Colette Cosentino Horjus, Maker of Paintings & Hand-Painted Wallcoverings
71 Seaview Drive / Montecito / 93108
A Distinguished Top-Floor Retreat Offered At $3,995,000
Discover the pinnacle of coastal living in this exquisite top-floor residence within the prestigious Montecito Shores community. Thoughtfully designed to blend luxury with tranquility, this 1,830 sq. ft. home features 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, offering an expansive open floor plan, high ceilings, and timeless finishes. A true highlight of this home is the spacious 28-foot balcony, a serene oasis surrounded by lush greenery and beautifully landscaped grounds. This tranquil outdoor space invites seamless indoor-outdoor living, perfect for relaxing mornings, al fresco dining, or quiet evenings soaking in the natural beauty. Now offered at a reduced price, this move-in-ready home presents an exceptional value for its size and location.
The state-of-the-art kitchen, with Miele and Sub-Zero appliances and sophisticated cabinetry, flows effortlessly into the sunlit living and dining areas anchored by a cozy fireplace. Every detail has been thoughtfully designed to enhance the home’s livability, with additional features including central air conditioning, contemporary art lighting, sound system throughout, a spacious in-unit laundry room, and ample storage.
Montecito Shores residents enjoy the privacy of a secure, gated community with 24-hour guard service and exclusive resort-style amenities, including a pool, hot tub, tennis court, clubhouse, and direct access to Montecito’s iconic beaches. Perfectly situated moments from the Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort, Coral Casino Beach Club, and the boutique dining and shopping of Coast Village Road, this home offers an unparalleled blend of convenience, sophistication, and coastal charm.
Don’t miss this opportunity to own a beautifully renovated property at a lowered price. Schedule your private showing today!
Exotic Gardens Gardens
March 7th-9th, 2025
9AM-5PM
EARL WARREN SHOWGROUNDS
A Home Away From Home
Our March issue’s “Home” theme comes at a time when many of our California neighbors have lost their homes. The devastating fires just south of our coastline were heartbreaking to witness and serve as a stark reminder of Santa Barbara’s own fire tragedies.
Scarcely before the smoke had cleared, I witnessed Santa Barbara do what we do best: rally support for victims and refugees. Local schools opened enrollment to displaced families, museums offered day camps for children, and small businesses launched clothing drives and fundraisers.
There is beauty out of ashes.
For those who have arrived to our shore, we welcome you to this home away from home. In the midst of tragedy and heartbreak, I hope our community continues to be a refuge as you heal and rebuild.
Meaghan Clark Tiernan, Samantha Durbin, Paige Lambert
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Elizabeth Messina
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
( 8 0 5 ) 4 5 5 - 8 9 1 0
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Star Party 2 – 3: Star Party attendees getting a closer look at the night sky 4: Kimpton Canary’s Wellness Faire with Palma Colectiva sound bath with Foxy Sage 5: The rooftop at Kimpton Canary’s Wellness Faire with Palma Colectiva 6: EarthTonics Botanical Skincare 7: Self Love Tea time
JILL DE POL
SANTA BARBARA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
JILL DE POL
JILL DE POL
SANTA BARBARA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
JILL DE POL
SANTA BARBARA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
CUSTOM FURNITURE KEEFRIDER
CERAMISTS to Know 5
3 4 5
Everyday objects or works of art?
ARTICLE BY MEAGHAN CLARK TIERNAN | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
1 - WILDER POTTERY : Small batch ceramics made from a greenhouse pottery studio in Ojai. @ thewilderpottery
2 - NILAS CERAMICS : Nature-inspired abstract sculpture and glaze combinations from a new designer. @ nilas_ceramics
3 - MEGAN WEST CERAMICS : Iconic sculpted face pots embody a modern take on classic forms. @ megwestceramics
4 - KLAPP CERAMICS : Native Santa Barbara artist sourcing local clay and natural inspiration. @ klappceramics
5 - ISAIH PORTER : Small-batch potter and educator making bespoke vessels inspired by our coastline. @ isaih_pottery
Simple Storage Co. simplifies your move
Moving presents a unique opportunity to reassess what you need. And when it comes to personal items, it’s sometimes best for someone else to help you sort your valuables.
Simple Storage Co. moving services are designed to streamline the transition, ensuring your belongings are neatly arranged and accessible from the start. By organizing your new space with only the essentials, we help you establish a strong foundation, creating designated spaces for all your necessities.
We handle the packing, unpacking, and organizing so you can focus on settling into your new home. For this project, the client packed up her home in a few days to store everything for twelve months while her new home was being built.
As we opened bins labeled “kitchen,” we decided to sort and create categories for items to keep or donate. This sets the foundation for an organized, functional space.
After sorting, we determined optimal placement: heavier or less-used items were stored lower, while plates, flatware, and everyday mugs were kept within easy reach in top drawers or at eye level in cabinets or open shelving.
For appliances, this client had ample countertop space, allowing us to arrange small appliances in practical, convenient spots. The final touch was printing labels to enhance functionality and maintain order in her beautifully organized kitchen.
My name is Paige Lambert, and I’m the owner of Simple Storage Co., a professional organization business dedicated to helping clients achieve clarity and calm in their spaces. Our approach allows you to shed unnecessary clutter and focus on what brings value to your life. Contact Simple Storage Co. to book a complimentary 1-hour consultation. simplestorageco.com
Paige Lambert
THE JUMBO REVERSE MORTGAGE
Contact Me to Learn More
Eric D. Miller
Reverse Mortgage Advisor
NMLS #582959
Wild & Free
The backstory on the Botanical Garden’s Backcountry
The Backcountry at the Garden is a dream backyard for any kid and kid at heart.
Spanning 4.5 acres, the Backcountry invites young visitors to explore, jump, run, and play in nature. Since 2022, kids have explored peek-a-boo trails, tree climbing, rock hopping, mazes, and native plants in a safe space. Monthly events, free classes, and camps add to the Backcountry as an adventure hub.
It was built to inspire and connect visitors to the wonders of our natural world, especially kids who the Garden hopes will leave inspired to protect our planet.
Just like the natural world, the Backcountry is always changing. When visiting, you’ll likely find new features installed, a class being held, or new plants and living structures to learn about.
Five Backcountry Casitas, temporary outdoor playhouses built of natural materials, are scattered throughout the garden. Selected through a design competition, each Casita creatively incorporates
natural materials to provide unique perspectives of nature. For example, children can pretend to be bees while climbing through a human-scaled pollinator home.
A 12-foot-tall red-tailed hawk spreads its wooden “wings” to create a semicircular seating area for children to take a peaceful respite. Nature-themed books are available in a little library inside the hawk’s torso. The Hawk’s Nest was created by Santa Barbara designer and builder Cody Westheimer.
The Backcountry was inspired by Richard Louv’s book Last Child in the Woods , which explores nature-deficit disorder in today’s children and their disconnect from nature. When parents are fighting an uphill battle against screens, the Backcountry is an accessible antidote. It’s all about unstructured play.
I know that if I bring my 7-year-old son here, he’ll have a blast climbing up the knotted ropes on the hillside, trekking through a trail, or walking on bands. And I’ll have a great time, too.
When parents are fighting an uphill battle against screens, the Backcountry is an accessible antidote.
2820 Torito Road is perched on a knoll-top amid lush coastal landscapes. This Traditional New England estate will transport you to a world of classic architecture.
Designed by the late Peter Becker, a visionary Santa Barbara architect whose legacy endures through his successor firm, and built by Eskilson Construction Development Inc., this property exemplifies bespoke craftsmanship and distinctive design.
Notice the unique oval “porthole” windows inspired by Thomas Jefferson’s historical house, Monticello, to a soaring 14-foot cathedral-style ceiling composed of 54 individually crafted panels—a 12-month endeavor. With materials thoughtfully sourced from near and far, every element reflects a dedication of unparalleled artistry and authenticity.
The spacious layout encompasses a living room, a dining room, and an impressive chef’s kitchen equipped with Viking appliances, along with a cozy breakfast nook and a comfortable den area. The media room offers space for entertainment, while the 640-bottle wine cellar and a secret walk-in safe provide additional luxury.
Custom porthole windows
A separate guest wing includes a bedroom, living area, and kitchenette, ensuring comfort and privacy for visitors. Outside, you’ll find a bocce ball court, an authentic wood-fired pizza oven, several patios for entertaining, a 3-car garage (with additional parking for 25+ cars across the street), and an abundant landscape with a garden.
Here are just a few of the notable custom-build details:
The entry driveway’s antique cobblestones (circa 1885) came from the old Federal Highway in Cleveland. They were removed during a road rebuild and reclaimed by Gavin Historical Bricks of Iowa City, IA, from whom the owner bought them. They were shipped from the Midwest in seven dump trucks to the site.
Authentic cobblestones haven’t been manufactured in the USA for over 75 years.
Architectural Millwork, a privately owned family business in Santa Barbara since 1969, fabricated all of the windows, doors, and cabinetry, from the kitchen to bathroom vanities and the kitchen island. They also fabricated the solid mahogany panels and library bookcases.
All tile work was installed by Menelli Tile & Design of Santa Barbara.
Inquire about showings to Gary Goldberg at Coastal Properties 805.455.8910 | garygoldberg.net
FAMILY sprouting
The Santa Barbara International Orchid Show returns
ARTICLE BY SAMANTHA DURBIN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY INGRID BOSTROM AND SAMANTHA DURBIN
The first time I saw an array of orchids up close was at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. I was bewitched by these speckled flowers that looked like aliens. I was in my twenties. Orchids are unique in many ways. They’re in a category themselves, intricate flowering plants that live longer than cut flowers.
Fast-forward twenty years, and I attend the Santa Barbara International Orchid show with my family. My six-year-old son isn’t very enthused, but he’s always up for running around a random space. My oneyear-old daughter, meanwhile, is in awe and practicing her new walking skills, reaching out to touch the strange plants.
I’m also in awe as we wander the rooms filled with artful orchid displays, photography, paintings, and arrangements. In another buzzing room, orchids are sold, and workshops and demonstrations take place. It’s packed. So many different people appreciate this flower.
The show’s theme this year is “Exotic Gardens,” where vibrant orchids will be inspired by their natural habitats. One of the oldest, largest, and most prestigious orchid shows in the country, it reflects the rich agricultural and orchid-growing history of Santa Barbara County, which took root at the turn of the century. The forerunner of the Orchid Show was a flower show organized by the Santa Barbara Horticultural Society, which took place in 1945 at the Montecito Grange Hall.
On the weekend of March 7-9th, vendors worldwide will bring their best to share with orchid enthusiasts. Awards are granted and judged by the American Orchid Society Judging panel, and you’ll notice ribbons on the winners. Tickets can be purchased online at sborchidshow.com .
The Santa Barbara International Orchid Show is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization with the purpose of sharing the joy of the orchid world and educating the public about orchids via its annual show. Donations are needed to help the show create new traditions for the future. To donate, please go to sborchidshow.com .
A SPANISH COLONIAL GEM
ARTICLE BY SAMANTHA DURBIN | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Meadowbrook Drive
Tucked away in the exclusive Ennisbrook community in Montecito, this single-story Spanish Colonial gem offers the perfect blend of privacy and elegance amidst lush gardens and breathtaking mountain views.
Recently updated with new dual-zone HVAC, solar panels, and Tesla PowerWalls, the home combines modern efficiency with timeless charm. Its flowing floor plan creates a seamless indoor-outdoor connection, allowing natural light to fill each thoughtfully crafted space. With 2 bedrooms, a versatile library/office/media room, and 2.5 baths, this residence is designed for refined, relaxed living.
The charming dining room and warm kitchen feature quality finishes and wood floors that add to the home’s timeless appeal. The inviting living room, adorned with a handsome fireplace and vaulted ceiling, serves as the heart of the home, while French doors from almost every room open to enchanting outdoor spaces, revealing beautifully landscaped grounds.
Located within Ennisbrook’s prestigious gated community, residents enjoy access to exceptional amenities, including two pools, tennis and pickleball courts, fitness centers, a clubhouse, and the scenic 44-acre Ennisbrook Preserve. Just moments from Montecito’s hiking trails, beaches, and vibrant Upper and Lower Villages, this home offers the perfect retreat for those seeking the best of Montecito living.
Inquire about showings to Lisa Foley at Goodwin & Thyne
SPONSORS
All Heart Rentals
Anne F Sage and Jesse D Sgro
Arroyo Seco Construction
Bartlett, Pringle, & Wolf
Bibi Moezzi & Bill Pesso
Bite Me SB
BRIGHT Event Rentals
David Kim Group
Easter Team Realtors
Flowers & Associates, Inc.
Forward Lateral
Thank You
Beer Garden sponsors and vendors
FEATURED SPONSORS
Helene Schneider
HUB International Insurance Services
Inge Rose
Judy Pirkowitsch, Ameriprise Financial
Jump on The School Bus
Katalyst PR
Knight Real Estate Group
Kolohe, Mezcal & Bean
Lisa Cohen & Hershel Kleinberg
Mark Funk & Jim Owens
Mission Wealth
Montecito Bank and Trust
Riviera Locos
VENDORS
atōst
Barbareño
Bibi Ji
brewLAB
Convivo
Draughtsmen Aleworks
Dutch Garden
Empty Bowl
Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co.
Figure Ate Foods (non-alc)
Finch & Fork
Firestone Walker Brewing Company
Good Lion Hospitality
Helena Avenue Bakery
Island Brewing Company
Sam & Rose DeLuca
Santa Barbara Coast Magazine
Santa Barbara Life and Style
Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians
Sarah & Hayden Gower
Scale Microgrids
Schipper Construction
Signature Parking
Sol Wave Water
Sub Rosa Gardens
Teddy Muller & Casey Turpin
The Allday Family
The Bassan Family
The DiBenedetto Family
The Lucky One Foundation
The Pondel Family
The Spracher Family
The Vik Family
TOPOPHYLA LANDSCAPE DESIGN
U.S. Bank Private Wealth Management
Urgent Veterinary Care of Santa Barbara
Valerie Hoffman
Wild West Florals
La Paloma
Little Dom’s
Loquita
Los Agaves
Night Lizard
Rincon Brewing
Single Fin Cider & High Seas Mead
Taqueria la Unica
Teeccino
The Lark
The Sando Truck
Third Window Brewing
Tilden
Topa Topa Brewing Co.
Validation Ale
Dream Big
ARTICLE BY SAMANTHA DURBIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELIZABETH MESSINA
“Our rooms should be a place to show off individuality, a place to dream and refresh, protected from all the theatrics of the outside world.” ~CCH Colette Cosentino Horjus’ gallery and studio is in the Arts District, a block from the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. You’ll find Colette on any given day or time inside the ornate San Marcos building. Enter her atelier, an immense crystal chandelier and a shop cat named Tex greet you. Sometimes, Colette throws soirees in the courtyard.
Behind the John Saladino screen, you’ll find “the mess.” Create mode. Wallpaper trials for her collection with Schumacher across the walls. A mix
WHEN DID YOU START PAINTING?
I began “creating” as a child. I have early memories of drawing with crayons on the kitchen walls. My young mother gave up trying to curb my enthusiasm and allowed the practice, a foretelling of my future occupation: creating large-scale works and wallpaper.
WHAT FEELINGS DO YOU REMEMBER FROM WHEN YOU FIRST PAINTED?
I remember from preschool when my teacher brought in a barrel of mosaic tiles. I never felt more alive. The very sight of the jewel-toned bits lit me inside like never before. And to hold them in my hand!
I picked up painting in my twenties, studying works created by European masters and using them as teachers for my work. I love visiting the Getty to view the religious art. Byzantine and Medieval art are delectable, and I try to emulate them. Antique Japanese panels are mesmerizing.
of large-scale works in progress and her bestsellers, the “smalls.” There’s a loveseat for napping and a huge banister cabinet for storage. A vintage wood writing desk. An armchair with an ornate ancient fish design on the feet.
Colette has been in her studio for seven years, creating decorative and abstract works that span paintings, murals, and wallpaper. She got her break painting a last-minute mural for an event at Lotusland, and the rest is herstory.
She uses canvases with raw edges and muted “historical colors.” She describes her drip work to me. She starts at the top and “lets it rain” to create depth. Colette tells me about her world with passion and whimsy, and that’s when I realize she’s a dreamer like me.
And dream big she did when she decided to take a leap of faith to become a professional artist. She is much happier and healthier because of this and tells me, “You can have the most joy when you turn your work into the gifts you were given.” Her gifts sometimes reveal themselves as moody landscapes, but it’s her romantic pieces, gardens with flora and animals, golds and blues, I’d want in my home.
“YOU CAN HAVE THE MOST JOY WHEN YOU TURN YOUR WORK INTO THE GIFTS YOU WERE GIVEN.”
HOW DOES THE MUSE SHOW UP FOR YOU?
I’m inspired most swiftly when presented with a great challenge, a project or a commission. I love getting right into the work and, layer by layer, bring it to its completion. My work is mainly spontaneous, and the story evolves as I go.
IOWA AND SANTA BARBARA SEEM LIKE VERY DIFFERENT WORLDS, OR ARE THEY? DESCRIBE IOWA TO ME.
Iowa is like the Shire in Lord of the Rings . In the summer it’s warm and very green. It’s the place of my inspiration, specifically the family farm in a bucolic and rural location, with a view of the interstate more than a mile away.
Time stops as you sit on the farmhouse porch gazing out past our land to see the row of twinkly car lights making their way between Minneapolis and Des Moines.
I paint the family farm from memory. Vast skies with incredible cloud formations. Magical sunsets against a silhouette of deep green and black. Fields as far as the eye can see. Brown, gray, and white with snow in the winter; shades of pale green, lime green, and pink in spring. Then summer, hot, humid, glorious—the crops (soybeans and seed corn) rise before your eyes. At night, the fireflies dot the atmosphere, mysterious globes of light that are impossible to capture in film. Autumn is golden, and suddenly, you need a sweater, then a coat, and the seasons start all over again.
WHERE DOES YOUR VINTAGE APPRECIATION COME FROM?
I’ve always had a love for old things. I’m enamored by Midnight in Paris , where the main character feels he should have lived in a different time when design was exquisite and fashion was haute couture. I’m drawn to things with a story and history.
TELL ME ABOUT YOUR SECOND WALLPAPER COLLECTION FOR SCHUMACHER.
My second collection is still in the works. One design is a departure—it’s more graphic—yet still reads as my work. It’s entitled “Bird Song.” It’s been painted against a raw Belgian linen background, the inky colors translucent to let the linen come through. Another design is entitled “Psalm,” based on the scripture Psalm 1. It’s a sizeable flowing tree with petals and leaves scattered with the wind.
Atelier visits by appointment: info@colettecosentino.com 11 West Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara colettecosentino.com | @colettecosentinoatelier
SANTA BARBARA SOLD
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
FEBRUARY 27TH
World of Pinot Noir @worldofpinot
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara @ritzcarltonbacarasb | 7:00 PM
The annual World of Pinot Noir event gathers the planet’s foremost Pinot Noir wineries and winemakers, renowned chefs, sommeliers, and leading wine scholars in a weekend-long seaside celebration of this delicious and storied wine. Features world-class Pinot Noirs from more than 250 wineries in the U.S, France, New Zealand, Chile, Spain, Austria, and more.
MARCH 1ST
The Little Mermaid @loberotheatre
Lobero Theatre | 2:00 PM
State Street Ballet presents The Little Mermaid on Saturday, March 1 at 2 PM (sensory-friendly performance) and at 7:30 PM and on Sunday, March 2 at 2 PM. Join us on a journey under the sea for a world premiere featuring all-new sets, costumes, and life-sized puppets.
MARCH 2ND
Paint and Sip Sundays @artandsoul.sb
Art & Soul, 116 Santa Barbara Street | 1:00 PM
Stop in between 1-3 every Sunday afternoon in the Funk Zone, select a watercolor book by Emily Lex Studios, a set of paints, a glass of wine, and paint and sip with us! Perfect for the beginning or accomplished painter. Drop on by, or RSVP for larger groups.
MARCH 7TH – 9TH
The 77th Santa Barbara International Orchid Show @sborchidshow
Earl Warren Showgrounds @earlwarrenshowgrounds | 9:00 AM
This year’s theme is Exotic Gardens. Explore the displays, workshops, orchid sale, arrangements, and artwork, which features stunning works inspired by the intricate beauty of orchids. Special Events include: “Orchid Serenity” yoga and sound bath March 6th 6:15 pm with @santabarbarabeachyoga;“Orchid Dinner” March 7th 6-8:30 pm featuring @epicureansb; “Orchids After Dark” March 8th 6-9pm with exclusive access, bar, DJ & workshops.
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Make your appointment today! Healthier. Happier. You.
MARCH 15TH
The Beer Garden @sbbotanicgarden
Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens | 11:30 AM
Surrounded by the natural beauty of Mission Canyon, 400 ticket holders are invited to explore the Garden’s 5.5 miles of walking trails while enjoying one-of-a-kind beers uniquely paired with California’s native plants. Acoustic music performances, nature education tables, and paired finger foods add to this multi-sensory, outdoor experience.
MARCH 16TH
It’s Magic @loberotheatre
Lobero Theatre | 2:30 PM
Terry Hill and Lobero LIVE present It’s Magic (2 shows) on Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 2:30 PM & 6:30 PM. This new live show features
Xavier Mortimer (top French magician), Ronn Lucas (a major world headliner), David Zirbel and Company (world’s tallest illusionist), Dan Cole and Stacy (new concept prestidigitator), and Chris Blackmore (comedian/magician). A Las Vegas show suitable for the whole family.
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Coast away in your Chevy today at Coastal Chevrolet.
