5 Simple Steps to Bring California Casual Style to Your Home

At its core, California casual is a design style that merges coastal elements, rustic touches, and modern lines. It creates spaces that are lived-in yet polished. This style is perfect for folks that crave everyday elegance and effortless style in their home.

Key characteristics:

• Light, neutral palettes such as whites, creams, and soft beiges with hints of coastal blues or sea greens.  

• Natural materials and textures: Think wood, woven baskets, jute rugs, linen fabrics.  

• A strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces with big windows, sliding doors, patio lounge areas.  

• Furniture that is comfortable and unfussy with low-profile sofas, inviting chairs, relaxed layouts. design by nicole hollis

You will love this style for its versatility. Whether you live in a city loft, a suburban home, or a beachside bungalow, the California casual look can adapt. The palette is neutral, and the textures are natural. This style has timeless appeal. It is easygoing enough for everyday living yet elevated and very intentional in its styling. With more time spent at home, bringing in natural light, plants, and outdoor-indoor flow brings a connection to nature.   

Key elements of the California Casual Look:

1. Embrace a light neutral palette

Use whites, off-whites, cream and sandy tones as your base. Add subtle accents in muted greens, soft blues, and ochre. design by vanessa alexander

2. Layer textures and materials

Mix in natural wood floors or beams, woven baskets, jute rugs, linen cushions, and cane chairs. Texture is what keeps the neutrals from feeling flat.  design by rob diaz

3. Indoor-outdoor flow and plants

If you can, open up the space to the outside with sliding doors, patio furniture, and plenty of house plants. That California breezy vibe comes from merging indoor comfort with outdoor nature.  

4. Casual yet polished furniture

Choose pieces that invite lounging: low-slung sofas, big comfy chairs, and tables in natural wood or marble. Avoid overly ornate or stuffy furnishings. design by rob diaz 

5. Minimal clutter, curated décor

The look is not about being cold or purely minimalist. California casual style has a lived-in feel but it is still well thought out and layered. Choose fewer, quality pieces and let natural lighting, texture and materials do the heavy lifting. design by lauren nelson