California Modern Interior Design, Whether you live in California or have ever been here, the Golden State is home to some of the best interior design talent on the planet.[1]Whether it’s a classic mid-century modern design or a contemporary eclectic mix, these designers are sure to have something that is both functional and beautiful.
The architectural history of California Style
California’s architecture is a reflection of its diverse population, economy and natural landscape. It has spawned a range of innovative and experimental design styles, ranging from wacky to sublime.[2]
In the mid-19th century, when California was still a part of the Spanish colony, it was a place where architects could explore architecture that challenged established traditions and attitudes. These were the heydays of the early modern movement, and Los Angeles was a pilgrimage destination for architects looking to explore this new world.
As a result of these developments, Los Angeles was home to a wide variety of architectural styles, including Spanish Colonial Revival, Art Moderne and Mission Style. These styles were designed to reflect the prevailing climatic conditions and influenced by architectural styles from Europe.[3]
The Spanish Colonial Revival style was popularized by the Panama-California Exposition in 1915, and incorporated elements from Spanish architecture and heritage. These designs were particularly popular in Southern California, where architects sought to build a sense of cultural identity and pride with this architectural form.
These homes were characterized by their imposing facades, ornate plasterwork, wrought-iron railings and window grills and the traditional rustic Spanish tiling material, terracotta. They became the hallmark of upscale neighbourhoods such as Beverly Hills and remain so today.
The Art Moderne style, or International Style, was also a popular choice in the early 20th century. [4]These buildings emphasized motion and efficiency, mimicking the streamlined aesthetic of industrial design.
There are many examples of this style in the city, especially in the Silver Lake and Echo Park areas as well as the Hollywood, Santa Monica Mountains and Mid-Wilshire environments. This is a good style to consider if you are a homeowner in Los Angeles and want to create a comfortable home with an artistic flair.
In contrast to the Spanish Colonial Revival and Art Moderne, Mission Style buildings were influenced by the local landscape as well as regional culture and architecture. They were a common sight in the Los Angeles area during the 1920s.
Despite the fact that these homes were based on a simple material palette, they were built with an eye for detail. They featured a variety of structural details, such as arched windows and pillars. Moreover, they were designed with an attention to light and air. They often had a spacious floor plan and included fireplaces and wooden beams.[5]
The common characteristics of California Style
One of the common characteristics of California style design is a sense of comfort and ease. In addition, the style combines Mediterranean tones and natural materials with an abundance of greenery to create light, airy spaces that are welcoming to all who enter them.
It’s also a relaxed aesthetic that easily juxtaposes the warmth of Mediterranean tones with the sleek and modern elements often found in modern design. [6]This combination is what makes the California Style a perfect choice for any home – whether it’s modern, traditional or contemporary.
Despite the fact that this aesthetic is so relaxed and easygoing, there’s still some thought that goes into curating it in a way that is beautiful and practical. Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind when you’re putting together a California-inspired interior:
A curated art collection is key to this California-style vibe, so go big with large prints or paintings that capture the beauty of nature and your region. Landscapes, portraits, color and black-and-white pieces are all great choices for a contemporary take on this aesthetic that’s full of personality.[7]
Another key component of this style is layering patterns and textures. Incorporate textured mosaic walls, woven rattan or wicker pieces and wool throws to add dimension to any space – especially if the rest of the room is more neutral-hued.
In addition to layers, it’s always a good idea to invest in cozy, warm clothing that can be worn all year round. Stylish cropped sweatshirts in different colors are a staple of West Coast fashion, and they can be mixed and matched with jogger pants or leather skirts for a laid-back look.
If you live in a sunny climate, it’s important to be comfortable and ready for whatever weather conditions may come your way. Incorporating a few stylish aviator jackets or denim vests is also a must, as is lightweight fleece or trucker hats.[8]
Among the most notable California-style designers are Sheila Todd, an interior designer who uses a variety of new and vintage pieces in her designs. She has a keen eye for global trends and creates spaces that are both contemporary and timeless. She also specializes in full interior reconstructions and redesigns. She has extensive experience in both residential and commercial projects, and her clients entrust her with their dream homes.
Room by room in a California Style
The California Style is a popular design style for many homes. It blends modern with classic styles to create a home that is comfortable and welcoming for both guests and the owners. It also combines industrial materials with organic designs to create a warm, sunny, and balanced interior space.[9]
The colors used in a California Style can range from neutrals to hints of coastal beach colors. These can be paired with mid-century modern furniture, plush accessories, and a variety of colorful art pieces.
Colors and textures are often inspired by the landscape of California, with sandy beige, crisp whites, and earth-toned shades that mimic the sea, sand, and mountain forests. Natural textiles, like sisal and jute, are often mixed with cottons and linens for an authentic look.[10]
Layered plush furnishings and rugs are another common feature of California modern rooms. These can be woven or tufted, and they add warmth and texture to the room.
California style is all about comfort, so it’s important to select furniture that is easy to care for and has the ability to adapt to changing needs. This is especially true of children’s rooms, where kids and adults spend so much time together.
In California style rooms, it’s common to have a large open floor plan. Doors and windows that span the wall allow for expansive views and breezes. In addition, doors that can open to a porch or patio provide even more options for entertaining and relaxing.[11]
For example, a California Room can be designed with built-in fireplaces, a full kitchen or dining area, and a spa. It can also be outfitted with a barbecue, TV or audio system, ceiling fans, and hardscaping elements such as decorative fountains.
The walls in a California Style can be lined with wood paneling, or they can have stone or brick.[12] Stone can be used to complement the architecture in a California room or to create a rustic look, and textured wall paints can also help bring in a touch of nature.
Adding plants to a room is a natural fit for California style, and it is an excellent way to make it feel connected to the outdoors. Plants will also naturally filter the air in the room, providing a cleaner, fresher environment.
Cali Cool Mixes Four Popular Design Styles
The California Cool trend is all about bringing the laidback, surfy vibes of the coast into your home. It’s also a style that brings in Mid-Century elements to really bring it all together and create a unique look for your space.
The key to a California Cool interior is to make sure you have a clear color palette that works well for your space. Neutral colors like creamy beige, muted blues and a bit of orange or brown will work beautifully with the rest of the design elements in your room.[13]
Another important element to consider when decorating a California Cool space is texture. The neutral color palette makes for an opportunity to introduce contrasting textures in your furniture and decor pieces that help to define the space’s depth and dimension.
For example, you can create a really interesting design look by adding a rug to your room. You don’t have to use the same material as your furniture or decor, but a natural or organic rug is always a great way to add warmth and texture to your space.
If you’re not a fan of rugs, you can still achieve the same effect by using other furniture accessories. For example, you could add an accent chair with a cushioned seat to your living room. You can also add an oversized throw pillow to your sofa.
This decorative pillow features a nature-inspired moss green color that would be a great addition to any square cushion in your living room design. It’s a super cute way to add texture and style without breaking the bank![14]
You can find plenty of beautiful pieces to fit the California Cool aesthetic, and the best part is you’ll be able to mix and match them in any way you want. Then, you’ll be able to enjoy your beautiful home for years to come.
The California Cool design style is a modern take on the classic beachy coastal style and it’s perfect for anyone who loves to relax in their own space! This trend incorporates a blend of minimalism and boho, and it’s definitely one of the hottest trends in interior design right now.
The Style Feels Curated Over Time
California has long been known for its beachy lifestyle, and it’s no surprise that many interior designers are embracing this relaxed aesthetic. With a blend of natural textures and patterns, this style can feel very organic and earthy, while still feeling timeless and sophisticated.[15]
A layered palette of muted colors is a key part of this design style. From a light and airy blue to a subdued gray, the neutral hues are perfect for balancing the more natural textures in the room.
Another key element of this design is the use of different patterns and textures for added visual depth. For example, a textured mosaic wall and woven rattan or wicker pieces create an inviting ambiance without overpowering the space.[16]
It’s the layering of these different textures that helps this style feel so versatile and breathable. The combination of soft and muted colors also lends a sense of understated elegance that’s easy to maintain over time.
This can be achieved by utilizing simple and subtle shades of gray or a soft inky hue, but there’s also no shortage of other color options for this style, either. From a soft orange hue to a pale mint, the choice of colors is largely up to you and your personal taste, but there are plenty of ways to incorporate these elements into a california modern interior.[17]
A calming palette that’s a mix of neutrals and wood tones is another key component in this design style. The warmth of these earthy tones adds a warm and welcoming feel to the space, but the darker accents also help give it a slightly more sophisticated look.
An upholstered bed and cozy bed linens are key to this design style’s comfort factor. The striped rug also plays up the softer textures and gives the bedroom a cozy, comfortable feel while still keeping it grounded in modern and refined design.
In this design, the bedroom also features a cozy reading nook and a curated art collection.[18] It’s the small details that really make this room a place where you can relax and unwind after a long day.
Imperfection and Quirk is Celebrated
A layered neutral palette serves as the perfect stage for a show-stopping display of bold color. The best part is, the scheme doesn’t smack of cold sweat. The resulting spaces are as inviting as they are elegant and sophisticated. The trick is to find the right balance of opulence and utility for your needs.[19]
The best way to achieve this is to employ the services of a qualified design professional.[20] From large scale commercial developments to single family homes, these top designers know how to make a splash. We’ve put together a list of the finest in the business so you can rest assured that your home is in good hands. We’ve also rounded up the most impressive and clever of the best of the bunch.
