When homeowners and developers in the Bay Area seek transformation—from blank canvases or outdated layouts into warm, elegant sanctuaries—they often turn to the deft touch of ABD STUDIO, a boutique interior design firm known for creating bespoke, story-driven environments. Founded in 2014 by Brittany H. Giannone, ABD STUDIO melds refined artistry with architectural sensitivity, delivering personal luxury and authenticity in equal measure.
A Designer’s Roots and the Birth of a Vision
Brittany Giannone didn’t stumble into design by chance. As a second‑generation designer, she inherited both talent and taste from her father’s residential interior design practice. From accompanying him to live auctions to uncovering treasures in antique shops, Brittany’s childhood immersed her in the physicality and narrative of every object and space. These early experiences didn’t simply cultivate appreciation—they instilled a design philosophy grounded in story, legacy, and craftsmanship.
Then tragedy struck: when a devastating fire ravaged her century‑old childhood home, Brittany experienced firsthand how fragile “home” truly can be. But from the ashes emerged clarity. She realized the discipline and compassion required to rebuild a sense of belonging transcends physical materials—it weaves memories and intention into each corner. This profound understanding informs every project ABD STUDIO undertakes, ensuring that clients feel not just pleased by beautiful environments, but deeply seen and held.
The Essence of ABD STUDIO: Refinement Meets Authenticity
ABD STUDIO’s portfolio spans high-end residential remodels, elegant custom homes, and select hospitality ventures. What distinguishes their work is an unwavering respect for architectural integrity. Rather than imposing a singular aesthetic, Giannone and her team source existing architectural language—whether historic moldings, exposed timber beams, or mid‑century geometric rhythms—and amplify it with refined elegance and contemporary comfort.
Natural materials—marbled stone, warm woods, artisanal plaster, lush fabrics—are central to their palette. These materials are layered for texture and dimension: linen draperies beside polished brass fixtures; woven baskets anchoring statement lighting; custom cabinetry with nuanced inlay work. The result: spaces that feel luxurious, yet rooted, inviting, and wonderfully livable.
Collaboration at the Core
ABD STUDIO’s approach is deeply collaborative. From the earliest concept sketches, the team engages architects, engineers, builders, artisans, and clients themselves. Each voice contributes insights: architects champion structural honesty, engineers ensure durability, builders foresee constructibility, artisans elevate craftsmanship, and clients infuse personal narratives. The process is marked by rigorous communication—weekly project meetings, tagged mood boards, and shared site updates—so that nothing is lost in translation.
This integrative method enables precision. Fixtures arrive months before deadline, ready to be installed on schedule; built‑in pieces are pre‑assembled to scale; finishes are pre‑tested under ambient light to avoid tonal surprises. This kind of foresight transforms potential delays into seamless progress, and ensures each detail—even behind‑the‑walls mechanicals—is intentional and considered.
Signature Style Elements
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Architectural Reverence
- Whether working in a Victorian‑era home or a blank‑slate new build, ABD STUDIO begins by honoring the space’s inherent bones. Historic trim is patched and preserved; structural quirks are celebrated rather than hidden.
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Rich Material Layering
- Primary layers (stone, wood) provide warmth and solidity. Secondary layers (canvas, sisal, rattan) deliver tactility. Highlight accents—brass pulls, woven pendants, hand‑painted tile—give rhythm and soul.
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Tailored Furnishings & Artisanal Detail
- Rather than sourcing off the shelf, ABD STUDIO often specifies or commissions custom pieces. Local metal‑workers, ceramicists, and wood‑workers are tapped to craft statement tables, sculptural lighting, and one‑off cabinetry.
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Light as Experience
- Natural light drives layouts and window treatments; ambient lighting, art sconces, and task fixtures are layered to support mood and function throughout the day and evening.
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Lifestyle Integration
- Sustainable design, multi‑generational living, pet‑friendly finishes, and flexible living zones are thoughtfully embedded into each plan, reflecting modern lifestyles without sacrificing style.
The ABD STUDIO Experience
Discovery & Vision
Every project begins with a thorough discovery session. Brittany and her lead designer spend hours interviewing the clients: How do you actually live here? Where might your routines evolve? What keeps you up at night? What objects remind you of home? They review portfolios, past travel, surface preferences, and tactile inspirations. They visit the space (or site) together, taking note of light, flow, and architecture. By the end, both parties are aligned on vision, values, and broad parameters.
Design Development
From those discovery discussions, mood boards rich with texture, color, and spatial relationships emerge. These are shared and refined through client feedback. Then come plans—floor plans, lighting schematics, custom furniture drawings, paint renderings, and finish samples. ABD STUDIO tracks these developments using digital tools, ensuring clarity across remote teams.
Procurement & Installation
ABD STUDIO’s procurement team coordinates communications with manufacturers and artisans to order key elements well in advance—custom rugs, French doors, textured plaster compounds, tailored drapery. A punch‑list driven approach governs site visits, ensuring each item is installed according to spec. They conduct final walk‑throughs and fine‑tuning to ensure everything operates harmoniously—both functionally and viscerally.
Aftercare & Lasting Relationships
ABD STUDIO doesn’t simply close the project at handover; they remain accessible for seasons of “settling in.” They offer gentle check‑ins at 1, 6, and 12 months to address wear, settling, and any shifting needs. This aftercare builds trust and often leads to lasting partnerships, referrals, and future phase expansions.
Case Studies of Sophistication
Pacific Heights Brownstone: Classic Revived
In an upright Victorian brownstone, ABD STUDIO embraced vaulted ceilings, bay windows, and plaster moldings. They restored original trim, added subtle Art Deco brass detailing, and layered textured wallpapers. Custom banquette seating under the bay window creates dramatic appeal while maximizing utility. Every inch feels curated, respectful, and livable.
Meadow‑Edge Ranch in Marin: Light & Landscape
Here, the brief called for a home that dissolves into its natural surroundings. ABD STUDIO designed expansive sliding glass walls opening into the meadow, with limestone floors extending outdoors. Interiors feature hand‑turned wood pendants, neutral linens, and moss‑green upholstery, evoking the rolling meadow beyond. The result: a home that breathes.
Bay Area New Build: Quiet Modernism
For this contemporary four‑bedroom residence with an open floor plan, ABD STUDIO chose a restrained palette—charcoal cabinetry, bleached oak floors, creamy plaster walls. Rich textures—a boucle sofa, fluted marble tabletop, hand‑woven jute rug—prevent the space from feeling cold. Strategic task lighting accentuates architectural angles at dusk.
Why ABD STUDIO Stands Apart
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Architectural Continuity The firm treats architecture and interiors as inseparable. Every detail—from corner light coves to door hardware—respects the original design.
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Soulful Sophistication Spaces are elegant without being slick. Warmth, lived‑in appeal, and tactile richness balance the aesthetic refinement.
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Crafted for Living Function underpins every decision. Thoughtful ergonomics, storage systems, lighting zones, and low‑maintenance materials ensure homes are as practical as they are beautiful.
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Comprehensive Partnership Clients report feeling collaborative and empowered. ABD STUDIO is not a distant design entity—it is a trusted ally, managing every step from concept to installation to extended follow‑up.
The Team Behind the Magic
At the helm is Brittany H. Giannone, whose empathy and artistic instinct define the brand. Supporting her is a diverse studio team including senior designers, architectural collaborators, procurement specialists, project coordinators, and installation teams. Many on the roster are skilled craftspeople—specialists in woodwork, textiles, lighting, and hardware—who collaborate long‑term to realize each vision.
Importantly, ABD STUDIO partners with a network of leading Bay Area builders, landscape architects, lighting engineers, cabinetmakers, upholsterers, and fine‑art curators. This collective ensures access to premium materials, skilled tradespeople, and unique artifacts—creating interiors that feel both rare and right for the homeowner’s life.
The Bay Area Advantage (…and Beyond)
Though based in the iconic design hub of San Francisco, ABD STUDIO serves clients throughout California and across the U.S. Their studio is uniquely positioned to capture the region’s dual sensibilities: refined luxury and relaxed, nature‑inspired ease. That positions them especially well for high‑value homes, from coastal retreats to urban townhouses to mountaintop estates.
Prospective clients often describe finding “interior designer san francisco ca” as a daunting task. They want someone with vision and execution capability—someone who can restore an old gem or realize a sleek contemporary build without losing soul or comfort. In ABD STUDIO, they discover precisely that: a firm that merges narrative, craft, and unerring attention to detail.
What Clients Say
“Working with ABD STUDIO was transformative. Brittany listens—and then amplifies your vision into something richer than you ever imagined.” —Private homeowner, Lower Pacific Heights
“They don’t just design a space—they design how you live in it. Every corner feels purposeful.” —Developer, Silicon Valley residential build
“Their attention to materials and daily use made the project bulletproof. Plus, they’re a joy to collaborate with.” —Builder, Marin renovation
Investing in a Timeless Experience
Hiring ABD STUDIO is more than selecting an aesthetic—it’s choosing an immersive design partnership. Projects typically range from \$200K–\$4M in scope (depending on size, materials, and custom elements). The investment yields lasting returns: homes become more functional, valuable, and resonant.
For preservation-minded families, ABD STUDIO offers renovation strategies that honor heritage finishes while integrating modern systems: seismic retrofits, HVAC upgrades, smart lighting, and acoustical enhancements. For new builds, the firm manages everything from site planning to hardscape, interiors, and accessorizing—delivering turnkey excellence.
Value Highlights:
- Enduring Materials: Natural finishes like limestone, quarter-sawn oak, and hand-troweled plaster age beautifully while resisting wear.
- Craftsmanship & Bespoke Elements: Custom fixtures add uniqueness and long-term value.
- Seamless Process: Coordinated procurement and technical drawings help avoid costly reorders or delays.
- Aftercare & Legacy: Guidance continues post‑installation, ensuring the home endures as intended.
Planning Your Journey with ABD STUDIO
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Initial Inquiry Prospective clients complete an online form at abd‑studio.com, outlining project scope, timeline, and budget.
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Discovery Call Brittany or a senior designer interviews the client, reviews plans and imagery, and schedules a site or virtual meeting.
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Proposal Presentation The firm delivers a comprehensive proposal including concept sketches, scope breakdown, project timeline, and fee structure.
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Design Phase With approvals in place, schematic design begins—evolving into material boards, custom furniture design, and lighting schemes.
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Documentation & Procurement Technical drawings and shop drawings are finalized. Product orders, custom commissions, and contractor bids proceed.
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Construction & Installation ABD STUDIO’s team attends site regularly to orchestrate design implementation, followed by final installation and styling.
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Post‑Occupancy Support Finalizing details like furniture placement, minor touch‑ups, and routine check‑ins—a process that elevates client satisfaction.
Final Thoughts
ABD STUDIO, under the direction of Brittany H. Giannone, stands apart in the design landscape for its ability to balance architectural fidelity, sumptuous materiality, and personal storytelling. Their thoughtful designs, rigorous process, and empathetic collaboration transform houses into homes and spaces into soulfully liveable luxury.
If you’re seeking a partner who sees beauty in history, rigor in process, and heart in design—someone who uniquely combines narrative resonance with functional grace—ABD STUDIO may be the perfect fit. As one Bay Area homeowner put it, "Their team doesn’t just design a home—they reveal its soul."
Contact Information
- Website: abd‑studio.com
- Founder & Principal: Brittany H. Giannone
- Based in: San Francisco, California
- Service Area: Nationwide (with a special focus on California)
In Summary
From Giannone’s antique‑laden childhood to her burned‑down home’s lessons of resilience, every element of ABD STUDIO’s narrative coalesces into a design philosophy that is both timeless and deeply human. For those searching for an interior designer san francisco ca, whose spaces feel curated yet comfortable, soulful yet refined, ABD STUDIO is a uniquely compelling choice—where luxury is personal, architecture is honored, and every surface tells a story.