I found my SHANGRI-LA and it's in santa barbara...

You know how you have certain special people in your life that really shape the person you are and influence you – whether subtle or super obvious?  Well, my lady friend Dawn is one of those VERY special people who heavily influenced not only how I looked at my surroundings but also taught me a lot about being a hostess and creating special environments. I worked for her for about a year in Santa Barbara at her downtown swanky, retro-lovin’ beer + wine bar, “The Firebird” (ugh.  still so sad that bar isn't there anymore).  Prior to a work relationship we were friends – sharing opinions on fashion, wines, music, how to do things RIGHT in the service industry and most of all….design.  She is pretty much the woman who showed me how a collection of kick-knacks, stemware, etc., can define a space (hello, poodles and ceramic ashtrays?!).  Her design sense has always been so mid-century eclectic, with surprises around every corner and on every shelf.  One thing that I really noticed when my husband and I stayed at her place – termed “Westside Shangri-La” from here on out – is how her design is EFFORTLESS. It all comes together in a huge circle.  Pieces become part of her family of awesomeness.  I hope you get a sense of how amazing her space is from these photos.  These areas are available for photo and video shoots.  You can contact me if interested.

When you are in Dawn’s World you want to pop open a bottle of champagne and never leave...

sasha brastoff ashtrays - yes, please.

Lu Lu loves the Westside Shangri-La too!

yes, that is pink carpet with gold walls.

outside comes in

yum.

a favorite shot....its like hawaii

.....until next time....

For a piece of Dawn’s World you can visit her bar “The Mercury Lounge” in Goleta, CA.  They have wonderful bartenders, a killer beer and wine list and some of the best musical artists to roll through the Central Coast:

the best small bar ever.

filled with one-of-a-kind matchbooks made by the bartenders

Soundtrack - KCSB, but of course:

                                                  

We Could Have a SWINGIN' Time!

Design Sponge does a great feature called "Living In" where they take a movie and show stills with design objects inspired by the movie.  Recently they did one on my favorite movies of all time (no, not "Pillow Talk"...I don't think they have done that one yet), "The Parent Trap" – the original one from 1961 starring Haley Mills of course.  I am straight out saying I'm copying this feature here because I was so disappointed that they didn't cover the California home that Susan grew up in with her dashing dad, "Mitch". This may easily be the first interior I can remember falling head over heels in love with.  From the floating desk on chain in Susan's bedroom, to the princess phone “Susan” (Sharon) would chat away on with her twin, “Sharon” (Susan) in Boston, to the curved countertop in the Master Bathroom to the courtyard with the infamous stage where the girls sang “Lets Get Together”...I remember being this bright-eyed girl soaking it all in....even at that young age I remember understanding the Spanish influence (hello, Santa Barbara local) in the architecture and interior furnishings....it made so much sense.  The indoor/outdoor living seemed so exciting….like you were living in Summer-time all year long. 

Welcome to Golden Oak Ranch, where Mitch (Brian Keith) and his daughter Susan lived in the Carmel Valley:

This was actually some land owned by Disney south of Carmel on Placerita Canyon Road. They built a shell of a house on the property with nothing but exterior walls and a roof. The interiors were all created on a soundstage.

Grand Room, Courtyard and Living Room:

the steel wall sculpture here slays me.

spanish + stone...swoon.

gigantic fireplace with HUGE lamp on the left....low seating....love.

curved white sofa, yes please!  there is that steel sculpture again....

the Courtyard where they performed for their separated parents.

Kitchen:

oh, Mitch...

g-l-a-m-o-r-o-u-s

darling.

Master Bathroom:

Susan's Bedroom:

i wanted this desk floating on chain more than anything.

my inspiration:

1. 1800's italian iron gate headboard  2. 1960s italian glass bottle vase   3. yellow and white outdoor umbrella  4. vintage milkglass cased pendant from circa 1910  5. talavera painted tiles  6. 19th century spanish tile top table  7. vintage princess phone  8. edward wormley for dunbar curved white sofa  9. pipa cocktail table  10. vintage alexander girard silk fabric - collection of sfmoma  11. 1950s barstools by Arthur Umanoff for Raymor  12. 1960s ceramic lamps  13. 1960s italian aqua glass bottles

I took a lot of information, wordage and ALL the still images from this website.

Soundtrack today is: Lets Get Together by Sharon and Susan: