CANOE TEAMS UP WITH KELLY WEARSTLER ON SANTA MONICA PROPER HOTEL

Santa Monica Proper Hotel, the first new-build hotel in the Southern California city in over two decades, was conceived and designed by interior design and hospitality visionary, Kelly Wearstler, who scoured vintage shops the world over to source eclectic FF&E that adorns the hotel’s stunning public spaces. Canoe Hospitality supported Wearstler’s team with FF&E procurement, sourcing natural textiles, textured patterns, weathered stone finishes, and unique FF&E and OS&E that conjure reflections of the California coast, while also maintaining a sophisticated and relaxed atmosphere.

“Earthy, raw materials, organic fabrics, and a layering in of art and landscape convey a deep sensory sensation.”

— Kelly Wearstler

DESIGN Wholly and uniquely tailored to santa monica

Santa Monica Proper Hotel, which can be found at 700 Wilshire Boulevard in the heart of Santa Monica's downtown, is housed within two buildings that feature contrasting architectural designs. One of the buildings is a Spanish Colonial Revival landmark building that was constructed in 1928, and the other is a sleek, contemporary new-build. The final structure, which is joined together by a sky bridge, not only makes a stunning architectural statement in the surrounding area, but it also makes the most of the seaside breezes and the plentiful sunlight in California. The original building's lavish Moorish details and Art Deco embellishments have been preserved and modernized, while the expansive new structure is of a monolithic character, producing a relaxing palette for the multi-faceted design. "We have thoughtfully restored the historic building to its original glory, from the exterior details to the rich materials we kept inside. In addition, we have brought in the best local creative talent within the worlds of interior design, food and beverage, health and wellness, and programming to make the spaces within the building come to life." According to Brian De Lowe, President and Co-Founder of Proper Hospitality, "This is the soul of our brand and something we stress over."

The hues and patterns of Santa Monica Proper's world-famous Pacific shoreline serve as the hotel's primary source of creative motivation for the interior and FF&E design of the property. A color scheme that is neutral is brought to life via the use of daring patterns and shapes, and the aesthetic is given an experience dimension through the use of organic, natural materials and FF&E such as stone and wood. To provide support to the hyper-local visual idea, artwork has been procured from a variety of up-and-coming and established artists located in Los Angeles. Some of these artists are Ben Medansky, Morgan Peck, and Tanya Aguiniga. "Just like we did with the design of all of the Proper buildings, we made it a point to collaborate with local artists in order to create a setting at Santa Monica Proper that is wholly original and uniquely tailored to the area. According to Kelly Wearstler, who was in charge of developing the design idea for the hotel, "earthy, raw materials, organic fabrics, and a layering in of art and landscape convey a deep sensory sensation within the hotel."

Dramatic FF&E and an eclectic assortment of antique and modern furnishings.

The FF&E and décor of the hotel's 271 rooms and suites, which range in size from 325 to 925 square feet, which was sourced by FF&E procurement consultant, Canoe Hospitality, in coordination with Kelly Wearstler Interior Design, is whimsical yet subdued. These accommodations combine muted tones and tactile materials with stunning geometric designs. The outcome is one of elegant comfort that is defined by over-sized, dramatic FF&E and an eclectic assortment of antique and modern furnishings. This look was inspired by the laid-back lifestyle that is prevalent in Los Angeles. A good number of the bedrooms have living areas, and balconies and patios encourage visitors to make the most of the apparently endless summer days. The Garden Terrace King Suites are the pinnacle of luxury outdoor living, with spacious terraces that include an inviting daybed as the centerpiece of the space. The open and flowing form of the guestrooms continues into the bathrooms, which may be entered via sliding doors and are furnished with stone with a peach-colored finish. The windows, which have frames made of obsidian, let a plenty of natural light into the area, while the brushed silver and gold accents offer a sense of understated elegance.

The rooftop deck and pool at Santa Monica Proper, named as one of the best hotels in Los Angeles by Travel + Leisure, are the hotel's crowning achievement. The rooftop deck features a modern pool, poolside cabanas, as well as a restaurant and bar with a beach-inspired atmosphere and FF&E, including wicker chaise lounges, tile-top tables, and rattan lounge chairs. The rooftop, which is located on the seventh level, is the ideal vantage point from which to take in the breathtaking sunsets of the Westside, which should, of course, be complemented by a sundowner that has been carefully made. The beautiful inside/out restaurant and bar on the rooftop, called Calabra, has coastal views along with food that is influenced by the Mediterranean and California. Executive chef Kaleo Adams is responsible for the cuisine. On the other hand, if the rooftop is a heaven for sunbathers, then the ground level is unquestionably an utopia for gourmets. The game-changing chefs Jessica Koslow (Sqirl) and Gabriela Camara (Contramar, Cala) are teaming together to open a one-of-a-kind restaurant that will shake up the local dining scene. At the restaurant Onda, guests are treated to an all-encompassing experience, one in which Mexican and Californian tastes, ingredients, and preparation methods are honored not just in the bar and at tableside, but also in the open kitchen.

At the hotel's Surya Spa, which is presided over by the world famous Ayurvedic guru Martha Soffer, guests can participate in individualized programs that promote their physical and emotional wellness. Traditional massage therapies and treatments are offered with other activities such as yoga, meditation, and culinary classes to promote both physical and mental well-being. More than 24k square feet of indoor-outdoor meeting and event spaces, including multiple meeting areas with non-traditional FF&E and interior furnishings and capacity for up to 500 people, will make this Santa Monica location the most proper place for both corporate and social gatherings. A 2,500-square-foot gym with state-of-the-art equipment from Technogym and Peloton will share Proper's commitment to fitness.

---

We’re proud to be a trusted partner to Proper Hospitality and Kelly Wearstler. How can we help make your next project a success?