Serenely Stylish

Stephan Jones and Bruce Gregga have created a tranquil, peaceful mood in this split level 3.800 sq. foot oasis, hewn into its mountainside setting in California, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The interior is the very essence of sophisticated classiness. Beautifully crafted furniture and a muted palette of colours are complemented by some daring art and exquisite objets d’art. Located in Montecito. California, on the Santa Barbara coastline this property is home for part of the year to owners who swap the chill of Canada for the warmth of California each winter.

Built in 1970 by architect Jack Lionel Warner, the interior architecture soaks in the light and views. The refurbished interior reflects the serene, open surroundings of the house. “The residence boasts both sweeping sea panoramas and textured mountainside landscaDes and the colour palette reflects the environment, making use of neutral sandy tones and warm wooden textures, periodically broken up with ocean-emulating shades of indigo,” explains Stephan. The interiors are welcoming, open and confident in an understated way; they evoke thoughts of a worldly holiday or summer retreat. The artwork pieces and intricately detailed furnishings are expertly placed on a backaround of cream-coloured walls. Every design choice, from the nature inspired hues to a poised Buddha observing from a vestibule seem to echo the same sentiment, that of tranquillity. This is a home designed for stress free relaxation. The three bedrooms are spacious and the living areas flow seamlessly in a light-infused smooth motion. Even the four bathrooms speak of calm. In parts this is a two story structure but most of the space is on one level.

The three bedrooms are spacious and the living areas flow seamlessly in a light-infused smooth motion. Even the four bathrooms speak of calm. In parts, this is a two-story structure but most of the space is on one level, albeit with a glorious windowed pitched ceiling in the living space.

The exception is a lower level set into the hill-side of the house which accommodates the guest bedroom and bathroom, an area with its own entrance and exit to give it a sense of independence, and separation if required. Asked to describe the theme of the interior design, Stephan Jones does so in three words: “elegant, warm, dynamic”. When Stephan came on board in 2015, the owners had just purchased the property. He reflects,

“The original bones of the house were still good but it was in need of refreshment.”

The previous design was by Bruce Gregga and impressed by this, the new owners were keen to involve him in the new design, so they hired Bruce together with Stephan. “It is mid-century, so the bones of it are modernist,” outlines Stephan.