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Design Inspiration in the Instagram Era
The image above, which appears on my website for one of my new listings, could just as easily be featured on a top interior designer's Instagram account. The visually driven social media platform has solidified its place as the leading source of design inspiration. According to a recent study in Retail Touchpoints, an overwhelming 72% of users report making purchase decisions based on something they saw on Instagram. With endless scrollable eye candy and even the ability to shop what you see, Instagram has become a go-to source for decor ideas.
Interior design accounts on Instagram foster a more profound sense of connection between designers and homeowners. To such an extent that many in the industry believe Instagram has become the platform of choice for interior designers worldwide, transforming how they share their talents and inspiration.

Social Media Is Redefining “Pretty” in Design
In Santa Barbara and Montecito, a look that trends on Instagram today could shape kitchen design tomorrow. Before the rise of popular social media channels, mainstream brands dominated our idea of what was considered “attractive” in home decor. With big ad budgets and exclusive media relationships, they controlled what we saw in stores and magazines. But social media changed everything. Now, independent designers and boutique brands are building massive followings, bringing fresh, edgy, and more personal styles into the spotlight.

7 Interior Designers I Follow on Instagram
To see this phenomenon in action, look no further than Instagram itself. Here’s a list of some popular interior designers I follow that are setting the pace with their social-media-savvy approach to design:
- Justina Blakeney – Justina is the artist, designer, and even the inventor of the term “Jungalow” (jungle + bungalow). She crafts interiors that beg to be Instagrammed. Blakeney is a master of vibrant, plant-filled bohemian aesthetics, and her Instagram page overflows with colorful tropical inspiration. If you love eclectic greenery and bold patterns – perfect for our indoor-outdoor Santa Barbara lifestyle – @justinablakeney’s feed is a must-see.
- Emily Henderson – Henderson is an L.A.-based blogger, interior designer, and TV personality known for her refined-yet-bohemian interiors. Scroll through her Instagram (@em_henderson) and you’ll find bright, photogenic spaces filled with pops of color and vintage charm. Emily’s approachable tips and California-casual style make her feed especially relatable to design enthusiasts here in California.
- Corey Damen Jenkins is an interior designer, tastemaker, and media personality who injects high glamour into contemporary spaces. His feed (@coreydamenjenkins) showcases luxurious, sophisticated interiors with bold colors and patterns. For those in Montecito who love a touch of opulence, Corey’s posts are sure to inspire ideas.
- Young Huh – Principal and founder of Young Huh Interiors, this Detroit native infuses her designs with a fresh, summery elegance. Young Huh’s Instagram (@younghuh) is filled with bright, cheerful spaces that reflect her signature aesthetic. She’s an AD100 designer and often shares snapshots of her projects, travels, and inspirations. Her feed feels approachable yet refined – a perfect fit for anyone wanting to add a light and lively touch to their Santa Barbara home.
- Ariel Ashe & Reinaldo Leandro – Founders of the AD100 firm Ashe + Leandro, Ariel and Reinaldo are often dubbed the golden couple of interior design. Known for a “modern luxury” aesthetic that still feels comfortable and lived-in, the two create spaces with distinct style and warmth. Their Instagram (@ashe_leandro) serves as a second portfolio for their work – a wonderfully curated gallery of high-end yet inviting interiors that anyone can appreciate. It’s a great account to follow for ideas on blending sleek design with California cozy vibes in your own Montecito home.
- Amber Lewis - pioneered the relaxed “California casual” look that many homeowners in Montecito and Santa Barbara duplicate. As the founder of Amber Interiors, she creates bright, airy, and laid-back spaces that perfectly embody the SoCal lifestyle. Her Instagram (@amberinteriors) serves as a design paradise for fans of neutral tones, natural textures, and an effortlessly eclectic vibe. It’s no surprise that her style resonates on the American Riviera – her aesthetic is our lifestyle.
- Ken Fulk – An industry veteran and one of the most prominent names in interior design, Ken Fulk is renowned for his maximalist flair. On Instagram (@kenfulk), Fulk invites fans to glimpse into his visually driven lifestyle that resembles an Instagram dreamland. Following Ken will add bold inspiration to your feed and demonstrate how daring design can create a “wow” moment, even if you keep it simple for your own home.

We Want Our Lives (and Homes) to Be Insta-Worthy
Whether we acknowledge it or not, the design choices we make at home are increasingly shaped by what’s trending on Instagram. Our desire to craft a unique personal space is now tied to the curated looks we double-tap online. All of this has a real impact on how people style their spaces in Montecito and Santa Barbara, not just to express their personality, but also to create “Insta-worthy” moments on their own.
When it comes to real estate, anyone living here on the American Riviera should check out my Instagram page. I’d love to hear your thoughts and welcome your suggestions on other inspiring Instagram accounts I shouldn’t miss. (Send me a DM anytime!) And here’s another idea – all of the beautiful homes for sale on my website can provide real-life inspiration, especially if you’re looking to buy in the area. See something you love on my site or social media? Please call me at (805) 886-9378 or email me at Cristal@montecito-estate.com. I might know the perfect home for you. In the meantime, be sure to follow my other social media pages on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.
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