In this Modern Design Style series, we will be highlighting contemporary design styles that have become popular in the past decade.

We’re kicking it off with the design style California Casual, a design style originated from the West Coast and has gained popularity worldwide over the past few years. (And if we’re being honest, my personal favorite).

So what exactly is California Casual?

My interpretation of this design style is a light and airy design style that brings natural elements of the coast inside your home. This design style relates to modern in it’s neutral color palette and clean aesthetic, but layers natural textiles to create interest rather than introducing more color. When done right, it achieves a “comfortable” and “relaxed” atmosphere that has your guest want to stay awhile.

This inviting design style is known for looking “effortless” or easily put-together, that is all for show, as this design style takes some skill to accomplish.

California Casual
Essential Design Elements

1: Natural Light
2: white walls
3: natural textile and textures

Design Element #1: Lots of Natural Light

One of the key design elements of the California Casual design style is natural light, so large windows and open floor plans are popular in this style. These elements allow the light to easily bounce around the home and create a bright, open, and inviting atmosphere.

Design Element #2: White Walls

Another key design element of California-Casual inspired interiors are it’s infamous white walls. This design style features a neutral color palette and white walls serve as a great base to build the rest of the home off of. It also allows the natural light to flow through out the space, creating a comfortable and friendly atmosphere.

But don’t get confused, white walls don’t necessarily mean boring walls, as a lot of California-Casual inspired interiors feature different textures such stucco, brick, or wood panels.

Design Element #1: Natural Textiles and Textures

The last key design element of the California Casual design style are it’s natural textiles and textures inspired by the coast. Think worn linen, rattan or cane, dried desert plants, and wood (primarily light or white-washed woods in order to keep the space feeling light and airy).

This design style also features black and metallic accents to help break up the neutral palette and not make it look flat and uninteresting. You may also find interesting shapes, iconic lighting, and relaxed textiles such as woven rugs or light tan leather.

Over the past few months, I’ve really grown to love this style and have seen so many elements of this pop up into my own home. I love the warm and inviting feeling that you gives off, I love have open and effortless that it feels, I love it’s minimal aesthetic without seeming bare or empty, and I love how it gives space for anyone to waltz in and feel like home.

I wanted to share some my favorite inspiration from this design style so you can get more of a feel of what this looks like, as well as ideas on how you can incorporate it into your home.

“This design style relates to modern in it’s neutral color palette and clean aesthetic, but layers natural textiles to create interest rather than introducing more color.”