The California Casual style, also known as “California Cool” or “California Coastal,” is a breath of fresh air in the world of interior design. This Transitional style seamlessly blends the best elements of modern, rustic, and coastal aesthetics to create a relaxed, casual, yet timeless look. Whether you’re redecorating your living room or your entire home, this guide will help you infuse your space with the laid-back yet chic vibe of California Casual style.
California Casual style skyrocketed in popularity over the past few years, with scroll-stopping designs by Studio McGee and Amber Interiors taking center stage. It’s an ideal design style for those who want to focus on comfort without sacrificing style, and for those who want their home to look sophisticated, yet approachable. I love decorating in this style, because it combines so many of the best aspects from other trendy and timeless styles, and is extremely versatile.
Key Features of California Casual Style
Every design style is defined by specific key features that bring that style to life. Let’s take a look at the key features of California Casual style, and see how you can get the look in your home.
White Walls
When it comes to designing a California Casual room, creating a light and bright space is extremely important. White walls are a hallmark of California Casual style, but you can also achieve the same look with off-whites, light beiges, or even light grays. Using paint colors with some warmth to them will help keep your rooms from looking sterile. Check out my post on the best white paint colors for interiors for some great options.
Focus on Texture
Texture plays a major role in California Casual style, adding depth and sophistication to the overall design. A variety of textures should be used to create a layered, lived-in look that is both visually interesting and feels inviting.. From the roughness of reclaimed woods and baskets, to the softness of natural fabrics, adding in different textures ensures that your space will feel cozy, just like the relaxed vibe of California Casual living. Check out my post on using texture in your home for tips on creating warm and welcomgin living spaces.
Natural Wood Tones and Earthy Colors
California Casual interiors are known for their use of natural elements, which bring warmth and a sense of calm to any space. The color palette typically involves a mix of warm and cool earthy tones, complemented by soft white walls. This style celebrates the natural beauty of wood through exposed beams, hardwood floors, and wooden furniture pieces that often have more rustic finishes.
Laid-Back Lighting
For California Casual interiors, light fixtures tend to be more utilitarian, blending modern simplicity with organic, rustic materials. Lamps with ceramic or wooden bases, and pendant lights made from natural materials, like rattan or bamboo are often used to bring an earthy touch to the room. Using a mix of overhead lighting, floor lamps, and table lamps will create a warm and inviting atmosphere perfect for a California Casual home. Avoid lighting that is overly ornate or flashy.
Organic Materials
Embracing the west-coast mindset of living in harmony with nature, the California Casual design style uses a ton of organic materials like linen, rustic woods, cane, and rattan. These materials are not only sustainable but also add a layer of texture and depth to your interior spaces. Incorporating elements like jute rugs, linen upholstery, and rattan furniture helps achieve that quintessential laid-back California vibe.
Indoor-Outdoor Living
One of the hallmarks of California Casual design is the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living. This is often achieved through the use of large windows or glass doors that open up to outdoor spaces, creating a seamless flow from the interior of your home to the exterior.The use of natural materials extends outside as well, with teak furniture and light neutral outdoor fabrics that reflect the interior color scheme.
Neutral Furnishings
Furnishings in California Casual homes are characterized by their neutral color palette, which includes shades of beige, taupe, gray, and other earth tones (e.g., olive, clay). These subdued colors will give your home a ton of design flexibility, making it easy to incorporate pops of color through accessories like throw pillows and decorative objects.
California Casual furniture pieces feature clean, modern lines, but are plush and comfortable, inviting you to relax and unwind. The furniture can be curved or have an organic shape to it, but it usually has minimal ornamentation. You can also mix modern and vintage furniture pieces with this style for a timeless look.
My Expert Tips for Achieving the California Casual Look in Your Home
1. Start with a Light Neutral Wall Color
Begin by painting your walls in soft, light colors like warm white or a light greige, which will make your rooms feel more spacious and airy. A light neutral backdrop is perfect for highlighting the rich textures and subtle colors of your furniture and decor. Discover my top picks for Benjamin Moore greige paint colors and Sherwin-Williams greiges for some beautiful alternatives to white.
2. Emphasize Texture and Layering
California Casual is all about texture. Layer different materials through textiles, such as wool, cotton, and linen, to add visual interest and warmth. Then, add rustic woods, leather accents, baskets, or woven wall hangings to amp up the room’s texture.
3. Mix Modern and Vintage Elements
Blend modern furniture with vintage pieces to create a space that feels both current and timeless. This could mean pairing a modern coffee table with a vintage leather armchair or incorporating a mid-century modern sideboard alongside contemporary art. There’s a ton of flexibility here, and opportunity to showcase favorite pieces from your travels, or family heirlooms.
4. Focus on Comfort
Every piece of furniture should invite you to sit down and relax. Choose sofas and chairs that offer deep seating and plush cushions. Throw pillows and soft throw blankets in earthy colors and subtle patterns can add an extra layer of comfort and luxury. Look for pieces with a variety of soft fabrics, like linen and velvet.
5. Create Inviting Spaces
The goal of California Casual design is to make every area of your home feel welcoming. Arrange your furniture to encourage conversation and downtime. Ensure that every seating area feels cozy and is complemented by soft lighting and easy-to-reach coffee tables or side tables.
6. Incorporate Plants
Large plants and potted trees breathe life into your home and help make your spaces look more complete and cozy. Choose plants that are easy to maintain and that will thrive in your home’s natural light conditions. If you have a brown thumb (like me) don’t be afraid to use faux plants in beautiful planters. And, don’t forget about your kitchens and bathrooms! These spaces are filled with cold hard materials, and really benefit from the softness of plants. Check out my post on the power of plants in interior design for more tips.
7. Celebrate Open Spaces
California Casual rooms have a minimalist feel to them. It’s important to maintain a clutter-free environment with minimal extra decor to let the major design elements shine. Aim for open spaces that are light and airy, without a lot of clutter, to help create that tranquil on-vacation vibe. Check our my post on stylish storage solutions for beautiful ways to control the clutter.
Conclusion
California Casual style is perfect for anyone looking to create a home that combines timeless elegance with a feeling of casual relaxation. By following these tips and incorporating the key features of the style (like white walls, natural materials, and comfortable furnishings), you can bring the laid-back luxury of California into your own home.
If you love the look of California Casual design, consider similar styles like Organic Modern, Rustic Modern, Modern Coastal, and Modern Farmhouse, each offering some unique and subtle differences that might also resonate with your personality and decorating style. Dig into each style and discover how you can blend your favorite parts of each style to perfect your home’s California-inspired look.
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