University City, CA | Luxury Kitchen & Bath Renovation
When your home reflects both your lifestyle and your personal taste, it creates a kind of ease that makes everyday living better. In University City, we’ve had the opportunity to work with homeowners who want more than just a standard remodel. They’re looking for spaces that feel intentional — beautiful, functional, and designed to last.
Designed for How You Actually Live
A kitchen or bath renovation isn’t simply about replacing materials. It’s about rethinking how you move through the space. Do you want a kitchen island that allows for cooking while friends gather around? A bathroom that makes mornings calmer and evenings feel like a retreat? That’s where the design process starts.
In one recent University City home, the kitchen renovation was all about creating balance. The oversized island anchors the space with deep green cabinetry and clean waterfall quartz countertops — simple but striking. Storage was carefully planned to eliminate clutter, with built-in solutions that keep everything where it belongs. The vaulted ceiling, finished with warm wood elements, adds character and softens the overall feel, making the space feel open without being sterile.
Lighting plays a major role. From under-cabinet and floating shelf lighting to subtle toe-kick illumination, each layer creates just the right atmosphere for busy mornings or evening gatherings. The result is a kitchen that works whether you’re preparing a quick breakfast or entertaining friends, without ever sacrificing design.
Luxury Bathrooms with Practical Comfort
For many University City homeowners, the bathroom is just as important. It’s the space you start and end your day, and it should feel like a place you want to be.
In another nearby project, we created a primary bath that feels calm and refined. A large, curbless walk-in shower brings in natural light, while dual showerheads and champagne-polished fixtures offer both beauty and practicality. The adjacent soaking tub allows for quiet mornings or a place to unwind at night.
Custom cabinetry keeps everything organized, with dedicated storage for linens, toiletries, and daily essentials. The materials—neutral tile, warm wood tones, and soft lighting—are selected to feel timeless, so the space never feels like it’s chasing a trend.
A Thoughtful Approach to Every Detail
Our work in University City is always shaped by the homeowners we collaborate with. Every home is different, but the goal remains the same: to design spaces that feel good to live in, not just to look at.
From the initial consultation through design development and construction, each phase of the process is handled with care. Materials are thoughtfully selected, layouts are planned for real life, and the final product reflects both form and function.
Ready to Begin Your Renovation?
If you’re considering a kitchen or bath remodel in University City, we’re here to help you create a space that truly works for you. Reach out to schedule a consultation and let’s start the conversation about what your home can become.
Client Testimonial — Marianne Schwartz
"One of the things that initially drew us to Lisa Packard and Concepts by Design was her interior design expertise and the thoughtful design plans she presented to my husband and me. From the start, she offered multiple layouts to help us evaluate how to best use our space and budget, especially since we were working with a very closed-off kitchen.
The transformation has been incredible. Our kitchen is now an open, functional space that works beautifully for both everyday use and large gatherings. We use the expanded counters and appliances not just for meal prep, but also as a central space for entertaining — laying out food, drinks, and more. The centerpiece of it all is the beautiful island, which Lisa helped us design, select materials for, and optimize for added storage. She even helped us bring items we previously stored in the garage into the kitchen for easier access.
Beyond cooking, this has truly become a multi-purpose room for our family. Whether it’s laundry, crafts, planning, or just spending time together, the space works for everything we need. The combination of cabinetry, lighting, and the additional windows has brought in so much natural light, adding a warm and inviting feel throughout the day.
I’ve already recommended Lisa to many friends and neighbors. She has a real talent for listening, understanding your needs, and balancing your vision with your budget. It has truly been a joy working with her, and I highly recommend Concepts by Design."
