Don’t Miss
Installation artist Bruce Munro has added to his fiber-optic Field of Light in Paso Robles
Installation artist Bruce Munro has added to his fiber-optic Field of Light in Paso Robles. Nestled into a hillside at the edge of the 15-acre site are 69 Light Towers, each made of 252 wine bottles (in homage to local vineyards), with filaments that turn the luminescent forms into colorfully mutable jewels. 4380 Highway 46 East, Paso Robles, 805-226-4287, sensoriopaso.com. J.T.
AM to PM
As terrace hopping becomes Santa Barbara’s new favorite ritual, a noteworthy collection of cafés and cocktail bars are helping make transitioning from day to night a pleasure
As terrace hopping becomes Santa Barbara’s new favorite ritual, a noteworthy collection of cafés and cocktail bars are helping make transitioning from day to night a pleasure
Written by Ninette Paloma | Photographs by Blake Bronstad
In the eastside enclave known as the Haley Corridor, refreshing morning brews are dispensed from a keg at Low Pigeon (lowpigeon.com); their signature Dirty Bird Espresso blend makes for a smooth entry into the day. When the sun sets, the rustic and candlelit interior of The Mill comes to life, and in an unmarked corner of this hip warehouse space, Lab Social speakeasy (lab-social.business.site) beckons the adventurous. Let award-winning mixologist Sean Sepulveda shake up your evening with a Spanish Mule, made with 10-year-old brandy, a sangria-reduction syrup perfumed with citrus and apples, and a splash of ginger beer and chocolate bitters.
For Southern France vibes, head to the Funk Zone and order up a June Bug from Dart Coffee Co. (dartcoffeeco.com) before settling into their tranquil, garden terrace. The latte layered with Peruvian espresso, creamy oat milk, and a swirl of fragrant lavender syrup is the perfect accompaniment to a morning among the butterflies. Come nighttime, follow the pulsating sounds of mambo to Test Pilot (testpilotcocktails.com), where Cuban and Jamaican rums fortify cocktails using fresh fruit and house-made syrups. Try the Thai Iced Tiki with coconut, passion-fruit pearls, and a kick of Caribbean allspice.
In the Historic Theatre District nothing whispers oasis quite like the new outpost of Cajé Coffee Roasters (caje.coffee), where wicker loungers and a gurgling fountain lull the downtown crowd into Santa Barbara serenity. Order the Bella Rose—a matcha latte dream swirling with pomegranate-juice ice cubes, strawberry elderflower syrup, and a sprinkle of beet powder and rose petals—and watch the sun’s rays dance around the courtyard’s archways. When cocktail hour strikes, float down to La Paloma Cafe (lapalomasb.com), an iconic gathering place for Old Spanish Days revelers in the 1940s. Once led by three generations of women (and later the locals’ favorite Paradise Café), La Paloma has a new proprietor in Sherry Villanueva, who celebrates the history of this corner spot with innovative twists on regional classics. Sink into a chair on the cobblestoned terrace and order their namesake La Paloma—a refreshing grapefruit, tequila, and champagne dazzler served up by the pitcher until the moon rises over the Santa Ynez mountains.
The Great Outdoors
Adventures await on land and sea, by foot, on horseback, and more
A trail ride with Los Padres Outfitters may lead to Pacific panoramas
Adventures await on land and sea, by foot, on horseback, and more
Get your nature fix at the 9,000-acre Cachuma Lake Recreation Area (countyofsb.org/parks/cachuma.sbc), where the daytime possibilities include boating and fishing, hiking, picnicking, lake cruises, and birdwatching. Or settle in for the night at a tent campsite, cabin, or yurt. Summer is prime humpback whale-watching season in the Santa Barbara channel, and a trip on the comfy Condor Express (condorexpress.com) is the way to see them, along with blue whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions, otters, and a wealth of birds. Hiking trails (montecitotrailsfoundation.info) lace Santa Barbara County’s front and back country. Along with favorites like Inspiration Point, Nojoqui Falls, and the Hot Springs and Cold Spring canyons, there are countless routes of varying difficulty. Just outside Ojai, the Lake Casitas Recreation Area (casitaswater.org/recreation) welcomes campers, boaters and fishermen, hikers and bikers, picnickers, birdwatchers (there are more than 160 species of birds to watch), and disc golf aficionados.
There’s a café and park store, too. Horseback riding along the beach, a trail ride in the hills—Los Padres Outfitters (lospadresoutfitters.com) has you covered with veteran guides and years of experience. The company also can arrange ranch barbecues, special event excursions, and overnight pack trips. Beginning and experienced kayakers alike will find the perfect excursion at the Santa Barbara Adventure Company (sbadventureco.com). Harbor paddles, coastline jaunts, and sea cave explorations in Channel Islands National Park are all possibilities, along with surf and stand-up paddle board lessons. The natural landscape is the star at the 78-acre Santa Barbara Botanic Garden (sbbg.org), with more than 1,000 plants, trees, and flowers. Paths wind through sections of redwoods, woodlands, meadows, and desert plants; the sweeping coastal views are a bonus.
In January 2021 BCycle (bcycle.com) inaugurated an electric bike-share program in Santa Barbara, with 250 bikes and 500 docks on State Street and the East and West Sides, with more projected soon for the waterfront and beyond. Hop on for 30-minute stints or try monthly or annual memberships. Typically Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club (sbpolo.com) games and tournaments are held on weekends from spring to the beginning of October and open to the public. This summer’s schedule, however, is subject to state and county health regulations. Contact the club for up-to-date information. The mantra at Santa Barbara Sailing Center (sbsail.com) is “get out onto the water.” That means kayaking and stand-up paddle board rentals, boat charters (including the Floater, which can power to the Channel Islands in 45 minutes), and dockside cuisine by Loquita followed by a sunset sail. You too can learn to fly through the air with the Santa Barbara Trapeze Company (flytrapezesantabarbara.com), which offers daily classes and workshops for both would-be and practiced aerialists, plus summer camp for kids in their new Plaza Vera Cruz location. J.T.
Photographs: Los Padres Outfitters, Lizard’s Mouth, and Mollusk: Sara Prince, Santa Barbara Trapeze Company, Sara Prince; Field of Light, Chris Hardy.
See the story in our digital magazine
Sun Shine
Shades of yellow make for brighter days ahead
Shades of yellow make for brighter days ahead
Model Stella Peters, photographed by Stuart Wieten at Santa Claus Beach, wears the Brigitte bikini by Solid & Striped. Surfboard by Davenport Surfboards.
1. Wink Face Bucket canvas tote, $168, Kule. 2. Business & Pleasure striped cotton beach towel, $69, Upstairs at Pierre Lafond. 3. Gradient square sunglasses, $405, Fendi. 4. 14-karat yellow gold and diamond happy face eternity bracelet, $10,000, Sydney Evan. 5. Lightweight canvas nylon jacket, $1,800, Gucci. 6. Natalie Martin silk maxi dress, $348, Wendy Foster. 7. Le bob Artichaut large brim bucket hat, $130. Jacquemus. 8. Sienna leather sandal, $430, Birkenstock. 9. Breitling Endurance Pro watch, $3,150, Bryant & Sons.
Photography by Stella Peters, Stuart Wieten
Ciao, Bella
It’s officially last call for all local So de Mel swimwear fans as our own Girl from Ipanema is trading our sunny beaches for chic Italian ones.
So De Mel’s tropical retreat on Coast Village Road.
It’s officially last call for all local So de Mel swimwear fans as our own Girl from Ipanema is trading our sunny beaches for chic Italian ones. After 30 years in Santa Barbara, Brazilian designer Sonia de Mello will be moving across the pond to continue her design career from the Italian Riviera. Her tropical showroom in Montecito will close end of July, but you can still find her sublime suits at Upstairs Pierre Lafond and Bonita Summerland. sodemel.com.
Photography - Blue Gabor,
Model - Charlotte Hodges
New Pastorals
Dior celebrates summer in Santa Barbara with its Dioriviera takeover at the Rosewood Miramar Beach
Dior celebrates summer in Santa Barbara with its Dioriviera takeover at the Rosewood Miramar Beach
Actor/dancer Melissa Barrera wears a Dior Dioriviera swimsuit, $880, and hat, price upon request. Dioriviera umbrella, price upon request.
Dioriviera deck chair, $1,200.
Summer essentials such as skateboards, visors, parasols, and fans—all covered in scenic Toile de Jouy motifs—highlight the Dioriviera takeover of two bungalows at the Rosewood Miramar Beach hotel in Montecito. The pop-up boutique, open through September 6, houses Maria Grazia Chiuri’s summer capsule of raspberry, black, or chartreuse women’s ready-to-wear; accessories; and D-Connect sneakers, espadrilles, and mules for the French fashion house. Dior’s elegant patterns, woven throughout the collection, elevate everyday objects and resort mainstays, even beach chairs, into instant heirlooms. There are also book totes and Lady D-Lite and Caro bags. The bold colors, an early nod to the house’s fall palette, enliven beach games and hammocks, plus a limited-edition customizable Vespa 946. 1759 S. Jameson Lane, Montecito, 805-900-8388, DIOR.COM.
Written by Elizabeth Varnell
Dior: Photography by Emman Montalvan. Fashion Direction by Samantha Traina. Location: Bellosguardo Foundation, Santa Barbara. Hair by Clayton Hawkins at A-Frame Agency. Makeup by Lilly Keys at A-Frame Agency.
Family Fun
Los Olivos Lemons, the charming lemonade cart from God’s Country Provisions.
A curious ostrich at OstrichLand USA in Buellton
Must-try activities in and around town for kids of all ages
Santa Ynez’s Folded Hills Farmstead invites guests to feed their friendly animals (from goats and piglets to llamas) and grab some organic produce to take home. 2323 Old Coast Hwy, Gaviota, 805-694-8086, FOLDEDHILLS.COM.
OstrichLand USA is home to more than 100 ostriches and emus that roam the Solvang ranch. 610 E Hwy 246, Solvang, 805-686-9696, OSTRICHLANDUSA.COM.
For little equestrians, SB Party Ponies offers group and private horsemanship lessons at Modoc Riding Ring, as well as pony or miniature horse visits for parties. 805-335-0538, SBPARTYPONIES.COM.
Of course, there’s always the Santa Barbara Zoo—unique in its proximity to the ocean—with more than 500 animals housed across 30 acres. 500 Ninos Dr., Santa Barbara, 805-962-5339, SBZOO.ORG.
All net proceeds from The Elephant Project plushies benefit nonprofits that aid and protect the animal. THEELEPHANTPROJECT.COM.
Adventurers can rent an electric Moke car from Santa Barbara’s Wheel Fun Rentals or Solvang’s Moke Experience. 805-650-7770, WHEELFUNRENTALS.COM; 1510 Mission Dr., Solvang, 866-523-6653, MOKEXP.COM.
At Lighthouse Skate Shop, stock up on gear before hitting the half-pipe at Skater’s Point nearby. 16B Helena Ave., 805-770-3042, Santa Barbara, LIGHTHOUSESB.COM.
Head to A-Frame or Surf Happens in Carpinteria for private surf lessons or kids’ summer surf camp. 3785 Santa Claus Lane, Carpinteria, 805-684-8803, AFRAMESURF.COM; 3825 Santa Claus Lane, Carpinteria, 805-966-3613, SURFHAPPENS.COM.
Don’t miss the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum’s summer exhibit of surfboards, paintings, and historic photos. 113 Harbor Way, Ste. 190, Santa Barbara, 805-962-8404, SBMM.ORG.
Lil’ Toot provides narrated boat rides between the S.B. Harbor and Stearns Wharf, as well as private birthday parties. 237 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, 805-465-6676, CELEBRATIONSANTABARBARA.COM.
Hit up the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and its Sea Center for a close-up look at the wonders of the ocean. 2559 Puesta del Sol, Santa Barbara, 805-682-4711; 211 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, 805-962-2526, SBNATURE.ORG.
Endless interactive exploration awaits at the MOXI science museum. 125 State St., Santa Barbara, 805-770-5000, MOXI.ORG.
When hunger strikes, hit up the Scoop Shop at Rosewood Miramar Beach for burgers and gelato. 1759 S. Jameson Ln., Montecito, 805-900-8388, ROSEWOODHOTELS.COM.
God’s Country Provisions’ donuts and small-batch lemonade from their Los Olivos Lemons stand always hit the spot. 252 E. Highway 246, Ste. C Buellton, 805-691-9222; 2902 San Marcos Ave. D, 805-691-9222, Los Olivos, GODSCOUNTRYPROVISIONS.COM.
And be sure to stop by the new Coco-Belle Cabana at the Fess Parker Wine Country Inn to shop stylish summertime ensembles for the kids. 2860 Grand Ave., Los Olivos, 805-688-7788, @COCOBELLELOSOLIVOS.
Written by Anush J. Benliyan
Photographs by OstrichLand, Elephant Project, Folded Hills, and Moke cars, Sara Prince. SB Zoo, Sheri Horiszny. SB Party Ponies, Los Olivos Lemons, Lighthouse, and Coco-Belle, Sara Prince.
Full Plate
Ones to watch in Santa Ynez Valley’s booming dining scene
A fresh seafood spread at Bar Le Côte.
Ones to watch in Santa Ynez Valley’s booming dining scene
Food & Wine’s “Best New Chef” Daisy Ryan pairs with culinary partner chef Brad Mathews, at Bar Le Côte, the newest venture from the much-lauded Companion Hospitality restaurant group. Opening early summer in Los Olivos, the stylish seafood tavern founded by the award-winning team behind Bell’s in Los Alamos serves up dishes reminiscent of Europe’s coastal cuisine. 2375 Alamo Pintado Ave., Los Olivos, BARLECOTE.COM.
Bone-in tomahawks and lobster-whipped potatoes shine at Solvang’s Sear Steakhouse, where the restaurant’s proprietary farm-sourced ingredients include components for Alberto Battaglini’s delicious cocktails. 478 4th Place, Solvang, 805-245-9564, SEARSTEAKHOUSE.COM.
On weekends the one-year-old peasants FEAST has been featuring limited-edition cake creations from the Central Coast’s Golden Opal Baking: stunning, multilayered confections crafted with local produce, often adorned with locally sourced, edible flowers. 487 Atterdag Rd., Solvang, 805-686-4555, PEASANTSFEAST.COM.
Alessio Carnevale—of S.Y. Kitchen and Nella Kitchen & Bar front-of-house fame—opens his first brick-and-mortar Italian gelato shop, Via Gelateria, in Solvang this summer. @VALLEYCRAFTGELATO.
Celebrated chefs Anthony Carron, Lincoln Carson, and Steven Fretz partnered with Hillary Calhoun and wine-world rock star Rajat Parr on Solvang’s Coast Range & Vaquero Bar, now offering elevated all-day dining and bar menus, sophisticated evening steakhouse fare, and classic drinks from general manager and mixologist Joseph Sabato. 1635 Mission Dr., Solvang, 805-691-9134, COASTRANGE.RESTAURANT.
Refresh with summery sips at Solvang’s V Lounge, which overlooks the Vinland Hotel’s outdoor pool. The bar’s seasonally appropriate craft cocktails include the likes of a “Sunshine Valley,” “Lemonade Stand,” and “Blackberry Smash.” 1455 Mission Dr., Solvang, 805-688-2018, VINLANDHOTELANDLOUNGE.COM.
In Santa Ynez the S.Y. Kitchen has been enhanced for the season with an outdoor courtyard, while its Los Olivos sibling, Nella Kitchen & Bar shakes things up with famed Los Angeles barman—and now resident—Chris Hewes. 1110 Faraday St., Santa Ynez, 805-691-9794, SYKITCHEN.COM; 2860 Grand Ave., Los Olivos, 805-686-1359, NELLAKITCHEN.COM.
New Buellton brasserie The Tavern at Zaca Creek welcomes James Beard House alum chef Cullen Campbell; his decadent dinner and brunch menus include crudo and caviar, buttered rock crab, Wagyu burgers, and grilled bone marrow, as well as house-made Wagyu pastrami. 1297 Jonata Park Rd., Buellton, 805-688-2412, ZACA-CREEK.COM.
The Santa Ynez Sausage Company at Buellton’s Sideways Inn offers alfresco dining on house-made sausage sandwiches such as “The Dogfather” (sweet Italian pork sausage) or the mushroom-and-lentil “Southwestern Veggie.” Sides include homemade pickles, plus hand-cut Belgian fries with dipping-sauce options like truffle parmesan aioli or scallion pesto. 114 E. Highway 246, Buellton, 805.688.8448, HIGHWAYWESTVACATIONS.COM.
Written by Anna Ferguson-Sparks
Photographs by Nella, Sara Prince; Coast Range/Vaquero Bar, Jeremy Ball, Bottle Branding; Bar le Côte, Sara Prince; Zaca Creek, Michelle Ramirez Photography.
On Staycation
Spectacular hotels near home waiting to welcome you
The courtyard at Palihouse Santa Barbara.
Spectacular hotels near home waiting to welcome you
It’s been a while since most of us have been traveling. If you’re eager to get away, but still wary about venturing too far, there are spectacular hotels here waiting to welcome you.
A seafood barbecue at The Alisal.
Santa Barbara County’s ranching traditions live on at The Alisal, where along with the trail rides, there’s golf, hiking, tennis, and spa visits. A summer highlight is the California Ranch Cookouts series—one-night barbecue dinners hosted by celebrity chefs. 1054 Alisal Rd., Solvang, 800-425-4725, ALISAL.COM.
Part of the Shelter Social Club portfolio, the Capri Hotel was renovated in 2020 with streamlined midcentury modern style. The pool area, lawn, and firepit offer a tranquil gathering spot close to downtown Ojai. 1180 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai, 805-646-4305, CAPRIHOTELOJAI.COM.
Chef Bruno Lopez has taken over the dining room at El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara, the Riviera classic with unparalleled downtown views. He’s serving up new menu offerings, Taste of El Encanto dinners, and other culinary experiences. 800 Alvarado Pl., Santa Barbara, 805-845-5800, BELMOND.COM.
A gracious retreat in the Santa Ynez Valley, Fess Parker Wine Country Inn recently renovated their guestrooms. Also new is the Italian cuisine at Nella Kitchen & Bar, including cocktails and Roman-inspired pizza. 2860 Grand Ave., Los Olivos, 800-446-2455, FESSPARKERINN.COM.
Going retro at the Skyview Los Alamos.
Opened in March 2021, the boutique Hotel Ynez, on two acres, comprises 22 cute guest rooms with private stone patios, perfect for grilling specialty Santa Maria-style BBQ kits. Complimentary bicycles are available for exploring Solvang and Santa Ynez. 2644 Mission Dr., Solvang, 805-697-5444, HOTELYNEZ.COM.
A rooftop pool with a Santa Barbara panorama is just one of the charms of the downtown Spanish-style, pet-friendly Kimpton Canary Hotel. Farm-to-fork dining is a highlight at Finch & Fork, along with a daily wine hour. 31 W. Carrillo, Santa Barbara, 805-884-0300, CANARYSANTABARBARA.COM.
A locals’ gathering place, The Landsby is a boutique hotel whose sophisticated Scandinavian style is a contemporary take on Solvang’s traditional Danish look, while the signature menu at Mad & Vin reflects the influence of wine country. 1576 Mission Dr., Solvang, 805-688-3121, THELANDSBY.COM.
Oceanfront Mar Monte Hotel celebrated its top-to-bottom renovation with a grand reopening in May. Terra-cotta, tile, and an earth-toned palette infuse Spanish style into the décor, while the menu at costa Kitchen and Bar blends California and Italian flavors. 11 East Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara, 805-882-1234, HYATT.COM.
Ojai’s Capri Hotel.
Charlie Chaplin reportedly built the Montecito Inn as a getaway from Hollywood. It’s still a casually upscale spot close to beaches and boutiques. The hotel’s own Coast & Olive serves up California dishes with French Riviera flair. 1295 Coast Village Rd., Santa Barbara, 805-969, 7854, MONTECITOINN.COM.
Golf and spa treatments have been perennial attractions at the luxe Ojai Valley Inn, which opened its doors nearly a century ago. Now its Farmhouse complex is making headlines with its star-studded epicurean events, including this summer’s guest chef dinners. 905 Country Club Rd., Ojai, 855-697-8780, OJAIVALLEYINN.COM.
The quaint, dog-friendly new Palihouse Santa Barbara downtown features 24 smartly appointed, vintage-inspired accommodations (equipped with Smeg refrigerators), plus a charming Mediterranean-style courtyard, garden café, cocktail bar, and pool. 915 Garden St., Santa Barbara, 805-564-4700, PALISOCIETY.COM.
Dining in colorful comfort at the Mar Monte Hotel.
With an ocean-bluff location, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara offers special summer dining offerings with stunning panoramas—including a new Latin menu at The O Bar, a pop-up sushi restaurant on the terrace, a champagne bar, and vintners’ dinners. 8301 Hollister Ave., 805-968-0100, RITZCARLTON.COM.
It’s 5-star luxury at the 160-room Rosewood Miramar Beach, which is hosting the first U.S. Dioriviera boutique this summer. Also new is The Revere Room, an elegantly inviting eatery that complements the fine dining at oceanfront Caruso’s. 1759 South Jameson La., Montecito, 805-900-8388, ROSEWOODMIRAMARBEACH.COM.
Tucked into the Montecito foothills, the 550-acre San Ysidro Ranch has been a celebrity getaway for a century. Lush gardens surround the 41 secluded cottages, while the romantic Stonehouse and atmospheric Plow & Angel feature farm-to-table cuisine. 900 San Ysidro La., Montecito, 800-368-6788, SANYSIDRORANCH.COM.
Midcentury modern style meets rustic chic at the boutique Skyview Los Alamos, on a hilltop overlooking the foodies’ favorite Western-style town. There’s a pool, small spa, vineyard, and gardens; for onsite dining, the Norman serves fresh, seasonal cuisine. 9150 US-101, 805-344-0104, SKYVIEWLOSALAMOS.COM.
photographs: Capri Hotel, Yoshihiro Makino. The Landsby, Sara Prince; alisal, Sara Range; Hotel Ynez, Karyn Millet; Kimpton Canary, John Ellis, Palihouse Santa Barbara, Sara Prince
Etro Takes Residency at Studio C in Montecito
Etro’s lush new spring ready-to-wear collection lands at Studio C in the Montecito Country Mart for a month-long residency, launching with trunk shows held on April 10 and 11
Veronica Etro’s exuberant designs are affecting on any given day, but in this moment, a year after the start of the pandemic, her bold combinations inspired by the Italian Riviera feel transformative. Etro’s lush new spring ready-to-wear collection, with prints drawn from the house’s 1990s archives — paired with rope bags, canvas totes and bright sandals — lands at Studio C in the Montecito Country Mart for a month-long residency, launching with trunk shows held on April 10 and 11.
Etro says she found herself playing Neapolitan songs on a restored record player as she created the collection of breezy seaside looks given a nautical twist with rope motifs, shells, anchors and summer stripes. Lightweight twill blazers top printed skirts made with archival prints initially inspired by frescos from Italian palazzos. A playful flag print from 1992, the Bandiere da Parata, is now a flowing skirt. The palm tree-strewn Albero delle Meraviglie print from 1993 tops a cotton belted maxi skirt. Elegant graphic foulard prints from 1994 and 1995 including the Trionfi e Soffitti and Palais Jamais brighten tossed-on looks.
A printed bikini in shades of aqua and turquoise blue paired with Bermuda pants, patchwork button-down shirts with multiple clashing paisley designs (an Etro signature), plus flowing tunics — particularly in the most vibrant shade of red — and upcycled denim all foster an elevated look that’s refreshingly uncomplicated. Utilitarian cork sandals with printed straps and bold metallic buckles plus woven belts with similarly eye-catching closures round out a refreshingly sweats-free collection.
“Etro’s lush new spring ready-to-wear collection lands at Studio C in the Montecito Country Mart for a month-long residency, launching with trunk shows held on April 10 and 11”
Knotted silk scarves worn as micro tops are a genius take on Riviera summer style, as are bustier tops paired with straight or tiered skirts in romantic sorbet-like shades of turquoise, mint, lime yellow, salmon, orange and lavender shot through with maritime hues of blue, red and white. Also new this season are the monochromatic paisley motifs. Etro even created a new logo character, the Pegasus-Triton, emblazoned on sporty cropped knit vests worn atop crisp striped shirts. This transporting jolt of elegant-yet-accessible Italian style couldn’t have come at a better time. 1016 Coast Village Rd., Montecito.
Montecito
You’ll find exquisite interiors and the ultimate in chic in both halves of this hamlet
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.
Santa Barbara
Enjoy a rambling tour of downtown’s home stores; you’ll be sure to discover something special to brighten your day (and your abode)
Enjoy a rambling tour of downtown’s home stores; you’ll be sure to discover something special to brighten your day (and your abode)
Written by L.D. Porter | Photography by Sara Prince | Illustrations by Digital Sunsets
From the Funk Zone to the top of State Street, Santa Barbara is packed with purveyors of home goods and services to transform even the simplest abode into a shelter-magazine–worthy dwelling. Guided by the healing practices of his ancestors, Rafael Adón makes soaps with indigenous botanicals as well as skin-care creations and perfumes at Rancho La Paloma, his 800-acre ranch in Santa Barbara. His items are available online and at Field + Fort in Summerland. A picturesque alley off Anacapa Street and De la Guerra Plaza leads to Architectural Antique Salvage, a loftlike space housing a treasure trove of early California and European landscape paintings, antiques, rugs, and historical architectural salvage, all carefully curated by owners Judy Cota and Jay Friedmann. With three floors of vintage and modern collections, The Blue Door is ground zero for unique pieces that set the vibe for any room. Don’t miss the new Betsey Johnson pop-up on the first floor, featuring the designer’s clothing, art, home décor, and furniture collected over the years. The Cabana Home showroom, with its ever-changing display of furniture, art, and objects, hints at the extensive professional services founders/designers Steve Thompson and Caroline Thompson provide, including residential and commercial space planning and design (incorporating furniture, flooring, and window coverings), building-plan review, and project management. Celebrating 20 years on State Street, Celadon House is committed to providing full-service interior-design services promoting sustainable, ethically sourced materials in partnership with Cisco Brothers, a leading upholstery manufacturer; it also offers a selection of furnishings, home accessories, organic mattresses, and bedding. Diani Living, the sister store to Diani Boutique and Diani Shoes—all owned by retail maven Caroline Diani—offers an eclectic collection of everyday home and lifestyle items that are sustainably made and sourced from small artisans. Personalized interior-design services are also available.
With in-house interior designers and nearly unlimited inventory resources, Habitat Home & Garden can help guide projects big or small. With access to skilled tradesmen from around the world, they can track down what you need or will custom build it. Featuring furnishings from farmhouse to modern style, HOME Santa Barbara carries the Magnolia Home Furniture line designed by Joanna Gaines, in addition to Universal Furniture, Furniture Classics, The MT Company, Orient Express, Four Hands, Spectra Home, Loloi Rugs, and more. Recently relocated to a new showroom, the team at NS Ceramic is ready to display its unrivaled selection of handcrafted artisan ceramic, glass, stone, metal, porcelain, and mosaic tiles from around the world. Services offered include product specification, design sketches, and budget estimates. MichaelKate Contemporary Furniture—which originally opened in 1953 as Danica House, with a focus on Danish and Scandinavian designs—today specializes in American and European midcentury, modern, contemporary, and transitional pieces. A cozy boutique that invites lingering, Raoul showcases owner/designer Sally McQuillan’s exquisite handprinted linen textiles and wallpapers alongside elegant hand-picked accessories. The design business—Raoul Textiles—is a McQuillan family affair helmed by Sally with son Gene and daughter Madeleine. Married owners Jami and Eric Voulgaris of Rooms & Gardens have designed custom furniture for clients all over the country, working with A-list interior designers and celebrities, including customers like President Bill Clinton. Their interior designs grace projects in Santa Barbara, Santa Monica, and Aspen, among others. Working with tile and stone factories worldwide, Tileco Tile & Stone Showroom imports and distributes ceramic, porcelain, marble, travertine, and natural stone throughout the Central Coast. It’s the perfect resource for materials that will enhance all styles of residential design.
Summerland
Ideas for reveling in the Southern California lifestyle abound in the boutiques here, plus the beach is just across the way
Ideas for reveling in the Southern California lifestyle abound in the boutiques here, plus the beach is just across the way
Written by Joan Tapper | Photography by Sara Prince | Illustrations by Digital Sunsets
Quiet Summerland has become design row pretty much all along Lillie Avenue, and now that spring is upon us, the focus has really turned to our indoor-outdoor lifestyle. An interesting fact to ponder: Almost all the boutiques here are owned or co-owned by women…just sayin’. The natural world sets the palette and the tone for Botanik, a longtime home-and-garden boutique in a cozy cottage. New to the shop are tightly woven African baskets with a free-flowing edge as well as multicolored cotton throws from Ethiopia. Always a hit—signature succulent gardens in decorative pots. Looking forward to working outdoors? Field + Fort has fun items like Madison James “Get Muddy” garden aprons and Banshu Hamono pruning shears, and is now carrying Pennoyer Newman garden décor. To augment its room-by-room showcase of furniture, art, and accessories, the shop has expanded next door. Don’t miss the new items at its popular café. Garde, like its sister shop in L.A., has evolved from gifts to furnishings by established and up-and-coming designers. Unusual one-of-a-kind ceramics by Julie Nelson and Bronwen Grieves, among others, always catch the eye here, while the Summerland venue also carves out its own personality with lighting by Apparatus and furniture by Piet Boon.
Hacienda by Bonita Lifestyle is a new iteration in a new location of a Summerland mainstay. Paintings by Whitney Castro are on the walls, while the overall vibe is Mexican with wares that now include furnishings and snacks, including grazing boxes for spontaneous picnics. Among the apparel finds: gauzy cotton shirts, pants, and caftans worthy of a summer breeze. Bring the outdoors in, proclaims Porch, which now boasts a venue with a veranda worthy of its name. They’ve added ethereal landscapes by SB artist Colette Cosentino and large-scale photography by Will Pierce to the home décor—from faux bois iron mirrors to the favorite faux sheepskin swivel chairs and stylish outdoor rugs. At The Sacred Space, the go-to venue for books, crystals, incense, ritual items, and garden statuary, Jack and Rose Herschorn have gathered everything you need for your spiritual journey. Among their unusual “treasures from heaven available on earth” are a 4.5-billion-year-old meteor, desert glass from Libya, and moldavite from Europe that goes back 18 million years! For 30 years the individual dealers who have a spot in the Summerland Antique Collective have offered everything from home and garden furniture to architectural elements, china, glassware, books, and jewelry. There are rooms full of treasures here. Be prepared to stay awhile. The Well has perfected the stylish blend of rustic and vintage in developing its unique collections of home and garden pieces from Europe, Asia, and North America. Proprietor Shane Brown is readying everything for spring—from fire pits and outdoor fountains and greenhouses to 9- and 12-foot tables with umbrellas for warm-weather alfresco dinners.
Carpinteria
Everyone seems to know everyone else in this low-key, close-knit beach town with a penchant for vintage wares
Everyone seems to know everyone else in this low-key, close-knit beach town with a penchant for vintage wares
Written by Joan Tapper | Photography by Sara Prince | Illustrations by Digital Sunsets
Laid-back Carpinteria has the air of a beach town from years gone by, so perhaps it’s no surprise that a number of the boutiques and shops along the main drags of Linden and Carpinteria Avenues (or even farther afield) highlight vintage objects big and small. Folly has expanded from its tiny trailer venue to spacious new digs. Some 90 percent of its wares are vintage or handmade in California (mostly Santa Barbara and Ojai), and the shop carries furniture and items for men and children, too. Planned for the future are makers’ markets held on the grounds every couple of months. Pots, urns, planters, and troughs—there are containers of every shape, size, and material at Eye of the Day Garden Design Center. Fountains, antique items, stone and terra cotta wares, and glazed pottery are just a few of the oh-so-tempting Italian, Greek, and other European offerings for your outdoor pleasure.
For 23 years Homestead Antiques and Trading Company has showcased the individual tastes and specialties of the collective’s myriad dealers. The eclectic and vintage goods range from furniture to jewelry, books to old bottles, art to accessories. You can spend one dollar or a couple of thousand. The elegantly shaped cast-ceramic bowls, vases, lamps, and pendants at Miri Mara Ceramics may be colorfully glazed or incised with subtly intricate designs on a neutral palette, like the new Assisi bowls with a sgraffito finish. The sophisticated objects are all handmade by the talented Italian-born artist who gives the boutique its name. The Grapeseed Company is behind the Seaside Makers Collective, a sister boutique to its Funk Zone venue. New and popular items here include Mono B active- and leisurewear, an artisan food pantry, and the Breathe Easy Mask Spray, whose organic eucalyptus and mint infusions refresh our latest accessory. Soap has occupied its courtyard corner for more than two decades, offering Asian-influenced items, robes and sleepwear, and bath and beauty products, including its own Carpinteria Beach Collection, with a water lily and lotus flower fragrance. New and unique are 8-inch flat candles from Lithuania, with hand-painted scenes that range from fine art to florals. Zelda Prune opened Space Home and Garden on Labor Day 2020 and filled it with furniture and decorative items ranging from antique to midcentury to contemporary goods. There’s artwork inspired by early California history and, notably, the history of surfing—including surfboards and other surf-related treasures. Founded 11 years ago, women-owned Tidepools presents ocean-oriented gifts, accessories, and objets—from locally created jewelry to shells and candles, as well as natural soaps and lotions. The boutique also showcases a constantly rotating display of works by area artists. A longtime Carpinteria favorite dedicated to reusing, recycling, and repurposing, Whimsy Antiques has vintage architectural salvage, hip vintage clothing and jewelry, vintage maps, vintage furniture, and other fun things. It’s all reflected in the shop’s new motto: “the comfort of old good things.”
Ojai
Under the gaze of the Topa Topa Mountains you’ll find a big design destination with a small-town charm
Under the gaze of the Topa Topa Mountains you’ll find a big design destination with a small-town charm
Written by Anush J. Benliyan | Photography by Sara Prince | Illustrations by Digital Sunsets
Scenic Ojai beckons with its famous “pink moments,” rich organic agriculture (hello, Pixie season), thriving art scene, and a design landscape that boasts one-of-a-kind décor boutiques and artisans that perfectly reflect the city’s bohemian charm. At her quaint eponymous shop, Carolïna Gramm proffers a mélange of specialty home goods and gifts, from organic olive oils and balsamic vinegars to one-off midcentury furnishings, vintage pottery, candles, antique napkins, and more. Only a handful of Chris Brock’s coveted ceramics—which nod to ancient Mediterranean civilizations and early 20th-century American works—are available each year due to the master potter’s complex glazing and firing processes. Brock’s late husband, designer Paul Fortune, is greatly missed by the design world and honored with the recent rerelease of his book, Notes On Décor Etc. Stop by interior designer Isabelle Dahlin’s deKor & Co. for customizable furniture, stylish tabletop accessories, and vintage lamps, baskets, cabinets, and Moroccan rugs. FiG Curated Living and its sister store Bungalow by FiG are brightening up the spring season with lots of color. On offer are outdoor tabletop goods and glassware that complement vibrant patio furniture by Fermob, as well as flamboyant vintage Peruvian blankets. Jack Gerard and Genevieve Barrere of Four Leaf Wood Shop specialize in hand-carved kitchen utensils and accessories in walnut, cherry, and maple. Each product is sanded and polished to perfection and sealed with beeswax and coconut oil. Local stalwart In the Field is curated with all the lifestyle essentials, including men’s, women’s, and kid’s apparel, home accents, pantry delicacies, apothecary goods, made-in-Ojai handicrafts, and more.
With sustainability at its heart, Lineage Botanica supports marginalized Eastern European communities through artisans’ handcrafted décor and textiles—think bedding, aprons, and towels—all made using organic, low-impact materials like hemp and cotton. Color consultant Teresa Grow’s Ojai- and L.A.-based studio Madison and Grow offers interior design consultations in addition to California-inspired patterned wallcoverings and textiles that are silk-screened by hand. Inspired by traditional Japanese craftsmanship, Mark Churchill crafts dinnerware, vessels, vases, and bowls by hand using stoneware and porcelain clays all sourced from local ranches. Founded by Bernd Dressler in 1981 and today run by his wife, Debra, and daughters, Chelcea and Kirsten, Messermeister is a leading cutlery and culinary company whose handcrafted products include the Ojai-inspired Adventure Chef collection, a range of compact, portable, high-quality knives that allow you “to get outside and cook great food wherever you go,” says VP Kirsten Dressler Wilson. Run by the Asquith family, Ojai Olive Oil’s Ladera Road shop stocks award-winning extra virgin olive oils—including infused varieties like basil, lemon, and Ojai Pixie. Every bottle is made with the olives from the family’s nearby groves, which date back more than 150 years. Ojai Plant Works specializes in interior “plantscaping,” with services that include designing orchid, air plant and succulent arrangements, and curating the perfect foliage for your interiors, with delivery, installation, and even maintenance taken care of. Stop by Pixie’s General Store for whimsical gifts including candles, pantry goods, cheeky mugs, stationery, sweet treats, Ojai swag, and more. Michael and Rachel Graves, the husband-and-wife team behind design and framing shop Summer Camp, recently opened Plant Based, a new store that stocks plants, pots, ceramics, and other handmade goodies. Embracing a neutral palette, ceramist P. Lyn Middleton of P Studio crafts one-of-a-kind, food-safe pieces (think plates, bowls, and other vessels) from her Ojai workspace. Tipple & Ramble’s collection of indoor/outdoor décor, small-batch specialty food items, picnic staples, games, and vintage barware will inspire you to take your next adventure, host a killer cocktail party, or perhaps both.
Santa Ynez
Wine, windmills, and wide-open spaces set the stage for design-detailed lodging, home, and garden havens
Wine, windmills, and wide-open spaces set the stage for design-detailed lodging, home, and garden havens
Written by Anna Ferguson-Sparks | Photography by Sara Prince | Illustrations by Digital Sunsets
Surrounded by rolling vineyards punctuated by old oaks, Santa Ynez Valley design gurus create and merchandise meticulous collections of home and garden goods that reflect the region’s rarified ranch lifestyle. There’s everything from modern home furnishings with neutral color palettes to vintage rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia and dreamy succulent gardens. Bodega Los Alamos opened in 2018 as a wine and beer garden, retail shop, and greenhouse, focusing on natural wine, unique beer and cider, and handcrafted items. The lounge-y vibe has since extended to the property’s renovated 1920s farmhouse, with the Bodega House guesthouse. Solvang-made shrubs and vinegars from Broken Clock Vinegar Works add flavorful flair to home bar carts and kitchen pantries. The innovative culinary products here incorporate locally gleaned fruits and herbs, some from their own garden. Scandinavian design reigns inside The Copenhagen House in Solvang. Embodying Nordic design traits like minimalism, innovation, and a penchant for light, the portable, rechargeable Carrie LED lamp effortlessly illuminates spring’s outdoor dining venues, pampered picnics and campsites, or indoor desks and bedsides. Fresh ideas are in bloom at Forage Florals in Santa Ynez, like the recently added DIY Herbarium—a planting area stocked with air plants, succulents, specialty vessels, and other terrarium accoutrements. Also new: a take-home flower-arranging kit complete with video instruction and supplies.
The Global Eye Art Collective, an all-handmade gift and home store in Los Olivos, recently grew into a larger space where new clothing, jewelry, and milliners’ lines coexist with owner-designed art installations and ceramics. Spring brings outdoor items such as crocheted hammocks and picnic supplies and floral and botanically inspired ceramics. Boho chic meets Santa Ynez Valley ranch style at HÛS by Anouk Designs, which has a new Ballard home. Delightful finds include contemporary Western art, handmade jewelry, leather goods, one-of-a-kind hats, vintage rugs and textiles, and laidback fashion for luxe country living. J. Woeste in Los Olivos has been bringing smiles to gardeners’ faces since 1998, with its eclectic maze of treasures displayed inside and around a turn-of-the-20th-century farmhouse. The Landsby’s hygge animal and abstract artwork by Rachel Brown is available for purchase in the Solvang hotel’s intimate lobby boutique; the rest of the inventory is curated by Santa Ynez General. Elizabeth Poett of Rancho San Julian—the 14,000-acre family ranch that produces delectable jarred honey and offers premium beef delivery parcels—has a new cooking show on the Magnolia Network (streaming on Discovery+) called Ranch to Table. Santa Ynez General, the home store known for bringing signature Valley style to design-savvy tabletops and interiors, is expanding its flagship location in downtown Santa Ynez this spring. In 2012 Lisa Boisset Babcock launched Soulstruck Vintage, a tasting lounge and feast for the senses in a former production warehouse at Babcock Winery. Groove to iconic ’70s tunes while shopping well-curated vinyl, fashion, jewelry, and home décor.
John De Bastiani
The interior designer’s new Montecito digs
In the dining room, vintage leather chairs sit atop a rug from Jamal’s Rug Collection in L.A.
The interior designer’s new Montecito digs
East Coast native and renowned interior designer John De Bastiani is no stranger to big cities. He’s lived and worked in Boston, Miami, and, most recently, L.A. A few months back he decided to shift his home base to Montecito, a quieter spot close to family and clients. In relocating, De Bastiani renovated a 1930s adobe home in Romero Canyon, applying his signature clean, comfortable aesthetic. New floors and French doors combine with original steel windows and collected décor for a look he calls airy and more “today.” As with most of his projects, a muted color palette makes for a relaxed mood that feels appropriate to a town like Santa Barbara. “Here you walk down the street, and everyone says hello and holds the door for you,” he says. “This feels like the Nantucket of the West Coast.” JOHNDD.COM. Jennifer Blaise Kramer
Wall Street
The calm, cool, and collected canvases of Colette Cosentino
The calm, cool, and collected canvases of Colette Cosentino
Artist Colette Cosentino in her studio flanked by two works in progress.
Wander into Colette Cosentino Atelier + Gallery and delight in the talents of the namesake owner, a decorative painter whose exquisite hand-painted murals adorn the town’s toniest walls. Cosentino also creates individual paintings, and the renowned house of Schumacher recently unveiled a wallpaper collection designed by the artist. 11 West Anapamu St., Santa Barbara, 805-570-9863, @colettecosentinoatelier, COLETTECOSENTINO.COM. L.D.P.
Rise and Shine
The Jeff Shelton-designed four-story Ablitt Tower on West Haley was (rather miraculously) built on a 20 x 20 foot lot in 2006.
Celebrating the traditions of southern Spain that inform the quintessential abodes of Southern California, The Spanish Style House: From Enchanted Andalusia to the California Dream (Rizzoli New York, $55)—written by Rubén G. Mendoza and photographed by Melba Levick—includes a walking tour of architect Jeff Shelton’s downtown Santa Barbara buildings.
Photograph: MELBA LEVICK, The Spanish Style House: From Enchanted Andalusia to the California Dream (Rizzoli New York, 2021).
Digital Sunsets
I enjoyed the task of illustrating each of these uniquely beautiful places
“I enjoyed the task of illustrating each of these uniquely beautiful places as it gave me the opportunity to explore the surrounding areas of Santa Barbara that are lesser known to me,” says the local artist whose vibrant works can be seen throughout “Block Party”. S.B. Must Dos Family trips to Hendry’s Beach. • Walking to La Bella Rosa Bakery for fresh concha. • Jogging through the streets of S.B. in search of my next Digital Sunsets composition. digitalsunsets.net
