Studio — A Designed Space

We love Collaborating — Curating
We are Creative — Clever — Capable

Our Studio

With an emphasis on clever designs and work rooted in creativity, collaboration, and integrity, our mission is to create elevated interiors that enrich your life. We specialize in a unique look and feel that leans on colorways and texture found in nature, and a design style that plays to opposites, blending modern with vintage, refined ease amidst artistic surroundings. Whatever your project, A Designed Space is focused on superior client service and will go the extra mile to bring your design goals to life.

More About Our Roots

Marea is the owner and designer of A Designed Space. With over 13 years of industry experience, Marea has learned that working with a strong team is essential for the best outcomes and ensuring a fun process! Her work has ranged in scope from designing custom homes with clients, consulting on master plan communities, and designing model homes with builders, to selecting restaurant furniture for restaurateurs and developers. Whether it’s a place to live, work or visit, A Designed Space understands how these environments affect our lives and their impact on us daily. Marea is here to make your space work for you and add to your life.

Meet the Team

Best outdoor space in San Diego, California: Balboa Park, Kate Sessions, Cardiff Beach
Best venues in San Diego, California: Belly Up, Humphreys, Rady’s Shell
Wishlist vacation: Japan in Spring, Morocco in Fall
Favorite Quote: Design creates culture. Culture shapes values. Values determine the future – Robert L. Peters
Color combinations you love or need to see more of: Jewel tones with warm neutrals
Favorite song, artist, performer? I love all music and any live music I can be a part of! Give me all the New Wave, Post Punk, and 90s Alternative Rock artists, any day.

Favorite space in San Diego? Besides all of our beautiful beaches, I think my favorite space is Carlsbad Village, because it combines the beauty of nature with residences and community life! A truly successful mixed-use "city".
Wishlist vacation: Indonesia and Croatia are high on the list right now!
Favorite quote: "Be the change you wish to see in the world" - Mahatma Gandhi
First concert? Justin Timberlake and Christina Aguilera (Justified/Stripped Tour) 😄
How do you stay active? Walking, hiking, yoga, Pilates, and chasing after my son!
Color combinations you love or need to see more of? I love neutrals with earthy combinations of the complimentary colors of green and red, such as sage and olive with dusty rose and burnt orange.
Favorite song, artist, or performer? I love all music, so I'll just have to say anything new, exciting, and different with interesting lyrics and melodies!
San Diego in winter, spring, summer, or fall? Very difficult, but I'm going to have to go with fall, because it's still beach weather but it quiets down from the busy-ness of summer!
You in five words: Nature-loving, hedonistic, compassionate, efficient, dreamer

Best space in San Diego: Solana & Cardiff, for sure. Life seems to slow down a bit there!
Wishlist vacation: Everywhere. I'm on a mission to collect passport stamps like Pokémon cards.
Favorite quote: "What is done in love is done well." - Vincent Van Gogh.
First concert: Jonas Brother's Burning Up Tour. AKA 10-year-olds screaming at the top of their lungs for 3 hours straight. I loved every minute of it.
How do you stay active? Chasing after my childhood dreams... Does that count as cardio?
Color combinations you love or need to see more of: Bring on the warmth! Whether it's in the form of deep oranges, burnt reds, golden yellows, or earthy tones, I need all the coziness!
Favorite song, artist, or performer? My music taste is a buffet of different genres, but right now my favorite artists are Still Woozy and Easy Life!
San Diego in winter, spring, summer, or fall? San Diego "seasons" are like having four different versions of paradise in one city. I make a mental note that each season is my favorite while we're in it.
You in five words: Kind, empathetic, driven, curious, optimistic

“Marea is fantastic to work with, from conceptual ideas to implementation & installation. We remodeled our entire house and used Marea for a lot more than what we initially intended due to her great eye for design and functionality. I’d highly recommend her services to anyone looking for a gifted designer.”

Michael P.
“Marea has been beyond incredible. She handles everything with ease and detail. Look no further for you have found the best interior designer that there is!”

Dustin D.
“Wonderful!! The entire staff has been great to work with. The design is impeccable and perfect style for our home. They were able to create exactly what we wanted only better. A Designed Space was able to create something beautiful and seamlessly incorporate some of our own pieces. We look forward to continuing to work with them to finish current projects and for projects in the future. “

Tricia H.