Stabiles Finds Stability

The initial attraction of Sam Guzmán’s Stabiles boutique was its mobile pop-up nature: His uniquely designed traveling truck full of home decor and artisan crafts caused much buzz when it began showing up on the cool corners of Santa Barbara two years ago. But on the verge of his third year, Guzmán decided to add a brick-and-mortar parking spot of sorts and opened Stabiles HQ at 127 West Canon Perdido Street, where he shares the space with Eco Friendly Cleaners.

The open and airy space in the cleaners’ atrium features Guzmán’s own wrapped-wire designs for holding plants as well as ceramics, bags of coffee, woven scarves, and aromatic soy candles. Toward the back is a 150-square-foot workshop, where ceiling-high shelves are stacked with artisanal Japanese towels, Peruvian alpaca throws, an assortment of stylish wool and flat-billed hats, and leather purses.

“We are going for the crème de la crème,” explained Guzmán, who focuses on functional arts and crafts. “If we can’t make something better, we won’t make it. When people buy, they get a lot of value, and these objects have value because of the people behind them.”