WE DESIGN IN PARADISE
Design
Rincon, the “Queen of the Coast,” is surf paradise, drawing the best of Santa Barbara with waves reminiscent of Mexico and Hawaii. For this house perched right on the point, the owners decided to spruce it up and let others soak up the view on holiday. “I was tasked to transform the house into a vacation rental,” says interior designer Rita Chan Donahoe of RITA CHAN INTERIORS, “but then they fell in love with it.” The client had grown up in the home and knew it needed updating around the edges. “There were some dated elements,” Donahoe recalls, mostly from 1990s-era remodeling. She drew upon her signature beachy-fresh aesthetic. New natural white oak builtins recall driftwood, while sandy tones drift in via rattan, leather, and reclaimed wood furniture. Soft whites are paired with coastal blues and pale greens throughout. LaCantina doors open up from the dining room and kitchen to a beachfront lounge and firepit. “You can watch people surf while you’re doing the dishes!” she laughs. While initially meant for others to enjoy, the home quickly captured the clients’ hearts, persuading them to stay for good. Old family antiques mix with modern art, vintage surf posters, surfboards, and a swinging loveseat off the master bedroom. Adds Donahoe: “They fell in love with the idea that every day is a vacation.” Ritachaninteriors.com. J.B.K. 46 h o m e + g a r d e n 2 0 2 0
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: A window seat overlooking Rincon is adorned with pillows by Rita Chan Interiors with Tensira African fabrics; a Serena & Lily hanging loveseat off the master balcony is a playful perch for watching the surf; the dining room table gets a mix of rattan and wood chairs for a “schoolhouse meets surf vibe”; surfboards and side chairs for reading in the sun grace the lap pool.
PHOTOGRAPHS: KELLY SWEDA
Holiday House
@ sant ab arbar amag