Montecito
You’ll find exquisite interiors and the ultimate in chic in both halves of this hamlet
Written by Joan Tapper | Photography by Sara Prince | Illustrations by Digital Sunsets
Montecito is doubly blessed—with interior design studios, antique shops, and home furnishings boutiques in the Upper Village and the Lower Village along Coast Village Road. Explore them both for ideas to enhance your home, garden, and lifestyle.
UPPER VILLAGE
Birgit Klein emphasizes European design in the furniture, case goods, and accessories at Birgit Klein Interiors. Looking forward she says clients favor soft fabrics, deep couches, and
indoor/outdoor living. A newcomer to the neighborhood, Coda Studio arrived last Halloween with artisan-crafted indoor and outdoor tables, seating, beds, and storage in sustainable materials, all customizable by the client.
Interior designer Jennifer Sanan fills Country House Antiques with elegant Swedish and French pieces. Her new European shipment includes 19th-century French marble tables and a Swedish secretary and clock. At Davis & Taft you’ll find a mélange of midcentury modern vintage, antiques, and art. Owner Leanne Baker also recently introduced Formations and Dennis & Leen to her showroom. With thoughtfully curated home accessories, Eider Studio offers elegant bed and bath linens from Matouk, SFERRA, and Le Jacquard Français. Their washed linen napkins are must-haves for plein-air dining. Long renowned for its expertise in Native American jewelry and artifacts and 16th- to 18th-century Spanish Colonial antiques, Haskell also showcases furniture by modern Latin masters like Don S. Shoemaker and Arturo Pani. You’ll find interior designer Tamara Kaye-Honey’s timeless, livable aesthetic at House of Honey’s full-service studio and retail shop. The emphasis this year? Playful, bright sorbet colors and textures that evoke a feeling of lightheartedness. Located in the old Montecito firehouse, Lucca Antiques is open to the trade, that is, professional designers. Among the offerings are one-of-a-kind pieces made from wood, metal, stone, and “found” industrial materials. Jenni Kayne Apparel + Home is expanding its California-inspired décor with home textiles and a furniture line in reclaimed cedar and solid white oak, for example, a dining table and safari chairs. Interior designer Marc Normand Gelinas specializes in classic, livable rooms that reflect his clients’ individual personalities and style. It’s all about handmade designs in resin at Tina Frey. Check out the new Mushroom Lamp, and watch for the new lemon yellow and moss colorways in their tableware and furniture. Montecito mainstay Upstairs at Pierre Lafond highlights local artists and designers, including Don Scott, who crafts timeless wooden bowls and serving pieces, and whimsical ceramicist Baba Masino. For entertaining outdoors there’s furniture by Fermob. At eclectic William Laman the design philosophy for 2021 highlights natural elements—wicker, wood, rush, bamboo, and batik—mixed with a few fabulous statement pieces. Think “Hotel du Cap meets Versailles.
LOWER VILLAGE
Clic, founded by Christiane Celle, opened here a few months ago. Among the signature items in the concept space are Maison des Vacances textiles and handmade ceramics by Eric Bonnin. It will be a colorful spring at Hudson Grace, with vivid butterfly chairs made in France, striped dish towels, and multihued glassware that livens your tabletop. At Legacy, where wares range from home furnishings to fashion, owner Nancy Kimsey sees two trends: “simplicity and elegance, epitomized by their marble objects, and a mix of contrasting styles and textures.” Lily presents an array of jewelry, designer apparel, candles, and soulful gifts. For spring? Think of oyster chandeliers, mother-of-pearl crosses, and driftwood hearts. The neutral palette and natural organic vibe of Maison K’s owner Kimberly Phillips Hayes is evident throughout the boutique. Her signature tabletop décor is classic white ceramic ware by Astier de Villatte. Nautical New England sets the style at Mate Gallery, which highlights vintage art, books, and photographic curiosities. Curated by the editors of C Magazine, Studio C stocks the best made-in-California goods, from tabletop accessories, ceramics, and candles to cult beauty products, accessories, jewelry, and more, and hosts exclusive trunk shoes with designers.
