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WE DESIGN IN PARADISE
It was a balmy October evening as guests explored the ins and outs of LUCCA ANTIQUES, Susan and Stephen Keeney’s new design showroom (to the trade by appointment), which was celebrating its opening in the Old Firehouse in Montecito’s Upper Village. With a background playlist of jazzy standards and servings of delectable appetizers catered by Poe & Co., guests marveled at the transformation of what had most recently been a bank into a stunning showcase for the Keeneys’ boldly eclectic furnishings, accessories, and art. “Everything here Steven and I have chosen and have either made, reconstructed, or redesigned,” notes Susan. She added that they’d long wanted to spend more time in the Montecito home they’ve owned for seven years, so when the landmark property became available, they saw it as a welcome addition to their showroom in Los Angeles. “It needed a lot of work. It was the shell of a magnificent historic building, and there were a lot of stipulations on what we could or couldn’t do,” she acknowledges. “But we wanted to put our own design in it and have it come alive.” They redid the 7,000-square-foot space to feel like a house. “We put in a Belgian kitchen in the front and a bar inside,” adds Susan. “We renovated the patio so we could have dinners and invite clients.” The resulting maze of rooms leads from discovery to discovery—a living room seating area here, a corner table and banquette there, a long dining table and interesting chairs in another alcove, striking abstract paintings and enigmatic sculptures everywhere. The pieces often mix vintage, antique, and new elements. “After 20 years of being in the business, we’re confident in our aesthetic,” she says. “We want to find something that’s authentically beautiful and make it modern.” 1486 E. Valley Rd., Montecito,
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RIGHT: Susan Keeney; Lucca Antiques renovated Montecito’s Old Firehouse but retained the old arched entry; room upon room filled with the Keenys’ tasteful finds; the showroom includes redesigned vintage and new furnishings, art, and accessories. For coverage of the opening party, go to @santabarbaramag.rsvp.
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PHOTOGRAPHS: CHRISTY GUTZEIT
805-869-6362, luccaantiques.com. JOAN TAPPER
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