Blackband Design

Over the past several years, I have had the privilege and pleasure to collaborate with Blackband Design on numerous residential projects throughout Southern California. As a professional in the design and construction industry, Blackband Design is always my first recommendation when asked by homeowners and clientele. As an architect, it’s important to work with an interior designer to not only be able to understand the plans on paper but to be part of the team that brings the vision of the project to a built reality. Interior design is much more than just picking materials, colors, and finishes. Designers must have the knowledge of the design and construction process. Blackband Design knows that process! Many homeowners do not realize crucial decision making starts very early in the construction process from when the rough trades need to know what, where, and how finishes are being placed. Blackband knows when the critical path decisions have to be completed and they are there each step of the way on behalf of our clients to make sure the project keeps moving forward on time and on budget. Blackband’s team of designers work seamlessly with all the construction trades in the field through their own detailed drawings and product cut-sheets binders which is essential for communication in the design and construction industry. Every time Blackband Design and Stand Architects are commissioned to work on the same project, we have the same mutual respect and admiration from early concept to final install which makes every home a success for our clients. Steve Stand AIA NCARB LEED AP Stand Architects, Inc.

It has been a pleasure working with the team at Blackband Design for the past few years. Not only do they have a great eye and keep their designs fresh and specific to each client, they are a very professional organization that we enjoy working with. Their team is incredibly responsive, has a clear understanding of the construction process and key deadlines, and always comes prepared with specs, drawings and schematics to help us execute their designs in the field. Working with an interior designer who has these skills is invaluable as it helps the project stay on schedule and on budget, which is very important to our team and the client. We also know there is no project too large for them, as we built a custom home that was over 14,000 square feet which has since won awards for its interior design, and our experience with Blackband on that home specifically was phenomenal. An interior designer who can not only come up with a beautiful design but also professionally spec out the details in a timely manner is our preferred type of designer to work with, and we can confidently say Blackband Design is that type of firm. We highly recommend Blackband Design to any client looking to hire an interior designer for their next project.

Blackband Design is simply the best. From their collaborative design approach, to their incredibly professional and friendly staff, and their impeccable attention to detail and customer satisfaction, I thoroughly enjoyed working with the entire team for our nearly 24-month project. Having worked with other design houses in the area, I really appreciated their flexibility in always offering multiple options for furnishings and pieces at varying price points. I also appreciated how they seamlessly worked with me and my contractor during my extensive remodel, assisting with the selection of tile, stone, and fixtures. In the end, they delivered my perfect dream home. Every space they touched catered perfectly to function and form, and looked luxurious, comfortable, and livable. I highly recommend this talented group of awesome people!

Blackband is the only design firm that I let decorate my house. We have used them for 4 rooms now. Their attention to detail, profesionalism and impeccable customer service is why we keep coming back. I constantly recommend them to my neighbors and family. We have loved working in the past with Wendy and recently with Mary and Brittany!

Blackband was incredible to work with. They are not only stylish and talented, but also very reliable. I highly recommend them. We will and have hired them again!

Ashley did the design work for my Irvine Terrace house which had been pulled down to the studs and renovated in 2017. Ashley is a great listener and a pleasure to work with. Blackband is also very good with creative use of wallpaper (both in terms of design and installation) - which ended up being a cost-effective way to make an impact. At the start of the project, I had told Ashley that I wanted the end product to end up being natural and understated, not overdone, and she did a great job in managing to that request.

Massive Renovation! Blackband Design was there for every step of the way. Selecting materials from stone to carpet and decorative pillows. Space planning every room, detailed closets layouts and a very stylish Butlers Pantry. Start to Finish! And today the family is absolutely in love with the end result of our Beautiful Home! The entire job exceeded our expectations by miles. The Project Management was simply outstanding and the presentation with design boards and materials was impressive. It was an absolute pleasure to deal with the Blackband Design Team. After interviewing other design firms, we knew Blackband was the one. Rachel Azzolina was our lead designer and Jaidyn O. assisted on the project along with the expertise of Wendy, Greg Blackband and entire Blackband Design Team. Blackband and our Design Lead Rachel really listened to what we wanted and understood our intention of how our family wanted to live in our home. The success of the project came from the knowledge, education, attention to detail and the efficient running of the “back office” at Blackband. Items were ordered and delivered when expected. Rachel was prepared, on time and always happy and fun to work with. She took the time and initiative to meet with the General Contractor, House Architect, Landscape Architect and whomever else just to make sure what we wanted happened. Having the Blackband Design Team is worth every penny. There were lots savings on costly mistakes and valuable time. They are very mindful of staying on budget and are realistic to the price of the budget. Helping us make good decisions throughout the project. Blackband and especially Rachel built a personalized relationship. We have happily referred them on to family, friends and neighbors and have had such great feedback from them. We will be entrusting Blackband with a whole new project and are looking forward to it.

My husband and I just completed a new -build in Corona Del Mar with the help of Blackband Design. I don't know where to begin. From our first initial meeting with Wendy; to all of our follow up meetings with Rachel Azzolina and Lauren Brown . . . we were AMAZED at their professionalism. I have never worked with a designer before and was a bit nervous not knowing what to expect, or if they would even be able to work within our budget. They quickly put all my fears aside. Rachel and Lauren TRULY listened to what we wanted and executed those ideas to the best of their ability. Rachel is totally "hands on" and sees that EVERY detail is complete; even after we moved in. I cannot recommend them enough. Thank you Blackband for helping make our dream home become a reality!

We had a great experience working with the Blackband design team from start to finish on our new build in Bel Air. We absolutely loved working with Greg and Wendy Blackband and Ashley Porter. They all played a crucial role in designing our dream home. From surface and material specifications to custom furnishings we were guided through the entire design process professionally and seemlessly. They handled everything with our project from the purchasing and scheduling to the complete installation process. We were able to create a home that blended our own personal style with their unique aesthetic . We could not be happier with how our home turned out. They took our vision and added unexpected elements to make it even better than we could have imagined ! Thank you Blackband Design!

In a word - GREAT. Ashley Porter and Ashley Giaimo-Dolan at Blackband are talented, friendly and down to earth. From the presentation of a "design board" for each of the rooms I was doing to the AMAZING day of installation, it was a great experience. They communicated with me all through the process and were always very responsive and nice to work with. My house looks and feels "finished" now and I love it. I would highly recommend Blackband Design (and Ashley & Ashley).

After buying a home in Corona del Mar in 2013 I decided it was time to make it my own and completely redo the furnishings and overall style. I had heard of Blackband Design through contractors in the area as well as in some local publications and was attracted to their work. Upon making an appointment, I met with Ashley Porter and Ashley Giaimo-Dolan at my house to begin to discuss ideas for my living room, dining room, kitchen, master bedroom and two bathrooms. A few weeks later we met at Blackband's office and I was overjoyed at the options presented to me. I really enjoyed working with both Ashleys! The entire process was fun and exciting and I am very very happy with how my home turned out. The reclaimed wood wall we did really makes the home unique and adds some "beach cottage charm." When friends and neighbors come over I get tons of complements on every aspect of the furnishings and accents. I would highly recommend Blackband to anyone who asks. Both Ashley's have a very high attention to detail and are extremely focused on customer satisfaction. They are wonderful!! (pictures to be uploaded to Houzz shortly) :-)

We hired Blackband when we moved into a much larger (not very cozy) house and they did an excellent job turning it into OUR home. We had never worked with designers before but were too overwhelmed to do it ourselves. Ashely Porter & Ashley Dolan created a layout, overall colors & look, window coverings, fabrics, paint etc with such ease... and we love it! In fact, we just hired them again for another project!