CASITA BLANQUITA

A MONTECITO HOME GETS A LIGHT AND MODERN UPDATE

by SOFIA DEEB

Photographs by CHRISTY GUTZEIT

Travel the world and you're bound to gain more inspiration than you ever could have imagined; explore Santa Barbara and you’ll see that inspiration brought to life all around you. Interior designer Lauren Henno transports clients to their favorite destinations by combining elements of California’s Coastal Riviera with one-of-a-kind pieces from around the world.

Implementing the inspiration she’s collected from her travels, Henno has spent the last eight years transforming houses in Santa Barbara into homes. To her, interior design is about more than just aesthetics— it's about surrounding people with a sense of comfort that will put them at ease. For her most recent project in Montecito, her plan was to do just that.

Before beginning this renovation, Lauren spent seven months in Ecuador accumulating inspiration and searching for unique, handcrafted pieces. A sort of modern-day treasure hunt, if you will, and she surely did not return home empty handed. From baskets handwoven by local artisans, to blankets made from wool harvested in the Andes, Lauren, with help from her mother and fellow interior designer, Debra Lynn Henno, laid the foundation for a home that is both cozy and full of character. “When you make a purchase [from a local artisan], not only are you contributing to creating a beautiful space, but you're also giving a means of living to people in these communities,” Lauren says.

Take a closer look into the home, and it becomes quite evident that no detail was left to chance. Some of Lauren’s favorite features are the beaded accessories made from Tagua nuts, also known as “nature’s ivory,” a popular material used in Ecuador. Another favorite is the giant fan hanging above the bed. However, it is not just the decor that brings this home to life. Lauren and her client wanted to make structural changes that would harmonize with their collection of Ecuadorian treasures. The client also wanted to incorporate details to remind her of her home back in Spain. Of course, there was no better place to make that happen than right here, amidst the many Spanish revival buildings scattering the central coast. Lauren explains, “When I think of California’s Coastal Riviera, I think of a more European aesthetic, which is beautifully elegant, yet brawny and structured. Mixing those two elements creates a space with a ‘wow factor’ that also feels comfortable and inviting.”

Lauren certainly made her client’s European dream a reality. The contrast of the natural, reclaimed wood flooring against the stark, white walls allows the home to have both the character of an old Spanish villa, and the clean, refreshing feeling of a modern home. Lauren’s decision to swap the home’s traditional cabinetry for open shelving allows for that extra touch that’s simultaneously unique and classic. The completed home is a true testament to Lauren’s versatility as a designer, as it combines a collection of antique and reclaimed pieces in a space that feels fresh and modern. *

Open Book

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