Header: Madeline Tolle
Merenda Wine Bar and Retail Shop, located in South Oceanside, California, is a hybrid space combining a wine bar and a bottle shop envisioned by owners Aaron and Lauren Crossland and their partners. The project was brought to life by Bells + Whistles, an interior design studio founded by Barbara Rourke and Jason St John, alongside architect Erin Morris and Sandvig Builders, who carried out the construction work.
The concept draws heavily from their travels and the convivial spirit of European spaces, with a particular reference to the Mediterranean custom of “merenda,” a casual snack shared among friends. This vision easily became a real space, earning it a win in the Interior Design Bar Lounge category at the LIV Hospitality Design Awards.
The Mediterranean in the Pacific?
Upon entering through a small patio, visitors are guided into an interior where the retail section of Merenda is framed by floor-to-ceiling handmade wine shelves set on a custom mosaic tile floor. Right next to it, the bar area appears, and one is immediately drawn to a striking scarlet marble counter set on a terracotta checkered floor, with bar stools that encourage one to sit and have fun. The surrounding walls, finished in textured rustic plaster by artist Sasha Seyb, fit in the general ambiance perfectly, giving the space a “custom” feel only matched by the curated selection of wine that is immediately presented to guests.
When designing the private dining room, the owners requested Peggy Night, a local artist, to create a hand-painted mural, supporting the local artistic community even when drawing inspiration from countries from across the pond. In the kitchen, the European influence and the local community continue at the center, with a mural created by Benoit Tardif complemented by hand-painted Portuguese traditional tiles.
Custom and natural
Custom-designed furniture and vintage pieces throughout the space help maintain the Mediterranean chic vibe, with soft and warm lighting putting in the finishing touches. The material palette is rooted in natural textures, using wood, marble, and ceramics extensively. These elements were selected to bring a sense of continuity across the various sections of the project, creating a cohesive look where even the service areas feel as important as the social spaces—as everyone knows, the heart of any Southern European home is the kitchen.
