SANTA BARBARA
Set high on a mesa with sweeping views of the hills and the ocean, this sprawling Santa Barbara bungalow offered the perfect canvas for a young family’s forever home. With two small children, two dogs, and a desire to slow life down after years in Los Angeles, the clients envisioned a space that felt rooted, peaceful, and lasting.
The property itself already carried so much magic: a roundabout driveway lined with tall palms, an orchard tucked just below the main house, and that unmistakable golden light Santa Barbara is known for. Our work honored all of that, breathing new life into the home without losing the soulful feeling that first drew them to it.
We approached the project with a deep respect for both setting and longevity, grounding the home in a neutral palette with thoughtful touches of color. Real, lasting materials shaped every choice, knowing this house was meant to grow alongside the family. We opened up the great room, replaced small windows with sweeping openings, and installed wide doors to invite in the sunrise views and ocean breezes. The result is a space that feels effortlessly connected to the landscape—tranquil, luminous, and alive. With just a handful of on-site visits, we stayed closely connected to the project and its unfolding story.
One of the boldest design choices was the monolithic fireplace—a three-sided statement that now anchors the main living spaces. It was a leap of faith, but one that paid off, drawing you in the moment you step through the door. Visible from both the living room and kitchen, it brings a sense of weight and permanence to the airy layout. As the landscape continues to evolve and the family’s story grows, this home feels not just designed, but deeply lived in—a retreat built for a lifetime.
