Studio 38 Designs opened its doors on Depot Street in September 2020.

Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting for Studio 38 Designs in 2020. Photo by Marty Cheek

By David Dindak

David Dindak

Spring is right around the corner and will be here before you know it. Now’s the time to begin putting those home remodel thoughts to paper.  No better way to hit the ground running than with the help of Studio 38 Designs, a kitchen and bath design center and showroom.

Although kitchen and bath remodels are their specialty, three imaginative designers are not limited to those two spaces and will create a showcase in any room of your home. The beautiful showroom prides itself with examples of semi-custom cabinets, various countertop styles and surfaces, hardware, and flooring.

Owner Gina Varela-Domenichini is a home-grown Morgan Hillian. Her parents moved here in 1977, and Gina is a product of MHUSD. She loves Morgan Hill and its hometown feel where you can walk along downtown and always see someone you know.  Husband Dave owns sister company D.R. Domenichini Construction. Both have served our community as Leadership Morgan Hill grads along with being members of downtown association, Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, and historical society.

Gina had a career in corporate marketing. Around the time she was ready to leave, Dave was exploring possibilities of a spin-off company. This led to a business that would complement each other and Studio 38 Designs was born. Gina sees downtown as the heart of the community. She and Dave wanted to be part of it and the various options of dining, shopping and events offered. Thus, Studio 38 Designs opened its doors on Depot Street in September 2020.

Being a local, Gina understands the community and easily develops a great rapport with clientele. What she likes most is they’re always excited and eager when ready to redo their home. The designer team and support staff also enjoy working with clients. They sit down to learn your vision of transforming your home into a showcase and keep the “pain points” you have of the project in mind. Then just like family, they hold your hand along the way.

David Domenichini and Gina Varela-Domenichini in their conference room in Studio 38 Designs. Photo by Marty Cheek

DRD Construction works very closely with Studio 38, and with both companies under the same roof, design to completion is seamless. Unique is the master calendar. Upon completion of design, an estimator creates a schedule, reaches out to the support team for buy-in, and every trade knows when they’ll be on site.  Communication is also essential, and the project manager works closely with the clients and trades throughout the project.

Your humble author can attest to that. Our one-of-a-kind bungalow underwent a complete remodel that included taking it to stud and moving walls. But don’t just take my word for it. The Awards Wall is filled with successes.

Gina said if you’re thinking about remodel in 2023, you may want to schedule an appointment to meet soon.  Wait time to sit with a designer in the summer can be a month out.  Average timeline for design is six to eight weeks. Then figure another eight weeks for construction.

Studio 38 Designs, located at 17165 Depot St., is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. They can be reached at (408) 776-3838, via email at [email protected], and at www.studio38designsinc.com. If nothing else, stop in to check out the cool stuff, meet their King Charles Spaniel therapy dog “Charlie,” and tell ‘em David sent ya.

David Dindak is the MHDA president, co-owner of Bubbles & Brew, and a RE/MAX Realtor.