What Sets a Boutique Interior Design Firm Apart?
Ever wondered what working with a boutique interior design firm actually means—and why it matters for your home? While designing studios for major corporations view design as a commodity, boutique firms tend to render design services on a more personal level. These firms strike a balance between aesthetics and utility that actually supports how you live!
That's precisely what L+P, a leading interior design firm based in Sausalito, California, has cultivated a reputation for. Since launching in 2018, L+P has designed homes that are not only beautiful but that tell the stories of the people who live in them as well. If you want to build a family retreat in Belvedere, a modern retreat in Napa, or a getaway in Nantucket, it is simple: form meets function, guided by storytelling.
Thinking about transforming your space? Whether it’s a dream kitchen or a full-home renovation, let L+P tell your story → Contact L+P
Defining Boutique — It’s Personal, Not Just Small
When people hear the word boutique, they often think “small.” But in the world of interior design, boutique means something much deeper. It’s not about headcount—it’s about philosophy.
A boutique interior design firm is intimate, collaborative, and hands-on. At L+P, the founding team will be involved in every aspect of your project. There are no cookie-cutter solutions, and no one gets "lost in the shuffle." The project will feel like a collaboration.
Boutique design firms like L+P prioritise:
Creative collaboration: Close working relationships with homeowners, architects, and contractors.
Leadership at the table: principal designers are engaged, not removed.
Storytelling through space: Each room is a reflection of the people who are living there.
As the team often says: “We don’t just design rooms — we design the stories that unfold in them.”
Personalized Interior Design: Listening First
One of the key benefits of engaging a boutique firm is the personalization factor. At L+P, we embrace the concept of personalization off the bat by listening. Instead of diving directly into concepts, our team takes the necessary time to understand your lifestyle, goals, and family uniqueness.
Meetings, inspiration boards, and creative briefs are not just exercises in bureaucracy; these are the steps to design that touch the heart.
Case in point: The Belvedere Home.
A young family desired a room that would be timeless and practical. The result? A contemporary-classic style that was neither too sophisticated nor too comfortable. Custom furnishings were incorporated with playful details to create a home that is warm, inviting, and functional for busy family life.
As L+P puts it: “Our process always starts with who our clients are, not what trends say they should like.”
Want a home that tells your story? L+P innovates design by fully immersing in your lifestyle → Start here
Full-Service, Boutique Touch: Beyond Furniture Selection
Some people think interior design is just about picking furniture. In reality, a full-service boutique firm like L+P goes far beyond that.
From ground-up builds to renovations and furnishing projects, L+P manages every detail. That includes coordinating with architects, overseeing contractors, and sourcing bespoke materials—all while making sure the design vision stays intact.
Take the St. Helena project.
L+P designed the second home in a manner that it would be easy to entertain in. It was a modern comfort combined with rustic elegance. It became the ideal family home for a weekend in wine country. The team worked closely alongside builders, artisans, and craftspeople to make sure every finish told the same story, from wood beams to stone countertops.
Forbes states that hiring an interior designer can even save homeowners time and money by keeping the lines of communication clear with contractors. At L+P, these benefits come with the character of a personal music box or a boutique art gallery.
Elevation Without Pretension: The “Classic with a Twist” Philosophy
One phrase captures the L+P design style best: Classic with a Twist.
This philosophy means designs are beautiful and timeless yet never unimaginative. The team adds in personality, playful details, and modern accents that make homes feel like 'something more than another project.'
L+P honoured the local coastal vernacular, but in a way that pushed the limits—a few unexpected textures, selected art pieces, and colours that reflected the homeowner's sense of adventure.
As Founding Principal, Ansley Majit believes great design should feel as individual as the people living in it.
Curious how we elevate a space without losing its soul? Let’s explore together → Contact L+P
Boutique Means Access — From Studio to Site
When you hire a boutique interior design firm, you’re not just another client number. You get direct access to your design team.
At L+P, you’ll work with:
Ansley Majit – Founding Principal, known for her “Classic with a Twist” aesthetic.
Megan Bettor – Studio Director with 20+ years of production experience.
Malia Lucey – Junior Designer, bringing a fresh perspective.
Grace Heller – Design Assistant who ensures details don’t get overlooked.
Because L+P is boutique, your project always has their attention. Communication is transparent, timelines are respected, and you never feel “out of the loop.”
Or as the team puts it: “Your designers should feel like a second brain or an empathetic right hand.”
Results That Reflect Life (and Dreams!)
At the end of the day, great design isn’t just about looks. It’s about life.
That’s why L+P tailors their approach to suit each client’s needs - whether it’s a big project or a small one. Not every project has to be a major renovation. Sometimes, a well-thought-out redesign of one room can allow daily life to take on a new meaning.
Example: Bay Area Cottage Refresh.
In a small house in San Francisco, L+P remodeled the kitchen to living transitions, where the former cramped space was turned into a light and useful centre of the house. No grand rebuild—just smart design that made everyday living feel joyful.
As L+P sees it, no two homes—or homeowners—are ever alike. And that’s the point.
How to Know if a Boutique Firm Is Right for You
Wondering if a boutique interior design firm is the right choice for you? Ask yourself:
Do I want a design process where I’m deeply involved?
Am I looking for something beyond a copy-paste Pinterest home?
Do I value direct access to the people designing my space?
Do I want a design that reflects my story, not just a trend?
If you’re nodding “yes,” then working with L+P may be the perfect fit.
Reach out to L+P Interiors in Sausalito for a discovery call: Start your project
More Than Just Design — It’s a Story Well Lived
Choosing a boutique interior design firm means choosing connection, creativity, and care. At L+P, every home is designed as a reflection of the lives inside it—where architecture, environment, and dreams meet.
From Belvedere to St. Helena to Nantucket, L+P has been trusted to tell beautiful stories through design. Yours could be next.
Ready to start your next design chapter? Schedule an intro with L+P here → Connect today -
Office Address: 4000 Bridgeway Blvd, Suite 305 - Sausalito, CA 94965
📞 +1 (415) 987-5986
📧 hello@larkandpalm.com
