Paula Portet Designs

We hired Paula Portet to reimagine Carmel Highlands home in Carmel, CA - and oh wow did she ever. She took us from a dated mid 70s design to an ultra fresh modern airy home, completely unique to any property I had been in. She added symmetry and made sure that the house had an amazing indoor/outdoor flow with fresh and neutral palettes. She took time to listen to our needs while making suggestions that fit our family’s lifestyle. Her lovely personality makes the renovation feel much more approachable than I initially thought. ABSOLUTE LIFE SAVER.

I searched on Houzz to find a designer to work with that would match my design aesthetic, who would be able to give me ideas to create a warm and inviting home. I discovered Paula and she has been a pleasure to work with!! Paula's international background and wine country lifestyle comes though in her design. This is the look and feel and I was wanting to create in my home. I utilized Paula's design consultation service. She has given me a design plan to implement throughout my home as well as the exterior. Paula has checked back in with me several times as my projects are moving forward, and answering additional questions I had. I will continue to work with Paula and highly recommend her.

Paula came to my home to help me with lighting, fabrics, and a rug. The moment my husband and I met Paula she was like breath of fresh air. She is up-beat, respectful, and very pleasant to work with. My project was small but sometimes it is the little things that make a big difference in how you feel about your home and surroundings. It was a pleasant surprise to see my home through Paula's eyes. Her ideas gave me confidence in choosing the items I needed to complete my dining room and entryway. I would ask for Paula's help with any project I may have in the future.

Paula is professional, courteous, efficient and most importantly, competent in her trade. Responded to all my texts and emails quickly. She was able to walk into a room and expertly give several recommendations as well as draft a detailed plan moving forward. She is great with color. Has a talented eye for design. Makes it look easy! Will hire again.

Paula was amazing to work with! Her work resulted in what came to be our dream home. She has the vision and an eye for what it would take to make something ordinary quite spectacular. We entertain in our home quite a bit and judging from the expressions and compliments we receive from our guests as they explore the home, they definitely are in awe with every detail that creates an overall feeling of being welcomed in well-appointed surroundings. Almost like visiting a boutique hotel. Paula did an excellent job updating everything, most especially the kitchen, the baths, and especially transforming the outdoor landscaping. She knew exactly what it would take to maximize the potential of the home: -she put skylights, windows and french doors to infuse the home with natural light, positioned these in such a way that one sees an amazing view (especially sunsets!) out of every window and french door, -she put antique wooden beams by the family room to create a feeling of warmth, -she custom-made the kitchen island to incorporate a huge workspace over antique cabinetry, -for the front yard, she created a meandering pathway to the front patio and planned the foliage to be aesthetically pleasing and organic yet have privacy from neighbors' sight lines -and designed the outdoor landscaping to create a wonderful and relaxing backyard with an edible garden -she even had the foresight to include a hand-crafted pizza oven and playhouse for our kids there! It's no wonder her work was recently published in Napa Valley Life Magazine!

Paula is a great easy going person to work with, great ideas and eye for colors. Keep up the great work