Life & Work with Caroline Hall of Encinitas

Hi Caroline, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hi, I’m Caroline – the owner and artist behind St Tropez Designs. Though my earlier career was in high tech in Silicon Valley, I’ve always been drawn to developing my creative side. This passion led me to launch my custom furniture painting business.

Over the years, I’ve lived, studied, and traveled abroad, which has given me a unique cultural perspective and an appreciation for diverse artistic styles. In 2015, my family and I moved to the South of France to pursue a long-held dream of giving our children an international education and a slower-paced life after the frenetic pace of Silicon Valley.

Unfortunately, our adventure took a dark turn when we endured a horrific armed robbery in our home—with our 8- and 11-year-old children present. It was a traumatic time, but through EMDR therapy and the strength of our family, we carried on. It was during our years in France that I discovered a love for painting furniture. What began as a creative outlet quickly became a deeply therapeutic passion.

In France, furniture is seen as decorative art—elegant, opulent, and rich in history. I felt like a kid in a candy store, surrounded by pieces that told stories from centuries past. That experience inspired me to create something truly special when we returned to California: St Tropez Designs.

To me, every piece of furniture is a work of art—whether antique or modern. Projects can range from minimalist single-color designs to detailed artistic transformations.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

Like most businesses, the beginning wasn’t easy. The biggest challenge was simply getting my name out there. I relied heavily on word-of-mouth referrals—and I’ve been busy ever since.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

Before this chapter, I ran a technical recruiting agency in Silicon Valley. I left that career to have children, a journey that took six long years of IVF. We were blessed with two children, now 17 and 21.

When we returned from France, I was looking at a pile of antique furniture from my husband’s family and decided to start painting. To my surprise, I was good at it. I created a logo, built my website in an afternoon, and began promoting my work on Nextdoor.

At first, I took on any project I could get, but I soon discovered that my passion lies in painting—not restaining—furniture. I love working with metallics, layering colors, and creating unique designs. If I had to choose a favorite project, it would be antique steamer trunks. I enjoy the intricate details and imagining the lives that passed through those pieces.

Once clients understand that their old/antique furniture is often made of higher-quality solid wood—far superior to today’s MDF or composite materials—they see the true value in refinishing rather than replacing.

St Tropez Designs is about more than just furniture—it’s about preserving stories, honoring craftsmanship, and creating beauty.  Let’s transform your piece into something extraordinary.