How did you end up in the design industry?
I was laid off from a tech job during the tech bust of the 1990s. I decided to do what I always should have been doing: interior design, so I enrolled at FIDM in San Francisco and earned a second degree in interior design. Upon graduation, I helped open the first Northern California IKEA as the kitchen design manager. After four years there, I took the leap and hung my own shingle!
What does your team look like?
I have an assistant through the fantastic company Design Assisted. I have a drafter who is also very technically skilled and does all my drawings, including permit sets and full presentation/rendering sets, and then there’s me! We are small, but mighty.
Tell us about the project you're sharing.
When our clients said they wanted a kitchen that could handle a 12-person dinner party and a spontaneous wine tasting, we knew we had to bring the heat and a little Napa soul.
This kitchen is a love letter to entertaining. At the center is a custom tambour island with curved ends—sculptural, tactile, and totally irresistible. It anchors the space with warmth and movement, inviting guests to gather, linger, and pour another glass.
We leaned into the Napa aesthetic—earthy, elegant, and just a little indulgent. Think white oak cabinetry that glows with natural texture, a glass-front wine wall that showcases their collection like art, and chef-grade appliances that make hosting feel effortless. There’s a hidden pantry for behind-the-scenes magic, and lighting that shifts from “chop and sauté” to “pour and vibe” with the touch of a dimmer.
It’s not just a kitchen. It’s a stage for connection, celebration, and maybe a few too many glasses of Pinot. And honestly? We wouldn’t have it any other way.
What was involved in this project?
This project involved a complete transformation of a spacious yet storage-deficient kitchen dating back to the 1980s. With more than 600 square feet to work with, we reimagined the space to combine functionality with comfort. The new design features ample storage, a generous island for casual meals, and a welcoming round dining table, perfect for lingering conversations and relaxed gatherings.
What's something you were really excited about creating for this project?
As a passionate wine enthusiast with a deep appreciation for the Napa region, I was thrilled by the idea of recreating the magic of a tasting experience, right in the comfort of someone’s home. I envisioned a relaxed, inviting atmosphere where guests could savor each pour without the pressure to purchase, and where lingering over conversation and flavor was not only welcomed, but encouraged.
Is there anything you changed about your business or processes as a result of this project?
Yes, this project was instrumental in refining the systems I now use across all my projects. I had already begun developing these workflows, but this project provided the opportunity to fully implement them and identify any issues. As a result, the entire process now runs smoothly from start to finish.
What was your biggest learning from this project?
This project truly challenged and expanded my design capabilities, as the space needed to accommodate a wide range of functional requirements and reflect the distinct tastes of two very different clients. It required me to sharpen my listening skills and thoughtfully navigate their individual preferences to ensure that both felt genuinely seen, heard, and represented throughout the design process.
Thank you, Heather Cleveland, for sharing more about your business and sharing this beautiful home with us! You can visit Heather Cleveland Design on their website or Instagram.
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Photography: Steven J Magner, @stevenjmagner
