Business Details
10 Years
experience
Mid-Century Modern Interior Design Experts in San Francisco
Destination Eichler began as a design blog chronicling Karen Nepacena and John Shum's restoration of a mid-century modern Eichler home in Northern California. Over nearly a decade, this passion project evolved into a boutique residential interior design firm specializing in approachable mid-century modern spaces. Our team combines deep expertise in modern design with practical problem-solving to create functional, aesthetically balanced environments. Karen Nepacena, recognized nationally as a mid-century modern authority, has shared her expertise through publications like Dwell and HGTV Magazine, as well as her 2023 book Midcentury Modern Style.Our small but mighty team includes Associate Designers Aisha and Olivia, who bring specialized skills in product curation, spatial planning, and 3D modeling. We prioritize client collaboration, offering tailored services from single-room transformations to full-home renovations. Our process begins with in-depth consultations to understand client needs, followed by detailed proposals outlining project scope and costs. With a focus on both form and function, we guide clients through every stagefrom budget planning to installationto ensure spaces reflect their unique lifestyles while honoring mid-century design principles.
Services
Spatial Planning
Kitchen Design
Bathroom Design
3D Modeling
Furniture Selection
Color Direction
Contractor Management
Full-Home Renovation
Details
- Year established: 2016
Highlights and features
- Recognized mid-century modern design authority with national media features
- Principal designer with 10+ years of Eichler home restoration expertise
- Team combines interior design, 3D modeling, and product curation skills
- Client-focused process with detailed project scoping and budget planning
- Award-winning approach blending vintage elements with modern functionality
What people say
Highly talented designer
Elegant balance of new and timeless
Bright contemporary multi-use space
Fast to respond
Design solutions on point
Services
Initial Design Consultation
Our 2-hour in-home consultation includes a space evaluation, style preference discussion, and preliminary budget planning. We create customized proposals with detailed project scopes and cost estimates tailored to your specific needs. This foundational session ensures alignment before beginning any design project.
Spatial Planning
We analyze existing layouts to create functional, aesthetically pleasing configurations. Our team uses 2D/3D modeling to visualize flow improvements while maintaining mid-century modern design integrity across residential spaces of all sizes.
Kitchen Design
Specializing in mid-century modern kitchen transformations, we balance form and function through cabinet layout optimization, appliance selection, and material choices that enhance both usability and vintage aesthetic appeal in residential environments.
Bathroom Design
Our bathroom designs integrate modern functionality with mid-century elements through fixture selection, layout improvements, and material choices. We create spa-like environments while preserving architectural authenticity in Eichler and modern-style homes.
3D Modeling
We employ advanced 3D modeling to help clients visualize design concepts before implementation. This technology enables precise spatial planning, material selection, and layout adjustments to ensure optimal outcomes for residential renovation projects.
People
Karen Nepacena
Principal Designer
Recognized mid-century modern authority with 10+ years of Eichler home expertise. Published author of 'Midcentury Modern Style' and featured in Dwell and HGTV Magazine. Specializes in merging vintage aesthetics with modern functionality.
Aisha
Associate Designer
Graphic design graduate with 15+ years of creative experience. Expert in product sourcing, curation, and space organization. Brings unique perspective combining visual design with functional interior solutions for modern residential spaces.
Olivia
Associate Designer
Former design intern turned key team member. Holds Associates Degree in Interior Design from FIDM and BFA in Interior Architecture. Specializes in 3D renderings, product sourcing, and technical aspects of design implementation.
John Shum
Co-Founder
Industrial engineering graduate who developed the original Destination Eichler blog. Manages website operations, project photography, and digital marketing. Provides technical expertise and project management support for design implementations.
Questions
What interior design services do you offer?
We provide spatial planning, kitchen/bathroom design, 3D modeling, furniture selection, color direction, contractor management, and full-home renovation services tailored to mid-century modern aesthetics.
Do you work with non-Eichler homes?
While we specialize in Eichler homes, our mid-century modern expertise applies to various architectural styles. We've successfully transformed contemporary and traditional homes with modern design elements.
What areas do you serve?
Our primary service area includes Northern California, with frequent projects in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Gatos, Concord, and San Francisco.
How does the design consultation process work?
We begin with a 2-hour in-home consultation to assess your space, discuss needs and budget, then provide a detailed proposal outlining project scope and costs.
Can you help with just one room?
Yes, we offer single-room transformations including kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas while maintaining cohesive design principles throughout your home.
