Best Real Estate Agent Or Company: Barry Estates, Inc.
Helmed by Daniel and Catherine Barry, this family-owned business specializes in North County coastal properties, particularly Rancho Santa Fe, where the Barry clan has lived since 1977. They’ve achieved legendary status for their top-ranking yearly sales volume. (858/756-4024, www.barryestates.com)
Best Mortgage Company: RPM/SSFG Mortgage
The residential loan process is hassle-free with Samuel Scott, an independent boutique mortgage company that offers highly customized loans and first-class service for every client. They depend heavily on word-of-mouth, which speaks volumes. (858/259-6070, www.samuelscottfg.com)
Best Landscaping: Watersedge Landscape, Inc.
Southern California landscapes require extra TLC, which is exactly what Watersedge provides, from design and installation to optimization and ongoing maintenance. Going green — or dazzling with dozens of seasonal colors — has never been easier. (619/316-5040, www.watersedgelandscape.com)
Best Nursery/Garden Store: Armstrong Garden Centers
Those who enjoy a little dirt under the fingernails trust Armstrong, where the home gardener can stock up on everything from seeds to soil, plus all the supplies and accessories needed to transform the backyard into earthly paradise. (760/634-2975, www.armstronggarden.com)
Best Homebuilder/Architect: Holcombe Design
Full-service Holcombe has built custom homes since 1972, focusing on architecture that reflects the early days of California with flourishes from Mexico, North Africa, and the American Southwest. (858/756-2690, www.holcombedesign.net)
Best Interior Designer: Amy Meier Design
“Home is your life’s fingerprint” makes a fine motto for Amy Meier, whose imaginative interiors reflect the essence of her clients. The designer’s signature style blends old and new, with seamless transitions from indoor to outdoor living. (858/848-4151, www.amymeierdesign.com)
Best Furniture: Treasures Furniture
With three fully-appointed showrooms, Treasures Furniture offers discerning consumers the designer brands they have long respected. With stores in San Diego, Irvine, and Cabo San Lucas, shoppers are always assured of the lowest price, the finest quality, and the professional help they need in making the right choice the first time. (858/586-1900, www.treasuresfurniture.net)
Best Antiques: McNally Company Antiques
Collectors count on the McNallys, who specialize in 17th through 19th-century Spanish-Colonial, Italian, French, and English furnishings, paintings, and objets d’art. Their RSF shop also carries a vast selection of antique silver. (858/756-1922, www.mcnallycompanyantiques.com)
Best Accessories/Décor/Linens: Perfectly At Home
A new-ish location in Carlsbad’s Bressi Village means more space to showcase gorgeous home accessories from around the globe (the vibe is old-world Mediterranean meets California). In-house designers offer bespoke bedding and window treatments. (760/603-9790, www.perfectlyathome.net)
Best Remodel/Floor/Window Source: Smith Brothers Construction
Construction can be stressful, but not in the hands of this capable company. Whether the remodel is minor or major, Smith Brothers handles every last detail. Projects are completed on time and on budget. (858/350-1445, www.smithbrothersconstruction.com)
Best Of 2011:
