Toro - Lombardo Design Build

Not only are Gabriella Toro and Silvia Lombardo talented and experienced interior designers they are both very sensitive to budget constraints. They have developed relationships with remarkable subcontractors who meet their exacting standards and are a pleasure to have working in your home. If there is ever a glitch in the construction or decorating process Silvia and Gabriella are on-the-spot to correct the problem, no matter how small. They are always upbeat, fun to work with and full of ideas you would never have thought of. Their office staff is also very friendly, competent and helpful. I've been priveleged to work with them on two projects and I'm very pleased to recommend them.

We bought a Trousdale house in the Mar Vista area that had a very dated feel and an awkward layout. Everything felt out of balance and plain. There was a tremendous amount for us to renovate. In addition, we had grand visual ambitions and limited funds. We hired Gabriella Toro and the results she provided were nothing short of miraculous. She's an artist. She has a great eye and a collaborative spirit. She listened to our needs and budget constraints and responded with one fantastic idea after another. We expanded our kitchen, raised the ceiling in our living room, created a modern cut out wall to conceal and awkwardly placed staircase, turned a horrid little fireplace into a thoroughly modern, show-stopping, stone hearth, redesigned every inch of lighting, took a sad upstairs large loft space and converted it into a spectacular master bedroom with a walk-in closet , beautiful oak details and a gorgeous travertine bathroom with double sinks, a steam room and giant bath. The best quality of Gabriella's work can only be experienced-- she ties every room together in discreet ways, the color palate is gorgeous and unique, the lines and angles work from all directions. The house has an integrated flow. She transformed our house on time and on budget and with an enthusiastic, flexible attitude that made us look forward to every meeting we had as an adventure and not a chore. Result: everyone compliments the warmth and original beauty of our home. I can't recommend her more!

I worked with Silvia for three years from architectural plans to final design touches on my new home. Her background as a contractor AND designer helped to make my experience easy and really enjoyable. It was my first time building a new home and she helped me every step of the way. She helped keep the project on track and on time and her vision with space planning and design is very strong. The result is a home that is truly unique and beautiful - I couldn't be happier. I would highly recommend her to anyone - it was a great experience.

Gabriella Toro has renovated, updated and furnished four homes for my family, and the results each time have been stunning.

When we purchased the houses, they needed updating; they had decent floor plans, but lacked magic. Many designers would have chosen the easy (and more expensive) route: Gut the house and buy everything new. But, when appropriate, Gabriella is willing to keep the old and mix in the new. In my current house, for example, Gabriella chose to stain the kitchen cabinets, darken the existing wooden floors, and use paint to turn a nice home into a spectacular piece of art that everyone loves. Her designs are comfortable and inviting -- architecturally interesting, warm, and easy to live in.

She takes care of every detail, and stands behind her work.

We have worked with Gabriella on two projects in the last 5 years. She is creative and extremely professional. Both projects were remodels. Gabriella creates a schedule with her subs laying out week by week what each contractor will be doing. I have worked with designers/contractors in the past and have never experienced anything quite like this. Each project only came in two weeks late due to unforeseen problems (always happens with remodels!). I love Gabriella's sense of style, color and room layout. During a remodel project one develops an intense relationship with the designer/contractor. I thoroughly enjoyed our working relationship, which turned into a friendship. I would love to start another project just to be able to work with Gabriella again and create another beautiful space.