Maison K owner Kimberly Phillips Hayes has reopened her lifestyle boutique in Montecito’s Upper Village after closing her longtime Coast Village Road store in December. “Its serenity and classic old-school Montecito feel really appealed to me,” she says of her new space.
Maison K owner Kimberly Phillips Hayes has reopened her lifestyle boutique in Montecito’s Upper Village after closing her longtime Coast Village Road store in December. “Its serenity and classic old-school Montecito feel really appealed to me,” she says of her new space. Credit: Judy Foreman / Noozhawk photo

Retail lifestyle mecca Maison K has found a new home in Montecito’s Upper Village, taking over the former location of interior designer Marc Normand Gelinas.

Owner Kimberly Phillips Hayes made the move to 1485 East Valley Road, Suite 1, after closing her Coast Village Road boutique’s doors in December — after 22 years there.

Since 2002, Maison K has been an ever-changing, artful collection of beautiful and unique home décor, furnishings, clothing and accessories from around the world.

Hayes’ love of art history, design and world cultures is evident in the exquisite items she sources during her travels.

Her merchandise showcases her preference for fine materials and textural luxury.

“With the mountains gracing the background visible through large picture windows, less congestion than Coast Village Road and plenty of parking, its serenity and classic old-school Montecito feel really appealed to me,” Hayes said of her new location.

Hayes, who grew up in Santa Barbara and earned her art history degree from UC Santa Barbara, has been a design lover since she started working for Wendy Foster at age 17. The Upper Village is both home and the roots of her retail experience.

After living in Washington, D.C., and San Francisco, working for several national retailers, she returned to create her own business in Santa Barbara.

  • Maison K’s merchandise showcases Kimberly Phillips Hayes’ preference for fine materials in neutral, natural palettes and textural luxury.
    Maison K’s merchandise showcases Kimberly Phillips Hayes’ preference for fine materials and textural luxury. Credit: Maison K photo
  • Maison K owner Kimberly Phillips Hayes has reopened her lifestyle boutique in Montecito’s Upper Village after closing her longtime Coast Village Road store in December. “Its serenity and classic old-school Montecito feel really appealed to me,” she says of her new space.
    Maison K owner Kimberly Phillips Hayes has reopened her lifestyle boutique in Montecito’s Upper Village after closing her longtime Coast Village Road store in December. “Its serenity and classic old-school Montecito feel really appealed to me,” she says of her new space. Credit: Judy Foreman / Noozhawk photo
  • Understated luxury will have you dressed for any occasion.
    Understated luxury will have you dressed for any occasion. Credit: Judy Foreman / Noozhawk photo
  • Home accessories and antiques also are on the table.
    Home accessories and antiques also are on the table. Credit: Maison K photo
  • Scarf unveiling.
    Scarf unveiling. Credit: Judy Foreman / Noozhawk photo
  • Etruscan revival charm bracelets and jewelry are among Maison K’s wares.
    Etruscan revival charm bracelets and jewelry are among Maison K’s wares. Credit: Maison K photo

Maison K fits perfectly among neighboring shops featuring home accessories, garden items and antiques, including William Laman across the street, Country House Antiques, Jenni Kayne Home and Lee Stanton.

While Maison K has always been a go-to place for gifts, décor, furnishings and personal accessories like hats, handbags and cashmere wraps, the shop has evolved over the years.

Hayes still sells predominantly women’s apparel and accessories sourced from small, little-known vendors in Italy, France, Greece, Turkey, Morocco, India and beyond, but has increasingly moved toward private-label designs.

Shoppers will find more of Hayes’ own “house label” creations, including one-of-a-kind pieces like velveteen shoes, Hermès-inspired reversible silk scarfs, man-tailored shirting and Italian cashmere.

The shop also features favorite candles and exclusive Astier de Villatte white ceramics handmade in a Parisian workshop, alongside Etruscan revival charm bracelets and an extensive collection of white baroque pearls.

“My travels to Europe and Asia were the birth of my passion working with artisans, business owners and creative people who create the things we enjoy in our homes and closets,” Hayes told Noozhawk.

“My travel-inspired collections are ones I fell in love with from world cultures, design and fashion, and want to bring into my shop.”

Judy Foreman is a Noozhawk columnist and longtime local writer and lifestyles observer. She can be contacted at news@noozhawk.com. The opinions expressed are her own.