Small homes with flair

Design and garden inspiration from some of the West's most colorful condos

Cota Street Studios in Santa Barbara
Andrea M. Gómez

Come on, live happy

To see how architecture can elevate your mood, just spend a day at Santa Barbara's Cota Street Studios.

Architect Jeff Shelton's fanciful details ― the cement plaster walls that look like whipped cream, the quirky fountains, and dollops of color everywhere ― charm the residents, and everyone who sees them.

The project promotes social connections, too. Its downtown location encourages walking, shared courtyards facilitate neighborliness, and street-facing benches, water fountains, and dog bowls invite the public to stop by.


Click ahead for a photo tour of this creative living space.


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