Kelly Wearstler’s Santa Monica Proper

Few things are more serene than beachside bliss. The Santa Monica Proper Hotel takes this one step further and aims to intertwine the tranquility of the environment with thoughtful interior details by Kelly Wearstler, who describes design as, “a sort of falling in love over and over again.”

Wearstler’s signature elevated style is met with a mix of contemporary and vintage architecture in this project which is described as, “an adaptive reuse project inside a circa-1926 California Renaissance Revival building, originally designed by local architecture firm Curlett & Beelman.” Several of Astek’s grasscloth wallcoverings punctuate the nature-inspired palette of the space and come from original collections such as Winds of the Asian Pacific. Earthy hues and woven textures serve as the ideal textiles when paired with elements like ambient lighting and potted greenery throughout. She explains the importance of creating a space that, “feels like you’re in Santa Monica” and choosing elements that, “create a sensory experience that references [the city’s] beachside identity.” The organic, imperfect textures of these wallcoverings speak to this idea of an authentic atmosphere.

Seen everywhere, from restrooms to meeting rooms, Wearstler was careful to emphasize her attention to detail and avoid neglecting any walls. These particular grasscloths still remain minimalist in their appearances and are meant to replicate, “a long-lived-in beachside residence.” Ultimately, the Santa Monica Proper Hotel is a beautiful ode to the city’s vibrant culture and coastal scene.

Wallcoverings featured: Khaki Bamboo Grasscloth, WND-225, WND-223, JL134, NL419

Resources: 

Mun-Delsalle, Y-Jean. "Believing In Design As Storytelling, Kelly Wearstler Has Revolutionized Modern American Design." Forbes.Com, 25 Jun. 2019, www.forbes.com/sites/yjeanmundelsalle/2019/06/25/believing-in-design-as-storytelling-kelly-wearstler-has-revolutionized-modern-american-design/?sh=3f89cd3b59e1.

Fazzare, Elizabeth. "At Two Proper Hotels in Los Angeles, It’S All in the Details for Designer Kelly Wearstler." Culturedmag.Com, 17 May 2022, www.culturedmag.com/article/2022/05/17/at-two-proper-hotels-in-los-angeles-its-all-in-the-details-for-designer-kelly-wearstler.

Lindasy, Calum. "Kelly Wearstler's "Fiercely Local" Santa Monica Proper Hotel Named AHEAD Americas Hotel of the Year." Dezeen.Com, 13 Aug. 2020, www.dezeen.com/2020/08/13/kelly-wearstler-santa-monica-proper-hotel-video/.

Bendersky, Ari. "Kelly Wearstler’S Vision for the Santa Monica Proper Hotel." Collhunting.Com, 22 Jan. 2022, coolhunting.com/travel/kelly-wearstler-santa-monica-proper-hotel/.