A luxury interior designer in Los Angeles manages the full scope of a home. The scope includes space planning, architectural finishes, lighting, custom furniture, and final styling. Andrea Michaelson trained at the USC School of Architecture and earned her degree in Environmental Design from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. Her background covers both structure and decor. Over 25 years, her work has appeared in Architectural Digest, Luxe, Dwell, and the LA Times. She is also listed in the AD PRO Directory, Architectural Digest's vetted list of design professionals.

The cost of luxury interior design depends on the size and scope of the project. A single room refresh costs less than a full home remodel. Fees are usually set as a flat design fee, an hourly rate, or a percentage of construction cost. Projects at Andrea Michaelson Design often fall in areas like Bel Air, Beverly Hills, and Brentwood, where custom cabinetry and one-of-a-kind furniture are standard. A direct meeting is the most reliable way to get an accurate quote for a specific project.

Interior design covers what happens inside a room's existing walls: furniture, finishes, color, and lighting. Interior architecture goes further, addressing the structure itself, including walls, ceiling height, and floor plans. Andrea Michaelson's training covers both areas. Her architecture background informs structural decisions, not just decor choices. She has said she aims for a room that works well even without furniture in it. Each added piece then builds on a strong foundation, rather than covering for a weak one.

Yes. Remodeling is a significant part of the firm's work, including kitchen and bathroom updates, whole-home renovations, and historic property restorations. Kitchen and bathroom remodels currently make up a large share of ongoing projects, since these are often the first rooms homeowners choose to update. Remodels typically involve some unknowns once construction begins, such as issues behind existing walls. Andrea works through these as they come up. She adjusts the plan based on what the space actually requires.

Yes, kitchen design is one of the firm's core services, covering layout, cabinetry, countertops, lighting, and finishing details like hardware and backsplash. Past kitchen projects have used materials such as burl wood cabinetry, marble countertops, and brass accents. Because a kitchen is a functional space, the design process accounts for daily use alongside the finished look. This balance between practicality and appearance is a regular focus in kitchen projects handled by the firm.

Yes, bathroom design is another core service. Past projects have included layouts with irregular angles and limited square footage, which call for specific planning around fixtures and materials. Client feedback describes quick assessment of difficult floor plans and clear material recommendations. Bathroom projects have included soaking tubs, custom vanities, and walk-in showers, combining function with a finished look. Each layout is approached based on its own structural limits rather than a standard template.

Yes, the firm works on new construction as well as remodels, including ground-up interiors, home additions, and full home extensions. Because Andrea's training includes architecture, she can be involved from the earliest planning stages of a build rather than joining after construction is complete. This allows design decisions, like layout and finishes, to be considered alongside structural planning from the start. That can reduce the need for changes once construction is underway.

Yes. Coordinating with architects and contractors is a standard part of larger projects. A designer connects the creative plan to the people executing it. This helps keep everyone working from the same information. Andrea Michaelson Design typically works in a design/build structure. Andrea also helps select the contractor and consultant team. Clients have noted that one point of contact for both design and construction reduced miscommunication and helped keep projects on schedule.

Yes, custom furniture is a regular part of the firm's projects, particularly when standard, store-bought pieces don't fit a room's dimensions. Andrea has designed pieces such as sofas and coffee tables for specific layouts. Sourcing also includes textiles and objects from various cultures and time periods, not only new, mass-produced items. This approach comes up when a space calls for something built to its exact proportions instead of adapted to fit.

The firm is based in Venice, CA, and serves the greater Los Angeles Westside, including Bel Air, Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Culver City, Hollywood, Marina Del Rey, Pacific Palisades, Playa Del Rey, Santa Monica, and West Hollywood. Select projects outside this region have included homes in New York. Most current client work is concentrated on the Westside, where a portion of clients return for additional projects over time.

The interior design process begins with a conversation to understand a client's lifestyle, taste, and budget before any concepts are developed. From there, it moves through concept development, then material and furniture sourcing, then working drawings. Construction oversight follows if the project includes a remodel or build. Andrea works most effectively when given input on both finishes and the underlying space. Clients who have worked with the firm more than once describe the process as collaborative, with regular check-ins along the way.

Timelines for a luxury residential design project vary based on scope. A single room refresh may take a few months from concept to final styling. A full kitchen or bathroom remodel typically runs several months once construction begins. Ground-up construction or a whole-home project can take a year or more, particularly when custom materials require lead time. Remodels can also surface unexpected issues once walls are opened, which tends to extend the timeline.