Passionate about design and decorating from childhood, I officially launched Barbara Carter Decorative Arts in 1995 at the Marin Designer Showcase in San Rafael, California. Since that time, I have established my home and business in Sonoma, heart of the wine country. My projects range from new construction of large residences, commercial projects, and remodels to decorating and color consultations. I enjoy working in different architectural styles and design motifs – so am very flexible in accommodating clients’ preferences.
Having engaged in the construction of a number of large-scale new homes, I’ve regularly fine-tuned and tailored architectural plans to meet the specific needs and desires of clients. I enjoy the process of helping clients navigate the building process, which entails literally thousands of decisions. I am adept at designing any element of a building, and have a great deal of experience in making selections. I work well with couples, and have frequently been a bridge between differing styles and sensibilities when they’ve arisen.
My goal is always to help the client manifest their desires as closely as possible. I listen carefully, execute drawings and mood boards, and mock up elements of projects, and at times build models when it is crucial to visualize the outcome more clearly. The fact that I am an artist and able to sketch through designs quickly and easily on the spot with clients has been an important asset in my work. I am able to pinpoint nuances in designs, for example, and show how a slight shift one way or another can make an important difference.
I am very serious about guiding clients through investing their funds in designs, materials, furnishings – any elements in a home or commercial project. The choices need to be well executed, stand the test of time, giving satisfaction and pleasure for years to come.
A final piece that I find important is making the process itself enjoyable. Keeping one’s sense of humor alive and well in the stresses of building, in particular, is crucial. How a client feels during the process should not diminish the pleasure of the end result. I do my best to keep the process pleasant – even fun – an experience of creative camaraderie.
I have a long list of happy clients – references for different types of projects – which are available to prospective clients. I have a number of long term clients with whom our work together has spanned many projects over the years. I have had wonderful clients, and my work continues to be a joyful and creatively rewarding part of my life.
