How to Do California Casual at Home
1 | Bright + Airy Interiors
The most important factor that distinguishes California casual design from Scandinavian design is the abundance of natural light and brightness that you get in Californian interiors. When you think of California style, you think of breezy, airy spaces, and one way to achieve this look is with a white foundation. White walls, white sofas, white chairs and white rugs that feature subtle pops of neutral color and graphic pattern will do the trick. Just check out the living room above from @nativehabitatdesign.
2 | Neutral, Earthy Colors
We often associate different styles and design themes with signature colors, and the California casual color palette is no different. As a combination of the laidback aesthetic and the California look, it’s no surprise that typical California casual hues include cozy neutrals, as well as organic earth tones that conjure up images of the dreamy West Coast landscape. From forest, olive and succulent greens to warm tans and beiges, @jcdesign1.1 blends them all together seamlessly.
3 | Natural Details
A unifying element of California and casual homes is their heavy reliance on natural materials, details and textures. Both styles embrace outdoor living and focus on bringing hints of the environment inside in order to create a more holistic experience. Merging interior and exterior spaces is of the utmost importance in this design, and pieces like leather sectionals, wood tables, jute rugs and indoor plants help establish the desired ambiance. In the living room above, @vibrantlyvaldez has composed an organic setting that hits all of the right notes.
4 | Minimalist Methods
Casual and Californian interiors also share a minimalist approach to design. While a majority of California casual character is conveyed through earth tones, natural materials and organic details, all of these elements are meticulously employed in a clean, clutter-free way. Every item in a California casual space is thoughtfully, methodically chosen. To continue that streamlined theme, many of the pieces are crisp and sleek, as you can see in this bedroom by @shelterresidential.
5 | Light Wood Tones
Another defining characteristic of California casual design is the use of light wood over dark wood. Light wood tones support the breezy, casual, laidback vibe that’s synonymous with Californian style, as well as the neutral colors and natural materials we see in these spaces. From floors, to shelves, to furniture, you can opt for warm, blonde woods that showcase all of those one-of-a-kind imperfections we love. This living room by @laceandgraceinteriors is rich and inviting, and the wood tones are the perfect complement.
6 | Mid-Century Flair
At the heart of Californian and casual-chic style is an appreciation and implementation of classic mid-century design. The emphasis on simplicity and utility, form and function is a thread that ties all of these aesthetics together. In Caifornia casual interiors, you’ll find an abundance of pieces with clean lines, tapered legs, crisp edges and tailored details. Our Alton bedroom set in the retreat of @amarshy2 works like a charm.
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Editorial Disclaimer: Articles featuring tips and advice are intended for educational purposes and only as general recommendations. Always practice personal discretion when using and caring for furniture, decor and related items.
