A Breathtaking Backyard

In late 2009, Allen Associates received a call to look at a patio remodel in a hillside neighborhood. The plans were very impressive and they were excited to have this opportunity. Upon arriving at the residence, they found a cramped, existing patio space perched on a very steep slope. The client had one goal, to increase the size and functionality of the patio. With sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean below, the client’s goal made perfect sense. read more...

Jeff Shelton Architect

There’s a reason Annie and Paul de Bruyn Kops use the word “magical” to describe their Riviera home. Whether you’re inside or out, each blink of the eye reveals something unique: a glass pendant’s glimmering reflections; a wood-beamed ceiling’s snowflake motif; a Gaudiesque iron balcony’s changing shadow patterns.

With artisanal features like sculpted stucco walls and handcrafted tiles, the three-thousand square foot space feels like a gigantic work of art. This makes perfect sense since Annie was a longtime art instructor at Cold Spring School. “There really isn’t anywhere that you’re not looking at some delightful detail or another,” she says gazing down at the black and white swirls in the floor tiles of the entry hall. “We wanted to have people come in and feel as though they’re walking read more...

Santa Barbara Museum of Art Store

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art Store offers distinctive and art-inspired gifts including art objects, exquisite jewelry and apparel by local artists, as well as beautiful SBMA signature products and educational children’s books and toys. Located in downtown Santa Barbara’s cultural district, the Museum Store carries merchandise unique to SBMA’s permanent collection and special exhibitions, including the area’s finest selection of art books, music, and dvds. These inspiring products are also now available for purchase on the Museum Store’s e-Store. All proceeds support the Santa Barbara Museum of Art’s exhibitions and extensive education programs.

Seaside Gardens

Visitors to Seaside Gardens are invited to tour their beautiful 3+ acre botanical wonderland. Eleven garden vignettes provide an around-the-world sampling of plants that thrive in our coastal environment. The gardens were designed by local landscape designers and include Asian, Australian, California Native, Central/South American, Grassland, Mediterranean, Native Wetland Bioswale, Perennial/Cottage, South African, Succulent, and Tropical themes.