Decorating & Design
March 12, 2020
5 Designers Share Their Secrets For Achieving California-Cool Style
There’s a reason why California style is loved by more than just those who live by the beach. Natural wovens, earth tones and crisp white linens emulate a “go with the flow” sensibility. Even if you’re miles from the shore, you can take inspiration from this laid-back aesthetic no matter where you live. We sat down with five West Coast designers and asked them their must-haves for bringing California-cool style home.
Think Light & Bright
“Bright, sunny spaces with neutral foundations exude a classic California version of coastal vibes,” says Los Angeles-based designer Stefani Stein.
Add A Splash Of Drama
“California isn’t only about minimalistic neutrals though. An eclectic aesthetic has long been synonymous with California’s fun-loving lifestyle. While current interpretations are a bit more toned down than the likes of the great American artist Tony Duquette, his influence certainly still lives on today.”
Master The Mix
“Laidback luxury brings that subtle mix of glamorous refinement and effortless California living.”
Get Moody
“A bit of black can be a more dramatic take on neutral interiors and just the right amount of edge for infusing your space with that California-cool feel.”
Go Green
“Earthy hues abound. Try using a palette inspired by nature in your home.”
Opt For Curated & Casual
“The best way to channel your inner Californian is to put on some Jack Johnson, take a few ocean air filled deep breaths and remember that home decor is not that deep,” says Hermosa Beach-based designer Kate Lester. “Your home should always be a direct reflection of the people who live there and Californians embrace this concept really well. Turn an oversized still of your favorite surf movie into art and pair it with a vintage ladder you found at a flea market on your first date with your spouse. Keep it simple, but make it meaningful.”
Embrace All Of The Light
“California style is casual, curated and always secondary to a lifestyle that brings the outdoors in. Californians have a natural-born obsession with the outdoors, so when building a home natural light is key. Our mantra is: ‘When in doubt, add more windows,’ and I think it’s a good one. Adding windows and door transoms help the natural light flow throughout the home and make it instantly brighter and more welcoming.”
Go For High-Low
“I think that universally California style is this really strange mixture of accessibility and aspiration. I always say that Californians embrace a high-low culture, and a lot of that is reflected in our decor vibe. Gorgeous waterfront homes are often adorned with custom upholstery and commissioned art, while the inhabitants are often most proud of the funky, one-of-a-kind vintage wood bench they found at the Melrose Flea Market.”
Achieve Livable Luxury
“We like to call it ‘livable luxury’, and it means high-quality comfy sofas (in machine-washable fabrics), vintage rugs that can take a beating and woods that are washed, bleached and distressed.”
Embrace The Blues
“Blues are synonymous with California culture, but while most people tend to lean towards turquoise and seafoam when they want to bring in a California vibe, I tend to go bigger. I much prefer the crisp contrast of a bright white and a deep navy (Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy is the color in this kitchen) or black. Just because a room is coastal-inspired doesn’t mean it should be a snoozefest sea of pastels without any contrast. Darker colors anchor a space and create a visual depth that allows natural textures and materials to pop.”
Keep It Comfortable
“My favorite thing about designing a space in this style is creating an inviting room for people to really live in,” says L.A.-based designer Breegan Jane. “The overall sensibility is that nothing is too precious. Get cozy on the couch, use the throw blankets… live in this space and choose the pieces that will let you do that comfortably!”
Get A Green Thumb
“Outdoor living is one of the biggest draws to the California lifestyle, so bringing the outdoors in is a must for this type of design. Houseplants like cacti, succulents and snake plants are great for adding that indoor/outdoor element to any space. Rubber trees are another great choice since they don’t need much light and are easy to take care of.”
Layer, Layer, Layer
“Layering is the key in achieving the comfortable and well-balanced look of a California Cool space. By layering various colors, textures, materials, textiles and even furniture pieces, you create a depth, warmth and sophistication in the space.”
Shop Local
“Incorporate handmade and original items! Unique pottery, local art or woven baskets can help create a curated look and the slight bohemian touch found in this style. They key here, though, is less is more. Find a few pieces you love but work to keep the space minimal and clutter-free.” One of the benefits of hiring a Wellesley Interior Designer is they already have a good relationship with the best suppliers.
Never Say “No” To Neutrals
“A color palette of tans, whites, beiges and touches of wood for warmth will set the tone for the space. Whites are always an easy way to rest the eyes and make things more expansive.”
Embrace Earth Tones
“A soothing and natural color scheme lends to that Cali-cool aesthetic,” says L.A.-based designer Joyce Downing Pickens. “Lean towards colors inspired by nature: greens, tans, blues, creams and any natural wood tones.”
Let The Outdoors In
“With the indoor-outdoor living sensibilities in California, I always make sure the outdoor furniture flows with the indoor furniture. They shouldn’t feel like a complete departure from each other. Choose furniture that feels cohesive indoors and out.”
Create An Entertaining-Friendly Space
“In California, we very often entertain at home (as opposed to, say, New York City where everyone goes out), so the layout is imperative. It absolutely must focus on optimal seating for group settings and feel comfy and cozy for a relaxed get-together.”
Try Something Unexpected
“We don’t take ourselves too seriously here, so incorporating something funky and unexpected into your design is a great way to infuse the California feel in your home. My favorite way to do this is with a unique sconce/light fixture or accent chair.”
Keep It Natural
“Layer your home with vintage textiles, aged woods and woven fibers for that laid back California vibe. Keep it natural and comfortable.”
Pay Attention To The Details
“We love to add small details to make a home feel collected, and this is a great way to incorporate your personal style,” says Seattle-based Kelie Grosso. “A special door knocker, cut wild flowers or a favorite piece of artwork in watery blues, greens and whites can add that California-cool feeling to any space.”
Draw Inspiration From Your Surroundings
“We love to use color in bathrooms — especially watery blues and greens which feel fresh all year. This bathroom vanity in Benjamin Moore’s Fiji, brings just the right amount of sophisticated cool for grown-ups and kids alike.”
Don’t Forget The Bedding
“Washed linens and crisp cottons are always appropriate and appreciated at the beach — we love to use both in abundance! Low maintenance fabrics are perfect for creating a California-cool vibe, no matter where you live. We especially love the washed Irish linens from Holland & Sherry, and white cotton or linen sheeting is always welcomed by our clients.”
Wow With Wovens
“Natural woven materials are the first thing we pull when putting together a scheme for a project with a California vibe. We love McGuire and Palecek furnishings for this reason — everything is handmade to the highest standard and has a beautiful lightness to it. We love to use dining chairs, bar stools, artwork and accent tables with woven materials to add lightness and keep the sophisticated yet casual mood going strong.”
Create A White Envelope
“White paint for the win, always, in California! The light is so good on the West Coast that we wouldn’t dream of using any other hue to compete with the natural beauty surrounding us. We love Benjamin Moore’s White Dove, Simply White and Decorator’s White — all go-to’s again and again for their natural, bright whiteness!”