1.27.23 | DIGS.NET 51
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ITH ORIGINAL INTERIORS by Michael S.
Smith — the Los Angeles designer
to the stars and the Obamas — the
property which once hosted a
home for retirees called the Hotel
Carrillo was rebuilt as the Hotel
Andalucia until it was finally reimagined as
the Canary (a Kimpton hotel since 2012). A
few months ago, an initiative to transform
and update this iconic property located
in downtown Santa Barbara began, led
by interior designer Christian Schnyder,
owner of Beleco. The 97 rooms, meeting
rooms, restaurant Finch & Fork, lobby and
rooftop terrace occupy a Spanish Reviv-
al-esque building that served as one of the
sources of inspiration for the makeover.
While the public areas were completed
this past summer, the private spaces
should be finished this coming spring.
"The hotel had the story of the grand old
lady," says Schnyder. "Shifting this past to
California cool within the [existing] classic
architecture was the goal, which I believe
we achieved."
The color and furniture selections offset
the more traditional elements such as the
beautiful arches, hand-painted ceramic
tiles on the walls, rustic wood and Saltillo
tile floors in order to create a timeless
yet current environment, which exudes a
sense of California cool.
"The guest room walls were done in
real plaster, which is unusual in newer
constructions," says Schnyder. "It provides
a slightly uneven wall finish. We embraced
the traditional construction technique and
painted a two-tone wainscot that can be
found in the Spanish Revival design — a
typical style for Santa Barbara, inspired by
the original mission in town."
Many natural materials and tones were
used throughout for a sense of ease and
relaxation while giving depth and texture.
Mixing traditional architecture and modern
furnishing and art, the Canary is starting
its renaissance. "We imagined how a
young couple living in an urban setting
would renovate a classic Spanish Revival
vacation home," confesses Schnyder.
belecodesign.com
