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We have a stunning new assortment of luxurious textures and textiles in a marvelous range of natural colors and amazing fibers. Lovely clothes and scarves to wear, as well as pieces to decorate and add comfort and beauty to your home.

Come and experience the soft touch and elegance of these pieces in our new location: 1253 Coast Village Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93105.

1. Cashmere-like Throw From Portugal
2. Cashmere Throw and Lambskin Pillow
3. Assorted Cashmere Shawls
4. Assorted Cashmere Shawls
5. Cowhide Pillows
6. Mohair Fringe Throw
7. Wool and Rabbit Fur Throw
8. Natural Weave Sweaters
9. Tibetan Lamb Throw

See you soon in the store to feel these luxurious textures for yourself.

From Kim: No trip to Paris is complete without a stroll through Palais-Royal. There are a multitude of moods and aspects to experience - Quiet strolls through the long galleries, early morning or late evening, when all the businesses are closed or prime time when people are sitting around the central fountain, walking through the allée of plane trees, visiting Serge Lutens, Masion de Vacance and Didier Ludot or sipping espresso at a cafe contemplating this vibrant and grand creation which began as a 17th century palace.

These vintage treasures renew your room by adding a touch of time-tested beauty among the multitude of mass-produced products we touch every day.

VINTAGE TREASURES FEATURED IN SANTA BARBARA MAGAZINE

Bolivian Alpaca Throw was in Santa Barbara Magazine's "Cliff Dwellings" article, by Lori Porter, featuring Micholyn Brown's interior design of a recently restored Cliff May home in Montecito, CA.

Himalayan Wedding Chest with its hand-carved, bold, floral designs. Or a Metal-Clad Indian Urn, a true gem that's created with a three-step, all hand-wrought process.

Hope to see you in the store soon so you can see the lovely details on these pieces.

From Kim: We just received the wedding chests and urns (above) that I found on a jaunt in India. I found the Alpaca throws from Bolivia in New York City recently!  At the end of a long day hunting and gathering for Maison K - one of my favorite tried and true destinations for a fabulous meal in a handsome environment is the Mercer Kitchen at the Mercer Hotel in Soho.  I love going early evening to nab one of the few small tables upstairs, lobby level. This intimate, lofty space is light filled with a view into the stunning lobby lounge designed by Christian Liaigre on one side and the a steady stream of scenic people walking up and down the interior stairs heading to the main dining room below. Every meal created under the direction of über-chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, is splendid. It's a serene civilized space in the midst of Manhatten.  Often, I will head a just a few blocks over to Angelika Film Center to enjoy a great movie and rest my feet for the next day of buying for Maison K!

Astier de Villatte's handmade dinnerware from Paris is unique and timeless. The French ceramics maker creates every piece by hand, in dark terracotta clay, then finishes each item with a milky white glaze.

Judy Foreman is a marvelous champion of tastemakers and businesses in our community.

She has an incredible sense of style and is always scouting out beautiful things. She's curious and excited to report on what's new and exceptional in fashion, home and lifestyle venues.

As a wonderful writer, she has shared her observations and finds with all of us for years – and we are all more informed and richer for it! Keep abreast of all her latest style, home and fashion finds in Santa Barbara and Montecito via Noozhawk's articles by Judy Forman! Thanks to Judy for the article's feature photo of Maison K's Astier de Villatte tableware.

The magazine luxe interiors + design LOS ANGELES recently showcased MAISON K with a fabulous illustration of our storefront and mention of our inlay furniture.

PRACTICAL WORKS OF ART

I consider inlay furniture and décor to be practical works of art that create interest and drama in a space. Whether you use a shell inlay mirror in a contemporary bathroom or an ornate bone inlay table in a traditional setting, they add a sensational touch of adventure and beauty.

I go directly to the source as regularly as I can because I get to find the more unique and unusual pieces that don’t always end up in the big importers' assortments.

And by the source, I mean Morocco and India. They are very different in styling, but equally beautiful. Typically, shell inlay is from Syria and is exquisite in its lightness and brightness. I love it all!

BONE INLAY FURNITURE HAS MANY APPLICATIONS

Bone inlay is often incorporated with fine wire work and set into wooden bases. We’ve had spectacular doors that people used to build into the homes. One couple chose a magnificent pair to lead to their master bedroom.

Another designer installed a gorgeous set of doors as the entrance to her clients’ walk-in closet. Wow, I want to see that closet!

For a more practical application, without a construction project, we typically have small and large mirrors, tables and decorative accessories on hand. There is really something for every home and budget.

The bone used in inlay furniture can be a natural, ivory color or dyed with henna and cut into small tiles. The tiles are then used to make intricate and bold patterns. The designs are so creative and beautiful the possibilities are truly endless.

A MUTUAL LOVE OF PRETTY THINGS, FRENCH CULTURE AND TRAVEL CREATE INSPIRATION AND FRIENDSHIP

I was thrilled to see my dear friend Elizabeth Slaught so beautifully featured in Santa Barbara Magazine. I love seeing Elizabeth in her element, in process in her studio, creating her wonderful art.

I recently asked her about what inspires her, because she inspires me! Here’s what she shared:

What distinguishes your art and design sensibility?

I depict the human form as a means to present my perspective on life. By working with live models and in a timed format, my art evokes a sense of emotion. Each pose is no longer than 25 minutes.

What inspires you? 

Energy inspires me, quietude, all the old masters, all the emerging artists worldwide, and all the life around me!

What compels your work? 

Knowing that the beginning of all art is the human figure.

What are the top three guiding principles of your art and design? 

• Ethos
• Moving forward
• Believing in the process

How do you describe your own personal style?

Classic and impressionistic.

________________________________________________

Drawn to unique style

I first met Elizabeth years ago as a customer at Maison K. She was always attracted to very unique and special pieces, whether a vintage mirror or a Moroccan belt.

Elizabeth loves beautiful things with soul and is extremely discerning in what she chooses to surround herself with. She has an innate artistic sensibility along with a sharp editor’s eye.

I am always fascinated to see what strikes her fancy. I was not at all surprised to learn that she used to work as a graphic artist, and now is a fine artist; this makes perfect sense to me.  

Elizabeth is the most lovely, fun, beautiful person and our friendship evolved over our mutual love of pretty things, art, French culture and travel. She lives her life with passion and focus, love and humor — she's a great inspiration to me!

Spring is in the air and summer is around the corner. To prepare for the months ahead when you’re on the go, we just received a new shipment of the Riviera Tote.

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The beauty of this leather tote is in it chic simplicity and clean lines. It is sturdy, yet lightweight, and beautifully made in Italy of finely textured leather.

You won’t find heavy hardware and busy logos. You will find an easy-to-grab-and-go tote that works with your entire wardrobe whether you’re heading to the office, off to the farmers' market, exploring a seaside village or relaxing poolside.

The Riviera Tote travels well

The roomy tote fits everything you can toss its way and includes a small, zippered leather pouch that attaches to the interior with a leather tie. This is so handy for your phone, credit cards and keys.

Additionally, the tote travels well. It folds flat so it's easy to slip into your suitcase, allowing you the extra room so often needed on a trip.

Many colors to choose from 

We have several colors: Ivory, Dark Brown or Black on our website and more in the store. Please call for availability. Typically people buy one and then find they love it so much they buy another color as well.

I discovered this tote in Paris and called it the Riviera Tote because it personifies the chic ease of the Riviera lifestyle, whether that’s Italian, French or American.

I hope you enjoy using this wonderful tote as much as I do.

From Kim:

The climate, topography, landscape and beauty of Santa Barbara is so reminiscent of of the Mediteranean, and the French Riviera in particular, that it has come to be known as "the American Riviera."  No better place to experience our coastal idyll is at the iconic Four Seasons Biltmore on Channel drive, just a hop skip from Maison K.  The Biltmore, designed by Reginald D. Johnson,  is the perfect holiday destination for locals and visitors alike, with stunning gardens, a luxurious spa and salon, as well, the expanded ocean side terrace with views to the sea.  This terrace is delightful at all hours of the day, a marvelous place to soak up the splendor of our lovely town.

NATURAL BEAUTY

As you can see from the photos above, these all-natural cowhides look amazing in any setting. All-natural means natural colors and natural patterns, no dyes are used whatsoever and no two are alike. They possess true naturally beauty. Cowhides look dramatic under a sofa and add an unexpected look to a table top in a foyer. You may not expect this, but they are soft and luxurious to the touch and work well as a cozy throw over an upholstered chair.

View our brown and white cowhide.

View our black and white cowhide.

From Kim:

Cowhides remind me of milk and cheese!

Here is one of the most beautiful and delicious salads that has ever been placed in front of me. It was so original and inspirational, I had to just stare at it for a while before enjoying it!

The perfectly ripe tomatoes were still on the vine, the fresh mozzarella cheese was lightly drizzled with a balsamic/honey glaze. The caramelized onions and thinly sliced zucchini were a tasty addition rounding out the dish. Divine!

The pretty flair design of these shot glasses make an elegant wedding, hostess or house-warming gift.

Santa Barbara Magazine (Spring 2014) recently included Maison K’s beautiful shot glasses (set of six glasses, $105) in their Weddings section. They include all the elements of an elegant gift: timeless, useful, heirlooms in the making.

I chose these shot glasses because they are festive in a subtle way. The hand-etched botanic designs are then hand-painted with platinum. The design is both chic and classic. The weighted base makes the glasses feel solid in your hand, making it a suitable gift for men and women alike. The set includes two of three different patterns.

Shot glasses are more versatile than you think

Everyone loves these beautiful shot glasses. They are ideal for a variety of drinks and occasions: shots, aperitifs, digestifs, port and grappa to name a few.

To complete the gift, consider a nice bottle of your friend’s favorite libation. This is an especially nice touch for a wedding gift; grooms enjoy being included in the gift with a bottle of their favorite drink.

And if you prefer not to give alcohol, consider the plethora of flavored waters, like elderflower water or another exotic drink that would be a treat.

The glasses also come in a taller version, which serves equally well as a champagne flute or beautiful glass for hand-squeezed grapefruit juice. 

Easy and refreshing entertaining

I discovered one of my favorite refreshing drinks in India: Fresh Lime Soda. Use these glasses to make your own. It’s simply lots of fresh lime juice, bubbly water and ice. Many people also enjoy a splash of simple syrup to sweeten it a bit. I also like a sprig of mint. It makes a fresh and pretty drink served in high style!

Make your gathering simply elegant with these beautiful glasses filled with your favorite drink. Serve with Marcona almonds with rosemary and olive oil or a bit of white truffle oil and you’re ready to entertain in relaxed elegance. These glasses are a wonderful way to delight your guests or the receiver of your thoughtful gift. 

Hope to see you soon,

— Kimberly