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DESIGN 101
California Casual
When you think of a house in California, what comes to mind? The California casual style inspires thoughts of bright, airy rooms, laid-back luxury, and a blend of nature-inspired textures, colors, and details.
From beachy bungalows to seaside cottages, this coastal design style pays homage to the natural world, seamlessly blending aesthetics to create a space that feels modern, rustic, and coastal all at once.
Whatever design elements you choose, the California casual look is about the indoor-outdoor feel, inviting guests to kick their shoes off and enjoy the carefree oasis.
What Is California Casual Style?
California Casual interior design may have started on the coast of the Golden State, but it’s endured for decades to become a staple of interior design across the country. The style is all about embracing the merge between indoor and outdoor living.
California casual seamlessly blends aesthetics to create a coastal and modern interior while incorporating rustic and vintage charm. Full of natural wood tones, neutral colors, coastal accents, cozy textures, and rustic finishes, the style should feel casual and laid back, with just an edge of elegance and sophistication.
While it’s similar to the rustic and modern interior of the farmhouse style, this style is distinctly West Coast. It embraces natural light, brings in nature-inspired elements, and takes color inspiration from the sea — gentle blues, sandy neutrals, and pure whites.
Comfort is also the foundation of this style. Textured throws and rugs, along with plush seating, invite you to sink into relaxation. The space should balance cozy and minimalist, still feeling lived-in without cluttered surfaces or overflowing storage.
What’s the History Behind California Casual Style?
This casual, yet refined interior design look started primarily along California’s long coastline, from San Diego to Malibu. As its origin suggests, the style is deeply rooted in California’s unique culture — a relaxed and outdoor-oriented lifestyle.
It also draws from the mid century modern movement, which emphasizes simplicity and integration with nature. That’s why the California casual style leans towards architecture with open floor plans, large windows, and an emphasis on both indoor and outdoor living. Some notes of this style may have also emerged from the area’s Spanish-inspired architecture, like the rustic charm, clean lines, and neutral tones that reflect the beach and sea.
What Are the Elements of California Casual Interior Design?
When done right, California casual design should transport you to the relaxing and chic feel of beachside living. But how can you achieve the ideal balance between the streamlined, modern look and relaxing ocean-inspired vibes?
The key is to incorporate the right design elements. From color palettes to curated pieces, here are a few design elements that make up the California casual look.
When done right, California casual design should transport you to the relaxing and chic feel of beachside living. But how can you achieve the ideal balance between the streamlined, modern look and relaxing ocean-inspired vibes?
The key is to incorporate the right design elements. From color palettes to curated pieces, here are a few design elements that make up the California casual look.
Neutral color palettes
A neutral color palette creates a serene and calming backdrop that complements the relaxing feel of California casual design. Think whites, creams, beiges, blues, and light grays.
Organic materials
Organic materials like natural fibers, rattan, wicker, linen, stone, bamboo, and ceramic bring the subtle feel of an outdoor landscape. Other natural elements like indoor plants, dried botanicals, pieces of driftwood, or woven baskets can also connect the design to nature.
Coastal accents
The right coastal accents — seashells, coral, driftwood, and other nautical details — can help add a beachy feel to the home, without being too overwhelming.
Curated decor
California casual is all about embracing both modern and vintage. A curated mix of decor, from antique finds to contemporary wall art, can help create a modern yet timeless charm.
Casual furnishings
Look for furniture made from natural materials such as wood, rattan, wicker, and bamboo. Along with a few plush pillows and fabrics, these design elements add an organic warmth and texture to the space.
Light and airy curtains
California casual is all about letting in the natural light. That means using light and airy curtains that allow plenty of natural light to filter through, like sheer curtains or woven bamboo blinds.
Coastal California Architecture
Coastal California architecture embraces open, airy spaces, allowing a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor living.
The emphasis on outdoor ambiance means that many coastal homes feature courtyards or outdoor patios, as well as outdoor kitchens, dining areas, and lounge spaces. Large sliding glass doors make the outdoors easily accessible while inviting more natural light indoors.
California architecture also uses large windows to bring the outdoor feel to indoor space, providing an expansive view of the surrounding landscape. The size of the windows also plays into the open, breezy, and bright feel of the interior.
How To Bring Cali Casual Style Into Your Home
Bringing California casual style into your home is all about melding the modern and vintage with a laid-back coastal feel. But how do you achieve this particular look?
Here are some ways to decorate a room in the California casual style.
Find the right backdrop
Choose a color scheme inspired by the coastal landscape, like sandy neutrals, soft blues, light grays, or earthy coastal tones. For a bolder look, don’t be afraid to add a pop of coastal-themed color like turquoise, coral, or seafoam green.
Not every room is designed with California architecture in mind — brighter neutrals and whites can help make rooms feel more spacious.
Emphasize comfort
For the furniture, look for pieces that blend comfort and sophistication. For example, deep-seated sofas with oversized cushions or low-slung armchairs upholstered in natural fabrics like linen or cotton.
Stick to subtle coastal elements
Everything from rattan furniture to a woven rug can layer a natural coastal feel to the space. Just be sure not to lean too coastal with your decor — if it’s too nautical or beachy, it might feel overpowering rather than casual.
Mix vintage and contemporary
Bring in your choice of decorative pieces, including both vintage and contemporary pieces. Keep it clean and simple, but incorporate a few subtle and eclectic patterns to add visual interest without overwhelming the senses. Think mismatched accent chairs or intricately patterned textiles.
California casual: embracing the laid-back charm of West Coast living
Rooms designed in the California casual style are exactly what you think when you imagine a Californian home — coastal vibes meet laid-back luxury. This style features a neutral modern palette with rustic finishes and just a touch of seaside charm. It’s a celebration of light, openness, and a connection to the outdoors.
To create an inviting home with a California feel, you need the right furniture to match. Explore our curated collections of furniture and decor pieces to transform your space into a sophisticated coastal paradise.