At Home in Montecito with Suzanne Rheinstein

Tag along to Montecito, California for a behind the scenes visit with acclaimed designer Suzanne Rheinstein at her idyllic country retreat. See how she worked with architectural firm Bories and Shearron to totally transform the dated 1971 house into her ultimate “house of calm.” Learn how, working within the original footprint, the architects and Suzanne were able to reorient the original house into supremely sophisticated interiors that can also easily accommodate her growing grandchildren. With architectural inspiration from warm weather destinations such as Mallorca, watch to see how Suzanne utilized soft colors of tinted plaster inside and out to unify the space and emphasize the indoor outdoor lifestyle of temperate Montecito. Hear how she organized rooms to capitalize on the light, her stunning views of the San Isidro mountains and her gorgeous gardens designed by Nancy Goslee Power. See how, in contrast to her house in Los Angeles (be sure to watch that video visit), Suzanne’s rooms are pared back and serene yet still include a worldly mix of select collections. With a belief in the power of beauty and great design, you’ll learn how Suzanne created this very personal project with her signature sense of gracious living and deep appreciation for art and understated elegance. You’ll be inspired, informed and entertained!! For more visit quintessenceblog.com

[@donnavillafana7958]

May she rest in peace. Everything about her was something to inspire. Her poise, class, beauty, her homes simply stunning.

[@quintessenceblg]

Couldn't agree more - such an inspiration!

[@fragosa]

The house is exactly like the owner, elegant, sophisticated and subtle, sensible and wise, balanced and beautiful.

[@quintessenceblg]

EXACTLY!!! So well put!

[@PinkwithaP]

Yes and SO much YASSS! I can't tell you how much I see how much this dear lady has blossomed since the last episode you showcased on your channel. She looks SO much YOUNGER! It's true when they say such grand transformations happen after the crisis of losing a beloved. Just hearing her speak her story, seeing her glow and youthful heart shining through this new life and home makes me SO VERY HAPPY! This is such an inspiring production. Thank you ladies for your penchant for beautiful things and people who celebrate love and life in all it's phases. May the blessings abound. 🙏😊🌈🌤💕 @Quintessence

[@Cherryshake]

Through her work alone I felt very connected to Suzanne; I still flip the pages of her books and return to this tour on melancholy mornings. It’s so odd for me to still feel sad that she’s gone, since I didn’t know her in real life. She was so inspiring. So glad we have this tour. Thank you.

[@quintessenceblg]

No words for how lovely, talented and fun Suzanne was! And inspiring of course! Be sure to see our video with her in her LA home if you haven't seen.

[@Momma_AL]

I love that she had mattresses made to use as couches. I’ve thought about using mattresses but wasn’t sure how it would look. Now I know!

[@MrMuddy22]

Loved how happy she is with her home. She glows while talking about it’s features. Major love ❤️

[@quintessenceblg]

Yes! So glad you enjoyed!

[@sukochilee4770]

So incredible. How can you have a bad day in such a calming abode.

[@abigailh7715]

💯 Winning Comment! 💥

[@AJsGreenThumbLLC]

Such a pleasant lady. Her home is the perfect marriage of elegance and comfort. Thanks for sharing!

[@quintessenceblg]

Agreed! Our pleasure!

[@amysilin8122]

This is the first predominately white California home that is utterly timeless, wonderful and livable. It doesn’t look like the interior designer came in and did it all. I want to live like this!

[@quintessenceblg]

While it isn't really white, it is neutral and yes, very beautiful and livable! Glad you enjoyed!

[@risk5riskmks93]

She is so relaxed here. It’s a joy to feel that relaxed energy flowing. It’s in her home, her expressions, how she moves. Wonderful!

[@quintessenceblg]

Yes - good point!

[@shelleyjones1773]

I love the opening music that was created for Quintessance. It's perfect!

[@quintessenceblg]

Thanks so much!! 🙏🏻

[@pinkvelvet3865]

Lovely house & decor. I like Montecito visited there once.

[@joliz1234]

Beautiful home, and I also love your cardigan, Susanna

[@susannasalk7153]

Thank you so much it’s a jacket from Ibu!

[@framjeefamily5503]

rest in peace Suzanne Rheinstein. A talented and gracious designer.

[@KitKat24531]

Beautiful! And of course Susanna is beautiful as usual!

[@susannasalk7153]

Well thank you so much!!

[@roniquebreauxjordan1302]

The colours!!

[@quintessenceblg]

So serene and beautiful right?!

[@3xsxs953]

That tree in front of the house is so beautiful and grand. It could almost make you cry just looking at it.

[@vincentmaldon7707]

Yes, her house was awesome but what I loved most was this beautiful, gracious lady.

[@quintessenceblg]

She is indeed!

[@user-ou2wk7cg1g]

This is one of the most impressive people and homes I've ever seen! To do all this especially after losing her husband, and be at that much peace and even happiness- and create such a place for her family- is truly a work of art in itself! She's a designer of homes and life!

[@quintessenceblg]

Totally agree!

[@blace1200]

Loving her home. Calm and homie 👌😍💯

[@vesnastihovic7014]

What an amazing house, and the stuff she owns! Omg

[@quintessenceblg]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@diogenes7047]

No surprise, Suzanne's home is stunning! (I have been waiting for this video to come out!) Lovely way to start my morning with a cup of coffee and Quintessence. Her home IS very Santa Barbarish/Monticeto...very relaxing, love the colors, so soothing. Thank you again for another wonderful visit!

[@quintessenceblg]

Our pleasure and so glad you enjoyed our visit with Suzanne!

[@Jessica-kk1cz]

Intelligent, appropriately sized, and lovely home! I love the indoor/ outdoor feel, depth of seating- and comfortable dining chairs on wheels! One of my best friend’s parents when I was a child did the same thing. Why don’t we ALL do that? It truly makes so much sense and is so much easier to move easily!

[@quintessenceblg]

Thanks for your thoughtful comment!! So agree!

[@Rita70.]

@@quintessenceblg the owner mentioned the chair designer as "William...(something)". I couldn't quite make out what she said. Can you advise of the chair designer? Right at 9:55 Thanks!

[@pamelafrancis8131]

Love the house, and Suzanna's jacket!

[@susannasalk7153]

Thank you it’s Ibu!!

[@dolcevitausa6448]

Love it...her home is inviting and calming.

[@quintessenceblg]

Agreed! Glad you enjoyed!

[@laurabrandao7246]

Beautiful ,very beautiful! 🙌☀️🌸🌺❤️

[@quintessenceblg]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@SSL0707Star]

It’s such an artistic home. Stunning.

[@quintessenceblg]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@buzzkincaid5521]

Understated , quiet palette, CALIFORNIA inspired, this is a restrained ode to lifestyle in all ways

[@quintessenceblg]

Agreed! Glad you enjoyed!

[@faintingsaint]

She is so happy and at peace. Great job Susanna in capturing her…

[@helenpruzan6970]

Ok,I am dying of jealousy over the mattress couch!!!I would never get up....except to go to the gorgeous pool area!!You can feel the quiet. 🥰

[@masreezanahmad681]

I love everything about the house. Soooo beautiful... 😍😍😍😍😍

[@quintessenceblg]

Me too - glad you enjoyed!!

[@klingertam1]

If you lived here you would never need to 'get away'! Soft, comfortable, cozy, and inviting.

[@quintessenceblg]

True!

[@williama.hovestreydt6623]

Oh my goodness I love this home!!!

[@quintessenceblg]

We do too!! Glad you enjoyed!

[@missybelmont9830]

Timeless, casual elegance, Love it....

[@quintessenceblg]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@carolsmith5966]

Her choice of art, her collections and the color palette are a feast for the eyes. Love that she transformed a dining room into a cozy reading space with a view. Thank you for sharing!

[@quintessenceblg]

Our pleasure! Loved all those things too!

[@VelvetandToads]

Perfect house, perfect pool, perfect town. Perfection.

[@quintessenceblg]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@clairecar9390]

So serene and elegant! 💕

[@quintessenceblg]

Yes it is! Thanks for watching!

[@queens6583]

I bet she's the best grandma ever! What a lovely home.

[@TheAndrewRitchie]

So beautiful. And she has such a joie de vivre! Lovely lady, lovely home.

[@quintessenceblg]

Yes to all!!

[@robertallen3628]

What a great way to start a Saturday near Lake Erie.....I lived in Southern California for a time where the sun is so different from a crispy morning here! I am now so relaxed and full of memories that I may forego cutting the grass today! Thanks gals for another great post.....always too short of course!

[@quintessenceblg]

Thanks so much!! So glad we helped start your day on the right foot!! ;-)

[@susannasalk7153]

Skip mowing!!!

[@isabelgada2927]

Buenos días, maravilloso como siempre gracias, ⚘⚘⚘

[@quintessenceblg]

Our pleasure!

[@rationalinvest]

Absolutely beautiful dream home

[@quintessenceblg]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@notyourtoystupidboy]

Wow what a change in her and different energy from her other home, which is one of my favourites

[@quintessenceblg]

Yes! Both beautiful! Shows her range and thoughtfulness!

[@GetrealwithSteve7]

It is too hot, humid and oppressive here today; so I am spending a while taking in your inspiring and beautiful videos to escape. Thanks for the wonderful respite.

[@quintessenceblg]

Our pleasure! Enjoy - and stay cool!

[@joneysingh3570]

Lovely, calm & beautiful house.

[@susprime7018]

Shipwreck plates look terrific, very relaxing. Comfy green sweater too.

[@twistoffate4791]

It begs the question: How does a person come upon an opportunity to buy shipwreck plates, lol???

[@susprime7018]

@@twistoffate4791 sea salvage, just Google shipwreck Chinese porcelain

[@michelepaccione8806]

Just fabulous. So relaxing and inviting.

[@quintessenceblg]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@anamt585]

My god the house is beautiful and the lady who owns it is soooo cute ❤️❤️❤️

[@karenreiter533]

Thank you, thank you for this relaxing, yummy, elegant video of “ The House of Calm.” Just love it! Thank you again!!!!♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@quintessenceblg]

Our pleasure!! So glad you loved tagging along to Suzanne's beautiful home!

[@gracerichards4904]

Coziness mixed with sophistication. Love it.

[@SP-jb5wd]

What a lovely home! Your necklace is gorgeous , Susanna. I have always admired your personal style.

[@quintessenceblg]

She always looks great!

[@susannasalk7153]

Thank you so much!!

[@kakilino]

I really liked her other home, but this one I love! what a beautiful place. she really has great taste. and by the way, Susanna, your coat is gorgeous!

[@quintessenceblg]

Both beautiful and Susanna's coat is by ibumovement.com/

[@marlenegoho1778]

Another interesting and lovely home! Thank you Q!

[@quintessenceblg]

Our pleasure!! 🙏🏻

[@clarissahopkins1148]

It truly is an extraordinary area of California. I wish to be one of her grandchildren.

[@josephruggiero1280]

I am a big fan of Suzanne! Have been for 33 years! What a vision she has no matter where she lives! Thanks for sharing!!

[@quintessenceblg]

Couldn't agree more Joe! We are huge fans of hers as well! Thanks so much for your always cogent comments!

[@Laura_G]

The decor and design are lovely, but what is truly charming are her swaying arms and hand gestures as she describes the life she loves.

[@quintessenceblg]

👍🏻

[@metropcs7560]

I love this video!!! What is so refreshing is her personality alone, out of all the great collections it was her that showed to beautiful!!! God bless her!!!

[@quintessenceblg]

I totally agree!

[@jps4062]

Natural, simple. and functional. It's my longing.

[@tommoncrieff1154]

I think this is my favourite Quintessence home but I might have said that several times before! Such a gorgeous, deeply personal sanctuary of a very delightful hostess. The palette is as soothing and timeless as luxury creamy vanilla ice cream. It’s so meticulously planned and put together but it looks effortless, casual. I love her idea of layabout comfort and rest pervading absolutely every room, even outside, from mattressy sofas to cushiony dining chairs on castors. A joy.

[@quintessenceblg]

I totally agree! A "deeply personal sanctuary" is a wonderful description. So glad you enjoyed and that you have so many favorites here ;-)

[@SteveL2012]

Stunning, and what a lovely, gracious woman.

[@quintessenceblg]

She is indeed!

[@patriciaramirez3139]

Beautiful house, so relaxing and comfortable 👍

[@quintessenceblg]

It really is!

[@tigermoon44]

Susanna, you are looking gorgeous!!! Lovely home and very gracious hostess! Excellent weekend surprise!

[@susannasalk7153]

Thank you so much how very kind of you to say so

[@roseypeach8363]

When comfort and tranquility become one.

[@quintessenceblg]

Exactly!

[@nagolhayze9366]

This is the best house I’ve seen on your channel... amazing. What a beautiful symphony of tone and space, it exudes a peaceful notation of style, a humble form of greatness. Amazing. Suzanne is one ‘twas I classy gal. Ps. Love the Picasso etchings.

[@quintessenceblg]

What a wonderful, articulate and perceptive comment! Thank you - so glad you loved! And yes, Suzanne is a total class act!

[@jonaswunderkind4580]

So so soooo beautiful! 😍

[@nicoeeek.7181]

Stunning! Absolutely elegant and relaxed at the same time. Susannah your Jacket and Marc Jacobs bag (?) are stunning.

[@susannasalk7153]

Thank you!! I got the jacket from Ibu Movement- an amazing clothing company that supports women artisans around the world and yes bag is vintage Marc Jacobs Stam Bag!

[@charanmr462]

I got sooo addicted watching your videos, even skipping work sometimes.... thanks.........

[@quintessenceblg]

We love hearing that - a healthy addiction! 🙏🏻

[@albertpeckham8708]

When I lived in LA, CA, I would go to Montecito as often as I could. It is a lovey place.

[@Fred__]

I agree with Isabel and Joliz: the house is just like the owner, classy and chic; and Susanna’s ethnic jacket is amazing. The house is classic but very actual, with all these objects and furniture mixed with neutrals colors. Maximalist but also minimalist too. Thank you for this!

[@susannasalk7153]

Thank you! And thanks to Ibu for my jacket!

[@quintessenceblg]

So we’ll put - it IS indeed both - Suzanne is so talented!

[@Beautylicionista]

So gorgeous! Can we get a hint of how she achieved that water pool hue? It's perfect!

[@pallatium]

So many wonderful ideas… Particularly displaying artwork on the TV screen...wow

[@MK-77789]

Blessings! Just gorgeous! Love it! She has great taste!

[@quintessenceblg]

Yes she does!

[@MrBuckaroo2014]

More lovely inspiration! Thank you for sharing with us, Ms. Suzanne.

[@kerrystevens9313]

Two years on, I often return to watch this wonderful tour of Suzanne's home! Suzanne was an incredible designer and a beautiful person. Thank you Quintessence for your beautiful record of Suzanne's continuously inspiring homes.

[@KarenJWhyte]

A vision! 💞

[@aspasiabibas1819]

Reminds me of the Bunny Williams' episodes - Bunny also has two very different homes, a more formal and a more casual. I think it's safe to say a lot of us like the feel of both the formal and the casual. And there's nothing wrong with that!

[@quintessenceblg]

Yes totally! In fact Bunny and Suzanne are good friends!

[@ruhisami6185]

Just beautiful 👍

[@quintessenceblg]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@tobeytravels893]

Ms. Rheinstein’s choice of warm plaster walls is the perfect restful and calming backdrop to all her reclining areas. I’m relaxed just viewing.

[@quintessenceblg]

Agreed!

[@barbarawillis5187]

The house, landscaping and pool are all gorgeous. I love the calm and relaxing interior. The dining chairs' covers are beautiful. It is gives me a good feeling to watch the designer enjoying her home and to know she created the cozy atmosphere with her grandchildren in mind. Thank you very much Quintessence.

[@quintessenceblg]

It is our pleasure!! So glad you enjoyed our visit with Suzanne!

[@PlanetTango]

Lovely lady with a lovely backstory that resonated with me. Of course the house is wonderful. The plaster shelves are genius! Thanks again Suzanne and Stacey! 💙🦋💙

[@quintessenceblg]

Our pleasure!! And yes, lovely lady and beautiful home!

[@carlvlaeminck2171]

If I would visit this gorgeous property, I would never want to leave. So beautifully decorated, so peaceful. Love the landscaping as much as the interior. A tranquil oasis.

[@quintessenceblg]

It really is! It was hard to leave!

[@andrewgregg1235]

fantastic

[@evaboldt653]

Suzanne looks so lovely and happy and her home is a paradise...the pool with the tall bank of flowers...the huge tree...the view of the mountains...the potting table...the patio chairs...the shadows on those soft exterior walls...and that's just the outside! The interior is simply perfection. Thank you!

[@quintessenceblg]

Our pleasure!! It is truly divine!

[@justinamusyoka4986]

I love such elegance.

[@kathytoth1583]

How beautifully subtle and calming with an abundance of natural textures! Spectacular home 💜

[@carlyh6913]

What a lovely person. I enjoyed listening to her talk to Susanna ❤️

[@quintessenceblg]

Yes she is and glad you enjoyed!

[@napturallyyours70]

Suzanne exudes such femininity, graciousness, while being entertaining and funny! Just love her personality! And her beautiful home embodies her infectious personality. Thank you for another wonderful video. I am grinning from ear to ear!

[@quintessenceblg]

Couldn't agree more!! Suzanne is such a treat. So glad you enjoyed!

[@cmumford1477]

This is stunning!!

[@quintessenceblg]

It is indeed!! Glad you thought so too!

[@johnvincenti5805]

I love Suzanne's interiors, art, ideas and taste.

[@quintessenceblg]

We do too!

[@Cenepk101]

Wow. How beautiful. Love her style. Great house & Garden. What a great way to start the day !!! Thank you ladies !!!!

[@quintessenceblg]

Our pleasure! Suzanne is so talented!

[@nancyring8104]

Another lovely “escape”!!!❤️

[@quintessenceblg]

Thank you - glad you enjoyed!

[@dianehillier2336]

Thanks for doing these! Keeping me afloat during hard times.

[@quintessenceblg]

So glad to hear that - means so much to us!! Thank you!

[@CB-jz2dn]

The overwhelming joy that Suzanne has for her new home is contagious. So happy for her. She exudes sunshine!

[@quintessenceblg]

Agreed! Glad you enjoyed!

[@swicheroo1]

This is beautiful. Relaxed. I used to walk past her Hancock Park house every day on my strolls. But I think I like the washed out simplicity of this house a bit more.

[@quintessenceblg]

They’re both beautiful but this definitely has an air of serenity!

[@eduardoramirezjr4403]

Stopped hurricane preparations in order to watch this vlog.

[@quintessenceblg]

🙏🏻 stay safe!

[@eduardoramirezjr4403]

@@quintessenceblg Thank you.

[@alannothnagle]

What a gorgeous house! An oasis of calm and entirely relatable. I left this video feeling that if I had a house in Montecito, I‘d decorate it exactly the same way!

[@quintessenceblg]

Delighted to hear that!! 🙏🏻

[@philippaproud441]

She’s just gorgeous! Such a relaxed vibe, you can literally feel it 💖 Thankyou Suzanne

[@quintessenceblg]

She is and Suzanne is such a treat!

[@toosense]

Incredible home, very peaceful. What fun to get to decorate and be creative in a new and different setting. This more "minimalistic" style with neutral tones suits the home well. I love when one can walk around their home and tell stories about their decor, makes it so much more meaningful. It's what makes a house a home.

[@quintessenceblg]

Thank you for your thoughtful comment - so true!

[@toosense]

@Quintessence Thank YOU for sharing these beautiful homes and insightful interviews with us. Very inspirational. :)

[@quintessenceblg]

@@toosense 🙏🏻🥰

[@618B]

Watching this felt like a good emotional and mental massage. So relaxing and calm. Thank you.

[@barbaramelendez-rapp193]

I've seen both of your visits with her today. Her voice, her style, her personality is so embracing.

[@noclilsis9916]

Love, love, love big love to this house!!