Rachel Blindauer
Sonoma: A Designer’s Guide

Sonoma: A Designer’s Guide

by | Feb 28, 2020 | Rachel About Town, Travel Guides

When I launched my interior design firm in San Francisco, I quickly learned the value of a well-timed getaway—especially one wrapped in texture, light, and the kind of beauty that resets your whole nervous system. Sonoma, with its blend of pastoral charm and polished simplicity, became my sanctuary. It still is.

Whether you’re hunting for inspiration, a change of pace, or just a better view, these are my favorite design-forward retreats in Sonoma—each offering its own kind of magic.

MANKA’S INVERNESS LODGE

Rustic. Reverent. Timeless.

Tucked into a wooded nook near Point Reyes, Manka’s is more than a lodge—it’s a sensorial experience. The interiors are what I’d call a study in comfort composition: paneled wood walls, heirloom reading chairs, flannel throws, and couches that practically ask you to cancel your dinner plans and stay in. The breakfasts here feel like they were made just for you—and they kind of were.

Bar Hana
Bar Hana

BELTANE RANCH

A working ranch that works for your soul.

Beltane is the kind of place you return to again and again—if you’re lucky enough to snag a room. The grounds feel more like a secret garden than a bed and breakfast, and the farmhouse details are pitch-perfect for lovers of tactile, unfussy beauty. I always try to visit on non-wedding weekends so I can wander the vineyards, sip wine under the oaks, and take in the kind of quiet you only find in places where time slows down.

Design note: most of what you’ll eat here is grown on-site. Even the tennis court feels like it’s in on the aesthetic.

INDIAN SPRINGS RESORT & SPA

TMineral water, modernism, and a little mid-century magic.

There’s something cinematic about Indian Springs. At dawn, steam rises over the Olympic-sized mineral pool while the light filters through palm fronds and bungalow shadows. Between the geothermal hot springs, classic mud baths, and unexpected extras (like shuffleboard, bicycles, and an outdoor fireplace perfect for quiet mornings), this is a place to rest—but also to remember what rest should actually feel like.

If you’re a designer, stay long enough to study the original architecture and its graceful renovations. If you’re anyone else, just float.

Bar Hana

Inspired Living Begins with Inspired Escapes

I believe a well-designed space doesn’t just reflect a lifestyle—it shapes one. And it’s often in places like these, where every detail has been thoughtfully considered, that we remember how powerful environment can be.

Whether you’re designing a retreat of your own or simply need a reset to rekindle your aesthetic vision, Sonoma delivers.

Take the First Step Toward Your Dream Space

If you’re a couple with multiple homes, a hotelier in need of a redesign, or a developer seeking elevated interiors, my team and I are here to bring your vision to life. With 15+ years of expertise across residential and commercial projects, we create spaces that are as functional as they are unforgettable.

2 Hour Interior Design Virtual or In Person Consultation

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

THE PIECES RACHEL RETURNS TO, AGAIN AND AGAIN

Elevated Living Starts At Our Shop

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Rachel Blindauer Interior Design is on CA Home + Design

Rachel Blindauer Interior Design is on CA Home + Design

by | Feb 28, 2020 | Interior Design, Updates

homedesign

Come ooh & aww with me and at our featured Eichler Casual Color Pop design on CAHome + Design

Honoring Our Clients: A Feature in CA Home + Design

We’re thrilled to share that one of our recent projects has been featured in CA Home + Design magazine. This recognition is a testament to the collaborative spirit and vision of the wonderful family we had the pleasure of working with.

The project, affectionately dubbed “Eichler Casual Color Pop,” embodies a harmonious blend of mid-century modern architecture and vibrant, contemporary design elements. Our clients’ openness to infusing bold colors into the classic Eichler framework allowed us to craft a space that’s both timeless and refreshingly modern.

It’s always an honor to see our work celebrated, but it’s the trust and enthusiasm of our clients that truly make these projects special. Their willingness to embrace creativity and innovation is what brings designs like this to life.

We invite you to explore the feature in CA Home + Design to see how collaboration and a shared vision can transform a space.

2 Hour Interior Design Virtual or In Person Consultation

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Let Rachel Blindauer help you think through your project starting with a complimentary consultation.

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Design Details Make All the Difference

Design Details Make All the Difference

by | Feb 28, 2020 | Interior Design, Residential

There’s something quietly magical about a home that marries state-of-the-art living with the elegance of its historical roots. When done well, it’s not just design—it’s a dialogue between centuries.

I was recently invited to a soirée at the Stonebrook Estate, a historic property that left a lasting impression—not for its grandeur alone, but for the precision of its design decisions. What stayed with me? Surprisingly, the barbecue grill. Sleek, modern, and engineered to perfection, yet housed in a structure so seamlessly tailored to the home’s original architecture, it whispered luxury rather than announcing it. That’s the power of detail.

Too often, we talk about “design details” in broad strokes. But at this level, it’s about the micro-decisions—where function doesn’t just meet form, it elevates it. This estate proves you can integrate cutting-edge technology into a historic framework without disruption. It’s not a contradiction. It’s craftsmanship.

The Architecture of Alignment

One of the more compelling elements of the estate is its architectural axis—the invisible lines that guide both movement and light. There’s a formal circulation axis that extends through the center of the home, pulling the eye (and the feet) toward a grassy knoll in the distance.

A secondary axis runs from the southern wing, across the pool, and terminates at a minimalist cabana—creating a visual rhythm that feels both intentional and serene. The southern wing itself is smartly oriented along an east-west axis, ensuring natural light washes through the interiors from dawn to dusk. It’s not just beautiful—it’s a lesson in solar design.

“Design isn’t just what you see. It’s what guides your movement, shifts your mood, and heightens your experience of space.”

This home—like the best ones—wasn’t just decorated. It was choreographed.

blindauer

Bringing the Vision to Life

At Rachel Blindauer Interior Design, we think deeply about how spaces live and breathe. Whether you’re building anew, restoring the charm of a historic estate, or integrating modern conveniences into a heritage property, every design decision matters.

If you’re ready to create a home that balances beauty, functionality, and storytelling, we’re here to help bring your vision into form.

2 Hour Interior Design Virtual or In Person Consultation

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

THE PIECES RACHEL RETURNS TO, AGAIN AND AGAIN

Elevated Living Starts At Our Shop

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12 Must Follow Interior Designers on Instagram: Rachel Blindauer

12 Must Follow Interior Designers on Instagram: Rachel Blindauer

by | Feb 28, 2020 | Interior Design

We were just included in the “12 Must Follow Interior Designers on Instagram”!

Click here to follow us on Instagram.

It’s always an honor to be recognized—but especially when it’s by a discerning audience that lives and breathes design. We’re proud to be named one of the “12 Must-Follow Interior Designers on Instagram,” a list curated to spotlight voices shaping the future of interiors.

In a digital world overflowing with imagery, standing out isn’t about shouting louder—it’s about offering something quieter, more resonant. Our feed is a reflection of the work we do every day: refined spaces that feel lived in, thoughtful palettes that evoke a mood, and styling that whispers rather than shouts. Whether it’s a historic Nantucket remodel, a modern Florida guest house, or a boutique hotel in the making, our lens stays rooted in one question: How does it feel to live here?

Click here to follow us on Instagram

Why It Matters

Social media isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about alignment. When done well, Instagram becomes a living portfolio: a place to glimpse how we think, how we source, and what we notice. For prospective clients, it’s also a window into the design process before the first consultation even begins.

And while beautiful images matter, so do the values behind them. At Rachel Blindauer Interiors, our goal is never just to impress. It’s to translate your aspirations into spaces that function beautifully and live even better.

12 Must Follow Interior Designers on Instagram

If You’re New Here

Welcome. We work with couples, developers, hoteliers, and families across the country—often across multiple homes. From full-service design to personalized styling, we meet you where you are, and bring clarity to where you’re going. We’re proud to say our work doesn’t just look good—it lives well.

Whether you’re in Sarasota, Nantucket, Lincoln, or beyond, the first step toward a home that feels like you starts with a conversation.

2 Hour Interior Design Virtual or In Person Consultation

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

THE PIECES RACHEL RETURNS TO, AGAIN AND AGAIN

Elevated Living Starts At Our Shop

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Tips on Hiring an Interior Designer

Tips on Hiring an Interior Designer

by | Feb 28, 2020 | Interior Design

Getting your dream home designed can be an incredibly exciting and satisfying experience. If you’ve never worked with a designer before, getting started with the process can seem complicated and confusing. To help out, I have put together some questions to ask your interior designer and tips on hiring an interior designer.

FINDING A DESIGNER

Many of my clients find me through my previous clients or by coming across me online.  Interior designers keep a portfolio of their designs. Browse through as many portfolios as you can, noting photos that fit with your vision for your home. If you are in love with the work of a designer located elsewhere, reach out to them to confirm that they would be willing to take the job in your location and see if they have the necessary permits and licenses needed to work in your area. Rachel Blindauer Interior Design has permits to operate in Florida, California, and Massachusetts that I have obtained for my clients with multiple homes and offices.

TRAINING VARIES & STATE REGULATIONS VARY

While most states I have worked in doesn’t require the NCIDQ exam to do commercial interiors, Florida does. Commercial Interior design requires knowledge of building codes/safety regulations, and the budget spent per sq ft is also low compared to residential, which restricts your vendors/product selections. Residential Interior Designers don’t have to pass the NCIDQ exam but while some designers have 6-7 years of college training plus field experience like myself, not all do. Interior decorators decorate but often do not have any training, some might have some to no experience, or perhaps are really just in a sales position at a store. Personally, I don’t consider people earning a commission on how much furniture they sell you as designers. I have heard nightmares from clients that had a “free” designer fill their home with furniture. Nothing actually fit and none of it was returnable to do the custom nature of upholstery and finishes. Lack of measuring, compensation based on sales and a lack of experience can result in costly mistakes, so make sure you select your designer well.

PERSONALITY AND COMPATIBILITY

Interior designing is a personal process. It involves opening up your home to a designer and sharing your likes and dislikes with them. Planning and executing takes time and sometimes a year or longer, depending on the size of the project. When you’re choosing your designer, make sure your personalities are compatible and that you are comfortable with them.

DECISION MAKING

Plan your interior design project around a time when you can focus and give it due attention. Schedule your meetings with the designer when all decision-makers are available and make your meetings more efficient by preparing ahead with notes and questions. Couples should align their direction together before meetings. When it comes to big decisions, take time to consider the options, and make sure you love your choice and how it will all look together.

If you don’t like a particular choice, let your designer know. Rachel Blindauer advises “I look at hundreds of products, designs, and layouts before I present, so if one doesn’t suit your taste or budget, I’ll have backups. If what you want doesn’t exist I can also custom design the items.”

THE WAIT

Rugs, shipping, and custom pieces can take some time to be created. Often projects take a year from initial concept to installation. There will also be times when things don’t go as planned. A part of the design may need to be revised on-site, or an item could get broken during shipping or installation, etc. During these times, trust your designer. One of the benefits of hiring a professional is that they are proficient in handling these scenarios.

INSTALLATION

During the final installation, I generally advise my clients to leave and even go on a short vacation if possible. The installation is the stage interior designers plan for months in advance. At our firm we bring in accessories, flowers, etc. to perfect the home then do a photoshoot. Following this, we do a big reveal and then leave the accessories temporarily in the home for the clients to determine if they want to purchase any of them.

TIME, COST, AND QUALITY

Consider the three factors of Time, Cost, and Quality, and rank them according to your priorities. While every designer will do their best to optimize all three aspects, knowing how you rank them will let them know what to focus on. Whether you need the design and installation to fit within a tight budget or a short timeline, let the designer know from the start of the project. The design firm will need to analyze if they can help you achieve it before they even start. A good design team will strive to meet these objectives while providing the best interior design to the client.

Take the first step towards creating your dream space. If you are a couple with multiple homes looking for a decorator near you, a hotelier doing a redesign, or a developer looking for top-notch interior design services near you, Rachel Blindauer and her team are here to bring your vision to life. With our wealth of experience and expertise, we can create stunning and functional spaces that exceed your expectations and bring you to a new height of design and sophistication.

For further information on Rachel Blindauer’s process click here

2 Hour Interior Design Virtual or In Person Consultation

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

THE PIECES RACHEL RETURNS TO, AGAIN AND AGAIN

Elevated Living Starts At Our Shop

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