After years of helping clients find their perfect homes in Santa Barbara, I've learned that creating a space you truly love extends far beyond the walls and views. It's about selecting pieces that reflect your personal style and enhance how you live each day.
I'm often asked where I shop for my own home and what I recommend to clients who want to furnish their spaces with quality pieces that will stand the test of time. Over the years, I've discovered some exceptional online retailers that consistently deliver both beautiful design and lasting quality.
Here are my go-to online shopping sources for luxury furniture that I trust and recommend to my most discerning clients.
For the Bespoke Experience: Interior Define
When you want something as unique as your personal style, Interior Define offers thousands of customization options across their entire collection. Each piece is handmade to order by artisan partners using generational woodworking and upholstery techniques. Their made-to-order approach means you're not just buying furniture—you're commissioning heirloom pieces.
For the Heritage Collector: 1stDibs
Born from the spirit of the Paris Flea Market, 1stDibs connects you with vetted sellers offering historically significant designs—from Dalí furniture to salvaged French château elements. If you're seeking one-of-a-kind luxury pieces with provenance, this is your digital treasure trove.
For the Design Purist: Design Within Reach
Design Within Reach remains the gold standard for authentic modern furniture. Their curated collection features iconic pieces from design legends like Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, and George Nelson, alongside contemporary luxury brands including Herman Miller and Knoll. Think museum-quality pieces that blend modern innovation with enduring design heritage—perfect for that minimalist Montecito retreat.
The Coastal California Collections
For Effortless Elegance: Serena & Lily
Famous for coastal-inspired furniture that somehow works anywhere—even miles from the ocean—Serena & Lily captures that California ease we all love. Their pared-back aesthetic and handmade light fixtures are perfect for Santa Barbara's indoor-outdoor lifestyle.
For Sustainable Luxury: GreenRow
This emerging brand creates contemporary furniture designed to become tomorrow's heritage pieces, using innovative, responsibly sourced natural materials. It's luxury with a conscience—something increasingly important to today's sophisticated buyers.
For Made-in-America Quality: Maiden Home
Specializing in resilient and responsible furniture, Maiden Home thrives on North Carolina artisan craftsmanship and sustainably sourced materials. Their expansion beyond the beige-and-balmy category into more versatile luxury pieces reflects the evolution of American design.
The Accessible Luxury Tier
For Curated Convenience: Article
Smart bundling options take the guesswork out of room design. Their matching sets across living room, bedroom, office, and outdoor categories offer cohesive luxury at reasonable price points—perfect for investment properties or secondary homes.
For Trade-Quality Access: Perigold
Owned by Wayfair but operating in an entirely different sphere, Perigold brings trade-only designer brands to the public. It's like having designer credentials without the industry connections.
The Artisan's Touch
For Global Craftsmanship: The Citizenry
Working directly with small-scale artisans and established manufacturers worldwide, The Citizenry offers handcrafted home décor with that personal, made-for-you feeling that's often lost in mass production.
Smart Shopping Strategies for the Sophisticated Buyer
Invest Where It Counts: Prioritize foundational pieces like sofas, dining tables, and beds from premium sources. These are the pieces that anchor your rooms and see daily use.
Mix High and Low Thoughtfully: Balance statement luxury pieces with well-chosen accent items from more accessible sources. The key is maintaining quality standards across all price points.
Consider Lead Times: Many luxury pieces are made-to-order. Factor this into your timeline, especially when furnishing a new home or preparing for special events.
Leverage Professional Services: Many online retailers now offer virtual design consultations. Take advantage of this expertise to ensure your choices work harmoniously together.
Creating Your Forever Home
The most beautiful homes aren't just furnished—they're thoughtfully curated. Each piece should resonate with your lifestyle, reflect your personality, and enhance your daily rituals. Whether you're drawn to the clean lines of Scandinavian design, the warmth of American craftsman tradition, or the drama of contemporary sculpture, today's online marketplace puts it all within reach.
Remember, exceptional furniture is more than decoration—it's an investment in your quality of life. The right pieces don't just fill spaces; they create the backdrop for your most precious memories and daily moments of joy.
As you embark on this journey of creating or refreshing your spaces, consider each purchase not just for how it looks, but for how it will make you feel every time you enter the room. After all, living well is about surrounding yourself with things that move you—and in our beautiful Santa Barbara community, that's exactly what we're here for.
Ready to transform your space? I'd love to help you think through how your furniture choices can complement your home's architecture and enhance your lifestyle. After all, whether you're searching for the perfect property or the perfect piece to complete it, the goal is always the same: creating a place where you'll love to live every single day.
