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Perched atop Santa Barbara’s scenic Riviera, the Riviera Residence is a masterful blend of traditional home design and architectural heritage. This renovation showcases how time-honored styles can be reinterpreted for modern living without losing their cultural roots. A quintessential example of Mediterranean architecture infused with thoughtful updates, the home captures the essence of traditional design while celebrating the architectural heritage of Santa Barbara’s hillside neighborhoods.
A Harmonious Blend of Old and New
The architectural challenge presented by the Riviera Residence was how to honor the home’s Spanish-style heritage while introducing modern elements that enhance functionality and aesthetics. Spanish architecture, with its hallmark features of white stucco exteriors, terracotta roof tiles, and hand-crafted wrought iron, has long been synonymous with elegance and a connection to the landscape. These traditional elements were carefully preserved throughout the renovation, while modern thinking was employed to solve the home’s practical challenges—chiefly the dramatic change in elevation from the street to the entryway.
The Entry Experience: Elevating the Procession
One of the most striking aspects of the Riviera Residence is the entry sequence. In many hillside homes, the change in elevation can be viewed as a hindrance, something to be navigated as quickly as possible. However, in this residence, the ascent becomes a celebrated feature. AB design studio crafted a terraced path that is not only functional but also a significant design element tied to architectural heritage.
As one climbs the first set of 14 stairs, the house begins to reveal itself. The traditional white stucco exteriors and terracotta roof tiles set the stage for what is to come, while the water feature and landscaping soften the transition between the outdoor environment and the built structure. This procession is key to the experience of arriving at the Riviera Residence—it elevates the act of entering the home into something more than just a practical necessity; it becomes an integral part of the overall design.
Integrating Indoor and Outdoor Living
At the heart of the Riviera Residence is the seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living—an essential feature of Mediterranean and traditional home design. This design approach allows the architectural heritage of the home to shine while creating a comfortable, livable environment.
The front yard, with its stunning views of the ocean and the iconic Santa Barbara Riviera, is designed to be a primary living space. AB design studio incorporated an L-shaped swimming pool and jacuzzi that take full advantage of the views, while the cabana and two-car garage are discreetly positioned below to ensure that they do not obstruct the sightlines from the main living areas. This thoughtful planning allows the outdoor spaces to function as true extensions of the interior, creating a cohesive living environment that blurs the lines between indoors and outdoors.
On the north side of the home, an outdoor living area provides a welcome retreat from the sun during hot summer days. This space, complete with a cozy outdoor fireplace and lush landscaping, offers a tranquil setting for relaxation and socializing, further enhancing the indoor-outdoor connection that is central to the home’s design.
Craftsmanship and Custom Details
One of the defining features of the Riviera Residence is the attention to detail and craftsmanship that is evident throughout the home. Traditional Spanish architecture is known for its handcrafted elements, and this residence is no exception. The wrought iron details—found in the staircase railings, window grilles, gates, and door hardware—were all custom-designed and locally fabricated by skilled artisans. These hand-forged pieces add a layer of authenticity to the home, reinforcing its connection to the Spanish architectural heritage of the area.
The interiors of the home also showcase a commitment to quality craftsmanship. Exposed wooden beams accent the ceiling spaces throughout the house, another hallmark of Spanish design. These beams, combined with natural wood shades and custom furniture, bring warmth and texture to the interior spaces, creating a sense of harmony with the natural surroundings.
Custom-designed lighting and furnishings further enhance the overall aesthetic. The simplicity of the interior detailing allows these elements to shine, providing a balance between understated elegance and modern comfort. In the master bedroom, for example, the custom bed and lighting fixtures were designed to complement the home’s traditional architecture while offering a contemporary twist that feels perfectly at home in this modernized space.
A Front Yard with a View
Rather than treat the front yard as a transitional space, AB design studio elevated it to a central living area, reinforcing the traditional design philosophy of blending architecture with landscape. This unique approach preserves the architectural heritage while introducing modern comforts and usability.
The swimming pool, jacuzzi, and pool cabana are carefully positioned to maximize the views while creating an inviting space for relaxation and entertainment. The terracotta pool deck and lush landscaping create a Mediterranean resort-like atmosphere, where residents and guests can enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings while lounging by the pool. This emphasis on the front yard as a primary living space reflects the home’s overall design philosophy—one that prioritizes the connection between the architecture and the landscape.
Interior Spaces Designed for Modern Living
While the exterior of the Riviera Residence remains true to its Spanish architectural heritage, the interior spaces have been thoughtfully updated to meet the needs of modern living. The layout has been reconfigured to provide more open, flowing spaces that encourage family gatherings and social interactions. The living room, dining room, and kitchen are all oriented toward the views, with large windows and patio doors that bring in ample natural light and create a sense of openness.
The home’s office space, located in a tranquil corner of the house, offers expansive views of the surrounding trees and landscaping. This well-lit, peaceful environment provides an ideal setting for productivity and focus, while the natural wood finishes and furniture create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
In the bedrooms, the same attention to detail is evident. The custom-designed beds and furniture, along with the carefully selected materials and finishes, create spaces that feel both luxurious and comfortable. The outward-opening patio doors in the bedrooms further enhance the connection to the outdoors, allowing for easy access to the exterior terraces and the surrounding gardens.
Maintaining the Spanish Architectural Heritage
Throughout the renovation of the Riviera Residence, great care was taken to preserve the architectural heritage of the home. Spanish architecture has a rich history in Santa Barbara, and the design team was committed to honoring this tradition while incorporating modern elements that enhance the functionality and livability of the space.
The use of traditional materials such as white stucco, terracotta tiles, and wrought iron, combined with modern solutions like expansive glazing systems and updated interior layouts, creates a harmonious blend of old and new. The result is a home that feels timeless yet contemporary—a space that respects its historical roots while offering all the amenities of modern living.
The architectural details, from the exposed wooden beams to the hand-forged ironwork, are not only visually stunning but also serve as a reminder of the craftsmanship and artistry that define traditional Spanish architecture. By maintaining these elements, the Riviera Residence preserves its connection to the past while looking forward to the future.
A Model for Hillside Living
The Riviera Residence is a model for how to design a home that embraces the challenges and opportunities of hillside living. The steep slope of the site could have been a limiting factor, but AB design studio turned it into an asset, using the elevation change to create a unique and engaging entry sequence and to maximize the views from the front yard living spaces.
This project demonstrates how thoughtful design can overcome site constraints and turn them into opportunities for creativity and innovation. The terraced entry, cascading water feature, and well-positioned outdoor living areas all work together to create a home that feels both rooted in its environment and elevated above it—both literally and figuratively.
A Celebration of Architecture and Landscape
The Riviera Residence is a celebration of architecture’s ability to connect people with their surroundings. Through the careful integration of traditional Spanish design elements with modern materials and solutions, the architects created a home that feels timeless yet contemporary, luxurious yet comfortable.
This project is a testament to the enduring appeal of Spanish architecture in Santa Barbara and a reminder of the importance of craftsmanship and attention to detail in creating spaces that resonate with their context. Whether it’s the terraced entry procession, the expansive front yard with ocean views, or the finely crafted interior spaces, every aspect of the Riviera Residence is designed to enhance the living experience and to create a deep connection between the home and the landscape.
The Riviera Residence stands as an example of how architectural design can evolve while remaining true to its roots, offering a vision for the future of hillside living in Santa Barbara and beyond. Learn more about our residential design projects.
