Jeff Doubet walks with Lori through historic downtown Santa Barbara photographing architectural details at famous landmarks such as El Paseo de la Guerra and other buildings on State Street. This is Part 1 of a new series. One where I capture the classic Santa Barbara Spanish design elements that make our boutique town and historic homes special.
My photos showcase the special details early Designers and Architects pitched to their clients as they redesigned (and rebuilt) State Street after the 1925 earthquake. Everywhere you look there are works of art. These Spanish Colonial Revival details clearly stand the test of time.
On State Street you will find a wide range of classic Spanish exterior paint colors. Shades of whites and subtle yellows, peaches and beiges- windows and doors accented with greens and blues, as a starting point.
Back in 2013 I was impressed by the newly redesigned corner at State and De La Guerra. A fresh interpretation of a historic detail in a nearby courtyard. There are local rules in place to protect the beauty of downtown Santa Barbara. Upgrades and remodels to commercial buildings must reflect historic Santa Barbara Spanish detailing.
Downtown Santa Barbara has historic building facades with colors you normally would not expect. This salmon color exterior with the soft grey paint on the windows and doors is an example. The colors work well together, and add diversity to the overall feel of State Street. I am sure many locals and tourists have fond memories of The Natural Café. Sad to see them leave this downtown location.
Exploring Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
I wanted to extend my date with Lori for a little while longer. We had just left Viva Oliva. I asked if she would like to continue strolling through historic downtown Santa Barbara. “Sure!”
Lori and I met and got married in 1988. We have lived a lot of life together, and naturally it is fun to walk down memory lane. Bryant & Sons has been on State Street ever since I moved to town. Bob Bryant has been a family friend on Lori’s side for over 50 years. Bob if you read this, we still have your wedding gift:)
Continuing our walk through the El Paseo courtyard, we noticed vintage bikes and a young couple having lunch. If you two love birds are reading this… time flies faster than you know. Cherish every moment you have together. Someday, you too will come back to reminisce about your early days together.
For those who aren’t familiar, we are walking through the historic Streets in Spain complex in historic downtown Santa Barbara.
Beside the people watching, there are endless things to observe while on a simple walk through El Paseo.
Classic Santa Barbara Spanish Building Materials
When designing and building your Santa Barbara Spanish-style home, rich visual compositions can be created using classic Santa Barbara building materials. Common red brick arranged in an artistic patterns formed this beautiful exterior staircase. See how great it looks with the white plaster and rustic wood posts? Red brick is often used in Spanish homes and commercial redevelopments such as the Biltmore hotel, etc.
Here is the historic fluted plaster detail above an office door that may have inspired the new storefront at 800 State St. (Starbucks photo). I have been mesmerized by the artistry that can be built into Spanish construction, for several decades now.
Sandstone is another classic Santa Barbara building material used throughout town. It is a natural material- sandstone boulders and rocks found in the foothills of SB. Relatively soft, it is cut, chiseled and shaped into handcrafted walls, patios and walkways.
More Classic Santa Barbara Architectural Details
Downtown historic Santa Barbara has endless architectural details to study. I have admired this wrought iron Juliette balcony for almost four decades now. In the early morning, the iron casts shadows on the wall. Something you can’t create without investing in the details.
I couldn’t help but include one more photo of my Lori, enjoying the day.
Artisanal Products You Can Buy In Downtown Santa Barbara
Studying more cool downtown Santa Barbara storefronts… check out Viva Oliva at 927 State Street. Consider making it a local destination someday. They have a wide variety of premium olive oils, balsamic vinegars and high end products that make great gifts.
I personally know the owners. Good people! We met years ago while working on design ideas for their home. I recently reached out to Sven and Amanda to see if they would be interested in sponsoring my blog. With their enthusiastic support, I highlight their already popular store.
Lori checks out their many product offerings. Cook books, housewares, olive wood cutting boards are part of the diversity and variety.
The Viva Oliva store is quite an interesting place. You are invited to sample their many premium olive oils and balsamic vinegars. Just reading the labels and learning about the exotic blends is a fun experience.
Viva Oliva Artisanal Olive Oils In Downtown Santa Barbara
Sven says a popular gift set is this beautiful, high quality sampler kit. The box of six bottles of premium olive oils and balsamic vinegars is a perfect mix of tastes to explore. At 60 ml each, I think guests would be intrigued if you decorate and stock a guest house or kitchenette. Or pack a bottle or two with your picnic to the beach!
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Viva Oliva is easy to find at 927 State St. It is directly across the street from the Apple Store (@ 928 State St.) If you are out of town, you can order their products directly at the Viva Oliva website.
As we continued to stroll, we got to the 500 block of State Street. I shot this charming façade. I love the little window above the arched opening. The wavey (antique) glass… and the subtle bulb-out plaster ledge (with brick cap). The rustic wood shutters with the San Felipe cutouts are also works of art.
Unusual and unique, Spanish tiles installed in a cast concrete staircase. SEE my Spanish Tile Staircase article for more inspiration.
And lastly, a creative designer or architect put thought and design time into this decorative exterior vent. Please check in for future posts. I continually share the artistry found in Santa Barbara’s beautiful architecture.
Well friend, this wraps a walking tour episode through beautiful historic downtown Santa Barbara, CA. Scroll to explore more helpful links and resources for designing and building your own Spanish-style home and landscape.
