About

Award-winning Kitchen & Bathroom Design

Designs Anew Houston (DAH), owned and operated by Barb Mueller, an award-winning, accredited Kitchen and Bath Designer, specializes in residential design for remodeling and new construction projects. Our firm is committed to designing your kitchen or bath for maximum maneuverability, ease of use, storage convenience, and safety.

With your health and well-being in mind, DAH also takes into consideration natural daylighting, air and water quality, humidity and thermal comfort and affinity with natural elements. The last 2 decades have produced a plethora of scientific evidence of the positive healthy benefits of employing these design strategies in our residential spaces.

Barb worked in the new construction industry as a senior designer before starting her own firm. She is a member of the Greater Houston Builder’s Association and the Remodeler’s Council, was on the local board of the National Kitchen and Bath Association earning their AKBD accreditation. She is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) through the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and an allied member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).

Believing in staying in touch with new technology, trends and products, Barb attends national and international conferences where she has taught several classes. She holds an MFA in Interior Design and was an adjunct professor in Interior Design at the Art Institute of Houston and other colleges for seven years.

Services that we Offer

We offer professional design services for your new home or remodeling project that cater to your specific needs and fit within your budget.

With a sound understanding of ergonomic and safety principles, as well as space planning and layout for efficiency and functionality, we will walk you through the floor plan configuration and selections for flooring, cabinetry, countertops, plumbing fixtures, hardware, painting, and lighting.

If you are looking to improve your quality of life by making better choices for your family, DAH endeavors to educate, collaborate with, and guide you in your new kitchen or bath design.

  • Bathroom Design
  • Kitchen Design
  • CAD Floor Plans
  • Handicap-Accessible Design
  • 3D Rendering
  • Finish Selections
  • Wellness Design
  • Laundry Room Design
  • Mudroom Design
  • Pantry Design
  • Sustainable Design
  • Universal Design

Awards

2020

  • 2nd place award for Best in American Living Awards from National Association of Home Builders
  • 2nd place award for Homes for Life Award from NAHB

2019

  • 1st place award -Master Design Awards from Qualified Remodeler Magazine

2016

  • 1st place award for Master Design Awards from QR Magazine
  • 1st place award for Homes for Life Award from National Association of Home Builders
  • 1st place award for Best in American Living Awards from NAHB
  • 1st place award for American Residential Design Award from American Institute of Building Designers

2015

  • Regional co-winner in Chrysalis Award in Remodeling Excellence competition - Universal Design category

2013

  • 1st place in the American Institute of Building Design's ARDA - American Residential Design Awards - contest in the Accessibility category

Publications

Barb has written articles or has been interviewed for articles in Qualified Remodeler, Kitchen and Bath Business, Kitchen and Bath Design News, Metropolitan Builder, Houston Chronicle, and Remodeling News. She has been interviewed online by The Business of Furniture, NAHB online and Remodeling Magazine online.

Reviews

I found Barb on Houzz in 2017 when my husband and I were planning a major remodel of kitchen end of our house. After living for 30 years in a house built in 1960, we had a good idea of changes we wanted – second sink, double oven, larger pantry, refrigerator drawer, garden window, and enlarge to include an island. We were in our late 60’s and had decided this would be our retirement home, so wanted a design that would allow us to “age in place.” We hired Barb to make sure we “got it right.”
About 1
P.E. Coram (Houzz Client Review)
Read More

Barb’s Universal Design expertise helped ensure adequate and functional walking/working space. She identified a way to incorporate a walk-in pantry. Thanks to Barb’s suggestion, we installed a device in our backdoor that eliminates the need for a threshold – making it easier for someone using a walker or wheelchair to enter. We also consulted with her on our selections for sinks, faucets, tile, light fixtures, cabinet pulls, and paint colors.

We were in no hurry (contractors were occupied with Hurricane Harvey repairs), so we met with Barb about once a month on design and selections from late 2017 thru 2018. Then, consulted with her infrequently during construction in 2019. After understanding our needs and priorities, Barb assisted in areas where we requested her expertise. We are very pleased with our finished kitchen and half-bath. Barb has vast experience and is a pleasure to work with. We recommend her.

I met Barb a LONG time ago after i bought my house, time frame was in the early 2000's. The rooms were painted an inoffensive white, but, after awhile it was as boring as can be imagined. After a round of foundation work, the white looked more awful since the walls had been repaired. . I wanted to paint, but hadn't a CLUE as to where to start. My contractor (who was doing work on the house) had worked with Barb and recommended my calling her for some assistance. Best move i ever made: we used my love of the southwestern colors to start out in the living and dining rooms, and the rest just went from there. I even have ACCENT WALLS in the kitchen and living room.

If not for Barb, i'm sure i'd STILL be sitting there, paint chips surrounding me ,,,Her help was invaluable and her taste is such that i still LOVE the colors all these years later.
A real professional with a great eye!
About 1
Elsa A. (Houzz Client Review)
Read More

Best move I ever made: we used my love of the southwestern colors to start out in the living and dining rooms, and the rest just went from there. I even have ACCENT WALLS in the kitchen and living room.

If not for Barb, I'm sure I'd STILL be sitting there, paint chips surrounding me. Her help was invaluable and her taste is such that I still LOVE the colors all these years later.

A real professional with a great eye!

Barb was our designer for a major kitchen remodel. She did an outstanding job. The design process was about seven months and the tear down and construction was four months. Throughout this time, Barb was consistently involved and guiding the process. She listened to what we wanted and responded accordingly. I love that she was honest with us about what would work and what would not. Our kitchen is gorgeous and I would highly recommend Barb for any project.
About 1
R.B. (Houzz Client Review)
Barb just helped us with a post-Hurricane Harvey remodel of our entire first floor and did a tremendous job. She was exceptionally professional to work with and was very understanding of our situation. She listened to our needs and offered wonderful guidance without being pushy or overbearing. It was truly a collaborative effort and helped ease what was a very stressful process. We are very very happy with her work and would highly recommend her services.
About 1
Melissa T. (Houzz Client Review)
I would recommend Barb Mueller! She just finished with my master bath remodel. Her ideas and knowledge were essential to our project. Our goal was "aging in place" and she knew all the things that were important to someone who is getting older.
About 1
Emily C.
Barb will provide the latest ideas in the Kitchen & Bath Design arena since she attends cutting edge seminars both in the United States and also international shows. This assures her clients they are being shown the most up-to-date concepts and the latest technology in modern Bath Design.
About 1
Phil K.
I am very pleased with the kitchen. I am just praying that all my stuff will fit in it. Thank you for your help. Without your help I could have never put this together.
About 1
Gerry
Thanks again for all of your help. I could never have made our bathroom so nice without your expertise. Thanks.
About 1
Greta
I highly recommend Barb at Designs Anew Houston. Barb redesigned my master bath using the principles of universal design. I now have an amazing bathroom – the perfect marriage of style and utility. My neighbors marvel at the clean lines and luxurious feel. My Mom safely and comfortably stayed at my house during her stroke recovery while using a wheelchair. Thank you Barb!
About 1
Elizabeth C.
I had the pleasure of working with Barb in a number of different ways over the years. Barb and I worked together on a Universal Design Kitchen she designed and I assisted with cabinetry. Barb's knowledge and application of Universal Design are unmatched. I also had the opportunity to serve with Barb on the National Kitchen and Bath Association (Texas Gulf Coast Chapter). At the time Barb served as VP of Professional Development where she helped me obtain my AKBD (Associate Kitchen and Bath Designer) Certification. She is a wonderful college, teacher, and friend. I look forward to working with her again soon and would absolutely recommend her to anyone working on a remodeling project.
About 1
A. Kitchen Design House (Houzz Colleague Review)
I have had the absolute pleasure of working with Barb over the last few years. She brings the highest level of professionalism, enthusiasm, and industry knowledge to all of her clients. Barb takes the time to listen to her client’s and in return, the design that goes into your home is a direct result of how she understands your needs. She is constantly educating herself and her colleagues on current styles and products and works well with both contemporary and traditional designs. I highly recommend having Barb involved in your renovation or custom home project!
About 1
JP Savage Construction Inc (Houzz Colleague Review)
Barb has extensive Universal Design Training and is "CAPS - certified", so she knows how how to work with my older and special needs clients. I love that. Great partner to work with, to custom-fit living spaces to the families so they can live in them safely and independently for many years to come.
About 1
Legal Eagle Contractors