Spring Santa Barbara Magazine Spring Santa Barbara Magazine

Blooming Business

Tucked into a corner of The Post, Montecito’s boutique shopping center, you’ll find SCENERY, a floral design studio founded by Tedde Minogue.

When Emma Lauter designed the florals for a friend’s wedding a decade ago, she wasn’t planning on starting a business. But when guests began to ask her to create arrangements for their events, “I realized this passion could become something far greater than I imagined,” she says. The result was EMMAROSE FLORAL. When it comes to floral design, Lauter lets the blooms set the tone. “I have found that simple can be best, and a few varieties are often all you need,” she says. “I love the idea of allowing natural beauty to speak for itself.” Her arrangements favor restraint over excess, highlighting texture, movement, and seasonality rather than spectacle. “Flowers teach us that beauty lives in presence,” she says. “Nature reminds us that beauty is not meant to be possessed, but experienced.” emmarosefloral.com


We Love

When printmaker, artist, floral designer, and candlemaker Louesa Roebuck talks about beeswax, she does so with reverence. Her love and appreciation for the balm produced by honeybees is tied to her family’s beekeeping heritage in Ohio, including apiarist and beeswax candlemaker
A. I. Root. “Everyone has a nostalgic sensory response to the scent of beeswax,” Roebuck says. “It’s comforting, golden, warm, and ancient.” Rather than work with synthetic aromas, she makes candles that celebrate the smell of beeswax and, she says, “occasionally the botany adorning each candle.” The majority of her candles have a gothic look, but Roebuck refuses to be typecast.Her custom creations for a Wicked cast party included one for Ariana Grande—a springy and feminine candle reflective of her character Glinda. louesaroebuck.com


Perfect Setting

Tucked into a corner of The Post, Montecito’s boutique shopping center, you’ll find SCENERY, a floral design studio founded by Tedde Minogue. The art historian approaches her arrangements with a discerning eye, often incorporating ceramics into the work, which she calls “vessel-forward florals.” The result is a deliberate interplay between bloom and container, with florals and vases in harmony. “Scenery is here to cultivate beauty, and the ritual is a part of our process, but our customers [are] as well,” Minogue says. “I love seeing what people create from blooms we’ve selected or what a certain vase looks like in their home.” 1809 E. Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara, sceneryflorals.com


Must Have

Candle in the Wind, $175, highcampsupply.com


Gather Ye Rosebuds

Forage Florals embraces local blooms.

FORAGE FLORALS in Santa Ynez started in 2014, “from a love of working with natural materials and creating arrangements that feel organic and artful rather than overly structured,” says founder Jill Redman. Staying true to its namesake, Forage believes in being “collaborative with nature,” creating locally sourced arrangements that embrace imperfection. The flower studio also functions as an event space, hosting private parties, receptions, corporate events, retreats, and more. “The goal is to create arrangements that feel effortless and natural,” Redman says, “as though they belong exactly where they are.” forageflorals.com


Written by TM
Photography - Emmarose Florals: Elizabeth Messina; Louesa Roebuck Candle: Mariana Schulze Studio, Scenery: Emmy Laine Pickett; Forage: Sister B Studios

 

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Spring Santa Barbara Magazine Spring Santa Barbara Magazine

Re-Vision Quest

Founded by David Weber in 2008 as David Weber Architecture, the Santa Barbara firm was reborn eight years later as Anacapa Architecture, a sustainability and innovative-solutions-focused architecture and interior design firm.

Form and function are the two key elements of every Anacapa Architecture project.

Written by Dewey Nicks
Photography by Dan Weber

Founded by Dan Weber in 2008 as Dan Weber Architecture, the Santa Barbara firm was reborn eight years later as ANACAPA ARCHITECTURE, a sustainability and innovative-solutions-focused architecture and interior design firm. With more than 20 years of experience in creating engaging environments, Weber has assembled a diverse team of architects and designers who transcend their professional, multidisciplinary roles to create immersive, narrative-driven experiences that seamlessly blend traditional and modern elements.

From a modern farmhouse in the Santa Ynez Valley with its stone exterior sourced from nearby quarries (and installed by local stonemasons) to a custom home in Montecito inspired by the region’s traditional hip-roofed homes, each project is an exercise in raising the bar of aesthetics and function through design. As for the Dawn Café and Dusk Bar on the ground level of Santa Barbara’s popular Drift hotel, those boast contemporary interiors that, according to the firm, “celebrate the dance between light and darkness, offering a space where every moment is an opportunity to savor the beauty of life’s daily rhythm.” anacapaarchitecture.com

 

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Spring Santa Barbara Magazine Spring Santa Barbara Magazine

Garden Glory

This year the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden celebrates its centennial of championing native plants.

Over the decades, visitors have reveled in the sight of brilliantly blooming poppies in the Meadow, where the backdrop of Cathedral Peak provides one of the quintessential vistas at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. 

Written by Joan Tapper
Photography courtesy Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

This year the SANTA BARBARA BOTANIC GARDEN celebrates its centennial of championing native plants. Founded in 1926 by Anna Dorinda Blaksley Bliss with a focus on California species, the garden has grown from 13 acres in Mission Canyon to more than 78 acres, including new paths and family features in a Backcountry section. More important, its mission has expanded from showcasing the 1,000 indigenous species on its grounds to carrying on extensive conservation, preservation, and research programs throughout California.

Visiting the garden—with its sections of redwoods, desert flora, manzanitas, meadow, and more—remains a delight in any season, but there’s also vital work behind the scenes in the Pritzlaff Conservation Center, home to laboratories, the Clifton Smith Herbarium (with more than 230,000 specimens), and the Seed Bank, a repository of more than 4 million examples of 424 rare plants. How better to honor a century of success than by ensuring the future of native spieces for centuries to come? 1212 Mission Canyon Rd., Santa Barbara, sbbotanicgarden.org

 

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Coup De Jardin

Author, TV personality, and gardener Martha Stewart is the special guest at this year’s Lotusland Celebrates: Botanical Splendor gala on July 18.

Martha Stewart

Written by Joan Tapper

Author, TV personality, and gardener Martha Stewart is the special guest at this year’s LOTUSLAND CELEBRATES: BOTANICAL SPLENDOR gala on July 18. Hosted by actor Jane Lynch, the always sold-out event is a fundraiser for Ganna Walska Lotusland to support plant conservation and its horticultural education mission. The festivities begin with cocktails and a garden walk—with surprise performances and installations—and continue with an alfresco dinner and a lively auction with one-of-a-kind items. lotusland.org/celebrates

A planting of agave, cacti, and other greenery at Lotusland.

 

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Spring Santa Barbara Magazine Spring Santa Barbara Magazine

Change of Scenery

Walking into The Well in Summerland or Montecito, one thing is immediately clear…

Well, he’s gone and done it again

Patina-rich antiques lend warmth and character to Shane Brown’s curated outdoor living spaces.

When people walk into the store, I’m looking for that immediate ‘Wow’.
— Shane Brown

Walking into THE WELL in Summerland or Montecito, one thing is immediately clear: Owner Shane Brown of Big Daddy’s Antiques has mastered the art of creating immersive environments. Rather than modeling his stores after conventional furniture shops, Brown designs interiors that shift the focus from a single item to the room as a whole, inspiring patrons to re-create that feeling at home. “When people walk into the store, I’m looking for that immediate ‘Wow,’ ” he says. “Not a day goes by without someone saying, ‘I want to live here,’ or ‘I want my own property to look like this.’ ” In April, Carpinteria becomes home to Brown’s newest outpost: THE WELL GARDENS. With nine acres of land (including more than two acres of greenhouse space), olive trees, coastal plants, and landscapes featuring water elements and gathering areas, The Well Gardens is envisioned as both a retail space and a community hub focused on botanicals, design, and California outdoor living. Says Brown, “As Big Daddy’s roots expand along the California coast, the mission remains unchanged: to design a living, timeless story—yours and ours—with a palette of historic antiques binding human experience with botanical life.” 3376 Foothill Rd., Carpinteria,thewellbybdantiques.com

 

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Renaissance Man

David Cameron demonstrates the art of the pivot

David Cameron demonstrates the art of the pivot

David Cameron

Written By David Nash
Photography by David Cameron

There’s no pigeonholing DAVID CAMERON, but there are more than enough adjectives to describe the California-born creative. He’s an aesthete of the highest order, having launched a ready-to-wear line in the mid-1980s that appeared on the pages of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar (with clients including Bianca Jagger and Paloma Picasso frequenting his atelier). He’s an advertising revolutionary who was commissioned by Absolut Vodka in 1988 to create its first fashion-inspired advertising campaign, shot by Steven Meisel (and featuring top model Rachel Williams). He’s an auteur who directed music videos for artists such as Sheryl Crow and Eric Clapton, and a lensman who’s shot television and print brand campaigns featuring everyone from Kate Moss to Halle Berry. 

If it feels like we’re trying too hard, we probably are.
— David Cameron

For his latest act we find him at the helm of DAVID CAMERON STUDIO, a residential and retail design-focused creative consulting agency. Founded in 2020, the studio is an amalgamation of his achievements in fashion, film, photography, and branding that showcases a West Coast spirit through interior design, architecture, and restoration. Projects like the complete refresh of a classic ranch house in Montecito, originally built by famed local architect Chester Carjola in 1948, bring his wide-ranging talents into view. He says, “With restoration especially, I ask a simple question: What’s worth keeping, and what’s just in the way? We preserve the soul, upgrade the function, and try not to overcomplicate it. If it feels like we’re trying too hard, we probably are.” davidcameronstudio.com

 

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American Riviera Restoration

A luxurious enclave is a well-kept secret getaway

A luxurious enclave is a well-kept secret getaway

Exterior of Villa Magnolia, part of the Paraíso collection of retreats in Montecito.

By Hana-Lee Sedgwick
Photography by Sara Prince

The moment you step into PARAÍSO, a collection of six vacation cottages in Montecito, it feels like you’ve discovered a well-kept secret. Tucked at the end of a quiet street near Miramar Beach, this private retreat embodies understated luxury and coastal refinement, channeling an earlier chapter of Montecito through a modern lens. Paraíso is the vision of Michael Hurst and Ian Harrison, partners in work and life, who transformed the former family compound of architect William Painter into a thoughtfully designed short-stay enclave. Seeking to honor Montecito’s Spanish-Andalusian architectural heritage, they spent more than two years preserving and restoring the original buildings and handcrafted details while adding contemporary furnishings and original paintings to give each residence its own character.

With a discerning eye for design, the duo shaped each space to feel elegant yet livable, pairing tranquil hues and abundant natural light with contemporary comforts, such as fully equipped kitchens, Sferra bed linens, and fireplaces. “Our goal was for each residence to offer a unique expression of thoughtful California living but to do so in a cohesive way,” Hurst says.

The collection includes one- and two-bedroom casitas, such as the cozy Terraza del Sol, two-story Casa del Olivo, and coastal-influenced Cabaña de Playa, among others. The largest, Villa Magnolia, features four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and multiple indoor and outdoor gathering spaces. Intricate design elements—from the serene private courtyard to the carved original wood ceilings and intricate tile work—lend architectural interest to the home.

Outdoors, natural and reclaimed materials (including stone, gravel, and brick), antique fountains, and hand-carved benches are set among native and imported plantings, including a century-old olive tree brought from Northern California. “We took inspiration from the courtyards and gardens of landscape architects like Scott Shrader but adapted that sensibility to fit Montecito’s landscape,” Harrison says. “When guests step outside their casita or villa, we want them to feel immersed in nature—whether they hear the creek running behind the property, admire the redwood and magnolia trees, or smell the scent of lavender in the air. It’s about creating a sensory experience, indoors and out, that will stay with them.” Collectively, the six residences, with optional concierge services, can accommodate up to 24 guests, making the property well suited for intimate retreats.

Balancing privacy and style with a strong connection to its surroundings, Paraíso offers a quiet expression of a luxury getaway—one grounded in the enduring charm of Montecito. 150
Loureyro Rd., Montecito,
paraisomontecito.com

 

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Serenity Now

Opened in 2023, The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern is a ranch-inspired retreat in Los Olivos that’s already garnered heaps of praise for its world-class dining.

Opened in 2023, The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern is a ranch-inspired retreat in Los Olivos that’s already garnered heaps of praise for its world-class dining. Since then, the recently unveiled spa offerings in the newly renovated LAVENDER BARN ramp up the property’s appeal. Water, heat, and steam work together in the eucalyptus steam room and oak sauna, while six nature-inspired treatment rooms are available for massages, facials, and bodywork. aubergeresorts.com/matteistavern/wellness

 

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Paradise Found

Love blooms at San Ysidro Ranch

Love blooms at San Ysidro Ranch

 Flowers frame a private standalone suite.

Residents of Santa Barbara tend to be well-traveled people, but visiting one of the best hotels in the world hardly requires a long journey. There’s no need to endure the hassle of a transcontinental flight when the American Riviera is just as beautiful as Côte d’Azur. SAN YSIDRO RANCH offers 550 incredibly private acres right in our own backyard. Last year, the property was recognized as the world’s best romantic hotel, America’s best romantic hotel, and America’s best honeymoon hotel. To say it’s a suitable option for local lovebirds is an understatement.

 A staycation can be as simple as moving into a cottage that’s just a few minutes’ drive from one’s daily life. People come from all over the world to experience the rustic charm and delightful gardens of this legendary 130-year-old property. The 38 bungalow-style rooms on San Ysidro Creek are decked out in handpicked antique furniture, eclectic international artwork, and plush, king-size four-poster beds. 

The result is a dreamy, one-of-a-kind hideaway that feels more like a fairytale cottage than a hotel room. This is luxury defined by taste, not expense, and the cozy, cared-for style of the place does more to create a cherished environment than fine silk or expensive amenities—although rainfall showerheads and sumptuous Italian linens don’t hurt the overall experience.

No expense has been spared to create the on-site Stonehouse restaurant, where all-inclusive dining is just part of San Ysidro Ranch style. Feast on Central Coast bounty like abalone and decadent seafood towers, or imported delicacies like Snake River Farms wagyu, all garnished with herbs and vegetables from the property’s own organic garden. Don’t forget to check out the extensive wine list, courtesy of an underground wine cellar that holds more than 15,000 rare bottles and renowned vintages. Crack one open at dinner or take it back to your room afterward. There’s no better nightcap than a glass of exquisite wine under the stars. sanysidroranch.com

 

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Spring Mike Lipson Spring Mike Lipson

Pretty in Pink

Few hotels in the world have achieved the renown that THE COLONY HOTEL in Florida has maintained for almost 80 years.

 A hand-painted mural by de Gournay channels the property’s inherent charm.

a redesign by Kemble Interiors ushers the guesthouse into its next iteration.

Photographs by Carmel Brantley

Few hotels in the world have achieved the renown that THE COLONY HOTEL in Florida has maintained for almost 80 years. Since its debut in 1947, this lavish pink-stucco icon has stood the test of time as a haven for the state’s most glamorous guests, including President John F. Kennedy and his wife, Jackie, and their children; Judy Garland; John Lennon; and Sophia Loren. What makes the place so irresistible, and earned it the nickname “Pink Paradise,” is an understanding of the timeless appeal of Old Palm Beach. 

The hotel has recently updated its 93 rooms with a redesign by Kemble Interiors—including custom de Gournay wallpaper—but the vintage tropical prints and retro sensibility are still evident in the contemporary pastels and whimsical illustrations. Velvet, bamboo, wicker, and scalloped edges are just a sampling of the textures and textiles that give the hotel its vibe. Vintage furniture and wallpaper galore fill out an eclectic, playful atmosphere that nonetheless maintains an air of decorum. 

Art Deco chandeliers and gold sconces give the impressive lobby a luxurious feel, and although the original guest rooms might seem a bit small by modern standards, 14 residence-style villas, bungalows, and penthouses offer multibedroom options, available for a minimum of one month. No matter the size of your room, Matouk linens and robes, Ladurée turndown treats, and full-size toiletries featuring the custom Pink Paradise 155 scent help make for a pampered guest experience. At the pool a magazine cabana is stocked with options for a little light reading, and just down the block at the beach, butlers are on hand to make sure Colony guests get the luxe catering and setup (towels, chairs, and umbrellas) that round out a stay at this oceanfront grande dame. thecolonypalmbeach.com

 

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Lowcountry Gem

Auberge stakes its claim in South Carolina’s idyllic Sea Islands

Auberge stakes its claim in South Carolina’s idyllic Sea Islands

A wicker birdcage bar defines the sunny room at in-house restaurant Linette’s.

Set in a gardener’s paradise, the subtropical landscape surrounding THE DUNLIN is dominated by vivid greens and blues. It’s only natural, then, that the 72-room hotel, located directly on the banks of the Kiawah River, is similarly steeped in the colors of sky, marsh grass, and water. A maze of winding paths edged by towering oaks helps this new property from Auberge blend in with its environs.

The 2,000-acre waterfront retreat in the idyllic Sea Islands—about 20 minutes from Charleston—opened in summer 2024, one of just 27 Auberge portfolio properties in the United States. This expansion into South Carolina Lowcountry called for an entirely unique resort, and interior designer Amanda Lindroth delivered in spades. Lindroth grew up in Florida in the 1970s and went on to work in publicity for Gucci, so her ability to channel old-world glamour and Deep South mysticism is unparalleled.

The whimsical palette of azure, seafoam, and turquoise is a defining feature of The Dunlin, whose name is taken from a local shorebird. Wicker furniture upholstered in batik, gingham, and linen abound in the rooms and outdoor spaces of the cottage-style property. Omnipresent blue-greens add brightness to the coffered ceilings of the Willet Room, a quaint lobby bar and lounge that offers coffee and pastries in the morning before swapping in savory Southern snacks and Caribbean-tinged swizzles and shrubs later on. At the signature restaurant, Linette’s, a magnificent rattan back bar houses rare whiskeys and other fine spirits, while the riverfront pool evokes old-world swim clubs, complete with scalloped green umbrellas and bamboo lounge chairs.
aubergeresorts.com/the-dunlin

 

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Waves of Amber

Amber Lewis made her name with the blog All Sorts Of, where she helped champion the white-wall, laidback California cool that now dominates the globe.

Written by Caitlin White
Photographs by Tina Michelle

Amber Lewis made her name with the blog All Sorts Of, where she helped champion the white-wall, laidback California cool that now dominates the globe. Lewis is the driving force behind AMBER INTERIORS, the home interiors shop and full-service design firm just opened at The Post. It’s equipped as both a showroom that illustrates her design style across several different rooms—kitchen, bedroom, living room—and a studio space that houses her home goods brand, Shoppe by Amber Interiors. amberinteriordesign.com

 

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Beachy Keen

In his turn as a fixture on Bravo’s Million Dollar Decorators, JEFFREY ALAN MARKS became a household name in the interior design community…

In his turn as a fixture on Bravo’s Million Dollar Decorators, JEFFREY ALAN MARKS became a household name in the interior design community, and The Hollywood Reporter dubbed him one of the most-wanted decorators in town. During that breakout era, his 2013 book, The Meaning of Home, showcased his expert ability to capture the eccentric personalities of his luxury clients. In the ensuing decade, Marks got married and became a father, a shift that deeply impacted his own concept of home. It follows that his next book, This Is Home (Rizzoli, $55), is particularly focused on style at two of his own residences, including a 1925 beach cottage in Montecito. jeffreyalanmarks.com

The Miramar rug was inspired 

by Miramar 

beach and my water-polo days 

in college.

Marks’ Miramar rug for The Rug Company, which takes its cues from Santa Barbara.

 

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Image Maker

The popular impression of Santa Barbara owes a lot to photographer J. WALTER COLLINGE, who arrived in 1918 and shot local architecture and Montecito estates, gardens and beaches, and the city’s cultural life.

An unusual garden of cacti and succulents against a mountain backdrop caught the attention of J. Walter Collinge, whose evocative black-and-white photograph hints at Santa Barbara’s varied landscape.

Written by Joan Tapper

The popular impression of Santa Barbara owes a lot to photographer J. WALTER COLLINGE, who arrived in 1918 and shot local architecture and Montecito estates, gardens and beaches, and the city’s cultural life. Collinge was a friend of G. W. Smith and his go-to photographer when it came to shooting that architect’s designs, from Florestal in Hope Ranch to the Meridian Studios downtown, among others. An avid boatman, Collinge also photographed the Haida, the yacht owned by Max Fleischmann, yeast company heir and local philanthropist. His pictures promoted Fiesta, memorialized the palominos raised by Santa Barbara mover and shaker Dwight Murphy, and captured the members of the Denishawn Dance Company. In fact, among Collinge’s best-known work is the Fairy Ring, an evocative nude featuring that troupe’s dancer Doris Humphrey. His work is on exhibit at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum through May 11.  sbhistorical.org

Garden. Photo by J. Walter Collinge (1883–1964). Courtesy Santa Barbara Historical Museum

 

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Sunny-Side Up

The garden-to-table ethos of JACKIE JOHNSON McBRIDE’s cooking style has led to a personal metamorphosis for the former national weathercaster. 

Written by Caitlin White
Photography by Sara Prince

The garden-to-table ethos of JACKIE JOHNSON McBRIDE’s cooking style has led to a personal metamorphosis for the former national weathercaster. After leaving the studio life behind when her daughter was born and welcoming a son a few years later, McBride and her husband staked out a picturesque retreat in the hills of Montecito to raise their family. On a plot that includes enough lavender bushes to technically qualify as a lavender farm, an in-the-works vineyard, and, of course, her beloved garden boxes, she’s embracing the chance to spend time outside in the weather instead of just reporting on it.

“Living in Montecito was a lifelong dream, so being here feels magical,” she says. “And it truly is a dream for a gardener—I can grow food all year. I’m always looking for an excuse to be outside since the weather is so beautiful. I think gardening is the cheapest form of therapy, and there’s also something spiritual to me about growing a seed into a plant, taking care of it, and harvesting something beautiful and nutritious I can use to feed my family.” 

Now creating seasonally (and meteorologically) influenced recipes as The Weather Chef, McBride’s emphasis on fresh, simple ingredients to create highly nutritious, beautifully plated meals has quickly earned her a devoted following. With a cookbook in the works and a focus on creating meals that are accessible for anyone to make at home, her recipes are best understood as love letters to Santa Barbara’s sunlight, soil, and produce. “I’m big on seasonal eating because it’s just so natural,” she says. “I walk to my garden and the meals I prepare that week are based on the fresh vegetables and herbs that are growing. There’s something to be said about knowing where your food is coming from and how it is grown. It just tastes better.” theweatherchef.com


Jackie’s Must-Haves

  • “Personalized FLAMINGO ESTATE OLIVE OIL. My friend got me a bottle for Christmas. Not only do I love the olive oil, there is also something special about it being personalized.”

  • “The IVY COVE UNION SQUARE MARKET TOTE is cute, well-made, and so versatile. I can take it to the market, shopping, or even to the beach. It’s a perfect travel bag as well, and takes up zero space when I’m not using it.”

  • “I live in my JENNI KAYNE COCOON CASHMERE SWEATER all year long. No matter how hot it gets during the day, as soon as the sun goes down I wrap myself in it.”

  • “A bleached pine cabinet, table, or buffet. Or if you want to splurge, get an antique French piece from THE WELL.”

  • “An olive tree in an antiqued pot is a must. I get most of my weathered pots from BOTANIK.”

 

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Stem Punk

The advent of spring at Lotusland, Montecito's lavish botanical garden, is always worth celebrating, and this year's Spring Equinox Extravaganza was an occasion that Ganna Walska, the eccentric founder of Lotusland, would surely have relished.

Lotusland and the Power of Flowers

Written by Lorie Dewhirst Porter
Photographs by Mariana Schulze

The advent of spring at Lotusland, Montecito's lavish botanical garden, is always worth celebrating, and this year's Spring Equinox Extravaganza was an occasion that Ganna Walska, the eccentric founder of Lotusland, would surely have relished. Engineered by two talented creatives—Louesa Roebuck and Dina Saalisi—the event was an opportunity to experience the spiritual and artistic significance of flowers in the midst of Madame’s exquisite garden.

Roebuck, author of Punk Ikebana and Foraged Flora, demonstrated her exuberant approach to flower arranging in a carefully constructed outdoor classroom, a breathtaking setting that took four days days to assemble. Guests were seated at tables covered with Roebuck’s vintage linens, and each table had a grouping of handmade ceramic vessels for composing arrangements. With large bunches of plant material nearby (scented geranium, wisteria, nasturtium, coral tree branches that were foraged and gleaned by Roebuck and Curtis Searle Fletcher in Ojai and Carpinteria), little encouragement was needed to coax guests to indulge in floral creativity. 

Saalisi—a healer and wellness coach and author of several books, including The Art of Flower Therapy—led the group in affirmations and highlighted selections from Listening to Flowers, her hand-illustrated oracle deck of aspirations based on the flower remedies of Edward Bach, a renowned British medical doctor and homeopath. For the flower arranging, Saalisi gleaned bunches of sweet pea and fava bean in the Napa Valley and transported them to Lotusland with husband David Saalisi for the classroom setup.

Between flower arranging and oracle readings, guests were treated to beverages from Apiary Beverage Co. and sweet selections from Chocolate Maya. The day culminated in a leisurely wander through garden, and guests departed with their own flower arrangement and gift bags, made from recycled silk saris, filled with Saalisi’s oracle deck, a special flower remedy, and seed packets.

 

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Back to Nature

Designer, decorator, and hospitality expert Nathan Turner has clients all over the world, but he never forgets his California roots. For his latest fabric collection—nostalgic patterns printed on linen—he leans into natural themes that defined his childhood. 

One of Turner’s most beloved local interior design projects is the Turner House at Alisal Ranch, a three-bedroom retreat with vintage decor, reclaimed barnwood paneling, and Pendleton accessories. A few of his recent fabric designs also lift inspiration from times spent at Alisal.

Designer, decorator, and hospitality expert Nathan Turner has clients all over the world, but he never forgets his California roots. For his latest fabric collection—nostalgic patterns printed on linen—he leans into natural themes that defined his childhood.

California Quail: “My brother and I raised quails from eggs, and every time I see one on our family’s ranch I like to think they’re descendants from the ones we hatched.”

Beautiful Spanish architecture and design inspired Hillhouse, a sweetly simple floral print.

The Valley Oak Stripe is an homage to California’s mighty woodlands: “I can’t see a giant live oak and not feel at home.”

The North Star Stripe “is inspired by the stacks of vintage horse blankets at the ranch.”

For Heaton, he wanted to pay tribute to the bright berries and brambles that most ranchers have encountered. “We have wild blackberry bushes on the ranch, so I knew I needed a traditional floral with blackberries.”

nathanturner.com

Turner: Ben Leake

 

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Shell Game

Born and raised in Santa Barbara, architect Jeff Shelton is the mastermind responsible for the renovation of the building that houses CLARK’S OYSTER BAR, a new addition to Coast Village Road. “We didn’t even give it a face-lift; we gave it a new face,” he says.

Newcomer oyster bar Clark’s is defined by its bright, airy aesthetic

Jeff Shelton and Larry McGuire

We didn’t even give it a face-lift; we gave it a new face.

Born and raised in Santa Barbara, architect Jeff Shelton is the mastermind responsible for the renovation of the building that houses CLARK’S OYSTER BAR, a new addition to Coast Village Road. “We didn’t even give it a face-lift; we gave it a new face,” he says. “I wanted to make it a place that people wanted to go into.” The building is done in Santa Barbara style, a compressive, plaster-covered architecture with slight Spanish influences and a geometric skyline. After being tapped by chef and owner Larry McGuire to help restore the structure and infuse it with a local aesthetic, Shelton’s other feat was to make the building entrance clear. “All doors should have a slight ceremony,” he says. “It’s a nice passageway, and you celebrate the entrance.” He worked with his brother, David Shelton, on the lighting in the building and in tandem with Bottenfield on the contracting and interiors. As delicious as the food and drink are, the experience of being inside the clean, bright space elevates dining at Clark’s to a special occasion. 1212 Coast Village Rd., Montecito, clarksoysterbar.com

 

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Divine Dining

For many Ojai residents, the parlor game of assembling a fantasy dinner party would likely include the irrepressible local ceramicist Beatrice Wood, who passed away in 1998 at the age of 105.

Beato Home features five pieces in a textured neutral white, meticulously crafted by Creative Fire Studio in Granada Hills.

For many Ojai residents, the parlor game of assembling a fantasy dinner party would likely include the irrepressible local ceramicist Beatrice Wood, who passed away in 1998 at the age of 105. Now fans of the iconoclastic multidisciplinary artist, known affectionately as “Beato,” can enjoy an homage to her legacy on their own dinner tables with BEATO HOME. “People just went crazy for it,” recalls Heather Stobo about the original dinnerware set crafted by Wood during the 1960s. The pieces were included in an exhibition she and Lisa Casoni curated at the Porch Gallery, the couple’s art-focused Ojai gathering place, which they closed last year. Finding a way to make Wood’s functional tabletop pieces more accessible to a contemporary audience was a logical next step, especially given their partnership with the Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts through Beato Chocolates, the artisanal candy line Casoni and Stobo launched in 2018. Beato Home features five pieces in a textured neutral white, meticulously crafted by Creative Fire Studio in Granada Hills. The collection, which is faithful to Wood’s original clay type, colors, and glazes, is available online and at select retailers, including Field + Fort in Summerland. Beato Home is an impassioned tribute to a one-of-a-kind spirit whose “greatest work of art was her life,” Casoni says. “She’s our North Star in the chocolate business and this dinnerware business.”  beatohome.com

 
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Spring Santa Barbara Magazine Spring Santa Barbara Magazine

Global Goods

These chic shops and markets carry everything you need for a well-curated home and kitchen.

These chic shops and markets carry everything you need
for a well-curated home and kitchen

Downtown Santa Barbara’s The Eddy reinvents the corner store experience, serving as a one-stop shop for convenience items and gourmet goods. 

Written by Hana-Lee Sedgwick
Photographs by Blake Bronstad

Since debuting last year, THE EDDY has woven itself into the fabric of downtown Santa Barbara. Offering a well-chosen selection of elevated essentials and gourmet delights, along with engaging events and workshops, this modern corner store has redefined the idea of convenience. “We envisioned The Eddy as a hub, constantly adapting to the evolving wants and needs of our community,” says co-owner Alex Suhadolnik. “Our approach is very much community led, so we regularly incorporate customer recommendations, but we also hope to instill a sense of discovery.”

Here you’ll find a diverse mix of everyday necessities and unexpected goods, from tinned fish and artisanal candy bars to Rancho Gordo beans and nonalcoholic refreshments, along with grab-and-go items from local favorites like Merci and Riviera Bread. 137 E. De La Guerra St., Santa Barbara, shoptheeddy.com

Every corner of the world is brimming with inspiration, which is why I regularly travel to various global markets in search of unique finds
— Emily DaFoe • Upstairs at Pierre Lafond

Effortless elegance is the theme at UPSTAIRS AT PIERRE LAFOND, the esteemed Montecito lifestyle boutique that has delighted locals and visitors alike for decades. An ever-evolving collection of stylish far-flung treasures and locally made gifts ranges from luxurious bedding and rugs to art, tabletop essentials, and children’s toys—each thoughtfully selected to celebrate the joys of artful living. “Every corner of the world is brimming with inspiration, which is why I regularly travel to various global markets in search of unique finds,” says buyer Emily DaFoe. “Our customers can always count on discovering something special and one-of-a-kind, whether for their own homes or for memorable gifts.” 516 San Ysidro Rd., Santa Barbara, shopupstairs.com

Bringing a touch of la dolce vita to the heart of Montecito is MONTESANO MARKET & DELI, a haven of Italian imports and local goods for the table and pantry. Besides the impressive selection of olive oils, jarred olives, authentic sauces, and gourmet pastas—each highlighting Italy’s rich culinary heritage—you’ll find table linens, wine, bespoke tote bags, and artisanal toffee. Also on hand are imported sausages, crackers, and cheeses—perfect for impromptu picnics at the beach. 1150 Coast Village Rd., Montecito, montesanomarket.com

Stylish kitchenware at Field + Fort.

The vision at Field + Fort was to create a space where people enjoy delicious food and find inspiration.

One need not be an interior designer to appreciate Summerland’s FIELD + FORT, a distinctive home-and-garden store that epitomizes refinement. “The owners’ vision was to create a space where people can gather, enjoy delicious food and coffee, and find inspiration in our carefully curated home goods—essentials for elevating living,” says general manager Paul Burns. Notably, Field + Fort is stocked with unique design accessories and products synonymous with quality and style, including items such as Sheldon ceramic dinnerware, Sferra towels, and Flamingo Estate bath products. The store’s pantry section offers gourmet foods like pasta sauces, balsamic vinegars, and olive oils, all destined to become kitchen staples. 2580 Lillie Ave., Summerland, fieldandfort.com

 Little Dom’s housemade tomato sauce and pickled vegetables.

Following the success of its original Los Angeles location, Little Dom’s Seafood cast its culinary net to Carpinteria in 2020. Since then executive chef Brandon Boudet has enticed visitors with his delectable seafood and Italian dishes, infused with Southern flair as a nod to his Louisiana roots. This spring the coastal eatery is expanding with the debut of LITTLE DOM’S DELI & WINE SHOP. You’ll be able to pick up some of Chef Boudet’s signature creations, including his renowned tomato sauces and pickled vegetables. Additionally, the space will carry a range of house-made seasonal goods—think preserved lemons and fruit jams—as well as grab-and-go items like prepared salads and frozen meatballs. 686 Linden Ave., Carpinteria, ldseafood.com

 

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