L'Auberge Del Mar

Imagine a quaint hotel in a coastal town that allows you to relax and unwind by the sea.  Now imagine a resort that supplies the same cozy feeling while providing a four-star experience: enter L'Auberge Del Mar.  The resort is located in the beautiful coastal city of Del Mar, California, a half hour north of San Diego, and is known to be the spot to stay and indulge at while visiting the Del Mar Race Track.  The renovations on this exquisite hotel were completed in 2009; just in time for the start of the busy season at the local race track and of course to board the guests who would be attending.


   The resort houses a plethora of accommodations to insure its guests receive the best possible experience during their stay in downtown Del Mar.  The expert staff invites you to sip on a "Cabana Boy" cocktail as you gaze out at the sun sinking below the horizon, only to venture downstairs to experience the work of executive chef, Paul McCabe, at the L'Auberge restaurant: Kitchen 1540.  Your stress is sure to melt away as soon as you step foot in the $4 million Spa and indulge in their services.  However, it is not the undeniable food, booze served in creative ways, or services completed at the spa but the overall design that initially welcomes guests in and keeps them lingering as they depart.


  The kudos go to a man by the name of Barclay Butera; President and CEO of Barclay Butera, Inc.  Butera is an Interior Designer who began his own personal line of home decor entitled Barclay Butera Home.  He is well known throughout the nation for his designs in both residential and hospitality venues and has four showrooms across the country. Numerous projects of his have been published in magazines such as Elle Decor, Home Beautiful, Interior Design and many more.  It isn't hard to believe Butera was the designer chosen to renovate this resort into a classy, innovative and intriguing place to stay while in the San Diego area.  


   As you pull up on the flagstone drive and approach the valet you are already transfixed on the exterior beauty of the boutique resort.  Upon entering through the sleek NANA glass doors and step foot into the lobby, you are warmly greeted by dark wood floors, crisp furnishings and sophisticated coastal accents.  This fresh appeal only frames the scene as you gaze straight through the windows in the back at the breathtaking view of the sea.  There are 120 rooms available in this boutique hotel; each one decorated specifically to enhance you're seaside experience.  Many materials, case goods, furnishings and finishes contribute to achieve this elegant and refreshing aesthetic, listed below are a few that I believe play a key role in the overall design. 

    The above image is directly from Barclay Butera Home and is used in the lobby of L'Auberge.  The product is appropriately named Giant Clam on Stand and runs for $400.  By using accents such at this, the coastal scene is perfectly set and makes the resort's guest feel at home at the beach.  

      Another addition to the seaside decor is the above chandelier.  This product is also included in Butera's Home line and is available for purchase online or through his local showrooms under the name Del Mar Chandelier.  This $6065 lighting fixture is very unique in the use tying together the look of the shells and faux coral to accentuate the overall modern style.  


      What truly sets the scene in the beautiful get away is the use of neutral walls and floors combined with the unique collection of furnishings, artwork, and lighting fixtures.  These elements are what define the style of the hotel.  The Seaside Shell Console is one such item.  Following a classic Adams Brother's design, the surface of this console table is completely covered in seashells and supported by lovely curved rococo style legs. It is more than a place to set your cocktail down; it's truly a focal point.  
      While you're checking in be sure to notice the Brentwood Settee located in the lobby.  Specified in a dark mocha with tufted covered buttons, this classic piece adds a royal feel and sends you back to a different era.  Have a seat in one of the adorable Madison Chairs, covered by velvet polka dots in a deep chocolate hue.  This furnishing is repeated throughout the space and adds the perfect amount of fun and whimsy to such a classy environment.  Throughout the lobby are splashes of a sassy muted lime that catch your attention; what you're seeing are the Ridgecrest Arm Chairs.  Upholstered in fabric in that lovely green hue, complete with a tufted backing and straight legs in a mahogany finish.  A big addition to the space comes in a rather small package; the throw pillows that spot the lobby are covered in a leopard print that spice up the decor.  
     Another lighting fixture that fits into the scenery perfectly and yet is breathtaking when examined closely is the mother of pearl lamps that are used sparingly in the space.  These beautifully crafted fixtures have a mother of pearl base and uniquely shaped shade above in a camel tone.  Multiple pieces of artwork are precisely placed in the lobby and in the individual guest rooms as well.  Most of the artwork is from Barclay Butera's Home line and ranges in price from $300-$900.  Photos of shells, sand, and beach scenes spruce up the walls and truly add the finishing touches in completing the ideal seaside scene. 


Works Cited:

• barclaybutera.com
• "Extensive Renovation Rejuvenates SoCal Jewel" Press Release
• laubergedelmar.com
• Ranch and Coast Magazine-March 2009

*Photos were taken at Barclay Butera Showroom in Newport Beach, Ca; permission given by Showroom Manager, Beverly.