California has its own brand of cool. Bringing this vibe into your home and life is what California casual design is all about. Take a look at what interior designers santa barbara are doing to elevate everyday homes with a dash of West Coast style.
Go With the Flow
Soft, flowing fabrics that drape beautifully can transform any room into an oasis of calm. Look for natural fibers such as linen and cotton for bed covers and pillows. Linen sheers also make striking window shades that filter the light, imparting a warm glow to the space. Silk is a great accent fabric for dramatic curtains, cushions, or table runners. Choose white, gray, or beige tones for large areas, such as beds, and add a pop of bright red or blue with a throw pillow or curtain tiebacks.
Splurge on the Rug
Nothing says “California” quite like a lovely hardwood or tile floor topped with a patterned rug. Buy the best rug you can afford. Not only does it anchor the room, it needs to hold up to a lot of wear and tear. If you kept your fabrics in a more neutral palette as mentioned above, the rug is where you can up the ante. Go with a colorful Kilim or Southwestern design. Vintage rugs from flea markets can also be a real find. Pull colors from your rug for use in other areas of the room, like lampshades or paintings.
Develop a Green Thumb
Californians love nature and bring it into the house on a regular basis. This could be in the form of seashells on the mantlepiece or a driftwood side table. But don’t forget the houseplants. A nice rubber tree in the living room adds instant serenity. Succulents are easy to care for and come in a striking variety of types. You don’t have to go overboard. A plant or two in sunny spots throughout your home will do the trick.
Paint Your Walls
Paint is an instant transformation. Pick the best neutral paint colors that reflect light throughout your home. West coast homes tend to feel open and breezy, and a high quality greige or ivory wall paint is a huge step halfway there. Neutral walls also unify the space and help small homes seem bigger. An added bonus, homes with neutral walls look so nice and clean.
Add That Bohemian Touch
Now for the fun part. This is where you add little personal details that scream, “YOU!” For a casual California look, those details should be handmade, artsy, and organic. For example, hand thrown vases look great clustered on the sideboard. Hang watercolors of local scenery over a fireplace stacked with driftwood. Show off your collection of ocean glass by scattering it across the top of an armoire. The key here is to use a light touch. Don’t overwhelm the room with your personal kitsch.
To find the best interior designer to help with your California home, talk to friends whose homes you admire. Get names and ask to look at portfolios. You’ll soon find the right look for you.
