Breathing Life Into History: The Fleur House & The Craft House Inn

This 1906 Craftsman-style entry opens into a serene, light-filled living room where original millwork meets a modern, minimalist fireplace—proof that historic charm and contemporary design can live beautifully together.

There’s something deeply special about designing for older homes. They’re layered—full of quirks, textures, echoes of the past—and they ask you to slow down and listen. At Hearth Homes Interiors, we’ve always felt called to these spaces. Restoring, reimagining, and honoring their soul while bringing them into the present is where our design hearts beat the loudest.

Take the Craft House Inn, for example. Originally built in the 1890s, it had great bones (hello, tall ceilings and rich wood trim) but needed a serious breath of fresh air. Our goal wasn’t to erase its history—it was to reveal it. We kept the original details wherever possible, then layered in soft textures, modern function, and a distinctly Santa Barbara warmth. Now, it’s not just a place to stay—it’s a place to feel something.

We brought new life to this historic dining room by pairing bold wallpaper with original wood built-ins. Restoring soul, not erasing it, is always our north star.

When Sunset Magazine named it one of the Best Luxury Lodgings in Santa Barbara, it was a proud moment. Not because of the accolade (okay, maybe a little), but because it meant the story we were trying to tell came through.

A soft, collected bedroom moment in a 1920s home. Layered texture, cozy patterns, and rich color bring timeless warmth to this retreat.

Then there’s Fleur House, a residential project that feels like a love letter to light and charm. This 1930s home had so much potential, and our client’s trust allowed us to go deep. Think creamy limewashed walls, antique French tile, and vintage finds that make each room feel collected—not decorated. The result is a home that feels like it’s always been this way. Effortless. Timeless. Lived-in in the best possible way.

A front entry worth coming home to. This 1930s French Countryside exterior was refreshed with heritage-inspired tile and a soft green door that nods to the past while feeling right at home today.

Our work with these properties reminds us: old homes don’t need fixing, they need listening. Whether it’s a family’s forever home or a boutique inn, our design process always begins with respect—for the people who came before, and the people who live there now.

This over-100-year-old marble mantel, imported from Paris, anchors the living room with a sense of quiet grandeur. We kept the space minimal to let its elegance shine, blending European history with laid-back California charm.

Light pours into the historic Santa Barbara kitchen at The Fleur House, where we mixed soft whites, aged brass, and stone to create a space that’s functional, calming, and full of soul.