Escape to Montecito with Designer Tamara Kaye-Honey of House of Honey

Escape to Montecito with Designer Tamara Kaye-Honey of House of Honey

• Kim Mykitta
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Esteemed designer and tastemaker Tamara Kaye-Honey is known for creating spaces that tell a story, blending old and new, polished and playful, always with a bit of the unexpected. Her interiors firm, House of Honey, is built on the belief that good design should be authentic and deeply lived in—and her home is the perfect representation of that.

Endlessly inspired by the beauty of California landscapes, Tamara’s Montecito abode reflects the wonders that surround it, bringing natural textures and bold colors indoors. And with Coyuchi’s Northern California roots, our organic bedding and bath is the perfect addition to her dreamy escape. Below, Tamara shares how she brings her signature style to life in her own space, and how the comforts of Coyuchi fit right in.

Pictured above: Left - Topanga Organic Matelasse Throw in Hazel , Right - Pacaya Alpaca Throw in Taupe Heather

Thank you for welcoming us into your home. Please tell us a bit about yourself and how you spend your time. 

When I’m not deep in a design charrette for one of my latest projects or spending quality time with my loved ones, you’ll find me wandering my favorite vintage shops, or traveling somewhere inspiring under the guise of “research.” I’m drawn to anything with history, patina, or personality—and I love bringing that energy into the everyday.

 

What inspires you most when creating your ideal spaces? Is there a process you follow? 

I’m always collecting little moments, textures, and stories. I like spaces that feel like they’ve lived a few lives—layered, soulful and not too precious.

As for my process, it’s part instinct, part alchemy. I always start with the feeling I want a space to evoke and then I layer in color, pattern, vintage finds, art, and the occasional “what if?” moment. I’m not afraid to mix eras, textures, or take risks—that’s where the magic happens. I like to say it’s refined chaos.

Pictured above: Left - Toro Canyon Organic Duvet Cover in Nutmeg, Lost Coast Decorative Organic Pillow Cover in Sage and Tahoe Wool Throw in Soft Gray, Center - Toro Canyon Organic Pillow Cover in Undyed/Pine and Cozy Cotton Organic Throw in Stone, Right - Alder Organic Hand Towel in Undyed w/Praline

Do you feel your space is driven more by aesthetic or function? 

I’m always thinking about how people actually live in a space—where they drop their keys, curl up with a book, dance in the kitchen—and then I layer on the mood, the magic, and the details that make it feel personal and alive. So yes, form follows function… 

Pictured above: Left - Organic Waffle Kitchen Towel in Meadow, Center - Mojave Organic Kitchen Towels in Khaki/Praline Stripe, Right - Toro Canyon Organic Duvet Cover in Nutmeg, Lost Coast Decorative Organic Pillow Cover in Sage and Tahoe Wool Throw in Soft Gray

Can you tell us the stories behind some of your favorite things in your home?

One of my favorite pieces at home is my pair of 1970s sheep sculptures—a bit surreal, a bit sentimental. Inspired by Lalanne, whose whimsical creatures blurred the line between art and design. Coco Chanel famously collected their sheep, and I totally understand why—they’re sculptural, soft, and quietly eccentric. AND they make me happy.

Mine lives right in the middle of the living room, unapologetically. It’s part artwork, part conversation starter, part pet… I love pieces like that. Things that carry stories, or mystery, or a wink of the unexpected. My home is full of them. I’m not interested in perfect; I’m interested in personal.

 

Which Coyuchi piece do you gravitate toward the most? 

The Organic Relaxed Linen Sheets in Doe have that quiet, effortless texture I’m always drawn to. Paired with the Lost Coast Organic Duvet Set, it’s warm and grounded.

Pictured above: Lost Coast Organic Duvet Cover in Soft White w/Deep Graphite, Lost Coast Organic Sham in Soft White w/Deep Graphite, Organic Relaxed Linen Sheet Set in Doe, Organic Relaxed Linen Lumbar Pillow Cover in Doe

How do the realms of design, food, and entertaining intersect in your life?

I think of entertaining as an extension of design—it’s sensory, it’s intuitive, and it’s all in the layering. Good wine helps, but really it’s about making people feel something. Whether it’s a dinner party or a room reveal, I want it to feel effortless, thoughtful, and just a little bit wild.

Pictured above: Left - Mojave Organic Linen Throw in Khaki/Praline Stripe, Center - Pacaya Alpaca Throw in Taupe Heather, Right - Mediterranean Organic Beach Towel in Deep Pewter w/ Tangerine Stripe

And just in case this peek into Tamara’s home has you craving a summer trip to Montecito, she also put together a list of where to stay, eat and play in the city she calls home:

Where to Eat 

Where to Sleep

What to Do

 

 

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