M. Garig Interior Design

My partner and I engaged with Michael a few months ago because we were unhappy with some or our present furniture, carpets and the overall feel of our condo. We had recently worked with a designer and had a less than stellar experience and result. We interviewed a few designers for this relatively small project and we both liked Michael right away. We explained our vision of «warming up» our condo, which had been decorated a bit more modern that we liked; we had not found it to functional or inviting. We emphasized that we wanted to remain in-​budget if possible but were open to suggestions that might bring us a bit over if we felt it was worth it. I have worked with three other designers in the past, and I must say that Michael was by far the most budget conscious. We asked to be billed weekly and for regular, easy to understand accounting, and that is just what he provided. Michael was reliable, patient and professional through the entire process (we’re 98% done right now); bills for his time were reasonable and appropriate. Michael has a great eye for color and detail, and he came up with some really great ideas. For example, he suggested that we extend an existing surface in the guest bedroom/​office to create an inexpensive work space that is both attractive and functional. He also brought in a plumber and painter who were willing to complete some really small but important jobs for us. Michael has been an absolute pleasure to work with. I will definitely contact him for any future projects I might have and I recommend him without hesitation. Oh and by the way, our home looks great — it’s warm, comfortable and inviting.. . just what we wanted!

Michael gives personal attention, design savvy, experienced and professional. Everything you hope for when remodeling the shop or staging your home. Michael helped us to design our spa in Oakland near Lake Merritt. Yup it was a pleasure to work with him. You tell him your budget and he will try to stick with it. He did a wonderful and amazing job for our spa. Everyone loved it. I have so many compliments when people walk into my spa. We had shopped and interviewed so many designers before we hired Michael. He was very professional, cheerful, and very easy to work with. Most important thing that he has very reasonable price. I will use him again for my home!

I’ve worked with Michael on two separate projects over the past year, and I recommend him without hesitation ! He has been a pleasure to work with, and we have accomplished a lot in that time. From our first meeting, Michael proved professional, personable and easy to talk to. He was punctual and courteous. He asked great questions about purpose/​priorities of spaces, and tried to understand how the rooms would truly be used before presenting design options and making decisions. He’s a great listener, and is realistic and down-​to-​earth.
As well as coming up with beautiful, practical solutions to design problems, Michael has been very respectful of my budget. Even though we weren’t able to complete the entire house at once, we were able to prioritise purchases in a systematic way, as funds allowed. This has been a very cost-​effective and time-​effective way for me to ensure that all my significant furniture purchases and window treatments work together.
Michael clearly has great relationships with a variety of contractors and vendors. He’s a straightforward and forthright communicator, who has been able to calmly resolve conflicts and issues as they arose. He expresses himself with creativity, clarity and flair.
Working with Michael is downright fun. I have learned a lot from him ! Meetings with Michael are rarely dull Seriously though, he’s good at moving projects forward, providing gentle direction without being pushy. He’s able to express his opinion/​preferences without being overbearing, and he lets me come to my own decisions. He turned my post-​construction nightmare into some beautiful, comfortable, stylish, liveable and original rooms that I love to be in.
I do not hesitate to trust Michael with my home and pet in my absence, he is honest, respectful and careful of my space. My house is now so nice that I never want to leave it ! My only regret is that I hadn’t found Michael a year earlier. He would have made the remodel much more efficient and WAY more fun !