In his latest book, The New Traditional, Newport Beach-based interior designer Barclay Butera (barclaybutera.com) shares 13 homes that showcase his love of glamour, comfort and heritage pieces. Here, Butera discusses his evolving style, upcoming projects and why he believes good home designs are a combination of “yours, mine and ours.”
Released April 26, interior designer Barclay Butera’s newest book, The New Traditional (Gibbs Smith), presents 13 projects that reflect his evolving style. PHOTO COURTESY OF BARCLAY BUTERA
Congratulations on your new book. What inspired you? Looking back over the last few years, I have been extremely excited and thrilled with the way my aesthetic and style has evolved. This library of projects was speaking to me, and my publisher agreed it was time. This book is my crown jewel; it is unlike any of my other publications. It’s sheer classic sophistication, and each home has a very unique point of view.
How does this book build upon your previous ones, and what do you hope people learn or take away from it? This book is much more sophisticated than any of my previous publications. The photography, paper weight and caliber of projects are something I am very proud of. The first impression is a rich, white faux linen texture, all charcoal raised text and embossed photos on the front and back. I designed the cover and size of this book so it would stack well and look beautiful on coffee tables across the country. Most of all, I want people to know that traditional does not have to be stuffy or boring!
Open rooms from a magnificent Harbor Island project overlooking Newport Harbor showcase indoor-outdoor living at its best HOME PHOTO BY RYAN GARVIN
Tell us about some of the homes you included and how you selected them. The homes we included are from our most recent projects. We wanted this book to be a reflection of our current style, to be fresh and new; yet all of the homes are rooted in traditional design.
Why are heritage pieces such great additions to rooms, and how did you incorporate them into the homes illustrated? The history of the family is very important to make a house a home. Antiques and heirloom pieces that are passed down through generations give a home depth and character.
Interior designer Barclay Butera. PHOTO BY DAVID POTTER
What advice would you give to people looking to add history to a home? My design philosophy has always been ‘yours, mine and ours.’ It’s a fine balance as pieces with memories and history are very important, and so are individual styles. During the process, it’s our team’s job to listen to all parties and make it all come together seamlessly, and we do that very well.
Which projects and contributions to California design are you most proud of? California is my playground! I have too many residential projects here to count or single out. I would have to say it was a tremendous honor to design the iconic L’Auberge hotel in historic Del Mar. I designed the common areas and rooms, and am most proud of the elegant and sophisticated outdoor space with a fabulous gathering area and bar. And, of course, I love to give back—my life has been so blessed that I have embraced numerous charities such as CASA and the National Ability Center. My company has long-standing relationships with them that are very personally important to me.
HOME PHOTO BY RYAN GARVIN
What’s next for you? I’m headed to High Point, N.C., this month to launch my sixth furniture collection with Lexington Home Brands called Laguna. I will be excited to get that into my showroom in the fall! It’s a smaller-scaled collection inspired by the traditional charm of Laguna Beach. This line will play well across the country, not just on the coasts. I am also continually designing and launching new collections with all 12 of my licensed partners. And, I don’t want to jinx it, but I am in talks to design a hip new boutique hotel in Palm Springs. … Check in with me in a bit!
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