If you follow interior design, you know that Kelly Wearstler is a force of nature. Her style is distinct, bold, and instantly recognizable. Recently, Cheryl had the opportunity to visit the Santa Monica Proper Hotel in California, designed by Kelly Wearstler, and it was an absolute feast for the eyes.
While the Proper Hotel brand is known for luxury, the Santa Monica location offered something surprisingly intimate: a distinct feeling of “home.”
Here is a look at the design details that stood out the most during her stay.
The “Home Library” Vibe The highlight of Cheryl’s stay was, without a doubt, the room featuring extensive bookcases and curated art. Hotels have the potential for feeling sterile or temporary, but Kelly Wearstler managed to create a space that felt lived-in and personal. Cheryl noted how much she loved the feeling in that room: it felt less like a hotel and more like stepping into a curated, cozy home library. The perfect retreat from the bustling Santa Monica energy outside.
Texture Over Color People expect bold color from her, but these spaces leaned neutral. (And neutral doesn’t mean flat.)
The interest came from the layers like rough stone next to smooth wood, and soft textiles mixed with sculptural furniture. That tension create depth and warmth so the materials did the heavy lifting, not the color.
Hidden Details in Plain Sight The design magic started the moment they walked in. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the grand gestures in a hotel lobby, but Cheryl spotted a brilliant, site-specific detail on the ground beneath them. The lobby flooring is actually designed to represent a deconstructed beach umbrella—a perfect, subtle nod to the Santa Monica coastline just blocks away.
It was interesting comparing this experience to a previous trip Cheryl and Luis took to the Austin Proper. While both carry Wearstler’s signature vibe, the Santa Monica location felt distinctly “Californian”, proving how masterful design adapts to its environment.
