The Ritz-Carlton Bacara Santa Barbara art collection draws inspiration from the rich tapestry of historical influences that have shaped the city’s cultural landscape. From the indigenous Chumash tribe to the Spanish settlers, each piece reflects a reimagined narrative of the past, blending tradition with the laid-back sophistication of coastal living. Warm earth tones and deep crimson hues connect the collection across guest rooms, suites, and public spaces, complementing the hotel’s interior design.
Guestroom Collections That Reflect Place
The guestrooms bring together distinct references to Santa Barbara’s history and landscape. An abstract crimson statement piece evokes the region’s wine country, while a dimensional print draws from the textures and palettes of the shell beads used by the Chumash as currency. A photograph of a flamenco dancer captures the movement and energy of the dresses worn during the celebrations of Old Spanish Days. Collectively these pieces fuse cultural references, textures, and color into a contemporary collection, connecting familiar elements of Santa Barbara’s past with the elegant, layered character of the hotel.
A woven cotton rope and canvas piece by Tatyana Kilaratne in the cafe echoes the intricate patterns and layered structures of Chumash weaving and basketry. The rope flows beyond the canvas adding a dynamic element where the individual strands can be appreciated, highlighting the craftsmanship. Complementing this piece are art prints of vintage saddles in the lobby bar that are elegantly layered in front of built-in millwork adding a depth of story to the space.
