Hot Latin Style!

Interior designer Ann James Chats with Leslie A. Westbrook

Spanish Colonial, Mexican and Santa Fe style design elements work seamlessly in our red-tiled roofed town that’s famous for historic public buildings and homes by such architectural luminaires as George Washington Smith, Lutah Riggs and even Julia Morgan, who designed Hearst Castle. Longtime Montecito based interior designer Ann James has used these themes in several projects showcased here, often working with contemporary architects like Don Nulty, who designed the Mexican hacienda and Spanish Colonial ranch. The Spanish residence was a remodel/conversion in Birnam Wood by Jerry Goodman. We asked Ann to share some of her design tips to add her muy caliente style to your own decorating scheme.

Leslie Westbrook: What is your inspiration for Latin style?

Ann James: I’ve traveled extensively throughout Mexico – from Oaxaca to San Miguel Allende and Guanajuato to Mexico City. The architecture is the influence. You can’t look anywhere—especially in San Miguel — without being impacted. Also, I am a native Californian and it’s hard not to be influenced by Spanish and Mexican architecture. In the fourth grade we studied and visited the Missions – which I loved and dragged my parents to! My favorite is Mission La Purisma.

LAW: What about color? Mexico is known for vibrant colors and I love the hot pink wall you used in the Santa Ynez hacienda.

Ann James: I love color – you cannot do Mexican without color. Mexican architects Luis Barragán and his use of color is a big influence as well as Ricardo Legorreta and his stucco walls painted in reds, coppers, yellows, purples and blues! I was fortunate enough to be able to visit a very famous ranch that Barragán designed outside of Mexico City. There is an iconic photograph of that ranch... of a white horse being paraded in front of a pink wall... that was probably the inspiration for my pink walled entry.

LAW: We have some great sources for Spanish Colonial pieces in town.

Ann James: Michael Haskell is top of the list. William Laman is a prime place where I shop. I have made trips to Guadalajara and San Miguel de Allende to shop.

LAW: I know you also travel once a week to LA to keep abreast of the current contemporary art scene – have you discovered any Latin American artists here or there?

Ann James: Beatriz Milhazes of Brazil is a favorite. Her abstract paintings are full of color and vitality. Phoebe Brunner and Hank Pitcher both do wonderful stylized landscapes that could very easily be placed in a Mexican style home. Cynthia James’ fantastical, dream images would also work well in a Mexican environment.

LAW: Let’s talk textiles and texture.

Ann James: I am always looking for ethnic inspired fabrics. Lee Jofa has recently added a line of embroidered and woven fabrics that evoke the Mexican spirit. I love ethnic Mexican and Guatemalan textiles – hand woven cottons for upholstery and pillows - and I can still find them here and there.

LAW: it’s all in the details…

Ann James: Mexican pottery from Puebla is a passion of mine. Puebla is the place for Talavera. My huge bulletin board in my office is filled with inspiration – from fabrics to furniture to architecture.

LAW: What are some of your favorite public buildings in our town and place for Mexican food?

Ann James: The Courthouse and La SuperRica, both hands down!

To see more of Ann James work, go to www. annjamesinteriors.com

All the paintings and furnishings were sourced from Haskell Antiques, including the dining table that came from Michael Haskell’s own dining room (top).

Spanish 18th century plates from the owner’s collection surround archangel San Miguel from Haskell Antiques in the gallery of this Spanish Colonial style home. Turkish Suzani pillows from Mecox Garden in Los Angeles mix nicely in this elegant Birnam Wood home (bottom left).

“Chris handled every aspect of the listing, showing, sales and closing process without a hitch. He made a very special effort to create and execute on a marketing plan that took into consideration all of our needs and wishes.” Doug & Karen

“A true pro you are, truly. Quick and smooth. Nice work. Very Impressive.” Mark & Jessica