Designers Archive - Design Santa Barbara

October 20, 2022 by

On this episode we visit the World Famous “Rug Room” with our host Michael Kourosh

The Rug Room is Michael’s private collection with fascinating rare, unique antique rugs.

Kazak rug from 1880’s

This rug was woven in the highlands (Caucasus Mountain) between Russia & Iran.At the time it was a part of Persia. It has rich blue and red dragons. Dragons are mythical animals almost in any culture.
They represent Lunar Calendar with the moon in the center and seven days of the week as 7 steps around it central star representing 7 days of the week.
It is in mint condition.

Kurdish Rug from 1870s/1880s

This magnificent Persian Kurdistan Rug is a very rare piece of flat weave Kelim. Front and Back of it are the same.

It has Gol-e-Farangi design.
It is woven on a purple silk foundation and finest wool, natural dyes, and soft delicate cotton.

This rare classical piece of woven art has the nicest saturated colors and design.

Qashqai Rug from 1880s

This piece is from south/west Iran, woven in Turkish speaking tribes of Fars Province called Khamseh.

Khamseh is a sub-tribe of Qashqai.
It has writings with the date and name of the weaver.

It has a very complicated motives called Botteh (tear drop, mother and child).

It also has Guz (eyes) and S shaped designs, which are believed to be against evil eye.

Farahan Saruk Rug

Farahan is a city in west Iran. The weavers in this city are more detail oriented and have a fine workmanship.

It is very unusual rug with corners showing a house with doors and at the top there is a Tree of Life growing toward sky and perhaps toward the higher power.

It also is on a very rare ivory background natural color. They rarely use ivory on their rugs because it is woven to use in the bottom of their tents and darker colors were more practical. Most likely this very finely decorative piece has been woven as a gift and not intended to be used in a tent.

https://designsantabarbara.tv/designers/3243/

Mira Lehtimaki

August 6, 2019 by

Originally from Finland, I have also lived many years in Stockholm and London before arriving in Santa Barbara some 17 years ago. Though I grew up in a household where the standard of the home and décor was a priority, a recent restoration and remodel of a lovely 50’s home placed me on this new path in life.

With respect for original character in a home and sympathy for owners facing renovations, I hope to be of help with the complicated (yet exciting!) process. It is inspiring when a space has been transformed to meet current needs in a subtle, harmonious way. In order to understand the whole process, I plan to incorporate construction to my interior design & drafting classes.

My own design aesthetic is rooted in the Nordic/Scandinavian practical simplicity, however any style executed with thought and attention to detail translates into coherence and sophistication.

This vignette is inspired by the trendy patterns in flooring and mix of materials, which is all displayed here with a fabulous rug, solid wood credenza and rattan chairs.

Allison Alvarez

August 6, 2019 by

Allison Alvarez

Hello, I’m Allison Alvarez, a current interior design
student at Santa Barbara City College. As of spring 2019, I
will be graduating with an Interior Design Associates
Degree and hopefully transfer to an academy for another
three years of education specifically for furniture design.
My ultimate goal is to open my own brand of furniture and
home decor that emphasizes comfort, functionality, and
overall, design. My design style is constantly evolving,
especially with current trends, however, I tend to lean
more towards Mid-century modern and Scandinavian design.
For the Santa Barbara Design Center, I designed a vignette
that pays homage to Santa Barbara living. I wanted to
create a space that felt light and airy with natural
materials, but at the same time incorporate a daring
contrast with different types of wood elements, black
accent pieces, and a pop of blue.

Contact: [email protected]

(805)455-9894

Holly Kane

March 19, 2019 by

About Holly Kane

Holly Kane was raised in a family of artists. She grew up in Massachusetts and upon graduating from Emerson College, Holly headed West to Los Angeles. She finds inspiration in the subtle colors and forms of nature. From California’s golden sunshine to the brilliant rusty foliage dotting New England’s autumn landscape; there is a magic that has shaped her sense of home and place.

“I am a lifelong learner. I hope to never lose my sense of wonder. There is always knowledge to gain and room for growth. SBCC provides its students with a well-rounded program in Interior Design. In addition, I am grateful for this school in my backyard.”

“I hope that my vignette is welcoming and gives a feeling of warmth. Furthermore, I chose materials that tell a story and illicit conversation. For me, the room became about intrigue, textures and architectural detailing. My inspiration started with the antique Serapi rug and the colors and feel took off from there.”

Holly credits much of her professional experience to working with reputable interior designer Ann James. Ann creates exceptional homes throughout California. Her spaces are timeless and focus on attention to detail and quality.

Holly lives with her husband and two daughters in Montecito. Her design studio, Holly Kane Interior Design, launched in 2018 with a simple mission: craft homes that embrace the senses and reveal the beauty of home.

Kristen McEachron

March 19, 2019 by

About Kristen

Kristen McEachron grew up in Thousand Oaks prior to studying in Santa Barbara. Entering her first year of college. Kristen came with relatively no idea of what she wanted to pursue as a career. She only knew that she wanted to do something that would help others. With using her creativity, and would always be evolving. After taking a class that explored many different types of jobs. she began to realize that having grown up around design.

Furthermore, she is extremely passionate about it. She has been decorating her own living spaces and helping others do so as well long before she even thought about pursuing it as a career. In addition, She quickly learned the importance of a space and how it should connect with those in it. Kristen wants to be able to impact the world around her positively and knows that interior design is one way that she can do this.

Now, Kristen is attending her final semester at SBCC before she earns her Associates Degree in interior design. She recently started a design blog called Collected Corners that aims to teach others what she’s learning through her classes and experiences. She wants to inspire creativity and help others create their own ideal living spaces. After, graduating from SBCC she plans on transfering to another university to continue her education in the field and starting her own design firm one day. When designing residential spaces, Kristen aims to make them feel as inviting, and calming as she can. She gets most of her inspiration from natural elements around her and artwork as well. She personally doesn’t prefer one specific style over another, as long as it feels welcoming.