House Beautiful June 23, 2025
Buyer
If you were to ask Tamara Honey to sum up the ethos of her family's home in Montecito, California, the answer would be fairly succinct. “The magnificent display of nature in every direction and blink of the eye,” says the House of Honey founder and creative director. Built in 2013, the midcentury modern-inspired residence sits atop a hill on 3 acres, where 360-degree mountain views “immediately replace thoughts of traffic and deadlines with grazing deer and bunnies, hummingbirds and city lights—scented with the sweet aroma of sage and cedar,” says the designer.
Honey set out to accentuate the home’s spectacular bones through a contemporary yet whimsical interior makeover, plus a few architectural updates, like adding more windows, all suited to her family of six. “This place feels very magical, and I wanted to be sure that every space within the home honors its inherent beauty.”
The vibe is California modernism, but I would call it perfectly imperfect.
"A playful, cheeky teaser of what comes next…"
In the entryway, a vintage monkey sculpture with a gilt face and bronze leg wall hook, both sourced from 1stDibs, set a playful tone while providing a practical spot for guests to stash their bag or coat.
A lifetime of eclectic treasures gets the star treatment.
Though the home boasts a fairly open floor plan, Honey set out to create distinctly different experiences within each living zone. The layered family room is ideal for leisurely hangs, and it’s also where the former 1stDibs dealer flexed her maximalist muscles. The vintage furniture exudes character, from the glazed ceramic elephant stool to the carved hand chairs. “The bookshelves are filled with treasures I’ve collected over the years,” Honey says.
A sleek fireplace creates an intimate escape.
The low-slung living room is framed by a sleek stone fireplace that reinforces the room's modern appeal. This cozy corner is where Honey loves to play games, laugh with her guests, or indulge in a solo reading sesh. A golden disco ball emphasizes the inviting, fun-loving atmosphere. “I would put one in every room if I could,” says Honey.
The naturally lit oasis doubles as an office.
Throughout the home, Fleetwood doors with fully retractable panels maximize the view of the surrounding Verdugo mountains and promote indoor-outdoor flow. This inspiring setting, with a pool just beyond, is one of two sunrooms that Honey treats as her home office.
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