Top Interior Designers in San Francisco
So, you’ve got a blank wall staring back at you, or maybe your “temporary” IKEA setup from five years ago is still holding on for dear life. Either way, if you’re asking yourself, “Where can I find the top interior designers in San Francisco?”—you’re in the right place.
San Francisco isn’t just about fog, tech startups, and overpriced avocado toast—it’s also a hub for world-class design. The city is bursting with talented interior designers who can turn your Pinterest board dreams into real-life spaces. In this guide, we’ll cover the best interior designers in San Francisco, sprinkle in some insider tips, and help you figure out who might be the perfect fit for your style (and budget).
Let’s get in.
1. Jay Jeffers – Luxe with a Playful Twist
- Location: 1035 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94109
- Style Vibe: Bold, luxurious, yet never stuffy. Think statement pieces that feel collected over time.
- Why He’s Top-Tier: Jay Jeffers has been featured in Architectural Digest and Elle Décor. He’s known for mixing high-end elegance with personality.
I once saw one of his projects online where he paired a velvet sofa with quirky art pieces—it looked like a billionaire’s bachelor pad, but one you’d actually want to hang out in.
2. Noz Design – Small Space Magic
- Location: Mission District, SF
- Style Vibe: Eclectic, colorful, and super functional (perfect for city apartments).
- Why Locals Love Her: Founder Noz Nozawa has been called one of the most innovative designers in the Bay Area. She excels at maximizing small spaces without sacrificing style.
Living in San Francisco often means your “dining room” is also your office, gym, and cat’s playroom. Noz is the designer for that challenge.
👉 Explore Noz Design
3. Applegate Tran Interiors – Drama Meets Sophistication
- Location: 1035 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94103
- Style Vibe: Dramatic, bold, and architectural. Perfect if you love a “wow” factor.
- Why They Stand Out: Founders Vernon Applegate and Gioi Tran bring an international flair to their designs, often mixing global inspiration with Bay Area cool.
Fun fact: According to Forbes Home, investing in professional interior design can boost property value by up to 20%. That’s not just pretty pillows—it’s ROI, my friend.
👉 Check out Applegate Tran
4. Kendall Wilkinson Design – Classic Elegance
- Location: 3419 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94118
- Style Vibe: Timeless, chic, and sophisticated. Think luxury hotels but livable.
- Why She’s a Go-To: Kendall Wilkinson has been designing for over two decades and is a staple in the San Francisco design scene. She’s been published in House Beautiful and Veranda.
If your dream home screams “wine nights with a side of elegance,” Kendall’s your gal.
👉 Visit Kendall Wilkinson Design
5. ODADA (Orlando Diaz-Azcuy Design Associates) – Minimalist Icons
- Location: 461 Bush St, San Francisco, CA 94108
- Style Vibe: Minimalist, serene, and ultra-refined.
- Why It Matters: Founder Orlando Diaz-Azcuy is considered one of America’s top designers and has influenced countless modern design trends.
Ever walk into a space and feel instantly calmer? That’s the ODADA effect.
6. Niche Interiors – Sustainable & Stylish
- Location: San Francisco Bay Area
- Style Vibe: Clean, modern, and eco-conscious.
- Why Choose Them: Niche Interiors is a Certified Green Business, meaning they design with sustainability in mind. Perfect for the eco-friendly SF lifestyle.
Plus, let’s be real—who doesn’t want a home that looks amazing and reduces your carbon footprint? 🌱
👉 Check out Niche Interiors
7. Heather Hilliard Design – Bespoke Luxury
- Location: 1940 Union St, San Francisco, CA 94123
- Style Vibe: High-end, custom, and detail-driven.
- Why She’s Sought After: Heather Hilliard is known for blending classic and contemporary elements to create homes that feel curated, not cookie-cutter.
Her portfolio looks like the kind of place you’d expect to see in Architectural Digest—because, well, it has.
👉 Visit Heather Hilliard Design
Quick Comparison: Top Designers by Vibe
- Playful Luxe: Jay Jeffers
- Small Space Genius: Noz Design
- Bold & Dramatic: Applegate Tran Interiors
- Timeless Elegance: Kendall Wilkinson
- Minimalist Mastery: ODADA
- Eco-Friendly Style: Niche Interiors
- Bespoke Luxury: Heather Hilliard
Insider Tips for Hiring Interior Designers in SF
- Know Your Budget: Some of these firms start projects at $50k+, while others are more flexible.
- Ask About Process: Do they do full-service design, or can they help with just one room?
- Check Portfolios: Every designer has a “signature” style—make sure it vibes with your taste.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Ask: From pricing to timelines, transparency is key.
Conclusion: So, Who Are the Top Interior Designers in San Francisco?
From luxurious icons like Kendall Wilkinson to eco-conscious innovators like Niche Interiors, San Francisco’s design scene has something for everyone. Whether you’re renovating a Victorian in Pacific Heights or upgrading a SoMa loft, the right designer can make your space not just pretty, but truly you.
Personally, I’d say start by checking out Westside Market’s counterpart in SF, the Design Center, then short-list the designers who match your vibe.
So… which of these designers will you call first? Remember: your home deserves better than IKEA instructions and a wobbly Allen wrench.
Sarah Johnson have over 15 years of experience in residential design, she specializes in creating stylish, functional spaces that feel like home. Her work has been featured in Better Homes & Gardens and Architectural Digest, and through HouzGem, she shares practical tips and inspiration to help readers transform their living spaces with confidence and creativity.
