Michael Friedes Design Associates

Michael is terrific to work with. We installed some significant artwork in his clients beautiful home in the Berkeley Hills and a large house in noe Valley. I would be happy to work with him again. More...

Reviewed on Houzz

Michael did a fantastic job designing the interiors and exterior of a large residential remodel in the town of Ross. As the project architect I was very impressed by his sophisticated use of materials and color to create an inspiring environment. Although the home was historic his decisions made the spaces feel very alive and full of surprise. I would not hesitate to recommend him on all types of residential work. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Great design sense and attention to detail. I've never hired a designer before, and I've been very happy with his advice. Result is beautiful and elegant to look at, but also comfortable and inviting to actually use.

Reviewed on Houzz

Michael has what I would call an innate aesthetic sense for what's spot-on right for your living environment. It's an intuitive sense for color, composition, textures, etc. that simply can't be taught. You either have the talent or you don't. Michael Friedes has it. More...

Reviewed on Houzz

I've worked with Michael on several projects large and small. I trust him implicitly. Most recently, Michael and team helped us with an extensive remodel/interior design of three main rooms in our house, including a large living room, dining room, and den/bar. The results were amazing. Visually stunning, yet functional and comfortable. We love our new space and are proud to share with our friends and family. More...

Reviewed on Houzz

I have known Michael for several years, as professional contacts to each other, and we are now doing a project together. What impressed me going in to this project was his organization - coordination with his staff, the homeowner and the project scope, including concept drawing, photos and materials selections.
As contractor we are doing the physical work but the project goals are well stated upfront and that makes our job easier an the end results more assured.
The first of many jobs I expect. More...

Reviewed on Houzz

Michael is very experienced, has a great eye, and able to tailor the project to the client. He has his own suggestions but also was open to our ideas. Our house remodel is far more beautiful thanks to his efforts. More...

Reviewed on Houzz

Michael has a terrific eye for creative and elegant designs. His instincts are great and "final products" outstanding. We've been very pleased.

Reviewed on Houzz

What a brilliant designer! Michael was my designer for both my East Bay home and my home in the wine country. He has a way of designing to my taste, while bringing me to a new level. He brought my projects in on budget and on time - a rarity. His design sense is impeccable - I'm amazed at what he can do with color and he has an uncanny eye for detail. He also cares about how we actually live in our house. He designed the most comfortable and beautiful sofa ever- with stain resistant fabric. Perfect! He also created storage space I never would have thought of. But I think what really got me was that he wasn't satisfied our house was complete until the bookcases and tables were acccessorized. Now that's a designer who cares.

I've lived all over and with Michael, designing my home(s) was actually fun! He's is a native New Yorker so if had to sum up his style, it's New York chic meets California casual. It's great to work with a designer who truly makes a house a home. More...

Reviewed on Houzz

I have photographed for many Interior Designers as well as Architects and Builders and I can unequivocally say that his work is some of the best and most original that I have seen in my 30 years in this business. I have many shots of his work in my portfolio and enjoy his easy going style and great sense of color and design More...

Reviewed on Houzz

As an industry professional, I have known Michael for 8 years. I have seen his fantastic interior design work, his award winning product design work and personally worked with Michael to bring selections from his firm's art collection (from original designs and collaborations) to a national industry wholesale art company, making them available to consumers. In every aspect of Michael's design 'life' he approaches a project with a fresh, unique and extraordinary awareness of the space before anything else happens. The final result is always stunning, seamless and WOW...!! One of his many rare gifts is the ability to combine a client's collection of art and artifact with a modern aesthetic that pleases the most discerning.

He is one of the best kept secrets in the design business and after he completes the design and implementation of my 'funky' garden studio, I am going to send professional photos of the makeover to all appropriate industry media and work to expose him to as many of the 'right' clients as possible...yes, I'm a fan...!! More...

Reviewed on Houzz

When asking Michael how one would describe his style, his answer was "Fabulous"! It is certainly the case when you look at all the beautiful interiors he has created with his clients in the Bay Area. We have been collaborating with Michael via the famous San Francisco Decorator Showcase House for years now. Not only Michael has a great sensitivity for color and design but he knows how to do it all with a big smile. More...

Reviewed on Houzz

I worked with Michael and his adorable associates Halley and Heather on a nursery project. They were some of the best designers I have ever worked with. They were willing to take risks, but also knew what they were looking for, and which is a great combination. I've been in a lot of well decorated homes in my business, and was super impressed by the beautiful and innovative style and cohesive design decisions made in this home. They are all very kind, easy to work with, and have great taste. More...

Reviewed on Houzz

Well, first I'll say that I hate anything that has to do with interior design or shopping - just to get that out there. I do know what I like, but I can't tell you until I see what I don't like. I appreciated working with Michael because he was willing to keep my style present, but gently push me to experiment a bit.

I needed to do a make over of my house after a recent transition. Michael was really great at showing me a lot of new furniture possibilities, but he was also totally willing to let me hang on to some of the old stuff that I really liked. He made the old and the new work really great together. I had the entire interior painted and all the colors looked great. He brought in new art for the walls that really made the place feel right.

Michael was great on all the little details. Every single piece of furniture and every piece of art was strategically placed to look their best.

I had Michael back recently to help me with new window coverings. Had a great experience once again and everything was installed carefully and looks great.” More...

Reviewed on Houzz

Michael, Michael, Michael. Can't live with him, can't live without him. (In a good way!)

I met Michael through a mutual client whose house he decorated and I absolutely fell in love with his aesthetic. Modern, yet cozy... elegant, yet hip... but ultimately immaculate.

Fast forward a year later, I look to opening my new nail salon in Jack London Square, called Rock & Polish. (Yes, shameless plug!) I knew what I wanted, but didn't know how to achieve it. I knew I loved organic items, wood, polished cement, I loved the masculine design yet with the perfect feminine touches.

Michael was kind enough to spend the time with me really understanding my taste, my vision, my wants, & my desires of how I wanted the salon to look. I wanted it too look like no other nail salon anyone had seen before.

He took my hand and guided me through the process. Picking out wallpapers, paint colors, artwork, furniture. I will say, sometimes you've got to just blindly trust him. As a self-confessed control freak, it was hard, but I'm so SO glad that I did.

Michael's eye for details and perfection and absolutely exquisite taste makes you feel like a million bucks. He stayed within my color palette and understood working with a budget, but he made it happen.

There were moments in the process where I'm pretty sure I had an ulcer from worry and relinquishing control of my project, but the moment it all came together, I knew it was perfect. I couldn't have asked for more.

Thank you Michael Friedes, along with your team, Halley, Anna, Ann, & anyone else I may have missed. xoxo Hire MFDA, you'll be so happy you did. More...

Reviewed on Houzz

Michael recently moved his practice into our building in Emeryville and converted what was a dilapidated space into a very beautiful office suite.  He rearranged walls into a configuration I would never have imagined.  In addition to his vision of what the space should look like I was extremely impressed with his knowledge of materials and use of color and texture.  His eye for how a space should look is fantastic, if not magical.  I have worked with designers in the past and would easily say he is one of the best designers I've ever met.  I heartily recommend his services to anyone. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Michael has helped me and many of my clients for interior design. Michale and his team are experts and very easy to work with. Michael is very intuitive when it come to working with people. his experience and network of people are a key when it comes to get the job done. I highly recommend Michael for all of your interior design needs. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

I have worked with Michael and his assistants on several projects.  They are some of the best designers I have ever worked with.  I've been in a lot of well decorated homes in my business, and was super impressed by the beautiful and innovative style and cohesive design decisions made for his clients.  I would describe his style as contemporary, cohesive, calming.  They are all very kind, easy to work with, and have great taste! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Most of us don't realize how much of a positive effect your home interior can have on you until it is designed by an amazing designer. I have worked with Michael twice over the last 7 years.  Michael and his design staff do incredible work. You will never again come home after a long hard day's work, step into your living room and think - "living room". You will come home after a long hard day's work, step into your living room and think "WOW! Lucky me! I get to live here!" That's the magic of Michael's work. I highly recommend Michael and his staff of designers. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

If you can get Michael, then you're lucky.  Michael is busier than busy!!!!!  I selfishly don't even  want to write this review, but I have to because he's that good and he deserves the Accolades. Michael has helped me with numerous projects from two dwelling places and my business.  He has helped with paint colors (you should see him picking paint colors.  It's hilarious!  He walks around in a zone with Gagillions of paint chips and he won't let you talk to him or interrupt). It's his version of curing cancer!  He has styled rooms and picked furniture and accessories and works within your budget.  His taste is impeccable!  I wish I had no budget because his eye is so amazing  and his vision is out of this world.  He has don't he games for me in terms of surfer bohemian chic, modern, and traditional.  He totally Gets me, listens, and asks questions when necessary.He has resources and alliances with great contractors, painters, electricians, and handymen so I feel taken care of from beginning to end.We are about to start our fourth project together.  Michael if you ever read this, you. Better give me first priority!  We have a lot of work to do!Love him and his work! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Michael has an amazing eye for design, and I've really appreciated his spot-on color ideas for paint (one of our rooms was transformed by an idea he had) to introducing us to great artists (who are also affordable) so we actually have wonderful art on our walls, to mixing up the textures in ways that people walk into our great room and say "WOW" and I quickly tell them it had nothing to do with me.  Although Michael did make sure the designs represented the colors and feelings we wanted in the rooms, so it feels like us but in a way we could have never put together ourselves.  I did read the other reviews and get that the "office back end" stuff can be frustrating, but we don't expect perfection and when anything has gone wrong Michael always corrects it and frankly that's all that matters to me.  The billing approach could be better but I've given him my feedback and his office is always open to ideas.  I have already recommended Michael to others and will continue do so in a heartbeat.  He's completely trustworthy and high quality, and also fun to work with.  I can't imagine working with anyone else. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Michael, Michael, Michael. Can't live with him, can't live without him. (In a good way!) I met Michael through a mutual client whose house he decorated and I absolutely fell in love with his aesthetic. Modern, yet cozy... elegant, yet hip... but ultimately immaculate.Fast forward a year later, I look to opening my new nail salon in Jack London Square, called Rock & Polish. (Yes, shameless plug!) I knew what I wanted, but didn't know how to achieve it. I knew I loved organic items, wood, polished cement, I loved the masculine design yet with the perfect feminine touches. Michael was kind enough to spend the time with me really understanding my taste, my vision, my wants, & my desires of how I wanted the salon to look. I wanted it too look like no other nail salon anyone had seen before.He took my hand and guided me through the process. Picking out wallpapers, paint colors, artwork, furniture. I will say, sometimes you've got to just blindly trust him. As a self-confessed control freak, it was hard, but I'm so SO glad that I did. Michael's eye for details and perfection and absolutely exquisite taste makes you feel like a million bucks. He stayed within my color palette and understood working with a budget, but he made it happen.There were moments in the process where I'm pretty sure I had an ulcer from worry and relinquishing control of my project, but the moment it all came together, I knew it was perfect. I couldn't have asked for more.Thank you Michael Friedes, along with your team, Halley, Anna, Ann, & anyone else I may have missed. xoxo Hire MFDA, you'll be so happy you did. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

I have had the pleasure of working with Michael Friedes Design for a number of years. Michael is super talented and is a joy to work with. His design ideas and concepts are beautiful and it really shows in his work. His associates are great to work with as well and are very well organized. I highly recommend working with MFDA! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

I can't speak highly enough about Michael Friedes.  My recently purchased house needed a guiding eye to pull it together.  This, definitely not my forte, prompted my call to Michael, but I didn't really have any notions about what it was, exactly, that I needed .  Michael came with a cornucopia of unique ideas but was very respectful of my own needs.  My house was reenvisioned and transformed.  One friend called it "vibrantly elegant."  I kept pieces I loved and Michael helped me choose pieces that complemented them perfectly.  He truly has an exceptional eye.  I love, love, love the color palette he suggested -- and the way he arrived at it.  Asking me about what colors I most responded to, as I fumbled for an answer, he said, "Show me you two favorite pieces of clothing."  When I brought out a teal jacket and a coral blouse, he said, "I can work with that!"  The results have been superlative.  The house was on a recent Designer Showcase tour and was spectacular.  Plus, I love living here.  It is exactly my aesthetic, as realized by Michael.  Plus, he recommended a fabulous renter for my other house who has been a gem.  Now, that's what I call full service! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Well, first I'll say that I hate anything that has to do with interior design or shopping - just to get that out there. I do know what I like, but I can't tell you until I see what I don't like. I appreciated working with Michael because he was willing to keep my style present, but gently push me to experiment a bit. I needed to do a make over of my house after a recent transition. Michael was really great at showing me a lot of new furniture possibilities, but he was also totally willing to let me hang on to some of the old stuff that I really liked. He made the old and the new work really great together. I had the entire interior painted and all the colors looked great. He brought in new art for the walls that really made the place feel right. Michael was great on all the little details. Every single piece of furniture and every piece of art was strategically placed to look their best. I had Michael back recently to help me with new window coverings. Had a great experience once again and everything was installed carefully and looks great. More...

Reviewed on Yelp