“The views really reflect Santa Barbara,” says Sheila White of Sheila White Interiors, who helped spearhead the two-year full home remodel in the Riviera.
The Pueblo-style home built in the ‘90s has views of both the ocean and mountains, something the family of four wanted to capture in their newly remodeled kitchen. White added a commercial-grade awning window to bring the outdoors in. “They love entertaining,” she says, “so that was the focus of the kitchen.”
As a mother of two young children herself, White knew exactly how to transform this home. After working in both retail and interior design locally for 15 years, she went out on her own about three years ago, taking many of her former clients with her. Her business blossomed through word of mouth as clients gravitated toward her traditional, colorful aesthetic. “I love doing children’s rooms with lots of color, whimsy and fun,” she adds.
Having her own business has given this Los Angeles native the opportunity to pick and choose projects. Instead of managing a dozen at a time, she’ll hand select only a few—and go all in. That focus allows her to be full-on, hands-on, working on everything from consulting with architects to selecting all the finishes, stone, cabinetry, and more.
When she’s not using her contacts in LA to build custom furniture, drapes, and more for her clients, White is looking for accessories and soft goods locally. Her go-to spots include William Lamen, Botanik, Field + Fort, Porch, and Wendy Foster Upstairs.
2. Tilden Non-Alcoholic Cocktails
The sober-curious movement has arrived here in the form of Tilden cocktails. This woman-owned business delivers a punch without the hangover with its alcohol-free cocktails featuring bold flavors like tart cherry and bitter orange. Perfect on their own or with a spike, any guest will appreciate this crafted cocktail. $35, Macher
3. Holiday Maileg Mice
Danish design house Maileg has delighted generations of children with handcrafted toys since 1999. Their new Christmas collection has lots to fall in love with. Outfit your home with the gingerbread house and fill it with little advent gifts like Santa, Christmas Mouse, and Sleigh. Various prices at Macher.
4. Bowl + Antique Ornaments
When little hands still grab at pine needles, a more practical approach to decorating your home with priceless ornaments is adding them to a beautiful bowl. Take this raw mango wood Be Home bowl, handcrafted in India from sustainably sourced protected groves, and fill it with those hand-me-downs your children will cherish as they age. $220, Macher
5. Festive Garland
Cheer up any space with a pretty garland. A seasonal favorite, pick up these six-inch strands at Summerland’s beloved garden boutique botanik. You can personalize it using items found around your home, like White did, adding dried orange slices and magnolia leaves for color.
“They love entertaining,” she says, “so that was the focus of the kitchen.”