We are so excited to introduce you to this talented budding designer and the beautiful work of Marin Design Co. When renovating this home, the goal was to transform the somewhat crowded bungalow into a light, breathable space with plenty of texture and livability. With the airiest layout and an expert eye for detail, Marin hit the nail on the head and is continuing to make waves in the Sacramento area and beyond.

Design by Marin Design Co. | Photography by Nicole Dianne Photography | Build by AJ Construction and Remodeling Inc.

Hi Marin! We’re such fans of your work so far. Tell us a little about yourself.

First off, thank you so much, as someone who is just starting out, to be recognized on this level is really humbling and assures me that I am finally doing what I am supposed to do. I am a boy mom to three wonderful boys, when I am not designing, I am spending time with them and my husband. I am very lucky that my husband is also very passionate about design and architecture, so a perfect “date” for us is hiring a babysitter and going to lunch and open houses (especially while traveling!). When I am able to steal a moment for myself (sans kids, husband, dogs)– I love to curl up with a good glass of wine and an audiobook.

This dreamy kitchen is beautifully breezy while its darker wood floors keep it grounded. The gold finishes feel sophisticated and playful while the stools and artwork add homey texture and personality.

Ranch House is stunning - we love the light and bright elements paired with the colorful artwork. How did you come to pick these specific art pieces?

Thank you so much! Collecting art has always been a passion of mine. As a child, we moved a lot, and I loved that no matter where we went our walls were covered in familiar artwork – it made every new house a home. My mom was an Art History major and always talked to me about the importance of art, and then I was lucky enough to gain an extremely talented artist as a mother-in-law (Cindy Wilson Art). She has been instrumental in teaching me about acquiring local art.

90% of the art on the walls of the Ranch House are from local Sacramento artists. When working with a client to curate art, I want to know what speaks to them - what styles they like, what they envision in their own homes, and what artwork stands out in their memory. For example, at the Ranch House, we talked a lot about growing up boating on the river, so I found a piece by Richard Stein that shows the beautiful curvature of the Delta and surrounding fields.

Wherever you turn inside this kaleidoscope of a home, there is elevated beauty, thoughtful color, and intentional detail.

You describe your work as “light and airy with a combination of textures and layered elements to lend interest to the space.” How did you discover your personal style? What are some ways in which it has changed since you started designing?

After designing three homes for our growing family, I learned that I love the feel of a bright and airy space, but I also want that space to feel comfortable and cozy. After lots of trial and error (with paint, dark cabinets, bulky and dark furniture, etc.), I learned bright/airy and cozy/comfortable can be achieved with the finishing touches – pillows, throws, baskets, paintings, interesting objects. By keeping the overall design neutral, I can layer in these additional textures for a comfortable and inviting space.   

With that said, I have a lot of clients reaching out and requesting the classic all-white kitchen and white walls (which is what I showcase in my portfolio, so it makes complete sense), but I am itching for a challenge. I am ready to try a dark and moody space that still has my signature airy feel.

We were struck by the stunning art pieces found throughout the home, and loved finding out that multiple pieces were sourced from local artists. By utilizing a neutral base for the wall colors, the paintings shine that much more and add an unexpected touch that keeps the space fresh and unique.

These bedrooms each feel like their own cozy oasis. The simple added touches leave the rooms feeling calm, quiet, and ready to wrap you up in a Sunday nap or a few hours of reading.

You majored in Social Work at USC - how did interior design come into the picture?

I’ve always had a love for interior design and when my husband and I bought our first home in 2012, my love grew with every project we completed. The house was a 1925 bungalow in a beautiful tree-lined neighborhood in Sacramento known for its Craftsman bungalows and Tudor Revival homes. We quickly got to work fixing the house up and I think it was the first time I considered switching careers. But it just wasn’t the right time for our family.

 I finally decided to make the [very intimidating] leap in March of 2020 – so right when everything hit. I think the one thing that the pandemic forced us all to do was slow down and really look within and figure out what brings us joy. I made myself sit with these thoughts and decided to be the best version of myself for my family, and especially for my boys, I needed to follow my passion. Once I finally made the decision, I got to work on researching the best interior design courses and how to successfully set up an interior design business.

Has social work come into play in your interior design career?

Absolutely. Social work is one of those degrees that will benefit you no matter what you decide to do with it. At its foundation, social work is about listening and communicating effectively with people from all walks of life. These skills have been crucial when working with clients.

What is your favorite part of the design process?

I love so many parts of the process: when the design comes together and my vision is actualized, collaborating with different trades, or when inspiration hits for a certain space and it consumes my mind. I could go on and on, but what I have slowly learned I love the most is when my clients’ faces light up from a space we created. It was hard for me to give up social work – it brought me a lot of satisfaction working with patients and my biggest fear switching careers was I wouldn’t be helping people anymore. What I have learned so far is that I am still able to bring joy into people’s lives through design, and that makes it all worth it.

Step outdoors to be welcomed into an authentic California experience - complete with gorgeous outdoor seating, enough dining for the whole gang, and the pool of your dreams. The home subtly transitions from indoor to outdoor with the large windows leading the way.

We love the way you’ve styled this project - what tips do you have for bringing in a clean and collected final touch to a space?

Thank you! I believe it’s all about balance. By mixing different styles (modern with traditional, coastal with moody, clean and collected), the space feels intentional and balanced. In the Ranch House, I started with a neutral backdrop and then slowly added in the textural elements – everything was intentionally picked and placed (and tweaked over and over). Sometimes I feel like a broken record, but the words I say repeatedly to my clients are balance and intention. I believe these two things are the key to making any space feel complete.

If you’re as in love with this project as we are, check out Marin’s portfolio for more, and be sure to follow her on Instagram! We’re so excited to see everything this talented designer has to offer.