By Michael McCarthy By Michael McCarthy | July 17, 2024 | Home & Real Estate, Feature,
Menlo Park’s Design District is always ready for its close-up.
The Menlo Park Design District includes a mix of pros, including Design Matters, who will help homeowners create perfect rooms.
“There’s always been a sense that design-focused stores in Menlo Park can support each other, but the pandemic gave us all an opportunity to think about our ecosystem and strengths,” says Brian Flegel, CEO of Flegels (flegels.com), a longtime interior design and furniture studio. “Now that we’ve come together as a registered nonprofit organization, this idea and this reputation of Menlo Park as a design destination will only gain momentum.”
He’s right. Homeowners and designers have flocked to the Menlo Park Design District (mpdesigndistrict.com) since its inception two years ago. The enterprise now includes 20 shops, galleries and designers as a one-stop destination for creating gorgeous homes. Here, our editors highlight some of the heavyweights in the District.
Stephen Miller Gallery
RUBY LIVING DESIGN
The family-owned business comprises two locations—and over 15,000 square feet—in Menlo Park and SF’s Cow Hollow neighborhood. Thoughtfully curated, the furniture selection prioritizes quality and comfort, catering to clients who crave inviting spaces for gatherings. The showroom’s distinctive style reflects the essence of modern living and timeless elegance.
Ruby Livingdesign features furniture that is both modern and timeless.
PEABODY GALLERY
The team helps customers discover a new art piece or select the perfect frame for a beloved family portrait. With a legacy dating back to 1989, this family-owned establishment takes pride in guiding homeowners through curating their collections. The team works to craft finished products that align with clients’ preferences and budgets and possess enduring versatility.
DESIGN MATTERS
Guided by problem-solving skills, interior designer Julie Cavanaugh imbues her interiors with a mix of functionality and aesthetic appeal. She embraces a palette of colors, textures and scales, and her creations showcase an unmatched design ethos. Cavanaugh uses the phrase “livable luxury” to describe her approach to design.
The team at Keith Willig Landscape Architecture creates a seamless research and design process for each project.
KEITH WILLIG LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
The award-winning landscape design firm first understands clients’ properties and lifestyles and tailors design solutions accordingly. The process begins with a site visit followed by photography and professional surveys to align with city codes. The team curates a visual board, offering a glimpse into a design that features elements like planting palettes, design amenities, materials and overall style. The result: a slice of floral beauty that complements every home.
STEPHEN MILLER GALLERY
This is a Valhalla for handwoven rugs. Displaying over 200 room-size pieces on wall-mounted racks streamlines the preview process. Each rack features mechanical arms that can raise and lower, making rug selection infinitely easier. The gallery offers expert hand-cleaning, repairs, restorations and rug pads.
The Peabody Gallery features fine art and framing.
THE MAIN GALLERY
The artist cooperative serves as a platform for showcasing Bay Area talent. The gallery’s team fosters a nurturing environment where artists can connect with like-minded peers and find solidarity within the art community. The cooperative maintains lofty artistic standards through a rigorous jurying process for displaying photography, mixed media, collage, painting, jewelry and ceramics, spanning both 2D and 3D.
Photography by: Courtesy of Brand