If you’ve been following along for a while, you know how much I love modern coastal style — and particularly its breezy West Coast version, California casual style. So today I’m taking a look at this beautiful aesthetic, with ideas for bringing a touch of California casual (also called California coastal) style to your home, and more.
Whether you’re already a fan of California casual interior design or are simply interested in learning more about this popular design style, I hope you’ll find some helpful ideas and inspiration in this post.
First, I’ll share an overview of California casual interior design and how it differs from other design styles, then I’ll share some tips for how to decorate with California coastal style in your home.
What is California casual interior design?
California style interior design originated on the west coast of the U.S., and is a relaxed aesthetic that effortlessly blends the warm tones of Mediterranean style with natural materials and organic modern decor, resulting in light, airy, and welcoming spaces.
California casual home decor is all about creating a relaxed and comfortable yet chic and luxurious atmosphere in the home, making it one of the most popular design styles for 2024.
Pure Salt Interiors – similar table – similar table
Three key features of California casual home decor include:
- Neutral Colors: the California casual decorating style is known for its use of neutral colors, such as white, oatmeal, beige, caramel, taupe, and light grey. These colors create a calm and soothing atmosphere — perfect for a laid-back home.
- Natural Materials: California contemporary design also incorporates natural materials like wood, stone, and jute. These organic materials add warmth and texture to your home and create a connection to the outdoors.
- Comfort: furniture pieces in a California casual home are typically comfortable and cozy, with plush sofas and chairs that are perfect for lounging. Slipcovers and soft textiles like cotton, linen, and wool are also commonly used.
With its warm color palette, organic touches, natural stone elements, and understated elegance, this beautiful kitchen is a great example of what California casual style spaces are looking like in 2024.
Intimate Living Interiors – similar counter stools
How does California casual interior design differ from other decorating styles?
Since California casual interior design is a relaxed, elevated aesthetic that’s both welcoming and chic, it’s often compared to other design styles, including organic modern, Mediterranean, bohemian, and modern coastal.
While there are some similarities, there are also a few key differences that separate California casual from other decorating styles.
- Mediterranean style: While California casual interior design is characterized by simplified and minimalistic shapes, natural textures, and a blend of light and warm tones, Mediterranean style spaces often include ornamentation, bright and vibrant colors, and dark furnishings.
- Organic modern: While both California casual and organic modern interior design are known for their clean lines, warm wood tones, and minimalist aesthetic, California casual style tends to be a bit more refined and focused on conveying the west-coast lifestyle.
- Bohemian: Bohemian or boho style is typically an eclectic and laidback aesthetic. And while California casual design can also be eclectic and relaxed, it tends to be more restrained and focused on natural materials and neutral colors.
- Modern coastal: Modern coastal design is known for its use of ocean-inspired colors and decor. And while California casual interior design is a version of coastal style, it tends to be more understated and focused on natural materials, rather than seaside artwork and motifs.
How to Bring the California Casual Look to Your Home
If you’d like to bring a touch of California casual interior design to your home, here are a few ideas to help you get started.
1. Start with a neutral color palette
California casual home decor is typically based on a warm, neutral color palette, so your first step is to add some neutral colors in your home decor. Think white, off-white, beige, taupe, camel, warm grays, and oatmeal.
These colors create a calm and soothing atmosphere that’s perfect for a laid-back California casual home.
2. Choose comfortable furniture
To create a relaxed California casual atmosphere in the living room, look for comfortable, cozy furniture like plush sofas and chairs.
A California casual style living room typically incorporates an abundance of natural elements such as wood, baskets, natural rugs, woven light fixtures, and fabrics like cotton and linen.
Slipcovers and soft textiles like cotton, linen, velvet, and wool are also commonly used in California casual home decor.
3. Layer on the textures and textiles
California casual interior design relies heavily on textures to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, so feel free to mix and match different textures like woven furniture, linen, cotton, wool, jute, and leather to add depth to your space.
California casual style also embraces comfort, so don’t forget to add in plenty of soft and cozy textiles to your design.
Pure Salt Interiors for Katrina Scott
Layer in textured throw pillows, plush area rugs, and woven blankets to give your space a cozy, welcoming feel.
Jute rugs and boucle’ chairs are also great options to add organic texture to your space.
4. Add organic and natural elements
One of the key elements of California contemporary design is the use of natural materials, so make sure to incorporate materials like wood, stone, and plants into your design to create an organic, earthy feel.
Bring the outdoors in with potted plants, fresh flowers, and woven rugs.
Incorporate wooden accents like a live edge coffee table or a reclaimed wood bench.
Stone accents, like a natural stone fireplace or floor, can also help create a sense of groundedness and earthiness in your space.
Natural materials add warmth and texture to your home and create a connection to the outdoors, which is a hallmark of California casual design.
5. Keep it simple
The overall California casual aesthetic is unpretentious and unfussy, with an emphasis on comfort and ease, so avoid clutter and excessive decorations.
Instead, choose a few key pieces that are both functional and beautiful.
California coastal design features casual and simple decor, such as woven baskets, natural fibers, and vintage finds.
Since California casual style is all about simplicity and ease, it’s a good idea to keep your spaces uncluttered and light.
Choose furniture with clean lines and simple silhouettes, and avoid anything overly ornate or fussy.
A limited color palette of neutral tones and earthy hues will help create a cohesive look throughout the space.
Pure Salt Interiors – chandelier – dining chairs
6. Embrace indoor-outdoor living
In California, outdoor living is just as important as indoor living.
One way to create a seamless transition between your indoor and outdoor spaces is by using similar color palettes and materials.
Brandon Architects and Patterson Custom Homes
If you don’t have easy access to your outdoor areas, large windows and doors let in natural light and help create a feeling of connection between indoors and out.
California Casual Home Decor Ideas, Room by Room
California casual design can easily be incorporated in any area of your home, indoors and out.
Pure Salt Interiors – chandelier
Here are some ideas for how to create a chic, modern, elevated look in different rooms of your home:
California casual living room ideas
An open-layout living room is the perfect place to incorporate California casual design.
Pure Salt Interiors – similar sectionals here, here and here – similar coffee tables here and here.
To add a modern, casual aesthetic to your living room or family room, look for comfortable sofas and chairs in neutral colors like white or beige.
Then add in some texture with natural materials like a jute rug or wooden coffee table.
Decorate with woven baskets, vintage finds, and potted plants to create a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.
California casual bedroom ideas
In the bedroom, choose a cozy bed with soft linens and plush pillows.
Add texture with a natural fiber rug or woven wall hanging.
Keep the decor minimal and uncluttered, with a few well-chosen decor items like a wooden bedside table or vintage dresser.
Janette Mallory Interiors – light fixture
California casual kitchen ideas
In a California casual style kitchen, choose natural materials like wood or stone for your countertops and backsplash.
Pure Salt Interiors – counter stools
Incorporating a warm wood kitchen island and/or wooden beams is a wonderful way to bring the California casual look to your home.
Kate Marker Interiors – pendants – vintage runner
A mix of warm woods, white, and black are prevalent in 2024 kitchen trends, as beautifully illustrated in this California casual style kitchen design:
The Cabinet Gallery Utah – Cambridge Home Co. – pendant lights – similar counter stools
Woven light fixtures are another way to bring a chic West Coast aesthetic to the kitchen.
Pure Salt Interiors – similar pendant light
Open shelving brings added warmth to a California casual kitchen, while providing a place to display favorite dishes, artwork, and vintage finds.
Pure Salt Interiors – similar pendant light
California casual dining room ideas
Decorating with California casual style in the dining room creates a relaxed and inviting atmosphere — perfect for lingering after dinner.
Anthology Creative Studio – woven pendants
Start by incorporating natural materials like wood, wicker, and linen to add texture and warmth to the space.
Incorporate neutral colors like beige, cream for a California coastal touch.
Pure Salt Interiors – chandelier
A striped rug, curved window, and woven pendant light bring a touch of California casual style to this chic dining room.
To complete the look, add some simple yet elegant decor pieces such as a cashmere throw or a large vase filled with fresh greenery.
California casual bathroom ideas
In the bathroom, choose natural materials like a wooden vanity and/or stone tile flooring.
Add texture to a California casual bathroom with bath mats, woven lighting, or a natural fiber rug.
Keep the decor simple and emphasize a warm aesthetic.
Thoughtful details like wall paneling, wood, cabinetry, and touches of warm brass bring a touch of chic California casual style to this stylish master bathroom.
Here’s a chic California casual bathroom design featuring twin vanities in a light oak wood finish, a freestanding tub, and statement chandelier.
California casual entryway ideas
Decorating with Cali casual style in the entryway helps set the tone for the rest of your home.
Start by incorporating natural elements like a woven rug or a wooden table or bench to create a warm and welcoming ambiance.
Opt for light colors such as white, cream, or beige to keep the space feeling open and airy.
Finally, add in some greenery, such as a potted plant or a vase of fresh flowers, to bring in a touch of nature.
Lindye Galloway Studio – artwork
California casual patio ideas
California contemporary design is a great way to create a comfortable, relaxed, and stylish atmosphere in your home — indoors and out!
As with indoors, opt for a neutral color palette with pops of green via plants to create a calming and relaxing environment.
Design Works – Photo by Ryan Garvin
For more patio decorating ideas, see my post, Beautiful Patio Ideas for Relaxed Outdoor Living.
Skout Interior Design – hanging chairs
Where to Shop for California Casual and California Coastal Furniture & Decor
Pure Salt Interiors – similar coffee table here and here
Investing in California coastal furniture and decor doesn’t have to break the bank.
Below are a few of my favorite places to shop for California casual rugs, lighting, pillows, decor, coffee tables, sofas, chairs, and sectionals in 2024:
BR Home
Jenni Kayne
Dear Keaton
Pottery Barn
McGee & Co.
Arhaus
Serena & Lily
Wayfair
California casual sofas, sectionals, and chairs:
California coastal coffee tables:
California contemporary living room rugs:
California coastal artwork:
California casual decor and pillows:
California coastal lighting ideas:
Whether you’re looking to update your living room, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, or patio, California casual design offers a chic, laid-back aesthetic that’s perfect for just about any style of home.
By incorporating a neutral color palette, natural materials, layered textures and textiles, comfortable furniture, and relaxed decor, you can bring this comfortable, beautiful, and relaxed west coast vibe to your home.
If you’re interested in learning more about variations on coastal style, I have several posts covering this aesthetic, a few of which you can find here:
2024 Home Decor Trends and Design Ideas You Will Love
Color of the Year 2024 + Top Home Color Trends
Modern Coastal Decorating Ideas for Your Home
What is Coastal Grandmother Style? (and why I’m loving this trend)
My Favorite Nancy Meyers Interiors (and How to Get Her Style)
Beach House Style Decorating Ideas for 2024
The New Studio McGee Target Collection
A Simple Guide to Mixing Metals in the Bathroom
Modern Living Room Ideas and Trends for 2024
A Simple Guide to Mixing Metals in the Kitchen
Beautiful Coastal Kitchen Ideas for 2024
Beautiful Coastal Bathroom Ideas and Trends for 2024
Modern Kitchen Pendant Lighting Ideas You Will Love
I hope you found this post informative and helpful. Please let me know if you have any questions about California casual and/or California coastal interior design. Have a wonderful day! xo Jane
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