an INTIMATE look at all things design, home, family, motherhood, and travel

In a world dominated by negative press, it doesn't hurt to step aside for a moment and celebrate how far we have come.

A few years after the passage of the Equal Pay Act in 1963, Virginia Slims cigarettes were marketed to young professional women using the slogan "You've come a long way, baby."

Little did the creators of that ad know just how far women in the US would rise—from those traveling into space, to those on the Supreme Court, women CEOs, and of course, women running for President. The irony in that ad, of course, is that eventually both men and women would continue to evolve into the savvy non-smokers they are today, educated on the harm of nicotine.

While the progress we have made in medicine, women's rights, and science is not tantamount to how fashion, art, and design have evolved, these creative endeavors are visual testaments to change. Today, we celebrate color blends like pink with orange or blue with black, which may have been frowned upon in years past. There is no need to adhere to arbitrary fashion rules like not wearing white after Labor Day or mixing gold and silver jewelry.

Similarly, interior designers have become increasingly emboldened by weaving in the old with the new. A sucker for nostalgia with an eye on the road ahead, I wholeheartedly embrace this design approach because the juxtaposition of furnishings is precisely what describes the life within. For example, when our dining room was begging for a chandelier, I knew I wanted a brass fixture with a modern sculptural twist. That is where the knowledge ended and the search began. It took several months before stumbling upon the one below.

The moment I saw this piece, I knew it was the one. The modern lines contrast with the antique mirror from my husband’s childhood home in Rome. Conversely, because brass bridges both classic and contemporary design, the chandelier feels perfect in our space. To me, design is less about perfection and more about evolution. Bold choices are the ones that make a home feel personal, like it can only belong to you.

Alina de AlbergariaAugust 4, 2025

Divine Motherhood

Life has been full in unexpected ways. Our children are off discovering what the world holds beyond home, and in between those milestones, I’ve continued creating with intention—through design, through poetry. These transitions, while bittersweet, have become an endless well of inspiration. Trying to hold on to beauty while letting go—that’s the hard truth that shaped Divine Motherhood, a reflection on the most profound role of my life: being a mother.

Divine Motherhood

What lay before me
was an unparalleled gift—
This much was clear.
I vowed to release the universe
from another prayer’s burden,
to shower it instead
with my soul’s eternal grace.

Tiny fingers clinging to mine,
new lives unfolding
in the unfamiliar scent
of divine motherhood.

The bliss of marriage—
and miracle of twins
hard-won from a lifetime of struggle,
rendered them even more dear.
For all the dark feelings
that solitude harbored
wiped clean in an instant
with radiant light.

Magnanimous beyond measure,
fate gifted me anew,
a source of immense joy
though tinged with guilt
for this third beam of life.

Her innocence
swathed in strength from the start,
evoked the tenacity needed
for her to pen her own song.

Seasons danced
in unbridled shades of childhood,
weaving from the mundane
a tapestry of joy.

The twins’ departure
to forge their own paths
left a void too immense
for my heart to withstand.
And yet her presence,
an apothecary of sorts,
offered a sense of reprieve,
delaying the inevitable.

I make good on my vow,
asking not for a gift—
But as the tender fabric
begins to fray,
do I falter by praying
to safeguard my child,
as she steps from my shadow
into her light?

Whether through design, writing, or the connections we share, I am grateful you’re part of this journey.

Alina de AlbergariaDecember 5, 2024

A GIFT FOR HER (AND YOU)

Whether you choose to celebrate her with sparkle or romance, Designs by Alina is your one-stop destination. In honor of our newest—and most romantic—player, the Make Me Sway candle, we’re offering 20% off your entire order through Valentine’s Day. Use coupon code LUCKYHER at checkout. And remember, Santa Barbara deliveries and pick-ups are always free.

How will you make her sway?

Alina de AlbergariaJanuary 23, 2024

NO PILLOW LIKE IT

Whether your style is modern, classic, relaxed, coastal, or alpine, the possibilities at Designs by Alina are endless. When it comes to accent pillows, there is no collection like ours.

ABOUT OUR LUXE PILLOWS

Our 20” x 12” lumbar pillows* are handcrafted in our Santa Barbara studio, including the handwoven accent panels. Fine camel shavings, merino, alpaca wool, and silk fibers are worked into exquisite linen or Belgian bouclé by our design team. Each pillow is lined and filled with 100% white goose down.

CUSTOMIZATION

We’re happy to customize size and panel colors to suit your needs. Contact us at customerservice@designsbyalina.com.

TO THE TRADE

Want to offer something exceptionally unique to your clients? Reach out to partners@designsbyalina.com. We are here to help.

If you're looking for precision workmanship, unique design, the finest materials, and outstanding customer service, look no further than Designs by Alina. We are passionate about every detail we create.

Bernardo de AlbergariaApril 29, 2023

Our turn to thank you!

‘Tis the season of thanks...

Designs by Alina had a terrific year following the launch of our home décor line last November. Our products are now sold on Perigold, the nation’s largest premium home décor platform. Like us, Perigold prides itself on offering the most exquisite furnishings for extraordinary living. Locally, our Santa Barbara community can now find us on Coast Village Road at True Love Always in Montecito.

As a gesture of gratitude, we’re offering a rare opportunity to enjoy 25% off all candles, frames, and jewelry. This is the first time since our founding in 2014 that we’ve extended such a discount.

Please enter SEASONOFTHANKS25 at checkout. Offer valid through December 31.

All candles, in-stock jewelry, and in-stock frames ship within 3 business days.

Home décor items require a 4-week production lead time.

Wishing you and yours a joyful holiday season,

Alina

Alina de AlbergariaDecember 13, 2022

A WEEK IN PUGLIA - PART TWO

OSTUNI

We pick up where we left off in A Week in Puglia – Part I with Ostuni, our final destination in Brindisi. A stunning medieval town, whitewashed and perched on a hilltop, Ostuni is a labyrinth of cobblestone streets best enjoyed over a day or two.

I highly recommend a guided tuk-tuk tour, as the history is both rich and unmissable. One of the first landmarks we visited was the Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral, a striking blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Byzantine styles. Here we learned why the ornate rose window is glass-free, the meaning behind its intricate symbols, and why the church’s altar sits off-center.

Another gem is the Baroque Church of San Vito Martire—less opulent but highly unusual—now serving as an archaeological museum with artifacts dating back as far as 2,600 years.

Be sure to leave time to wander Ostuni’s maze of medieval streets, dotted with restaurants, boutiques, cafés, and lively bars. Every corner holds its own charm, making Ostuni an essential stop when visiting Puglia.

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Puglia produces half of all the olive oil in Italy, so it’s no surprise the landscape stretches into miles upon miles of olive trees. On our way to Lecce, we stopped at Masseria Brancati, hoping to see Il Grande Vecchio (The Great Elder), believed to be the oldest olive tree in Italy—over 3,000 years old.

Unfortunately, the property wasn’t open for a full tour and tasting when we arrived. Still, we caught sight of the elder’s “cousin,” estimated at 2,000 years old, and marveled that these ancient trees still bear fruit.

If you plan a visit, call ahead to book a tour—you won’t want to miss it.

LECCE

Often hailed as “the Florence of southern Italy,” Lecce is a striking showcase of Baroque art and architecture. Its elegant amber hue is no accident: “Lecce stone” is a honey-colored, malleable limestone quarried locally and used throughout the city for centuries. The gentle stone shifts with the light, glowing differently from dawn to dusk, making Salento—the southernmost part of Puglia—unlike anywhere else in the world.

Our hotel was so well located that simply wandering the streets brought us face-to-face with landmark after landmark.

Basilica di Santa Croce: Calling this 17th-century church stunning hardly does it justice. Its elaborate façade is a masterpiece of Baroque detail, worth visiting both by day and again at dusk, when the stone takes on an entirely new character.
Piazza del Duomo: One of Lecce’s many beautiful limestone squares, it is home to the Cattedrale dell’Assunzione della Virgine, another essential stop in the city’s architectural crown.
Roman Amphitheatre: Like so many treasures in Italy, this ancient structure—dating to the 1st and 2nd centuries AD—was discovered by chance in the early 1900s. Today, its weathered tiers remain a vivid reminder of Lecce’s layered past.
Porta Napoli: A commanding defensive archway, flanked by four ornate columns and crowned with a pediment bearing the insignia of Charles V and Lecce.
Sedile: Near the amphitheatre in the city’s main square stands the Sedile, an exquisitely restored building that now houses Lecce’s Tourist Information office. Its clean lines and dignified presence contrast beautifully with the exuberance of the Baroque all around.

We spent so much time at the beach during our stay in the Bari/Brindisi areas (A Week in Puglia – Part I) that we decided not to venture beyond Lecce during our three-day stay. That said, if you’re inclined to explore, Gallipoli and Otranto make excellent day trips.

Masseria Mantateluré

The hours spent researching where to stay in Lecce seemed endless in the weeks before our trip, but the moment we checked into Masseria Mantateluré, we knew the effort had been worth it.

Ideally located within a ten-minute walk of the city’s most important landmarks, this restored 16th-century palazzo lives up to its name—“King’s Mantle” in the local dialect. Designed and owned by Marco Cimmino, the property reflects his personal vision: chic, understated, and cozy. The attention to detail is unmistakable, from the breakfast room’s serving table to the custom cabinets in the lobby to the recessed Bang & Olufsen sound system. Old and new are seamlessly fused here—my favorite kind of design.

On arrival, we were warmly welcomed by property manager Marta Nocco, whose genuine regard for our well-being set the tone for our stay. Behind her, a woman was already preparing pastries and desserts we would later savor. That small detail spoke volumes. Marco himself, an avid baker (and owner of the nearby restaurant Pescheria Con Cottura), has imbued the hotel with that passion, creating a space that feels less like a hotel and more like a home.

Even at the peak of a sweltering summer, the garden was a haven. Our room, accessible through a romantic exterior foyer, was spacious and elegant, with a spa tub and a sitting area. With just five additional rooms and three apartments, Mantateluré feels intimate by design. One note: to preserve its calm and welcoming atmosphere, children under eleven are not accepted.

DINING

It is not difficult to find excellent cuisine in Puglia, where food is straightforward, seasonal, and deeply rooted in local tradition. With the longest stretch of coastline in Italy, it’s no surprise that seafood takes center stage.

Ambiance is as essential to me as cuisine, while for my husband—born and raised in Rome—the food itself is everything. The good news: in Puglia, neither of us was disappointed.

La Locanda sul Porto in Monopoli
This charming seaside restaurant with outdoor seating serves both raw and cooked seafood, along with several pasta dishes featuring the catch of the day. We chose the latter, and it was every bit as delicious as it was beautiful.
La Taverna di Umberto, Fasano
What struck me here was the atmosphere. One of the things I love most about dining in Italy, especially in summer, is watching generations gather under the night sky—children, teens, and adults sharing a timeless feast without a care for the clock. At La Taverna, that same ease permeated the evening, the staff moving with grace and the food living up to the setting.
Osteria bell’Italia
Quaint yet trendy, this backstreet gem blends local and international gastronomy with a modern twist. Though the restaurant was at full capacity and service lagged, any impatience dissolved once the food arrived. I highly recommend it for those seeking something distinct.
Bina Ristorante
Housed in an 18th-century building with soaring cross-vaulted ceilings, Bina offers a seamless fusion of past and present. The sleek white décor frames exquisite cuisine: handmade pastas, meats, fish, tartare, and refined desserts. With its extensive wine list and impeccable presentation, its dining is elevated.
Il Vico del Gusto
Ideally located just steps from the Basilica di Santa Croce, Il Vico del Gusto delights food lovers with seared octopus, tuna tartare, and tagliolini with local fish. While the food and wine were superb, the frenetic staff energy—darting from table to table—detracted from what could have been a flawless evening.

Bina Ristorante

La Taverna di Umberto

La Locanda sul Porto

Osteria bell’Italia

Il Vico del Gusto

I hope these notes help guide your own journey through Puglia, a region as rich in history as it is in flavor. Buon viaggio!

Photos: property of Designs by Alina.

Bernardo de AlbergariaOctober 14, 2022

A Week In Puglia - Part I

To those who have requested travel tips on Puglia, thank you for inspiring me to write and for your patience as I combed over my notes and hundreds of photos. A month of travel translated into heaps of work, not only with Designs by Alina but with our three children, two of whom we just settled into their new lives back East. Because there is far more information than I envisioned, I have divided this post into two parts.

Part I

Geographic overview
Where to stay in Brindisi/Bari
Beaches and beach clubs
Where to see the famed trulli
A most fortunate encounter

Part II

Seven nights of dining in Puglia
Lecce: Where to stay and what to see
Ostuni must-sees and how to see them

OVERVIEW

To say that Puglia had been one of my bucket list destinations would be an understatement. I have been obsessed with trulli (plural for trullo), the dry-stone huts with quaint, corbeled roofs typical of the region, since I was a young architecture student many moons ago. But between visiting family in Europe and a desire to expose our children to other cultures around the world, carving out time to visit had long become an elusive dream.

Like Portugal and Croatia, Puglia—commonly referred to as the heel of Italy’s boot—has become increasingly popular. While not as central as Lazio, Umbria, or Tuscany, the allure lies in its breathtaking seaside, rich history, and endless olive groves—the most in all of Italy—and, of course, trulli-enchanted villages..

While visiting all of Puglia’s six provinces isn’t a must, less than a week isn’t enough time to truly experience the region. Therefore, after much thought, we split our stay between Brindisi—in the countryside near the Adriatic Sea—and Lecce, a beautiful Baroque city about an hour from the Ionian Sea, often called the “Maldives of Italy.”

BRINDISI & BARI

Puglia is rich with masserie (farmhouses), each with its own distinct charm. We chose Masseria Torre Rossa, the only hotel built into the historic “Lama” caves, dating back to the 18th century. Just fifteen minutes from the sea and surrounded by orchards and endless olive groves, it was the perfect base. Knowing we’d spend our days exploring beaches and villages, we opted for character over amenities like a pool or spa we’d never use. Our room, once a well, carried its history gracefully—water-jug light fixtures and a vintage washboard turned towel rack nodding to its roots.

Our days began in the garden with a breakfast of homemade pastries and yogurt topped with local fruit. Like most Italians, the Pugliese are warm and proud of their heritage. That pride showed when a staff member, noticing me scribbling notes, insisted on giving us a tour of the property’s newest suite—still under construction when we booked. It was spectacular, awaiting its very first guests.

If you’re traveling with children, Masseria Torre Coccaro is an ideal blend of indulgence and activity. We stopped in en route to the beach and found a property that caters to every age: cooking classes, golf, swimming, and wine or olive oil tastings for adults, alongside a spa, kids’ club, and a private beach club a few miles away (which we didn’t tour). Instead, we spent a day at their newly acquired Le Palme Beach Club, reviewed below.

BEACH CLUBS

As with many European beach destinations, clubs are a must in Puglia. On the Adriatic coast, both Lido Bambù and Lido Sabbiadoro were lovely, though I favored Bambù for its palapa-style decor, where even the car park was softened by olive trees—a Puglia signature. The property offers a bar, beach beds, and shaded canopies, with music drifting in later in the day. The result was an all-around memorable experience.

The next day, with temperatures soaring into the high nineties, we returned to the beach—this time to Lido Sabbiadoro (golden sand), which we thoroughly enjoyed. If you’re more food-driven like my husband than design-driven like me, Sabbiadoro will win you over. The highlight of our afternoon was the restaurant: a seasonal menu curated by Celebrity Chef Fulvio Pierangelini. The salt-crusted fish, pesce al sale, was superb—reminding me of the dishes I devoured as an adolescent in Venezuela. The décor was beautiful, though not as chic as Bambù. And the Italians? As ever, utterly charming.

On day three, we ventured out to Le Palme Beach Club, recently acquired by the same family that owns Masseria Torre Coccaro. Le Palme had a Miami vibe, though rainbow ribbons and plastic strip curtains in the restrooms tipped it into quirky—especially after touring the family’s elegant masseria. It was the only club with a trendy boutique, and like all the clubs we visited, it offered beach beds, canopies, and lounge areas throughout. For lunch, we ordered prawns and tuna tartare—both excellent.

People flock to Le Palme for its lively energy, like bees to honey. Perhaps that explains the festively kitsch décor. According to staff, it’s also one of the region’s top venues for weddings, parties, and private events. (Photos 5-9 below: courtesy of Le Palme Beach Club).

Honey, our 25th?

IONIAN COAST

On our way to Lecce, we stopped at Bahia Porto Cesareo on the Ionian Coast—far pricier than the others, with only its stunning setting to justify the cost. The décor was lovely, but it was the only club to add a surcharge for towels on top of an already steep fee. Most guests brought their own, creating a mismatched towel melee that distracted from the otherwise curated design. Worse, the music blared from noon onward. Don’t get me wrong—I enjoy a lively ambiance. Take Scorpios in Mykonos, where serenity eases into celebration at sunset. Bahia, by contrast, skipped straight to the chaos. We left after only three hours.

On the plus side, the staff were exceptional—thank you, Andrea and Mario—and I loved that each set of lounge chairs came with a proper table for two or four, perfect for a seaside lunch. The menu offered both traditional bites with local ingredients and heavily dressed sushi, which, if not watching one’s waistline, was quite good. The fee included a bottle of champagne, which we swapped for rosé.

And the sea? The “Maldives of Italy” indeed.

After four days of beaches, the moment finally came to discover the trulli I had dreamed of for years. We spotted the first ones on our way to Locorotondo (aptly meaning “round place”) for dinner. My husband even pulled a wild U-turn so we could capture them. It was worth it.

ALBEROBELLO

The next morning, we set out early for Alberobello (beautiful tree). Arriving before the crowds felt like stepping into the 14th century. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996, Alberobello boasts the largest concentration of trulli in Puglia. Dozens of conical roofs quickly became hundreds, leaving me as spellbound as I was the first time I saw Venice, Rome, Positano, or Lake Como. I had always known these rooftops were built without mortar, but never understood why. The answer, I later discovered, was as fascinating as the view before me—though no spoilers here.

UNMISTAKABLY FREE

While dining a few nights earlier, we met Sinead, a woman with a radiant smile, and her husband. They had just relocated to Puglia after years in Ireland, London, and New York, where they raised two children. I first noticed her embroidered silk slip-ons, then the tattoo above her ankle: a girl on a swing tethered to two birds. She told me it was her first and only tattoo, done just a month prior. “I have never felt as free as I do in Puglia,” she said, “so it felt right.”

Their warmth didn’t end with conversation. They invited us to their newly acquired trullo, where they welcomed us with cured meats, cheeses, olives, figs, and wine. Touring their home and rooftop sealed the connection. As Sinead noted—and I agreed—it felt as though we had known each other all our lives. That is pure Puglia magic.

PART II COMING SOON:

Seven nights of dining in Puglia
Three days in Lecce
How to tour Ostuni

Photos: property of Designs by Alina unless otherwise noted.

Alina de AlbergariaSeptember 7, 2022

UNLOCK THE POSSIBILITIES

A New York client purchased our Chalet Pillow in chocolate and wanted a second to pair with her living room rug. As we were sold out, we asked her to share a photo of the rug, then gathered ethically sourced camel shavings, merino, alpaca wool, and silk in her palette to create the perfect luxe companion pillow.

When she later wrote to say how much she loved them, we knew it was time to extend this service to our newsletter subscribers* and interior designers**. Orders received in June qualify for free customization (view in-stock pricing here). What began as a single client request has now become a signature design offering.

Whether your style is modern, classic, relaxed, or inspired by the sea or a ski chalet, the possibilities at Designs by Alina are endless.

ABOUT OUR LUXE PILLOWS

Our few-of-a-kind 20” x 12” lumbar pillows are fabricated entirely by hand in our Santa Barbara studio, right down to most of the accent panels. Ethically sourced camel shavings, merino, alpaca wool, and silk fibers are hand-worked into fine linen or Belgian bouclé by our design team. Each pillow is then lined and filled with 100% white goose down. For inquiries, email us at customerservice@designsbyalina.com.

* Want all the perks without the inbox overload? Our newsletter is for you. We dislike aggressive campaigns, too, and limit ourselves to just four per year. Unlock subscriber-only privileges now by scrolling to the subscriber box on our homepage here.

** To the trade: In addition to color customization, we offer interior designers the ability to request virtually any pillow cover size. For trade pricing or custom sizes, contact partners@designsbyalina.com.

Alina de AlbergariaJune 2, 2022

A GIFT FOR HER (AND YOU)

Whether you choose to celebrate her with sparkle or romance, Designs by Alina is your one-stop shop. In honor of our newest and most romantic player—our Make Me Sway candle—we’re offering 20% off your entire order through Valentine’s Day.

Inspired by poetry, each Make Me Sway candle includes a hidden mini poem as seen above—because the most lasting gifts speak to our souls.

Use coupon code LUCKYHER at checkout—and remember, Santa Barbara deliveries and pick-ups are always free.

How will you make her sway?

Alina de AlbergariaFebruary 1, 2022

ALL ABOUT SCENT

There is more to lighting a candle than striking a match. Just as a luxury car requires thoughtful maintenance to run smoothly, an exceptional candle needs a touch of TLC to burn properly.

Before sharing our candle care tips, there are a few federal guidelines worth mentioning:

Never leave a candle unattended or near children and/or pets.
Do not burn a candle all the way to the end.
Trim the wick to 1/8 inch after every burn.
Never burn any candle for more than four hours at a time.

The last two guidelines should be followed, not only for safety reasons, but also to perfect the candle burn and extend its life. Below are two common issues you can easily avoid with luxury candles.

Tunneling

Tunneling occurs when only a small portion of the wax around the wick melts. It appears that the flame is burrowing into the candle, creating a vertical tunnel. When tunneling occurs, it will likely worsen over time because there is an increasingly limited supply of oxygen to burn. The result is precious wasted wax, which decreases the life of your candle. Tunneling is mostly an issue with cheaper candles. Although we have not encountered tunneling with the Make Me Sway candle because we have added coconut wax, which is far softer than soy, we still recommend following the recommendations below.

How to prevent tunneling

Ensure that your first candle burn is not too short, as only the wax surrounding the wick will melt, setting the stage for tunneling. Think of your candle as having memory. If the first burn is too short, the candle will “remember” to melt only the center. The recommended time for the first burn depends on the type of wax used and the size of the container. We recommend about two hours for ours. Subsequent burn times ideally are between one and two hours. Please note that because coconut wax gives off scent even when unlit, an hour is more than enough time, as the scent will continue to carry for several hours after burning.

How to minimize soot

We spent a considerable amount of time testing and retesting our candles in an effort to determine the conditions under which soot occurs. In doing so, we discovered that it is directly proportional to two factors: burn time and wick length. This is true for all candles, as we tested ours alongside other luxury brands. Here is how to avoid soot from accumulating in your candle:

After the first two-hour maximum burn, aim to burn your candle no longer than one or two hours at a time. Even half an hour is plenty for most environments. Burning for more extended periods not only wastes the candle but may also cause the charred edge of the wick to fall into the wax, creating soot. Our wax seal logo may also begin to melt, indicating that the candle has been burning for too long.
Trim the wick down to 1/8” after each use. If you don’t have a wick trimmer, when the candle has cooled, pinch the charred edge off the wick with a piece of tissue paper and discard it. This will prevent it from showing up uninvited to your wax pool!
If you see any soot on the surface of your candle, gently wipe it with a tissue. As our wax is soft, this works beautifully.
Avoid placing your candle near a draft, as the unstable flame will not only consume more candle wax but will also create more soot and smoke in the process.

These simple tips will improve your candle’s burn and extend its life. And remember, the addition of coconut wax ensures that the candle will still smell wonderful even when unlit.

Make Me Sway

In addition to the poetry-infused magnetic box—fit for a jewel—our matte black luxe vessel holds 11 ounces of premium wax, offering 55–65 hours of burn time. The wooden wick gently crackles when lit, its horizontal flame visible through the vessel. But it is the science behind the art that truly makes our candles stand out.

Made with coconut and soy wax—arguably the best on the market—our candles offer an unrivaled scent throw, which refers to how well a candle’s aroma circulates throughout a space. Soy wax has an excellent scent throw when hot, and coconut is the clear winner when cold, so we combined the two for the best of both worlds. Furthermore, wooden wicks enhance scent throw by burning lower, which warms the surrounding wax rather than burning it off too quickly—unlike cotton wicks, whose higher flame often depletes a candle’s valuable fragrance.

Coconut wax is a renewable, high-yield crop, making it a highly sustainable choice. Because it’s among the softest waxes available, exposure to heat or humidity may cause it to “sweat” slightly. When that happens—rejoice! The scent throw will be off the charts.

Haven’t tried our handmade candles yet? Try one. Make it sway or leave it unlit—the scent will be amazing either way.

Alina de AlbergariaJanuary 23, 2022

THE EAGLE HAS LANDED

Is it passion or determination? I think it’s both, but for me, the former fuels the latter. It’s how I landed that first production job in Hollywood all those years ago, it’s what led me to forge that first piece of jewelry and write that first poem. Passion is what keeps me up at night, churning new ideas—and, barring my beloved family, it’s what fuels my soul. As a former student of architecture who loves being home and entertaining, I always knew that a career in home design was in my future. During the pandemic, when the jewelry market was fading, I began to write poetry and fabricate masks to benefit Direct Relief. The sewing machine and keyboard became my confidants well past midnight, bearing witness to an obsessive need to create.

The challenge—and the dream—was to create a highly unique, understated collection of luxury gifts and home accents. Four months of fourteen-hour days finally produced our first collection, gratefully received with great enthusiasm by clients and interior designers alike.

In addition to pillows, throws, coasters, wall art, vases and other home accents, we set out to design the ultimate hostess gift. Countless hours went into perfecting The Make Me Sway Candle™—from the ambrosial scents promising to relax and energize, to the sunken wood wick offering a superior, even burn, to the elegant matte-black vessel and deluxe, poetry-infused magnetic box.

After writing poetry daily, it felt strange to abandon the practice completely to create this collection. And yet it’s no coincidence our candle is infused with poetry. Just as our jewelry line is inspired by life, so too is this collection—which we hope you love.

Designs by Alina…
beauty and inspiration…forever entwined.

Alina de AlbergariaNovember 28, 2021

Taking flight

I have fond memories of the summer we arrived in Venezuela, when I lived in my beloved uncle’s home, adjacent to his atelier. The gentlest human I have ever met, he was an artist and tailor who crafted custom-made shirts for diplomats, professionals, and television personalities in Caracas. My cousins and I scavenged for linen and cotton remnants to make clothing for our dolls. Blessed with a creative gene—and, some might say, cursed with my kin’s perfectionism—nothing, barring my family, fuels my senses more than designing, writing and weaving detail-driven beauty into everyday life.

Southern Spain, circa 2011 In his retirement home studio, ever the student, my godfather/uncle humbly shares art tips with my children. — Southern Spain, circa 2011
In his retirement home studio, ever the student, my godfather/uncle humbly shares art tips with my children.

In 2014, we chose the name “Designs by Alina” over the more intuitive “Alina de Albergaria Jewels” because we did not wish to be confined to only one area of design. The pandemic gave birth to our Belgian linen and Fortuny masks, which in turn paved the way for what we always knew we would offer: a collection of highly unique luxury gifts and home decor. As a former student of architecture with a penchant for home entertaining, this felt like a natural progression.

Much gratitude to Santa Barbara Magazine and Peachy Magazine for publishing two of our homes, to my better half, whose business acumen and website expertise have been invaluable, and, of course, to our loyal clientele and friends for supporting this creative endeavor throughout.

Time to retreat to my own atelier.

Alina de AlbergariaSeptember 4, 2021

Why so quiet?

Because we have been working on some exciting news!

Designs by Alina launched seven years ago in Santa Barbara with a small line of one-of-a-kind fine jewelry. Two years in San Francisco gave birth to our core collection—an amalgam of the beach-casual feel of home and the city’s chic vibrance. We then partnered with the art community to create the 18K Gallery Collection. The 2020 lockdown did anything but shackle our creativity, spawning a collection of Belgian linen and Fortuny fabric luxury masks, the demand for which had me burning the midnight oil for months on end.

Be it a lustrous pearl, an exquisite piece of fabric, or a captivating thought—I am an octopus, tentacles reaching, feeling, exploring, eager to weave beauty from life’s abundant offerings. And so, with the pandemic thankfully losing steam, I am excited to announce that in addition to fine jewelry, Designs by Alina is now crafting a unique line of home accents and gifts, most of which will be made in our Santa Barbara studio. In support of fellow creatives, we will also feature a highly curated collection of few-of-a-kind pieces by designers we love.

As a homebody at heart and former architecture student, expanding Designs by Alina to include home decor feels like the most natural progression. To those of you who, over the years, have captured my essence by seeking interior design advice, and those who have supported my endeavor throughout, thank you from the bottom of my creative heart.

The best is yet to come…

Alina de AlbergariaJuly 18, 2021

Hacienda San Angel

Mexico on my mind…

Following a flawless sail with friends through the British Virgin Islands and the discovery of our new favorite Santa Barbara restaurant, Flor de Maiz, I found it fitting to update one of my favorite travel posts about a gorgeous hotel we discovered in my hometown’s sister city—Puerto Vallarta.

When we left our trio at home in search of a romantic getaway, we uncovered one of the most charming seaside hotels we’ve ever visited. Brides Magazine, Newsweek, Brides Magazine, Newsweek, Sunset Magazine, and Condé Nast Traveler have all given this slice of exquisiteness their definitive stamp of approval—one even went so far as to say it "could almost be heaven."

I couldn't agree more.

From the sweeping panoramic hillside/ocean views and sublime colonial architecture to the impeccable, unpretentious grounds and exceptional dining—every detail delights. The highly curated, one-of-a-kind furnishings of a bygone era are juxtaposed with all the modern amenities expected from a world-class boutique hotel, making Hacienda San Angel an unmatched experience.

Originally from San Francisco, proprietor Janice Chatterton discovered her oasis while on vacation nearly three decades ago. Following several years of travel to and from Puerto Vallarta, she decided to relocate to the seaside village, permanently settling into Casa Bur-Sus—the home Richard Burton bought for his wife, Susan, after filming The Night of the Iguana. When presented with the opportunity to purchase the adjacent building, Janice jumped at the chance, eventually opening the doors of Hacienda San Angel and expanding it over the years—without compromising an ounce of its understated elegance and romantic charm.*

*Photo of the San Miguel suite, courtesy of Hacienda San Angel Hotel*

Janice possessed an exquisite sense of style. Her demand for perfection and eye for detail were palpable in every corner of every room, and in her daily interactions with the hotel staff. A bit of an enigma, she was often accompanied by an entourage of Maltese pups—only adding to San Angel’s singular charm.

We stayed in the San Miguel Suite, which boasts the kind of panoramic ocean and hillside views Conde Nast Traveler must have had in mind when noting that “one need not feel guilty about never leaving the hotel during one’s entire stay.”

Indeed, we only left the resort twice. With a milestone anniversary on the horizon, we may very well return — this time with the wee ones in tow.

¡Hasta la próxima!

Banner photo at top: courtesy of Hacienda San Angel Hotel. All others by Designs by Alina.

In honor of the proprietor and visionary, Janice, who has since passed away, I am reposting this story from a few years ago. The legacy she leaves behind these walls remains untouched — a testament to her vision, grace, and unwavering devotion to beauty.

Alina de AlbergariaJune 14, 2021

An Oasis in California's Central Coast

Now that we can look in the rearview mirror and—hopefully—see only remnants of the pandemic, many of us are eager to escape our quarantine bubbles and seek new pastures.

Most people who don’t live in California picture sandy beaches, Hollywood, or the Golden Gate Bridge—not the beautiful farmland I’m about to share, which may have you booking your next flight to the Central Coast.

Meet Marfarm, a chic new bed and breakfast nestled midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, in the heart of Edna Valley wine country. This converted barn—attached to a working horse stable for a true farm-stay experience—is set on sixty lush acres, with 360-degree views of rolling hills, each one meticulously cultivated.

We met the proprietors, Jill and Hamish Marshall, several years ago at a dinner party and became fast friends. Our better halves exchanged stories of life abroad, while Jill and I bonded over our shared joie de vivre and mutual love of design—particularly our fascination with juxtaposed textures, colors, and eclectic elements. In fact, it was Jill who inspired me to launch Designs by Alina back in 2014.

Hamish’s “no worries, mate” attitude, paired with Jill’s warmth, wit, and exceptional eye for design, makes them the perfect gatekeepers of this secluded oasis. And while Edna Valley may not sound like the place a gifted designer and an Aussie adventurer would call home, one glance at the haven they’ve created makes it clear: this is exactly where they’re meant to be.

“Hamish was based here for development back in 1995,” Jill explains. “When I graduated from design school with a jewelry degree, I was persuaded to fall in love with him—by my mother. I finally conceded, and we’ve been happily married in Edna Valley for 22 years.”

The Marshall world has grown since then to include two daughters, four dogs, a cat, a cow, a pig, sixteen horses, twenty-two chickens, a donkey, a new B&B—and llamas on the way.

In deference to its roots, the barn’s interiors are accented in green to echo the original 1930s dairy floor. Every detail—from the Spanish chandelier pendant fabricated with recycled soda bottles and grasses, to the linen bedding, rugged Argentinian throws, and Moroccan tiles nodding to old Americana quilts—attests to Jill’s unrelenting attention to detail and exquisite design sensibility.

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While beauty and originality abound at every turn, the 9 hand carved wood horned bull heads are a sight to behold. Imported from Bali, these fascinating sculptures can be showcased with 1200 possible light scenarios, though the Marshalls have opted to greet their guests with warm shades of green and sunset rose.

Marfarm’s refined rustic-meets-modern design, ideal for weddings and weekend getaways, is an ongoing labor of love. A designer after my own heart, Jill espouses the idea that subtle details speak volumes: “Just being there, placing flowers, cutting fresh fruits, setting the dimmers just right, lighting French candles, making the bar look perfect with wines and fur beer cozies is like playing house, and all those little details offer our guests a visual explosion.”

So next time you’re craving a place less traveled and simply divine, look no further than Marfarm in San Luis Obispo, where beauty, serenity, and joy await. www.marfarm.com

Photo credits: Marfarm and Alina de Albergaria

Bernardo de AlbergariaMay 14, 2021

Happy Holidays

We’ve been quiet at Designs by Alina following a few health scares — all thankfully resolved. Now feels like the right time to send warm wishes to you and your loved ones for health, happiness, and love in the new year.

Our hearts go out to those who’ve lost their livelihoods or, worse, a loved one. And yet, amidst the hardships, silver linings emerged: time with family, moments for reflection, and renewed gratitude for friendship and the love that binds.

Giving back to our beloved community — through election volunteering and donating net proceeds from our Belgian linen mask sales — has been deeply rewarding. That project inspired many new endeavors. In the early days of lockdown, when I wasn’t making jewelry or masks (or Zooming over cocktails), I recorded a few songs. More recently, I’ve returned to writing poetry, which has proven cathartic.

A gentle reminder: the mask project benefiting Direct Relief is ongoing. These stunning, comfortable masks make beautiful gifts or stocking stuffers. Each one is made to order within three business days — there’s still time. Use code FREESHIP (U.S. only) for complimentary shipping on all merchandise through December.

May you and yours find renewal, connection, and joy in 2021 — and perhaps, a smile from this holiday poem below.

Alina de AlbergariaDecember 15, 2020

New Adjustable Masks

Thanks to so many of you who supported our Direct Relief Covid-19 Response effort through the purchase of our hand-printed Belgian linen masks. The project has been a tremendous success—not only in raising vital funds, but in aiding my wrist recovery following that fateful fall in May. Turns out the fine motor skills required to fabricate these beauties were just what the doctor ordered!

After a small survey, we learned that while most of you love the original design, a few requested an adjustable option. So, in addition to several new prints, our designer masks are now available with our signature universal twist and adjustable strap.

Signature twist strap shown on Green Machine. Adjustable shown with Mahalo — Signature twist strap shown on *Green Machine*. Adjustable shown with *Mahalo*

Thank you again, clients and friends. We wish you and your loved ones much health, joy, and peace during these unprecedented times.

Alina de AlbergariaAugust 8, 2020

Love in the Time of Insult and Injury

And just like that, I met Insult and Injury.

After a seven-week quarantine, my husband and I were eager to spend an evening among friends, now that Santa Barbara had entered Phase Two of our city’s COVID guidelines. What I didn’t expect was that a foolish attempt to social distance by climbing a tree would result in an incident that brought me unexpectedly closer to our benevolent community. And so it was that three couples, an al fresco dinner, and an avocado tree became unwitting participants in a scene that culminated with a six-foot fall and nine first responders.

Meet Injury.

Yesterday, an Instagram post, loving comments, and needless one-handed editing by a relentless perfectionist (yours truly) led to an accidental post deletion.

Meet Insult.

Santa Barbara’s Phase Two reopening and the unveiling of Designs by Alina’s Belgian linen masks to benefit Direct Relief occurred in perfect syncopation. I was so excited by the positive feedback and flurry of orders that only my children’s upcoming drive-through graduation ceremony stood a chance of staking its claim to the last vacant corner of my preoccupied mind.

I was admitted to the operating room for emergency surgery immediately following that fateful Friday night fall and Covid-19 test—the results of which bought me two nights and two days in our city’s new Cottage Hospital. Kind and experienced nurses, technicians, and doctors peppered the hallways of the noticeably vacant hospital. But when Covid-19 unleashed its wrath, a new protocol prohibiting visitors was left in its wake, giving birth to the type of collateral damage that makes for a lonely hospital stay.

Yesterday, I entered my own Phase Two, returning to another O.R., where a skillful hand surgeon with the demeanor of a saint tackled the reconstruction of my left wrist. Although I will need a third surgery down the road, I continue to count my blessings—not least the care I received from the superb staff at Cottage and the love from family and friends near and far.

Despite the pain, long-term consequences, and severity of the injury, I often found myself yearning to salvage the Direct Relief mask project I had come to view as the embodiment of beauty, safety, and charity in uncertain times. Not only is my beloved community ensuring the project stays alive, but I’ve been humbled by acts of kindness—fabric donations and able hands offering support.

Because of this outpouring, we’ve increased our Direct Relief commitment from 50% to 100% of net proceeds.

As I imagine the long road to recovery, I feel empowered by the nurturing gestures of both my real and virtual communities. I hope you, too, feel galvanized by benevolence as we take on Covid-19 together.

To learn more about our Direct Relief cause and Belgian linen masks, please visit our Belgian Linen Mask page.

Thank you, Santa Barbara and virtual global village, for your kind words, flowers, dinners, acts of kindness, and love.

xoxo, Alina

Alina de AlbergariaMay 27, 2020

Charity in the Time of Covid

My favorite book of all time is Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s Love in the Time of Cholera, so it seemed apropos to name this post Charity in the Time of Covid.

My dear friend Deann ventured out on her birthday to a social distancing/mask celebration, her first gathering in eight weeks stating that she was ecstatic about the thought of wearing something “without a drawstring.” I took that sense of chagrin a step further when admitting to having worn precious little other than anything without a drawstring…from my husband’s closet!

That morning, happy to don something other than lounge pants, I went through my trusty pile of Raoul Textiles, an exquisite collection of hand painted Belgian linen handmade right here in our own Santa Barbara since 1981, to make myself a stylish mask. I had already played with a dozen different styles but this was the one which offered not only comfort but a good dose of chic. The moment I finished, my daughters tried in vain to stake their claim and that is when the lightbulb went off. Why don’t we raise money for Covid related needs with masks? And so the collection was born.

I am now offering these homemade masks for children and adults in gorgeous hand printed fabrics and will donate 50%* of the proceeds to Direct Relief for Covid related purposes.

*Since this post, we have decided to donate 100% of the profits generated from mask sales to Direct Relief.

Check out the full collection here.

Designs by Alina…raising funds for Covid-19 one mask at a time.

Alina de AlbergariaMay 19, 2020

Got entertainment?

Do you have your afternoon cocktail? Good!

Nature asseverates its place by tossing us a global curveball to which we respond in myriad ways. For those of us who have been fortunate enough to escape Covid-19’s wrath, there are many reasons for which to be grateful. Having the children connect with each other during the day and again at the dinner table is as much of a blessing for our family as are nightly board games and movies which makes me feel as though we have stepped back in time...

We miss hugging our friends and yet feel connected to the tune of Zoom, an ounce of anxiety and pound of laughter. The desire to be social is enhanced by the presence of a barrier which is why communities become more unified during hardship. So if you haven’t reached out to your friends, especially the extroverts who are likely struggling the most, there is no time like the present.

Last week I was moved by a friend who brought a mobile birthday party to our driveway with all the trimmings including the social distancing etiquette which California and much of the world is embracing. Earlier that day, I was humbled by notes, gestures and gifts from those who had made their stealthy appearance noticed only by the tidings of joy and soulful gifts they left behind. It may seem counterintuitive to think that a lockdown birthday could be a favorite, but I would counter that simple acts of kindness are all one really needs. The icing on the cake was passing the baton the following week to the next birthday girl with a socially distant serenade.

You need a refill already? Go right ahead, and when you return, I’ll have a slew of recommendations in which I hope you and your loved ones will find respite.

Photo courtesy of Variety — Photo courtesy of *Variety*

There is no question that this time in human history would have been unfathamable to us a century or two ago, but modern technology enables us to bring the outside in so let’s cut to the chase, literally, Mr. Ripley!

Film Recommendations

Dramas: The Talented Mr. Ripley, Shawshank Redemption, Schindler’s List, Parasite, The Green Mile, Kolya, Life is Beautiful, Stand by Me, The Shape of Water

Family Motivational: The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, The Pursuit of Happiness, Blindside, Green Book, Up, Million Dollar Arm, Dead Poets Society

Comedies: Ferris Bueller's Day Off, The Birdcage, Home Alone, Meet the Parents, National Lampoon'‘s Vacation, Mrs. Doubtfire

Mother Daughter favorites: Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Sense and Sensibility, Little Women, Steel Magnolias, Fried Green Tomatoes

Good Reads Old and New

What is that they say about the Apple and the tree? I owe my penchant for reading and writing to my father who would usher us into the living room to read from the Encyclopaedia Britannica, and mother, a self-published poet who at any given time is in the midst of reading three books in just as many languages. If a good book can calm your soul during this trying time, here is a stack of oldies but goodies.