Roomy. Comfortable. Welcoming. Central. Any good living room ought to check off those boxes. After all, it’s often the biggest and most carefully curated room in the house, where shared space prevails for family as equally as guests. Here are a handful that get it right, along with insider details on the projects and props to designers. All photos by Jim Bartsch.
CALIFORNIA SPANISH RANCH: Hiring the building’s original architect, Hugh Twibell the newest homeowners aimed to pay homage to the traditional California hacienda with a comprehensive remodel. Twibell drew new plans on top of the existing footprint while making the living room and kitchen slightly bigger and — with written approval from surrounding neighbors — raising the ceilings about two feet. Interior design by Genny Cummings, Indigo Studio Interiors. SAN ROQUE TUDOR RENOVATION: Purchased as a family getaway in Santa Barbara’s San Roque neighborhood, the owners of this 1,600-square-foot three-bedroom/two-bath wanted to add their own touch while bringing back the home’s original style from the mid-1930s. Details included new lighting, doors, refurbished window frames, and bathroom hardware. Builders also installed a new hearth and restored the original brick fireplace and the living room’s exposed Douglas fir beams and gables.INDOOR/OUTDOOR: In addition to modern amenities — such as kitchen appliances hidden in lighted cabinets of white oak — the homeowners emphasized seamless transitions between interior and outdoor spaces. The motorized multi-slider glass door between the living room and backyard created that smooth connection as it framed the vanishing-edge swimming pool and nearby cabana and sandstone outdoor kitchen. “That was the single-most important decision of the entire project — to turn that wall into a glass door,” said interior designer Cheryl Neumann. Architectural design by Britt Jewett.
