Sisters-in-law Katie Labourdette-Martinez and Olivia Wahler of Santa Barbara-based Hearth Homes Interiors create refined timeless spaces that ooze classic California cool.
Hearth Homes Interiors co-founders Olivia Wahler (left) and Katie Labourdette-Martinez. PHOTO BY PUBLIC 311 DESIGN PHOTOGRAPHY
After experiencing unfulfilling careers in the fashion industry, sisters-in-law Katie Labourdette-Martinez and Olivia Wahler decided to tap into their true passion—interior design. “Pretty much since I was able to form an opinion, I have been interested in interiors,” says Labourdette-Martinez. Wahler’s family was “always renovating or building a house,” she says, “so I was exposed to the process early on.” After working in fashion, she found herself drawn to interiors. “I did some small projects for my parents and some family friends, and fell in love with the craft.”
Hearth Homes used restored fir flooring in this airy living room. PHOTO BY ERIN FEINBLATT PHOTOGRAPHY
This eventually led the duo—along with Wahler’s husband and Olivia’s brother, Lucas, and their friend Jason—forming Hearth Homes Interiors in 2017. “It all came together initially as a flipping and home staging business and it’s evolved from there,” says Labourdette-Martinez.
For a while, the business offered multiple services in addition to flipping and home staging, including project management. But recently, after experiencing an unpredictable real estate market during the pandemic, Wahler and Labourdette-Martinez have decided to simplify and focus on interior design only.
“We’ve been lucky enough to have the chance to work on a huge variety of styles of homes,” shares Labourdette-Martinez. “In just a few short years, we’ve done French countryside, Mexican colonial, midcentury modern, farmhouse, California bungalows, craftsman and more. In each project, we focus on the unique elements that can only really exist in a home of that style. So, for example, in our French countryside house (we call it the Fleur House), we imported a 19th century marble mantel from Paris that was absolutely stunning and really made the room. In our Mexican colonial, we went to town with gorgeous handpainted tiles that made the house come alive.”
A serene bedroom is layered with organic textures and soft shades. PHOTO BY ERIN FEINBLATT PHOTOGRAPHY
In addition to Hearth Homes Interiors, there’s also Hearth Homes Stays, which offers beautifully designed homes to book through Airbnb. “When we landed on the Hearth Homes Stays model, it just kind of clicked, because we have always loved the experiential side of design and hospitality as well,” Labourdette-Martinez adds. “It’s almost like two sides of the same coin. … The physical design of the space is obviously important, but the experience can be just as—if not more—meaningful. And especially since Lucas and I have had kids, we realized how much easier and more relaxing it is to stay in Airbnbs rather than in hotels.”
House of Hackney’s Opia wallpaper makes a bold statement in this sun-drenched dining room. PHOTO BY ERIN FEINBLATT PHOTOGRAPHY
Currently, the duo have more projects—for clients and for Hearth Homes Stays—in the works, and may even design an inn in the near future. Through it all, Santa Barbara remains an inspiration. Says Wahler, “It’s honestly hard not to be inspired if you just keep your eyes open.” hearthhomesinteriors.com
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