Juliette's Guide to California

There are many reasons to love California. With wall-to-wall sunshine, you can certainly expect good weather. Meanwhile, the untouched coastlines and breath-taking mountains, valleys and lakes are all waiting for you to explore them.

On my recent visit however, I spent much of my time exploring other memorable sights, notably in LA, Santa Barbara and Montecito. All three locations provide endless opportunities to explore and gain inspiration from an extensive collection of creative interiors showrooms. I also made time for fine dining with clients and winding down in a stylish bar one evening. So, read on to discover my dedicated guide to my favourite hotspots from my recent trip to California:

BEST HOTEL: LA

Juliette outside the Beverley Hills Hotel

The Beverley Hills Hotel, aka the 'Pink Palace', on Sunset Boulevard is steeped in history. It originally opened its doors in 1912 before the city of Los Angeles was even built. The concept was to create a luxury hotel for discerning guests to stay when they were considering a property purchase in Beverley Hills. With the legendary motto: 'Guests are entitled to the best of everything regardless of cost', this legacy stands firm today.

Poolside relaxation area at the Cabana Cafe. Credit: The Beverley Hills Hotel

The Pink Palace is one of my favourite places to dine in LA, California, in particular at the iconic Polo Lounge. It was built in the 30s' on the hotel's adjoining polo fields, hence the name. From private booths to the striking bougainvillea courtyard, you can even dine pool-side at the Cabana Cafe, where sand once surrounded the legendary pool to provide a true beach-club feel.

Dine in style at the Cabana Cafe. Credit: The Beverley Hills Hotel

CONSIDER AN OVERNIGHT STAY

For me, the service matches the absolute quality of the iconic design. Staff are welcoming and polished, and it's no wonder this is the epicentre for legendary stars and Hollywood deal-makers. You could even book an overnight stay and you'll find you are perfectly placed to peruse Melrose Avenue. Filled with a myriad of shopping, entertainment and dining, it's a must when you're in LA. Don't forget to stop by The Pacific Design Center on your travels either - you can't miss its striking navy blue glass facade.

Don’t forget to visit The Pacific Design Center

MY FAVOURITE INTERIORS SHOPS: LA

For fashion, I'd suggest you head to Rodeo Drive but let me take you to Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood and add North Robertson Boulevard to the mix. These roads are filled with interiors shops galore, which are must-visits if you want to create the quintessential Californian look.

RH

RH’s showroom in LA. Credit: RH

RH (formerly Restoration Hardware) is one of my first destinations in this neighbourhood. With its iconic double-fronted, four-storey showroom inside, you can meander through a selection of carefully curated, individual room sets. These range from four-poster statement beds in master bedroom displays through to elegant, streamlined, monochrome entertaining spaces. If this is your first visit, the sheer scale and diversity of the designs, lighting and fabrics will enthral you. Don't forget to experience the huge terrace on the top floor; the panoramic views of LA and the surrounding mountainous ranges are breathtaking.

The impressive double-fronted four-storey RH showroom. Credit: RH

MARTIN LAWRENCE BULLARD

I can also recommend Martin Lawrence Bullard's showroom, another fantastic creative space, which features an eclectic mix of brightly colour fabrics and artwork. They source these inspirational collections from all over the world. You may even be lucky enough to to receive an autographed copy of his latest book on celebrity interiors. Martin kindly added his signature to my copy of Live, Love & Decorate on my visit.

WHERE TO EAT: LA

While you're on Robertson Boulevard, why not visit family-owned establishment, The Ivy? This restaurant is a delightful way to while away the hottest part of the day. You can sit back and relax on the terrace, adorned with huge vases of multi-coloured English-style cascading roses, under ornamental umbrellas. You'll discover florals in abundance here, from the patterned crockery and serviettes to the seat cushions.

Champagne on ice is ready for self-serving at The Ivy

Inside The Ivy, embrace the warmth of French-style fruit wood antique furniture and you'll discover self-serve Champagne permanently on ice on the central dresser. Smartly-dressed waiters in white jackets adorned with gold buttons buzzing around inside and out, add to the atmosphere.

BEST DESIGNER DESTINATION FOR STARS:

SANTA BARBARA

Drive north of LA (1.5 hours) and you'll reach another world - historic Santa Barbara, aka the American Riviera, in California. Located along the Pacific coast, this oasis, featuring Spanish Colonial architectural influence, is a favourite among those looking for a relaxing escape from the everyday or a romantic getaway. Santa Barbara attracts a plethora of stars, too, from the Vanderbilts to the Kardashians.

Iconic destinations for me in this location include Santa Barbara County Courthouse and the Biltmore Hotel. In addition, the San Ysidro Ranch is one of my favourite hotspots if you want to benefit from secluded privacy matched with five-star service.

Old Mission Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara's history starts when Native Americans settled here. This was followed by Spanish Franciscan monks, who built the Old Mission Santa Barbara in 1786, which helped to set the Spanish architectural style that endures today. To date, the bells have been ringing here for more than two centuries.

Raoul Textiles

Juliette stands with Gene McQuillan co-owner at Raoul Textiles

Don't forget to make an appointment to visit Family-owned design firm Raoul Textiles in the centre of town on State Street in Santa Barbara, California. Here, a large double-height glass-fronted entrance invites you into an impressive showroom.

A selection of bold patterned fabrics at Raoul Textiles

Inside, lose yourself in a carefully curated collection of hand-blocked fabrics featuring sensational bright and brilliant colours. Raoul Textiles prints these locally on a wide variety of fabrics, from linens to cotton, for striking upholstery and distinctive curtains. Raoul Textiles also hand prints a delightful wallpaper collection, which you could use to enhance a bedroom and hallway or a guest WC. If you're not planning to venture to California, you'll find Raoul Textiles closer to home via Turnell & Gigon at Chelsea Harbour. They also regularly collaborate with the iconic British furniture and fabrics manufacturer, George Smith. Other highlights at Raoul Textiles include artefacts and antiques from Africa; a hand-beaded ceremonial chair will provide a striking centrepiece to any interior.

MONTECITO

Juliette’s visit to the San Ysidro design quarter

Further along the freeway, expect to enter another more tranquil world - Montecito in California. Described by many as effortlessly chic, imagine large Eucalyptus avenues of trees lining the roads with large gated houses sitting behind tall, elegant palms swaying in the gentle breeze. You'll discover the San Ysidro design quarter, tucked away in Montecito village, which features a mixture of exquisite antique shops and one-stop design outlets.

Juliette enjoyed a visit to William Laman in San Ysidro, in particular their rattan and wooden furniture collections

The design quarter is renowned as a lifestyle destination for the stars. With an elegantly understated style, you'll find natural linens, distressed woods and ceramics in muted colour ways. They sit perfectly alongside lounge clothes and yoga outfits. You could easily bump shoulders with the likes of the singer, Katy Perry, or the talk show host, Oprah Winfrey, in Jenny Kayne's shop. Or, you may meet Hollywood actors looking for tranquil bespoke Californian artefacts and art for their extensive Canyon properties.

Jenny Kayne’s shop in Montecito

Your visit will not be complete unless you hang out at the new Honor Bar on Coast Village Road. Simply sip a local beer and people watch to your heart's content. What more could you possibly want to while away a balmy Californian evening in the sun?

Would you like to visit Paris for a break away? Then read Juliette’s Guide to Paris