The Latest: Jul 18, 2011

Name: Penny, Petra and Sydney CortrightLocation: The Mesa — Santa Barbara, CaliforniaSize: 2,600 square feet (including a 600 square foot attached studio rental)Years lived in: 20 — owned Never have I turned a corner to face a staircase that literally reads, painted on the stairs, “And I’ll Buy You a Stairway to Heaven.” This detail leads to many more creative twists and turns, as I toured this unique home on the top of a hill in Santa Barbara.

Name: David and MartaLocation: East Village, Downtown — San Diego, CaliforniaSize: 820 square feetYears lived in: 5 years — rented This loft in downtown San Diego has a soaring 35-foot ceiling and exposed rafters and pipes, which bring a raw edge to David and Marta’s pared-down style. The space also makes a stylish backdrop for the surf and California-themed prints David designs as Orange & Park.