Visual Journal

This is a visual diary capturing reflections and expressions on different designations and locations,
beyond the commercial assignments. These are moments to cherish, and which are too good to let go.
It may be personal everyday shots, behind the scenes material from a set, or editorial stories.
All in all, they have simply no other purpose than to inspire.

a bucket list stay: santa monica proper

Flying in from Stockholm, staying at Santa Monica Proper Hotel in LA was a long-awaited
experience—and it did not disappoint. Ever since opening, this hotel had been on my bucket list,
and from the moment I arrived, it was everything I had imagined: stunning design,
a relaxed yet refined atmosphere, and that perfect blend of California cool.
The rooftop views, seamless indoor–outdoor flow, and impeccable hospitality, made it truly special. 

Despite the recent devastating Palisades fires, the ambience remained incredibly friendly, with
a strong sense of community and warmth. It was a reminder of the resilience of this beautiful place.
Sometimes, dreams do come true—and this stay was proof of that.

Words and Photo: Therese Sennerholt

The hotel’s interior, curated by Kelly Wearstler, create an effortlessly chic atmosphere­—
organic textures, earthy tones, and thoughtful features that feel both sophisticated and inviting.
Our room was spacious, featuring a serene color palette, high-end amenities, two comfortable
queen-size beds, and floor-to-ceiling windows that invited in plenty of natural light.

Morning workouts made it easy with a fully equipped gym where even the little details make
a difference­­—complimentary coffee and fridge-cold water in sleek, sustainable paper containers.
Mindful, stylish, and just what you need to stay energized. 

One of the highlights was the rooftop pool and lounge. With panoramic views of Santa Monica,
it was the perfect spot to unwind. Calabra, the rooftop restaurant, offered refreshing cocktails,
and a mix of Mediterranean and California-inspired dishes—each one as delicious as the next. 

The location is another standout feature—just a short walk form the beach, boutiques, and
some of the city’s best dining, making it an ideal home base for exploring. That said, venturing out
isn’t a necessity. Palma, the hotel’s first floor restaurant, serves an exceptional breakfast, lunch
and dinner, with a menu that impresses. Yet, despite being in the heart of Santa Monica,
the hotel maintains a sense of tranquility, making it a true urban retreat. 

Whether you’re in town for business or leisure, Santa Monica Proper Hotel is a place
that delivers on all fronts­­­­—style, service, and experience. I’ll certainly be returning.

The urban hotel escape

I packed my suitcase, walked four blocks and checked in at this former warehouse designed by
architect Sigurd Lewerentz in 1930, now a stylish hotel, located on GĂ€vlegatan 18 in the gallery
district of Stockholm. The Bauhaus-inspired building full of small square windows looking out
towards the large courtyard, is impressive. The music from the outside speakers is welcoming
and I can see myself sitting here eating a meal served from the food truck on a summer evening.  

The spacious studio room on the 9th floor was my home for three nights. It is equipped with a 
kitchenette, bed- and dining area. The windows have a deep sill where I ended up watching
the sunset behind the new landmark building Norra Tornen. The rooftop bar on the 11th floor
is a perfect place for both after work and post dinner cocktails soaking in the endless city view.

Words & Photo: Therese Sennerholt

WingÄrdhs architects revamped the former warehouse into Blique by Nobis.
Following the buildings functional heritage, the studio rooms are contemporary
styled with smart solutions with a fully equipped kitchenette – ideal for
early bird coffee drinkers like me. 

The hotel has two restaurants serving Euro-Asian dishes, and a food truck open 
in the courtyard in the warmer seasons. There are good vegan options on the menu.
The lounge area is great for work or meetings, and there is always an ongoing
art exhibition. The staff is service minded and helpful.

Neglected Trash Treasures

The gallery district in Stockholm is a discrete gem; when staying in the area for a few nights,
I took the chance to do a walk-about on the main gallery street Hudiksvallsgatan.

Galerie Nordenhake is one of the galleries located here, and it was showing art by the German
brutalist sculptor Meuser. I was immediately drawn to the simplicity of his work; deformed
iron trash turned into art treasures. The oxidised objects were painted in natural muted colours,
and in spite of their actual weight some of the once neglected metal pieces gave the impression
of being very light – almost like free flying butterflies on their way to a colourful field of flowers.
Ignorance turned into hope in the best possible way.

Words & Photo: Therese Sennerholt

epic beach break

When planning this ten day long inspirational journey to Los Angeles – a city which I haven’t
visited for more than 20 years – the agenda was maxed out with things to do.
L.A. offers everything from downtown big city vibe to laidback beach activities, and the
latter was definitely a go-go, so we drove off to Malibu for a speedy stay at the ultimate jewel;
the curated beach house hotel Surfrider, situated along the Pacific Coast Highway.

It’s simple yet thoughtful, the rooftop restaurant and bar provide both delicious organic food
and a magnificent view over Malibu Pier and the Pacific Ocean. The surf is great for anyone
interested in breaking a wave, surf boards are up for grabs and the beach is a minute away.

Words & Photo: Therese Sennerholt

Drinking freshly brewed organic coffee on the roof deck in the morning sun whilst
gazing out over the Pacific Ocean is definitely the best way to wake up. 

Surfrider Hotel in Malibu is an old motel remodeled into a small boutique hotel
designed in a minimal style in neutral colours, the ground floor rooms have a view
over the parking lot but if staying in the upstairs suites you can watch the ocean.
Every detail is tasteful, the staff is friendly and the vibe relaxed. 

Since the beach house hotel is situated on the opposite side of the beach you
might find it annoying with the cars passing by on the Pacific Coast Highway.
However, to me, the traffic on PCH was not a bother.

We treated ourselves with a fresh farm-to-table dinner at Malibu Farm House,
from where the surfers are spotted catching the last waves before the sun sets
behind Mailbu point. Make sure to book a table if you fancy dinner to avoid
the long queues during high season.

If you would like a change of scenery, walk a few minutes down the street and you
will find Nobu restaurant and the Japanese inspired retreat hotel; Nobu Ryokan.

Transcending into nirvana

The day started in downtown, with a drive from West 8th Street to the Art District,
where we headed for breakfast at Zinc Café & Market. After that we continued to Hollywood,
to see one of the top things on my to-do list; Apparatus Showroom. 

The space was more spectacular than I had expected; an interior heaven, partly designed by 
creative director Gabriel Hendifar, that honestly made me feel like I had transcended into Nirvana.
A monochrome aesthetic dream with all details on point; the colour palette, the custom made 
wall plaster, the architectural features, the furniture and lightning, the cracked concrete flooring,
the tranquil ambience and the kind staff, I could easily have spent a few hours in the restroom 
that also was extraordinary. Appointment is preferred.

Words & Photo: Therese Sennerholt

The well-executed lightning, furniture and objects are stunning. 
This former warehouse, now turned into a dreamy monochrome and 
soft toned coloured showroom, adds to the experience.

A whirlpool of inspiration

The sprawling metropolis offers so much to explore, L.A is no longer a cultural wasteland. 
You can get everything from vibrant art galleries to interesting architectural diversity,
locally produced culinary experiences and, of course, the golden beaches.

These are a few of my favourite spots in the city; Case Study House #22 (Stahl House),
breakie at Gjusta Bakery, a walk along the unique Canal Streets, museum visit at Getty Center, 
a stay at NoMad – the neoclassical bank building remodeled into hotel, lunch at Chateau Marmont,
grocery shopping at the organic food mecca Erewhon. The city is a whirlpool of inspiration –
I can go on forever – although I have to admit we unfortunately only made it to half of
my jammed list, which gives me a really good reason to return.

Words & Photo: Therese Sennerholt

Above you can spot the Getty Center in Brentwood with its spectacular exterior,
designed by Richard Meier. You can take the tram up hill or walk if you feel perky, 
the view over the L.A skyline is impressive and so is the large garden.

A decade ago DTLA was a no-go but now it’s booming with great hotels, rooftop
hangouts, farmers markets and an intriguing art scene. The line up of interesting
hotels is profound. After days of research we ended up checking in at the NoMad
Hotel situated in the historical building, Giannini Place, located on S Olive Street. 

the house by the 16 mile uninterrupted beach

When working with international interior brands it’s a lot at stake when it comes to
the location since it’s ‘the supermodel’ of the hour. This time we decided to head to a small harbour
town on the South African West Coast. And I fell in love, maybe not with the town, but with
the house – a unique clean lined piece of art in raw materials, situated right on the coastline by
the dramatic Atlantic Ocean. When standing with the toes in the sand, breathing in
fresh air, hearing the roaring sound of the waves together with a great team, knowing this is
the perfect backdrop to the concept... that’s definitely the butter to my bread.

Words & Photo: Therese Sennerholt

the wine farm out of the ordinary

The majestic Franschhoek mountains in South Africa surround the garden of the historical
Cape Dutch wine farm Babylonstoren. The setting simply takes your breath away and when walking
through the vast terracotta-soiled grounds you realise this is out of the ordinary. In the garden they
grow vegetables, fruits, grape wine, olives and herbs, all served in the restaurant as fresh farm-to-fork 
dishes that taste beyond your imagination. One day I hope to have the possibility to spend a night
in the farm hotel or stay longer in the healing garden with the best of zen feeling.

Words & Photo: Therese Sennerholt

the beauty of celebration

It’s not always easy to come up with an extraordinary birthday gift for someone, even though
you have known that person for a long time. After a few weeks of back-and-forth discussions,
my friends and I came to the conclusion that what we cherish the most is to spend time together. 

And what is better than doing that in lavishing Morocco! We surprised the birthday girl by
arranging a private hire at Jasper Conran’s riad L’Hotel Marrakech. We packed our bags,
brought the boyfriends and moved in for an extended weekend. A lovely stay in every way,
not only for its beauty, but for celebrating our lifelong friendship.

Words & Photo: Therese Sennerholt

Marrakech is a lively and loud city, maybe not the best travel destination for
an overworked crowd, but when entering the riad that was secretly hidden
behind a decorated green door in the old parts of town, the Medina, we were
awed by the friendly greeting, lush courtyard, and pleasant tranquility.

the earthy pink city

Marrakech has many contradicting faces. From the ancient dusty pink parts of the Medina
to the modern Yves Saint Laurent museum with a jaw-dropping exterior wrapped in terracotta-
coloured bricks, designed by Paris-based Studio Ko. Not only that, the city is a merge between
calm and chaotic: From the busy souk where you navigate narrow streets with donkeys
and trimmed mopeds, to the dazzling luxurious fairy-tale palaces like the hotel Royal Mansour.
Nevertheless, it’s a fascinating city with lots of unexpected beauty, remarkable architecture,
old style charm and hidden gems. 

Words & Photo: Therese Sennerholt

in the spirit of Manuel Aires Mateus

Even if it was the hottest week in years and the team had never met before, this work trip
exceeded all expectations. It was a dream-come-true for me to shoot in these three luminous
spaces created by Lisbon-based architect Manuel Aires Mateus; hotel Santa Clara 1728,
Casa No Tempo in Alentejo and, last but not least, in the stunning home of Aires Mateus himself
(not captured here). Three locations with separate characters, yet sharing an understated and
minimal elegance – all acting as the perfect backdrops when visualising the campaign concept.

Words & Photo: Therese Sennerholt

Above: Hotel Santa Clara 1728 is designed with pared down
aesthetics and minimal elements like the soft plank floors. 
The rooms have a lovely view over the river and monumental
church in the cultural quarters of Lisbon. The calm ambience is
relaxing and it quickly feels like a home away from home.

At the farm Casa No Tempo, situated two hours from Lisbon, we were greeted
by a peaceful landscape with hundreds of cork trees, a stunning farmhouse,
homemade cooking, magical sunlight and an infinity 400 square metre pool
to cool down after long workdays.

©THERESE SENNERHOLT DESIGN AB 2023

Therese Sennerholt Design offers ideas, design, print and digital solutions for commercial concepts, multi channel campaigns, brand identities, and editorial assignments within in the fields of interiors, design and lifestyle.

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