Holly Lepere to Release Private Homes of Santa Barbara

The photographer's new design book debuts October 27, 2026, to showcase the local design community.

Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Interior Decorating

Bold vector editorial illustration of a Spanish-style archway and stucco wall, capturing the architectural aesthetic of Santa Barbara. — Photographer Holly Lepere will release her new book, 'Private Homes of Santa Barbara,' on October 27, 2026, celebrating local residential design. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Photographer Holly Lepere will release her new book, Private Homes of Santa Barbara, on October 27, 2026. Published by Gibbs Smith, the work celebrates the local Santa Barbara design community.

Why it matters

The book serves as a follow-up to Lepere's successful 2020 project, Private Gardens of Santa Barbara, which saw high sales reported by the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. It aims to honor the architects, designers, and builders who shape the region's aesthetic.

The new volume features project narratives from a variety of local architects, designers, and builders. A portion of the proceeds from the book's sales will be donated to the nonprofit organization Amor.

The players

Holly Lepere

She is a professional photographer who founded her own business in Santa Barbara in 2001 after attending the Brooks Institute of Photography.

Gibbs Smith

This is the publishing house responsible for releasing the new collection of Santa Barbara homes.

Amor

This is a nonprofit organization that will receive a portion of the book's proceeds to support its charitable work.

The details

Lepere, who launched her photography business in Santa Barbara in 2001, spent years documenting diverse residential styles for this collection. The book bridges the gap between architectural history and personal home design through detailed project narratives.

Holly Lepere started her photography business in 2001.
Her previous book, Private Gardens of Santa Barbara, was published in 2020.
The Santa Barbara Museum of Art requested this new volume at the end of 2024.
Private Homes of Santa Barbara will be released on October 27, 2026.

Culture Shift

This release follows a successful commercial precedent set by the Santa Barbara Museum of Art's 2020 sales report for Private Gardens of Santa Barbara. It reflects a growing cultural movement to archive and celebrate local residential architecture and regional design heritage.

Readers interested in local architecture can anticipate the book's availability starting October 27, 2026. Purchasing the book provides a direct way for residents to support the nonprofit Amor while gaining insight into the work of area designers.

The takeaway

Design enthusiasts can gain unique access to the region's most exclusive homes through these professional narratives. Supporting this publication offers a tangible way to engage with the local design community and charitable causes.