Santa Monica Proper
Santa Monica Proper

project: Commercial

location: Santa Monica, CA

Santa Monica Proper
Santa Monica Proper

project: Commercial

location: Santa Monica, CA

Hillcrest

Designed by Kelly Wearstler, Santa Monica Proper hotel is a luxurious yet relaxed beachside destination with a sophisticated sensibility. The climate, history and iconography of its namesake city was the inspiration for the design identity of the property and its inherent storytelling. Punctuated throughout with artful interpretations of iconic coastal elements, the reception features a hand-carved desk with linework reminiscent of a shell and a sand-infused gesso canvas behind it. The reclaimed oak hardwood floor has an intricate octagonal pattern inspired by a bird’s-eye view of a beach umbrella, while a bronze white-wash patina chain link sculpture pierced with a neon light stands 9ft-tall.

  • hillcrest
  • hillcrest
  • hillcrest

The cavernous lobby lounge and restaurant interiors are dotted with intimate residential seating areas, curated with a juxtaposition of vintage and contemporary pieces and textural furnishings set upon an array of distinctive vintage rugs. Intimate alcoves with curving banquettes are appointed with travertine tables, hand-blown glass pendants and select pieces of art from local emerging artists.

The Grotto, a cove-like library and art gallery space, invokes an artful living room in a house by the ocean, with its vintage low-profile Tobia Scarpa Soriana lounge seating, extensive collection of contemporary and vintage books and found art alongside works from contemporary local artists.

hillcrest
hillcrest
hillcrest
hillcrest
hillcrest
hillcrest
hillcrest
hillcrest

The sweeping rooftop deck and pool embodies the modern indoor/outdoor California lifestyle, infused with a nature-inspired palette heightened by bold patterns and silhouettes. Architectural elements, ambient lighting and potted greenery establish the interiors interplay and an environment designed for lingering. .