A Trip Down Memory Lane

Oftentimes in life, it is important to reflect on your past, a walk down memory lane, especially around this time of year. We have been blessed to have so much success since we opened the doors to Barclay Butera Interiors in December of 1994. It was the Westcliff Court Christmas walk and we were so excited to unveil our new furnishings and design space. We weren’t prepared for the 400+ guests that showed up that night to celebrate the holidays and our first night of business. This December, we celebrated our 24th year in business!

One of the first projects Ray and I ever did together was purchase and renovate a Laguna Beach cottage previously owned by Bette Davis. The cottage was purchased for Davis’ Mother but had fallen into disrepair and we quickly decided to make this our home. We became our own general contractors, adding a new kitchen, an additional bathroom, new plumbing, and an English garden. We even painted the kitchen flooring black-and-white creating checkered floors. The house needed a lot of love but we saw its potential. We poured ourselves into the remodel, running our newly opened showroom, and interior design projects. I wish I still had the energy I did then.

It was 1995 so the look was lots of pine, floral prints, color, and crackle finishes. Ray and I loved traveling and had picked up a few antiques and vintage pieces along with hand-me-downs from friends and family. This led to a design mantra that I often use when speaking to my design process, “yours, mine, and ours”. There were lots of laughs, tears, and disagreements but ultimately, what was produced can only be described as a labor of love. It was the first of many homes that we bought, renovated and sold together.

People often ask if I could have one home again, which it would be. Without hesitation, it would be this Laguna Beach cottage. Why? Because it was the beginning. The beginning of an incredible journey. Thank you for going down this trip on memory lane with me. Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year!

Love, Barclay


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