{we've moved to a new blog}

Our new website has launched and we are now blogging at www.surlamerdesign.com/blog.

To view our professional portfolio and to shop online, visit our new store at http://www.surlamerdesign.com/.

{spa redesign: Aesthetic Genesis Medical Spa}

There is a place in Redondo Beach, CA. where you can discreetly slip into a beautiful office to get some pampering spa treatments. This place happens to be owned by a friend of mine, who hired me to remake it into her own oasis.

The waiting room.

We picked a soothing blue for the walls, and accented with a vintage setee and gingko print rug. It has a zen feel without being over the top.

Looking out onto a private courtyard from the waiting room.

The medical treatment room where you can get Botox, laser treatments, Restalyne- or any number of amazing treatments.

Daniela Leslie, the owner of Aesthetic Genesis.

For Daniela's space, we kept it clean and simple with soothing golden yellow walls, crystal chandelier, and large but simple pieces of art.

The acupuncture treatment room.

We used the same golden yellow walls with large art and dark wood floors.

The waxing and facial treatment room.

It was important for us to keep the color palette clean and simple, but not boring. What we got was an energetic but soothing space that gives you all your beauty and medical needs- with a great homey feel.

For more information about Aesthetic Genesis, click here

{travel: San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito, CA}

My husband and I got married at San Ysidro Ranch, and it's our tradition (albeit a new tradition), to come back yearly to celebrate our anniversary. We stay in the same cottage we got married in that overlooks the waterfall. It's such a magical place, and you can feel the mystique of it. The huge eucalyptus trees, incredible gardens, mountains in the background and the private cottages, well, let me tell you, it's a little slice of heaven. It's my favorite trip of the year.

It was voted to be "America's Best Hotel" by Forbes Magazine 2009 and yes, they got it right.

Oh, and The Stonehouse restaurant that is on the property is simply divine. We have yet to leave the property in the four years that we have visited there. If the weather is nice, you can sit on the back deck and have cocktails.

I promise you, if you have any issues sleeping, this is the place to go. The serenity of the passing creek, your own private patio surrounded by lush trees and flowers, the hot tub and outdoor shower- it's the best. I also love the fact that you are in your own private cottage. You never have to see or hear anyone if you don't want to.

My dog, Maxie-sitting in the window seat. She accidentally slipped off the cliff behind the cottage right after we said our vows, and fell into the stream. She was rescued by some skillful rock-climbing employees and the day was saved. We noticed the following year that a safety gate had been erected behind the cottage. Oops!

She is a legend there!

The main living room of the cottage.

The bathroom with heated floors and a clawfoot bathtub looking out to a flower garden.

Click Here for more information about San Ysidro Ranch

{reinvented: Sur La Mer Design}

On May 31st, I decided it was time to say goodbye to my retail store in North Manhattan Beach. Sur La Mer lived happily there for five years, and the decision had to be made whether or not to renew my lease, with the answer being a resounding 'NO!', (especially from my husband).

For being the first business I ran on my own, and in retail, nonetheless... it was a great success and an incredible learning experience. Without it, I would not have my interior design firm- or the knowledge of how to run my online store, http://www.surlamerdesign.com/- to launch at the end of September.

I'm contemplating opening another store in a more accessible shopping area, but right now, I am enjoying not having the retail part of my business.

The empty store on May 31st, 2009.

Surprisingly, it was a very happy day for me.

The store in its glory days, will always be one of the best experiences of my business life.

Since moving to LA from NY six years ago, it was the only thing I knew! It was the most interesting and unique furniture store I had ever seen, even to this day.

Thanks to all my friends and clients in, and around Manhattan Beach!

You made it fun and successful for me.

If you are in need of interior design services, my new offices are located at:

3508 Highland Avenue, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

310.939.7730 direct

310.939.7740 fax

The new online store will launch at the end of September

http://www.surlamerdesign.com/

{design: The Fashion Influence}

Photo Credits: House Beautiful, May 09

I mentioned in Spaces Magazine last month that Design and Fashion always go hand in hand. So I was not surprised to see in House Beautful and Town & Country magazine, similar color palettes for Spring/Summer. It's going to be a beautiful season! Go out and buy some bright and happy pillows to freshen up your spaces!

Photo Credits: Town & Country, May 09

Photo Credits: Spaces Magazine April 09


Click Here to see the Spaces Magazine
article on Sur La Mer

{a tribute: Momita and her city, Granada}

Momita, 2008 on one of her courtyards with the dogs.

1903-2009

She was the Matriarch of my father's side of the family, and the oldest living person in Granada, Nicaragua, at 106 years old. My brother Andres, and my Dad were both there when she gave way to old age yesterday- in her birth home (literally the house she was born in), with friends and family at her side. Andres sent these pictures back of her beautiful home (and the home my father grew up in), and felt compelled to show them in tribute to a wonderful woman who lived a simple and good life. Something we all should strive for.

The foyer opening to the main inner courtyards.

Very old original tiles.




Beautiful 100+ year old tile floors.

Formal dining room has views to both pool and center courtyard.

Living room with 14 foot ceilings.

The center courtyard from which all rooms open up to.

Facing the pool courtyard from the formal dining room.

Out to the lush Courtyard.

The Cathedral of Xalteva, Granada built in 1583 a block from Grandma's house

Morning in Granada.

Lake Granada in the distance. The only fresh water lake in the world with sharks.

The house under construction is typical of Granada with a center courtyard/garden with all rooms facing it. Most homes don't have windows facing the street, just large doors which people keep open during the day to socialize with passersby.

The rich colors and Colonial architecture are everywhere.

A grand doorway.

More of the Old City...the oldest in all the America's.

This is a great Arts school right off Central Square

It has an amazing tile face of a German painter from way back when.

They sell the paintings made by the students in a shop nearby.

They also teach guitar,

and violin.

Church of La Merced built 1534.

This is the lifesize Jesus in a glass casket that was in Grandmas bedroom when we were children, and used to scare my brother Andy.

Now it sits at the entrance to the Church of La Merced.

In the belltower.

The handles that ring the church bells.

All Photos and some copy courtesy of Andres Enriquez