Midcentury-Inspired Santa Barbara Home Blends Indoor and Outdoor Living

A gut renovation creates a serene, nature-inspired retreat with panoramic views.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:25am

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a sleek, minimalist midcentury-inspired pendant light repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the design details of this serene Santa Barbara retreat.A midcentury-inspired Santa Barbara home blends seamless indoor-outdoor living with custom furnishings and a restrained material palette.Santa Barbara Today

In the hills of Santa Barbara, California, a 3,000-square-foot, midcentury-inspired house was transformed into a peaceful refuge for a young couple and their two dogs. Designed by Corinne Mathern Studio in collaboration with Dovetail Architects and built by Allen Construction, the two-level renovation draws inspiration from the Aman Hotel in Kyoto, Japan, channeling its calm atmosphere into every detail.

Why it matters

This project showcases how thoughtful design can create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living, blending the boundaries between the home and its natural surroundings. The midcentury-inspired aesthetic, custom furnishings, and restrained material palette result in a serene, nature-inspired retreat that offers a respite from the outside world.

The details

The open-plan kitchen and dining areas feature dark walnut cabinetry, a dramatic stone slab in the butler's pantry, a white marble island, and a striking green tile backsplash. The main living area is anchored by a monumental plaster fireplace with a chiseled stone hearth, while cream boucle sofas, a woven rattan bench, and dark wood cube tables create a minimal yet warm seating arrangement. The owner's bedroom and bathroom are clad in warm oak paneling, with a freestanding soaking tub beneath a picture window overlooking a hedge of flowering plants. The grounds include a gravel garden with a custom stone fire pit, yucca trees, lavender, and sweeping hillside views.

  • The home was designed in 2025 and completed in 2026.

The players

Corinne Mathern Studio

The interior design firm that led the renovation of this midcentury-inspired home in Santa Barbara.

Dovetail Architects

The architecture firm that collaborated with Corinne Mathern Studio on the design of this project.

Allen Construction

The construction company that built this midcentury-inspired home in the hills of Santa Barbara.

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What they’re saying

“We created a seamless connection between the indoor spaces and the exterior areas that invite you to experience them as one and the same.”

— Corinne Mathern, Interior Designer

What’s next

The homeowners plan to host a housewarming party in the coming months to celebrate the completion of their new midcentury-inspired retreat.

The takeaway

This project demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform a property into a serene, nature-inspired haven that seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living. The midcentury-inspired aesthetic, custom furnishings, and restrained material palette create a calming atmosphere that allows the owners to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the surrounding Santa Barbara hills.