If you were to ask Tamara Honey to sum up the ethos of her family's home in Montecito, California, the answer would be fairly succinct. “The magnificent display of nature in every direction and blink of the eye,” says the House of Honey founder and creative director. Built in 2013, the midcentury modern-inspired residence sits atop a hill on 3 acres, where 360-degree mountain views “immediately replace thoughts of traffic and deadlines with grazing deer and bunnies, hummingbirds and city lights—scented with the sweet aroma of sage and cedar,” says the designer.Honey set out to accentuate the home’s spectacular bones through a contemporary yet whimsical interior makeover, plus a few architectural updates, like adding more windows, all suited to her family of six. “This place feels very magical, and I wanted to be sure that every space within the home honors its inherent beauty.”FAST FACTS: Tamara Honey of House of HoneyDesigner:Location: Montecito, CaliforniaThe Space: A five-bedroom, five-bath house encompassing 6,000 square feet and set on 3 acresThe vibe is California modernism, but I would call it perfectly imperfect.ENTRY"A playful, cheeky teaser of what comes next…"Jessica SampleMirror: 1stDibs. Wall paint: ​​Dragonaut by Alkemis Paint.In the entryway, a vintage monkey sculpture with a gilt face and bronze leg wall hook, both sourced from 1stDibs, set a playful tone while providing a practical spot for guests to stash their bag or coat.FAMILY ROOMA lifetime of eclectic treasures gets the star treatment.Jessica SamplePendant: Design Within Reach. Rug: Salam Hello. Sofa: custom, by Jason Koharik Studio. Coffee table, elephant table, hand chairs, and red chair: vintage.Though the home boasts a fairly open floor plan, Honey set out to create distinctly different experiences within each living zone. The layered family room is ideal for leisurely hangs, and it’s also where the former 1stDibs dealer flexed her maximalist muscles. The vintage furniture exudes character, from the glazed ceramic elephant stool to the carved hand chairs. “The bookshelves are filled with treasures I’ve collected over the years,” Honey says.LIVING ROOMA sleek fireplace creates an intimate escape.Jessica SampleWallpaper: Thomas Lavin. Accent chair (left): custom, by Jason Koharik Studio. Accent chair (right): 1stDibs. Rug: Salam Hello. Wall art: vintage, from Lucas Studio, Inc.The low-slung living room is framed by a sleek stone fireplace that reinforces the room's modern appeal. This cozy corner is where Honey loves to play games, laugh with her guests, or indulge in a solo reading sesh. A golden disco ball emphasizes the inviting, fun-loving atmosphere. “I would put one in every room if I could,” says Honey.SUNROOMThe naturally lit oasis doubles as an office.Jessica SamplePendant: Design Within Reach. Table, chairs, and footstool: 1stDibs.Throughout the home, Fleetwood doors with fully retractable panels maximize the view of the surrounding Verdugo mountains and promote indoor-outdoor flow. This inspiring setting, with a pool just beyond, is one of two sunrooms that Honey treats as her home office. KITCHENA comfortable place for culinary adventures and heart-to-heart convos.Jessica SampleSconces: Jason Koharik Studio. Tile: custom, by AVO AVO.With two travertine-topped islands, the kitchen is well-equipped for meal preparation and entertaining. Honey connected the open-concept kitchen to its surrounding areas through lighting. “The lights serve a purpose as both working taskers while adding to the architectural and artistic ambience within the space,” says the designer.“I’m not the best cook, but I love to curate menus, host dinner parties, and am a great sous chef,” she adds. “Quite interestingly, this kitchen has become a place for heart-to-heart/deep realization/happy-resolution conversation.”DINING ROOMOrganically shaped furnishings ground the space.Jessica SampleTable: Croft House. Chair: Design Within Reach. Wall art: artist Michael Wayne Hall, from Wrong Gallery. Lamps: Lambert & Fils.The Maximilian Marchesani chandelier from Nilufar Gallery in Milan is among Honey’s list of favorite pieces. Made of real branches, the light fixture truly brings the outdoors in. “I am always trying new things and am drawn to creative innovation that pushes the envelope,” she says. Nearby is a Danish modern credenza, which was the designer’s first big purchase 25 years ago from the now-closed New York City–based furniture store White on White.POWDER ROOMAn enchanting moment that's big on personality.Jessica SampleChandelier: 1stDibs. Mirror: vintage. Hardware: custom, by Jason Koharik Studio. Counter: Caesarstone. Faucet: Dornbracht.“The wallpaper (Green Wall by Osborne & Little) instantly transports you to some faraway magic place,” Honey says. She completed the jewelbox space with an inky navy vanity and custom stone hardware. STAIRWAYA gallery wall holds special meaning.Jessica SampleCarpet: Stark. Part of Honey’s vintage art collection is thoughtfully displayed—and reflected by a mirrored wall—in a dreamy stairway. “I started collecting art at a young age—curious about art and what I liked and the way it made me feel,” she says. “I’m so happy to share this love with my children. We’re building a special collection together. Less about notability, and more about feel.”GUEST BEDROOMThe retreat also exhibits beloved art.Jessica SampleWall paint: Desert Milk Adobe by Alkemis Paint. Bed and headboard: Design Within Reach. Pillows and bedding: Hale Mercantile Co. Chandelier: Lambert & Fils. Rug: Salam Hello. Side table and bench: 1stDibs. Planter: Rolling Greens. Wall art: Artist Bradley Harms.In addition to providing a haven for her own family, Honey wanted her home to “serve as a fantastic staycation spot for friends and family.” This former game room now functions as a cozy retreat for out-of-towners. “It is also the perfect home for my friend and fellow Canadian artist Brad Harms’s art,” Honey says. PRIMARY BEDROOMWarm grasscloth cocoons the entire suite.Jessica SampleBed: Design Within Reach. Pillows: Parachute Home. Bedding and blankets: Hale Mercantile Co. Wallcovering: Thomas Lavin. Sconce: Lambert & Fils. Table: 1stDibs. Art (above bed): Cindy Zell. Wall art: vintage.For the primary bedroom, Honey created a “cocoon of warm grasscloth and plush wall-to-wall carpet,” she says. While the bedrooms have window treatments, no other window in the house does. “We are obsessed with the wildlife we see everyday—from deer, to rabbits, to every bird imaginable, to many types of snakes, and, yes, scorpions!”PRIMARY BATHROOMIt's all in the details. Jessica SampleCounter: Caesarstone. Faucet: Dornbracht. Hardware: custom, by Jason Koharik Studio. Sconces, wall art, and statue: vintage.The vintage sconce set into the vanity mirror is one of many Murano glass lighting finds that boost the home's character and ambience.POOL DECKThe perfect place for admiring striking views.Jessica SampleChairs: Design Within Reach.Honey always imagined her home being an entertainment hub for her kids, friends, and family. The outdoor pool area, surrounded by views of the Verdugo mountains, makes get-togethers extra memorable.EXTERIORWhere urban living and natural surroundings exist in harmony. Jessica SampleWhile growing up in Nova Scotia, Honey developed a deep connection to nature that’s become vital to her design process. When her family moved to Los Angeles, she sought out “a space that would capture part of the calming essence of the Canadian wilderness,” the designer says. After living in a Tudor-style home in Altadena, she craved the openness of a contemporary, glass-heavy structure. "I was obsessed with local architects Buff & Hensman. [This house] reminded me of one of their early midcentury projects and was reminiscent of Neutra’s Desert House in Palm Springs." About the DesignerTamara Honey is the founder of full-service interiors firm House of Honey. Her design ethos is all about creating spaces that “celebrate life out loud, where all occasions are special and there are no rules,” she says. “Our studio acts as a guide for life well lived. I truly enjoy creating spaces that are unique to their owners and their version of bold, joyful, and boundless enjoyment of everyday living.”SHOP THE SPACESalam Hello Izra Alfalfa Rug$1,000 at salamhello.comAudo Copenhagen Dancing Pendant$1,195 at Design Within ReachCroft House Parota Live Edge Table$7,550 at crofthouse.comDesign Within Reach Nest Storage BedNow 20% Off$4,995 $3,996 at Design Within Reach