In late February, ahead of Santa Monica’s 150th anniversary this summer, resort Shutters on the Beach unveiled its newly reimagined lobby (also known as the “Living Room”) to welcome a fresh chapter while honoring the hotel’s legacy. It arrives in the aftermath of the recent wildfires in the Los Angeles area, emphasizing Shutters’ renewed commitment to connection, hospitality, and heritage. The property served as a refuge for many families and pets displaced by the wildfires, and furniture replaced during the renovation has been pledged to Santa MoniCARES, a coalition of Santa Monica organizations that supports area nonprofits through volunteer work, funding, and in-kind donations.
“The redesign creates an airy, welcoming atmosphere, true to Shutters’ relaxed beach-house style,” says Christophe Baraton, general manager at Shutters on the Beach. “We also enhanced the seating arrangement for more versatility. The timeline serendipitously coincided with Santa Monica’s 150th anniversary, allowing us to present this new space as a meaningful tribute to our beloved community. The fires this year deeply impacted so many Angelenos, including our beloved Pacific Palisades neighbors. During this challenging period, our staff went above and beyond to make everyone feel at home. The Living Room offered a comforting refuge where families could gather, enjoy a meal, or relax. Witnessing Shutters become a haven for solace and connection was inspiring.”
Led by acclaimed Los Angeles-based design studio Nickey Kehoe, the Living Room’s sophisticated design blends contemporary refinement with timeless elegance, breathing new life into the space while preserving an intimate and inviting atmosphere. The space is anchored by a reconceptualized seating layout that encourages guest interaction.
”We aimed to pay tribute to Shutters’ rich history while infusing the space with a renewed, sophisticated energy, achieved through the careful interplay of light, saturation, and texture,” says Amy Kehoe, co-founder of Nickey Kehoe. “The result is a luxurious retreat that embraces the property’s oceanfront setting, with a timeless design that creates a welcoming space for guests to gather, unwind, and truly feel at home.”
Set against glossy cream walls, refined custom banquettes and cocktail tables by Nickey Kehoe are among the newest additions to the Living Room. Groups of all sizes are invited to gather near the repositioned reception area, which is framed by rope-inspired light fixtures and cordage sconces by Paris-based Tisserant Art & Style, as well as unique barrel-style faux tortoiseshell chairs. A serene palette of ivory and cerulean blues reflects the ocean’s natural hues alongside rich mahogany accents that evoke a subtle maritime spirit.
“Nickey Kehoe drew inspiration from the timeless beauty of the California coastline and Shutters’ beachfront location,” Baraton says. “The company’s vision accentuates the breathtaking ocean views and creates a seamless connection between our interiors and the vibrant spirit of Santa Monica State Beach.”
Shutters on the Beach also tapped renowned fine art advisor Cynthia Greenwald to acquire three new artworks for the transformed space, which is home to a modern art collection curated by Greenwald. The commissioned “Sky Above Water” by LA-based artist Grant Levy-Lucero hangs above the reception desk and brings the artist’s signature pop-art inspired vibrancy to the space. Ann Craven’s “Quiet Moon” lends a sense of tranquility with its luminous brushstrokes, while “L.A. Uncovered #5” by Robert Rauschenberg is a screen print that captures the layered energy of LA through mixed media.
A popular meetings and events destination, Shutters on the Beach offers multiple spaces for groups of all sizes, ranging from an intimate private dining room to the Grand Salon that hosts up to 400 people. Many of the event spaces and meeting rooms offer stunning ocean views to further enhance creativity and collaboration.
Attendees at the hotel have ample opportunities to experience team-building activities on the beach, including picnics, bike rides, and outdoor breakout sessions, all designed to inspire teamwork while embracing the coastal environment. The hotel also offers top-tier audiovisual solutions to ensure smooth presentations, meetings, and lighting, supported by a team of professionals that help manage every technical aspect. Coming along with the lobby renovation is the Noteworthy program, which introduces rotating experiences in the Living Room such as wine dinners and exclusive tastings, live music at sunset, an enhanced craft cocktail menu, and various exciting activations.
“With our unobstructed oceanfront location, Shutters on the Beach combines unparalleled views, sophisticated ambience, outstanding cuisine, artisanal cocktails, and live music,” Baraton says. “Coupled with our warm, authentic service, every gathering at Shutters becomes an unforgettable experience. We deeply cherish the ongoing relationships we build with our meetings and events clients who return year after year. It is always gratifying to welcome familiar faces and continuously create memorable experiences together.”
