SHOPPING IN LA: ROOMS AND GARDENS

Rooms & Gardens, the cozy home shop in bucolic Santa Barbara, was opened by Eric and Jami Voulgaris in 1993. With a big celeb following, they knew they were doing something right. When they expanded to Santa Monica, they brought in actress and longtime client Mary Steenburgen, who, with her bohemian finds, brought a new client to the shop. As with all great retail environments, it is about the mix, selecting items that are diverse and interesting, that work well merchandised together. John Robshaw and Les Indiennes bedding, Candela candles, Jamie Young Lamps and other lines make for a selection that captures the easy LA lifestyle. The shop's style and aesthetic is based on classic British and French colonial themes with ethnic twists, such as vintage textiles from India or baskets from Cambodia. They create custom pieces from an antique they find, and scale it to fit today's home. They then take style elements such as chinoiserie painting and give a piece a modern twist. Many of their designs originated as part of design project for a client, and were then incorporated into their line. Others are exclusive, signature pieces that people around the country associate with the stores. These pieces are shown throughout their shops. Custom upholstery, wicker, seagrass and wood furniture add to that global feeling. Rooms & Gardens have been involved in the design of homes and hotels throughout the Santa Barbara and Los Angeles, as well as Lake Tahoe, Anacortes Island, WA, and the Hamptons. Their design services include space planning, layout, furniture design and installation and window coverings, making them a one stop shop. I love the feeling I get when walking into R and G--- easy breezy California.

Rooms & Gardens in Santa Monica:

Located at 1311 Montana Avenue in Santa Monica, where the action is.

Cozy overstuffed seating an sisal carpeting for the casual California lifestyle. Jamie Young lamps work into the mix well-- their red lampshades add a pop of bright to the vignette.

The shop is a treasure trove of ethnic global finds mixed with blockprinted fabrics and striped rugs.

A rustic rush bed made up in John Robshaw bedding.

A bookcase teems with John Robshaw pillows.

Rooms & Gardens in Santa Barbara at 924 State Street:

Follow the brick path to bliss.

Mixing zebra with wicker for a country feel.

Sharp navy blue mixed with casual printed pillows equals easy living.

Beds, beds, everywhere!

There is a bed for everyone here. I love a dark wood barley twist bed.

To the trade fabrics are offered, and seen here on a headboard and footboard. The print works well with the strong ebony finish.

If you are in LA for Westweek, give it a whirl!