Cabana Home Designs El Andaluz Model

Cabana Home interior designers Caroline and Steve Thompson have been selected as the designers for the finished model at the new El Anduluz Condominium project at 531 Chapala Street, in Santa Barbara.

“We are thrilled to work with this incredibly original project. We have watched this project unfold from day one, and were intrigued since the day the draped scaffolding went up covering the entire building, hiding the project from view. When it was uncovered, it was like watching a sculpture being unveiled, which the project truly is” said Steve Thompson. Cabana Home was selected by the developer Leon Olsen and his associates based on the recommendation of special event designer John Daly (John Daly Inc. International).

“When we toured the project for the first time we were absolutely sold on the freshness of the extraordinary design and the beautiful workmanship that had been put into, and onto, every square inch of this building. I said to Caroline, “If a Buyer was out looking for a new condominium home in Santa Barbara, anything they see after visiting 531 Chapala would absolutely pale by comparison”, continued Thompson.

“We felt very strongly from the start that a serene palate was the right direction for the interior spaces of these new homes. The outside of the project is bold and directional, and needs no further definition. Views from inside the project are so extraordinary that we didn’t want anything to compete with the exterior” said Caroline Thompson. “We also wanted to think “Green” so we included sofas from Lee Furniture, natural Lee line of upholstery. Lee is a leader in the Sustainable Furnishings Council, and Lee donates a tree to American Forest for every piece of Natural Lee sold,” notes Caroline.

Living room furnishings include a hand-hammered wrought-iron Cocktail table designed by Steve Thompson for Cabana Home, a pair of contemporary wing chairs from Andrew Martin in London flank a round Belgian antique table, which exemplifies the Cabana Home look of mixing traditional furnishings with modern design. Alcoves are highlighted by oversized steel urn lamps from France, set atop hand carved limestone pedestal’s from India. “The look is definitely one of refined eccentricity”, says Steve. We like the push and pull of using traditional and contemporary furnishings together, and using scale, texture and balance to make them work in concert”, he continues.

Natural woven shades from Cabana Home Drapery Workrooms, that operate from the “bottom-up” were used in the Living room on the wall of loft-like windows which frame a broad mountain view. This window covering style was selected because we needed some softness and privacy but we wanted to protect the view. Paintings from renowned Santa Barbara based artist Richard Aber flank each end of the Living Room.

A floor to ceiling drapery of textured Sunbrella open weave fabric from Cabana Home Drapery Workrooms was used to create softness in the arched entry hall, lightly screening the view between inside and out, offering privacy without losing the courtyard view of the projects architecture. The framed work on paper is by Rick Abers.

The exterior terrace was furnished with an imported Moroccan tile table in a traditional pattern, but in a monochromatic color. Woven outdoor Dining chairs with teak arms by Cabana Home. Chair and wall niche seating have cushions of Sunbrella fabric from Donghia, made by the Cabana Home Upholstery Workroom. Copper and Glass Hurricane lamps; Italian Ceramic Cache Pot from Vietri for Cabana Home.

The Master Bedroom headboard was made from an antique Chinese folding screen, custom bedding and drapery trimmed in Andrew Martin natural woven fringe by Cabana Home Workrooms. A custom wing chair upholstered in dark gray wool is piped in charcoal leather, with nickel plated nail head trim and feet. The hand carved Andalusian (Spanish: Andalucía) style chest is bench made from Taracea Furniture Company, exclusive to Cabana Home. Bedside table lamps are made from oversized glass vases, and sit atop a matched pair of restored antique lacquer and bamboo tables.

In the Master Study, the desk is antique, imported from Brazil, and is paired with carved burled wood chairs which feature traditional “hoof” feet, and a contrasting cowhide seat with nail head trim. Painting by Rick Abers.

The Master Bath features a pair of hand wrought iron Sconces from Laura Lee with natural Linen shades, and an oversized carved wood mirror. Custom Roman shades feature Samuel and Son, New York trim, from the Cabana Home Drapery Workroom.

photography courtesy of Wayne McCall.