Although John Saladino has designed innumerable houses, inside and out, planned gardens, and created furniture and accessories that have become iconic elements, he often refers to his own homes to illustrate the concepts that define him. From the famous Robin Hill estate in Norfolk, Connecticut, and the magical Villa di Lemma in Montecito, California (both previously owned by Saladino), to his current Santa Barbara house, the designer talks about how he moves through the spaces and how they frame vistas. He describes the long axial spine, the solarium, and garden of his present home. Saladino talks, too, about perspective, cocooning, and how light plays throughout.

“Subtle color, deep color, rich color—it’s all part of the illusion that leads to greater depth,” he explains. “It’s not about the color you think you see, it’s the implication of color.” This is John Saladino the Philosopher speaking.

John Saladino is an instantly recognizable name in the industry. But design was not where he began. Having initially studied at Notre Dame and the Yale School of Art and Architecture, he had every intention of becoming a painter. When that avenue proved too solitary for a man who loves the interactive process, he gravitated to interior design. “And I have to say, I’ve done that rather well,” he concedes.

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WRITTEN BY TOVAH MARTIN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEXANDRE BAILHACHE, PETER MARGONELLI, ANTOINE BOOTZ, and CAROLE PITTELMAN

This story appeared in the Summer 2022 issue of MILIEU.