Judy Foreman: Canvas Paints a Fresh Fashion Picture on State Street | Homes & Lifestyle

On a recent visit to downtown Santa Barbara, the windows at Canvas boutique caught my eye.

Located at 1307 State St., next to Jane restaurant and near the historic Arlington Theatre in the Arts District, brightly colored sweaters were practically shouting “spring” and “buy me.”

Which I did, without hesitation.

That pop of color in an effortless cardigan and pullover (where the only difficulty was choosing which color to buy) was exactly what I needed to breathe life into my mostly black winter wardrobe.

Stepping inside, the bright, clean interior showcased framed photographs by Montecito artist Michael Haber setting the perfect mood.

The well-organized displays invite browsing without overwhelming the senses, creating an atmosphere that feels both curated and accessible. I couldn’t help wondering how I hadn’t discovered this gem sooner.

I was warmly greeted by owner Karen Johnson, a UC Santa Barbara graduate whose retail journey began in Mill Valley.

For more than 20 years, she owned home, shoe, jewelry and fashion boutiques on the bay in Tiburon before closing in 2020.

After pivoting to styling, home improvement and commercial staging, she returned to Santa Barbara six months ago, opening Canvas in October 2024.

“Santa Barbara has been calling me back the past 30 years,” Johnson told Noozhawk, “and with two kids at UCSB this year, it seemed like the right time to return.”

Her global travels inform her carefully curated collection, with standout pieces sourced from Italy, Spain and Australia.

While Johnson loves everything in her store, the Back 70 streetwear sneakers, vibrant sweaters and long satin skirts from Italy are particular standouts.

Price points are refreshingly reasonable for the quality, with most items ranging from everyday accessible to moderate splurge territory.

Johnson’s merchandising technique is all about balance — blending classic basics with statement pieces.

“I curate unique pieces so each person can add their sense of style in how they wear it,” she explained.

“Because of the seasons in Santa Barbara, layering is always in style.”

Start with a blank canvas, she advised, and add a sweater, jeans, tennies, a white T-shirt, a great belt and handbag, and you’re set for most anywhere in town. Other than the Tiara Ball.

Candles by Voyage et Cie and Mediterranean-inspired scents by Acqua dell’Elba in turquoise glass bottles transported me to Italian shores without booking a flight.

Large coffee table books make perfect gifts while providing inspiration for home design enthusiasts.

In a pretty alcove, I discovered white ceramic pieces for home or office alongside printed satin skirts and camisoles in animal prints and indigo tie-dyed patterns.

The denim selection deserves special mention. Canvas carries white jeans and traditional denim that could work equally well for a dressy date night or casual weekend paired with one of those irresistible chunky sweaters.

Canvas fills a perfect niche in our town with its timeless quality and approachable aesthetic, and has quickly become one of my favorite comfortable stop-and-shops in Santa Barbara.

The boutique is open 11 a.m to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, and note that the 1300 block of State Street is open to vehicles and street parking.

You can check it out yourself at Canvas’ grand opening, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. April 24.