What Is California Casual Interior Design: A Look at This Laid-Back Style
Effortless comfort & style.
Looking for an easygoing style that has all the comforts of modern interior design? California casual design is the perfect blend of mellow vibes and chic sophistication. Read on to learn exactly what California casual interior design is as we break down the key characteristics of this contemporary style.
What Is California Casual Design?
California casual design is a contemporary interior design style that incorporates neutral color palettes, soft modern furniture, and mixed natural materials. It pulls subtle boho and coastal influences that give this unique style its trademark laid-back Cali vibes. Over the past few years, this style has become more sleek and refined without compromising its relaxed coastal feel.
Key Characteristics of California Casual Style
We’ll highlight some key characteristics of this effortless style, so you can easily recreate it in your own home.
1. Neutral Color Schemes
California casual is most notable for its dreamy neutral color schemes. Fabrics are often found in creams, beiges, and muted pops of colors. Beige upholstered furniture, cloud white accent chairs, and sandy-toned area rugs are a mainstay in California casual homes. They pair well with warm accents like gold light fixtures. Sheer ivory window treatments let plenty of natural light in, which is another characteristic of this style.
Bold contrast in the form of sleek black accents is a staple of this striking style. Black paned windows and exterior glass doors are often found in California casual design. You can add even more contrast by choosing black accents like modern dining chairs, table lamps, and vases. Stick to delicate accents and furniture with sleek lines to avoid overdoing the contrast effect – we want to keep things light with this laid-back style.
While this style incorporates a lot of organic and boho accents, the furniture leans heavily towards sleek modern lines and curves. Pair rounded upholstery, such as beds and benches, with sharp-cornered wood nightstands and dressers to create a chic setup full of visual depth. Or if you don’t want to mix and match, sticking to modern-style furniture sets is an easy way to set up a foundation for this quintessential Cali style.
Tip!
Master modern surroundings with our helpful guides on this important element of California casual interiors:
Modern Bedroom Ideas for Sleek Surroundings
Modern Living Room Ideas to Upgrade Your Space
Modern Decor Ideas: 21 Ways to Master Modern Style
4. Mixed Materials
California casual style is similar to organic modern interior design in the way that it seamlessly blends different natural materials in one space. Linen sofas and accent chairs are a Cali staple, while natural wood coffee tables and marble accents often make appearances in these casual living rooms and lounge spaces. Incorporate furniture and decor made from natural materials and add a house plant or two to help foster happy, relaxed vibes.
Tip!
Check out our Guide to Organic Modern Style to learn more about this similar aesthetic.
5. Comfort Prioritized
A laid-back space isn’t truly laid-back if it’s not comfortable, is it? Prioritize comfort in each room – whether it’s your living room, bedroom, dining room, or bathroom. Provide oversized seating with lounge space, cushy throw pillows, and warm throw blankets. In non-lounge spaces like bathrooms and bedrooms, make sure there are crisp clean linens for guests and family members.
Light wood is prevalent in California casual homes. Whether it’s cabinets, a kitchen island, stools, or a dining table, this natural wood tone helps keep things bright. Choosing light wood decor is another way to add this style staple to your home, like decorative bowls, trays, or by installing a light wood paneled accent wall.
In many parts of California, the beach or a pool is typically not more than a few steps away. California casual interiors reflect this in their decor. Feel free to place a few coastal-style decorative objects throughout your home, but be careful not to overdo it, as it is a very subtle thread in this chic style. A great way to add a beachy feel is by choosing rattan accents like a fan-shaped pendant light, vase, or decorative basket.
