Santa Barbara’s rich architectural history is a hallmark of the city, and owning a historic home here is like having a piece of California’s heritage. But creating an interior that respects the past while adding modern functionality and style can be a delicate balance. Here’s a comprehensive guide to decorating a historic home in Santa Barbara, helping you accentuate its unique features while making it feel like a comfortable and stylish space.
1. Embrace the Architectural Style
Santa Barbara is known for its beautiful historic homes, many of which draw from Spanish Colonial, Mediterranean Revival, and Mission Revival influences. When decorating, it's essential to stay true to these architectural roots. This doesn’t mean you’re bound to a traditional look, but rather that your design choices should honor the home’s original aesthetic.
Consider highlighting unique architectural details such as:
Consider highlighting unique architectural details such as:
- Arched doorways and decorative tilework typical of Spanish Revival architecture.
- Stucco walls and red-tiled roofs often seen in Mediterranean homes.
- Wood-beamed ceilings and iron accents that add depth and warmth.
2. Select Period-Appropriate Colors
Choosing colors that harmonize with its architectural style is key to decorating any historic home. Warm earthy tones, creamy whites, deep blues, and natural greens often work well for Santa Barbara homes. They mimic the natural colors found in Santa Barbara’s landscape and maintain the tranquil, inviting feel historic homes are known for.
- For walls: Try warm whites or soft beiges for a clean look. You can also add a touch of period-appropriate color, such as terracotta, olive green, or muted mustard, to bring warmth to accent walls or trim.
- For trim and accents: Use deep colors like Spanish blue, olive green, or rust to add authenticity and complement the home’s design.
- For furniture and decor: Stick to neutrals with textured fabrics that give a sense of history, like linen or leather, and add patterned textiles or area rugs for depth.
3. Blend Modern Comfort with Vintage Furniture
When decorating a historic home, you don’t need to fill it entirely with antiques, but choosing a few vintage or vintage-inspired pieces can add character. Balance this by integrating modern, comfortable furniture that complements the home’s original style but still provides the functionality for everyday living.
- Statement furniture pieces: Consider a grand vintage armchair, a solid wood dining table, or an iron bed frame that ties into the home’s aesthetic.
- Modern accents: Incorporate sleek, comfortable sofas, understated coffee tables, and modern lighting that don’t overshadow the room’s historical elements.
- Layered textiles: Use natural fabrics, such as wool, linen, and leather, which feel authentic in a historic setting. Add a few patterned pillows or throw blankets to keep the decor feeling inviting and layered.
4. Preserve and Highlight Original Features
Santa Barbara’s historic homes often come with unique features such as exposed wood beams, brick fireplaces, intricate tile floors, or original moldings. These details are what make the home special, so make them the focal points of your decor.
- Tilework and Flooring: Many historic Santa Barbara homes, particularly Spanish Revival houses, feature stunning tilework. Allow these details to shine by choosing rugs that complement rather than hide the floors.
- Fireplaces: If your home has an original fireplace, let it become the heart of the living room. Decorate with simple mantels or hang a vintage mirror above to amplify the room’s natural light.
- Woodwork: Exposed beams, vintage doors, and crown moldings are treasures that make a historic home feel warm and authentic. Keep these features as is or have them professionally restored if they need some attention.
5. Incorporate Wrought Iron and Wooden Accents
Wrought iron and wooden accents are popular choices in Santa Barbara’s historic homes. From light fixtures to staircase railings and wall decor, these materials help you achieve that warm, inviting look that fits well with Mediterranean-inspired architecture.
- Lighting fixtures: Use wrought iron chandeliers or sconces to evoke an old-world charm that resonates with the historic feel of your home.
- Wooden furniture and accents: Choose dark wood pieces to add weight and timelessness to the decor. Small touches, like wooden picture frames or side tables, can also enhance the home’s rustic elegance.
6. Use Art and Decor that Reflect the Era
Art and decor can bring your home’s historic essence to life. Santa Barbara’s historic homes are often filled with art that reflects Spanish and Mediterranean influences. Consider incorporating art pieces that reflect the time period or style of your home.
- Paintings and wall art: Vintage oil paintings, antique maps, and old-world tapestries work beautifully in a historic setting.
- Mirrors: Large, vintage-style mirrors not only add depth to a room but also enhance light and create an open feel. Mirrors with wrought iron or wooden frames are particularly effective in a historic home.
- Decorative ceramics and pottery: Traditional Spanish or Mediterranean pottery can add color and interest to your decor without overwhelming the historic details of your home.
7. Modernize the Kitchen and Bathrooms with Care
One of the biggest challenges when decorating a historic home is updating the kitchen and bathrooms to modern standards while preserving the home's character. With careful planning, you can bring modern functionality to these spaces without detracting from their historic charm.
- In the kitchen: Opt for cabinetry with a vintage look, such as shaker-style cabinets, but feel free to incorporate modern amenities, like stainless steel appliances, that blend in subtly. For countertops, consider natural stones like marble or granite, as they add a timeless quality to the room.
- In the bathroom: Use vintage-inspired fixtures like pedestal sinks and clawfoot tubs if possible. Subway tile or mosaic tile floors with traditional patterns can give the space an authentic feel while still looking clean and modern.
8. Create Cozy Outdoor Spaces
With Santa Barbara’s ideal climate, outdoor spaces are a must, and historic homes often come with charming courtyards or gardens. When decorating these areas, lean into the home’s architectural influences by incorporating Mediterranean-inspired furniture and landscaping.
- Outdoor furniture: Wrought iron or teak furniture with plush, neutral cushions can create a comfortable and historically appropriate outdoor area.
- Greenery and planters: To keep your garden looking lush year-round, use terracotta pots filled with drought-resistant plants like succulents, lavender, and rosemary.
- Lighting: Consider adding wrought iron lanterns or string lights to create a warm ambiance in the evenings.
9. Focus on Eco-Friendly Choices for Sustainability
Maintaining a historic home in Santa Barbara also presents an opportunity to make eco-friendly choices, which can help preserve the property’s longevity while being conscious of the environment. Look for local artisans who craft furniture or decor, choose sustainable materials like reclaimed wood, and opt for non-toxic paints and finishes.
10. Work with a Local Expert Who Understands Santa Barbara’s Historic Homes
Decorating and maintaining a historic home in Santa Barbara requires a keen eye for both design and architectural integrity. That’s why partnering with a knowledgeable real estate expert like Chris Palme can be invaluable. Chris’s extensive experience with Santa Barbara’s historic properties ensures you’ll receive guidance that respects the charm and character of your home while maximizing its value.
Whether you’re considering a restoration, looking to add modern touches, or seeking advice on preserving your home’s unique features, Chris Palme is here to help you at every step. Reach out to Chris today to transform your historic property into a timeless Santa Barbara masterpiece.
Whether you’re considering a restoration, looking to add modern touches, or seeking advice on preserving your home’s unique features, Chris Palme is here to help you at every step. Reach out to Chris today to transform your historic property into a timeless Santa Barbara masterpiece.
