts
This ensures your vision is captured from the very start.
Want to experience the storytelling approach firsthand? Schedule your discovery call.
How does the firm communicate and how often?
Transparency builds trust. L+P prides itself on proactive updates, balancing professionalism with warmth. Clients feel guided, never left in the dark.
Can they work with your timeline and budget?
Dream timelines are one thing; reality is another. A strong firm should be honest while staying flexible. L+P works across project sizes from ground-up builds to one-room transformations with creativity and respect for your budget.
How Can You Tell If a Firm is Client-Centred?
Do they listen more than they talk?
Designers should listen deeply to both what’s said and unsaid. L+P calls this “design therapy.” For instance, in their St. Helena project, casual mentions of outdoor entertaining led to a seamless indoor-outdoor living space.
If you’re looking for a design partner who listens first, reach out to L+P today.
Will they design for your lifestyle, not just their brand aesthetic?
Every detail should reflect your real routines whether that’s child-friendly layouts, pet-proof fabrics, or a dining room made for hosting. L+P doesn’t impose a “look”; they co-create a narrative tailored to you.
What Services Should the Right Firm Offer You?
Do they provide full-service design from concept to install?
The right partner is there from the first sketch to the final reveal. L+P offers:
Ground-up builds
Renovations
Furnishing + styling
This full-service approach means you have guidance every step of the way.
Can they work with other professionals on your team?
Great design is collaborative. L+P works seamlessly with architects, contractors, and even family offices to keep the client’s story central.
Do they accommodate projects of all sizes?
Boutique is not a limited word. L+P welcomes both large-scale estates and single-room makeovers. They make a difference with their creativity regardless of the magnitude.
Looking for a firm that listens, interprets, and curates something uniquely you? Start a conversation with L+P Interiors today.
What Makes L+P Interiors a Standout Option in the U.S.?
What is the studio’s approach to interior storytelling?
Storytelling is at the core of L+P’s work. For one Bay Area family, this meant weaving in colors from their travels abroad. The result wasn’t just a home, it was a narrative.
How do past clients describe their experience?
Clients often share that “L+P captured who we are in a way we didn’t know was possible.” That’s the difference between decoration and true design.
What does “Classic with a Twist” really mean in practice?
Imagine classic lines and unique, contemporary accents. A living room can combine classic architecture and contemporary art, and make the place look timeless and lively.
Wish to have a glimpse of Classic with a Twist? Explore L+P’s portfolio.
What Are the Next Steps to Hiring L+P Interiors?
How can you reach out to start the conversation?
Ready to explore your own design story? Here’s how:
Phone: +1 (415) 987-5986
Email: hello@larkandpalm.com
Office: 4000 Bridgeway Blvd, Suite 305, Sausalito, CA 94965
Visit Our Site LP-interiors
What should you prepare when reaching out?
To make your first call smoother, come with:
Project scope
Style references
Timeline + desired start date
Location + whether you have an architect
Ready to Begin Your Design Journey?
There’s design and then there’s design that reveals your story.
If you’re ready to transform your home into a personal narrative of beauty and purpose, L+P Interiors is now accepting new residential design inquiries.
If you want a design partner who makes form and function feel effortless, start your discovery call with L+P today →
FAQs
1. What is the 3-5-7 rule in interior design?
The 3-5-7 rule is a design principle based on the idea that odd numbers create better visual balance. When arranging décor items, grouping them in sets of three, five, or seven feels more natural and pleasing to the eye than even-numbered arrangements. It’s often used in styling shelves, tables, or wall art.
2. What is the 3-4-5 rule in interior design?
The 3-4-5 rule helps maintain proportion and balance in spatial design. It’s inspired by the Pythagorean theorem, where the ratio 3:4:5 is used to achieve perfect right angles in room layouts or furniture arrangements. Designers use this rule to ensure harmony between space, form, and functionality.
3. Which company is best for interior designing in the U.S.?
There are many reputable interior design firms in the U.S., each with unique specialties. Some top names include Gensler, HOK, Rockwell Group, and Studio O+A. The best firm for you depends on your budget, project size, design preferences, and location. Always review portfolios and client testimonials before deciding.
4. What is the 70/30 rule in interior design?
The 70/30 rule suggests using 70% of one dominant style or color palette and 30% of a contrasting or complementary one. This approach creates visual interest while maintaining cohesion. For example, you can pair a modern aesthetic (70%) with rustic or vintage accents (30%) for a balanced, personalized look.
5. How can I choose the right interior design firm for my project?
To find the right interior design firm:
Define your style and budget clearly.
Research firms with experience in your desired design style.
Review portfolios and reviews online.
Request consultations to understand their process and pricing.
Choose a firm that aligns with your vision, communication style, and values for a seamless collaboration.
