10 Ways to Bring a 'California Cool' Vibe to Your Home
Shine a light on neutral interiors with this chic and accessible US-led trend
Fans of neutral décor can easily incorporate bright and breezy California style into their existing interiors. This light-washed look will give your home a soft, relaxed feel that’s warm and contemporary. It’s translatable to most types of house and borrows a few midcentury-furniture favourites, without sticking slavishly to any particular time period. If you’re looking for a way to tweak a plain space, while adding charm and character, try a dose of Cali cool (associated weather not guaranteed).
Look out for leather one-offs
We’re talking tan or pale-brown leather furniture – preferably vintage – with a sculptural shape and buttery soft feel. It’s not an essential item, but the right piece of leather furniture can warm up all the white and provide a relaxed, lived-in feel.
We’re talking tan or pale-brown leather furniture – preferably vintage – with a sculptural shape and buttery soft feel. It’s not an essential item, but the right piece of leather furniture can warm up all the white and provide a relaxed, lived-in feel.
Team with transparent touches
Glass is a go-to for this look, which requires lots of light, natural elements and pieces with a tactile quality. Whether you opt for vases, lanterns, kitchenware-as-décor or a glass lamp (as here), be sure to include a liberal dose of this key material – it’s almost impossible to overdo.
Glass is a go-to for this look, which requires lots of light, natural elements and pieces with a tactile quality. Whether you opt for vases, lanterns, kitchenware-as-décor or a glass lamp (as here), be sure to include a liberal dose of this key material – it’s almost impossible to overdo.
Be bold as brass
Whether brushed, polished or blackened, brass is top of the wishlist for your Cali-style kitchen and bathroom. Choose this warm yet muted metal for cabinet handles, light fixtures, taps, shelf brackets and accessories. Look out for unlacquered varieties which will develop a pleasing patina over time.
Whether brushed, polished or blackened, brass is top of the wishlist for your Cali-style kitchen and bathroom. Choose this warm yet muted metal for cabinet handles, light fixtures, taps, shelf brackets and accessories. Look out for unlacquered varieties which will develop a pleasing patina over time.
Go green
Welcome the outside in with plenty of leafy plants and vases full of foliage. Oversized specimens such as fig trees, palms and monstera can sit in baskets or pots on the floor. Smaller plants, particularly succulents, should be positioned on bookshelves, windowsills or bedside tables to provide a soothing green glimpse.
Welcome the outside in with plenty of leafy plants and vases full of foliage. Oversized specimens such as fig trees, palms and monstera can sit in baskets or pots on the floor. Smaller plants, particularly succulents, should be positioned on bookshelves, windowsills or bedside tables to provide a soothing green glimpse.
Dip into indigo
Natural indigo is a plant-based dye which gives fabric a saturated shade of rich blue. Add contrast to your Cali-style pale interiors with indigo accents, such as patterned throws and pillows. This breezy bedroom has acres of white walls and a matching white bed, with touches of timber to temper the stronger accent colours.
Natural indigo is a plant-based dye which gives fabric a saturated shade of rich blue. Add contrast to your Cali-style pale interiors with indigo accents, such as patterned throws and pillows. This breezy bedroom has acres of white walls and a matching white bed, with touches of timber to temper the stronger accent colours.
Try a tongue-and-groove alternative
Horizontal shiplap cladding may have mostly New England connotations, but this bright beach-house-style decorating device works in this charming bedroom, too. Any kind of panelling is useful for imparting character, making it a handy technique to use in new builds.
Check out a stunning New England-style home… in Portsmouth
Horizontal shiplap cladding may have mostly New England connotations, but this bright beach-house-style decorating device works in this charming bedroom, too. Any kind of panelling is useful for imparting character, making it a handy technique to use in new builds.
Check out a stunning New England-style home… in Portsmouth
Weave a narrative
Introduce subtle texture through woven accessories with an organic origin. These lattice chairs provide extra seating without taking up much space or feeling fussy. Other ideas to incorporate include baskets, bamboo blinds, jute rugs and (real) rattan accessories.
See more ways rattan can lift your interior
Introduce subtle texture through woven accessories with an organic origin. These lattice chairs provide extra seating without taking up much space or feeling fussy. Other ideas to incorporate include baskets, bamboo blinds, jute rugs and (real) rattan accessories.
See more ways rattan can lift your interior
Up the ante with artisan-made pieces
Interior designers appreciate the value of unique, hand-crafted pieces to lift a pared-back scheme. Keep your eyes peeled on holiday for interesting souvenirs made by local people, or find out what craftsmen are creating in your own area. This handsome coffee table was originally a wooden bed made by the Senufo people in Africa.
Interior designers appreciate the value of unique, hand-crafted pieces to lift a pared-back scheme. Keep your eyes peeled on holiday for interesting souvenirs made by local people, or find out what craftsmen are creating in your own area. This handsome coffee table was originally a wooden bed made by the Senufo people in Africa.
Style a soft-focus fire
A real fireplace is always a welcome addition to your décor. For the relaxed Californian vibe, it helps to aim for a tonal effect that doesn’t overpower the rest of the space. A white-painted brick surround feels cool and contemporary, as does a simple white or wooden mantelpiece.
What do you think of this Californian-inspired look? Tell us your favourite elements in the Comments below.
A real fireplace is always a welcome addition to your décor. For the relaxed Californian vibe, it helps to aim for a tonal effect that doesn’t overpower the rest of the space. A white-painted brick surround feels cool and contemporary, as does a simple white or wooden mantelpiece.
What do you think of this Californian-inspired look? Tell us your favourite elements in the Comments below.
This bright and airy style works best with a white or off-white base, so choose a pale paint colour as your starting point. Neutrals are key and white is king; you can’t go wrong with simple curtains, upholstery and bedding. Slip-covered chairs and sofas have a modern look with straight arms and plain linen fabric.
Check out more white bedroom ideas in the Houzz photo stream