Heather Hilliard uses light, textures to design unique interiors

Determined and thoughtful, interior designer Heather Hilliard has built a coast-to-coast portfolio through teamwork and elegant taste.

“I’m not a specific-style driven designer. I don’t have a formula style for every project,” said Hilliard, principal of San Francisco’s Heather Hilliard Design. “It’s more collaborative. I like to work with a team. That’s my team, the architect, the landscape architect and the clients. I find I get the best results that way. Ultimately, I want them to live their best life in the house.”

In business for more than a decade, Hilliard’s projects are scattered throughout San Francisco. She also serves clients in Silicon Valley, Marin and the wine country. Her portfolio includes interiors in the Bay Area, Hawaii, New York and Boston.

Hilliard succinctly summarizes her design philosophy.

“I don’t have a specific style, but I like using classic detailing with the restraint of modern design,” she said. “Something that is warm and inviting.”

In this interview with the San Francisco Chronicle, Hilliard shares the importance of context, the role 3D rendering plays in her business and how she likes to incorporate textures and fabrics into her works.

Q: Do you have a favorite architectural style?

A: Not really. Every home is different and we try to work within the context of that house. We don’t want to do the same thing over and over—we want every project to be unique. We do this by collaborating with clients, architects and others associated with the project, and we place a strong emphasis on context. The context is the location of the home, its architectural style, the client’s desires and its surroundings.

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