
In the last few years, the minimalist-yet-cozy look of California Casual Trendy has taken the net by storm. It’s easy to see why. These interiors make you want to kick off your sneakers, relax, and breathe a sigh of help. A California Casual Trendy room has an it-factor—it is undeniably cool. Nevertheless with all their mild and texture, these areas are in no way chilly, in no way uncomfortably trendy.
This sort is pared once more, which could make it seem deceptively simple. Nonetheless, with out the appropriate stability of some key elements, a California Casual Trendy room can lack dimension and life. What’s the trick to reaching Cali-cool rooms that don’t fall into the lure of boring-neutral? Let’s break it down…


Choose furnishings and gear with contrasting shapes. On account of California Casual Trendy eschews ornamentation, the curiosity and vitality in these rooms usually comes from the shapes and sorts of furnishings and gear. Discover the spherical tables, the cylindrical lumbar pillows, and the outlined rectangular banquette inside the room above. The excellence between these shapes elevates this design.
Design: Jen Samson, Image: Chad Mellon by means of Domino


White partitions, mild picket. White paint, white upholstery, white gear: white is the inspiration of any California Casual Trendy Room. (The room above even has white flooring.) Mild picket tones are equally crucial. Mild colors bounce mild spherical, darkish colors absorb it, so white partitions, lighter stain on wooden flooring, and lighter picket furnishings will current that sensible, ethereal actually really feel.
Design by: Maca Huneeus, Image by: Thayer Gowdy, by means of Domino


Layer textures and pattern. Neutral colors are the hallmark of this look, and the essential factor to creating this simple palette work is texture and pattern. On this room by Katie Hodges, nubby upholstery is paired with a subtly striped bench cushion, a woven desk, striped and floral pillows, and a striped rug. There’s little variation in color, however the room feels vigorous. (Keep in mind: The proper throw pillows can enliven any room!)
Design: Katie Hodges


Incorporate graphic elements. Have you ever ever well-known all the patterned black and white rugs in these rooms, such as a result of the one above? Whether or not or not it’s striped dhurries or furry Moroccan rugs, the graphic black and white motifs in these rugs–and in gear paying homage to pillows–supplies these rooms an unlimited dose of pattern by daring traces and geometric shapes.
Design: Sarah Sherman Samuel


Embody one factor with patina. I consider this rule applies to just about any inside, however it’s significantly crucial on the sort of room because of a traditional, worn side balances all the extraordinary newness and modernity of these rooms. Earlier picket stools, hand-thrown pottery, textiles, or traditional oil work give these rooms an important patina.
Design: Amber LewisImage: Tessa Neustadt


When together with color, choose one shade. When going for further color, whether or not or not it’s in accents or a giant piece, pare it down. Within the occasion you start combining too many colors, the neutral foundation will probably be misplaced and the have an effect on of that one daring different will probably be muted.
Design: One Kings Lane Inside Design, Image: David Tsay by means of REASON


Rattan chair / Diamond pillow / Walnut bench / Leather-based-based wrapped vase / Brass wall hanging / Marble and picket espresso desk / Jute pouf / Tripod tables / Moroccan-style rug
Samantha Martin is an inside designer and former information editor at Scribner who lives collectively along with her husband and daughter in Denver. In 2015, she returned to highschool to test inside design, and he or she primarily based her eponymous design company in 2018. Yow will uncover her at www.samanthamartininteriordesign.com or @smartininteriordesign on Instagram.
P.S. The place to hunt out traditional rugs on Etsy and a earlier kind primer—New Standard. Moreover, our residence.
[Lead photo Design Sarah Sherman Samuel, via Domino Magazaine, photo by Jason Frank Rothenberg]
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