One of the questions I get asked most often is, “How would you describe your home style?”
The short answer? California-inspired.
The longer answer is that I’ve always been drawn to homes that feel relaxed yet refined, collected but never cluttered, and beautiful without feeling overly precious. It’s the kind of design you find throughout Southern California—whether it’s a coastal home in Newport Beach, a ranch-style estate in Rancho Santa Fe, or a thoughtfully layered bungalow in Los Angeles.
To me, California style isn’t about following trends. It’s about creating a home that feels effortless, warm, and lived in. So if you’ve ever wanted to bring a little bit of that West Coast feeling into your own home, here are a few of the design principles I always come back to.
Start With a Soft, Neutral Foundation
One of the hallmarks of California design is a neutral color palette. Instead of stark whites or cool grays, I gravitate toward warm whites, creamy ivories, soft taupes, natural wood tones, and muted stone colors. A neutral foundation allows the architecture, textures, and natural light to become the focal point of the room. It also creates a sense of calm that never goes out of style.
My advice? Keep your larger pieces timeless and neutral. Sofas, rugs, cabinetry, and walls should feel soft and understated.
Layer Natural Materials
California homes have a way of feeling connected to nature, even indoors. Think linen, oak, rattan, marble, plaster, jute, and aged brass. The magic happens when you combine multiple textures within the same room. A linen sofa paired with a reclaimed wood coffee table, woven shades, and a vintage-inspired rug instantly creates depth without relying on bold colors.
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s warmth.
Mix Old and New
This might be my favorite design secret. The most beautiful California homes never feel like they were purchased entirely from one store. Instead, they feel collected over time. I love pairing newer upholstery and lighting with vintage accessories, antique books, old pottery, and found objects. The contrast creates character and keeps a home from feeling overly designed.
When in doubt, add something with history.
Let Your Home Breathe
One of the biggest mistakes people make when trying to create a designer look is adding too much. California interiors often feel elevated because they’re edited. Leave breathing room between objects. Allow shelves to have empty space. Don’t feel obligated to fill every wall, corner, or tabletop.
A few thoughtfully chosen pieces will always feel more luxurious than a room packed with decor.
Focus on the Feeling
At the end of the day, California style isn’t really about furniture. It’s about creating a feeling. It’s the candles lit before guests arrive. Fresh flowers on the counter. The stack of coffee table books that actually get flipped through. The playlist playing softly in the background. The home that feels beautiful but still comfortable enough for everyone to put their feet up. Those details matter just as much as the design itself.
My Favorite California-Inspired Home Stores
If you’re looking to bring this style into your own home, these are some of my favorite places to shop and gather inspiration:
- Pure Salt Interiors — Masters of layered, relaxed California living.
- Amber Interiors — One of my biggest design inspirations for collected, lived-in spaces.
- Sarah Sherman Samuel — Beautiful modern organic design with incredible texture and shape.
- Jenni Kayne Home — Effortless California minimalism done beautifully.
- Rowan Home — Timeless pieces that feel warm, elevated, and approachable.
- Sarah Solis – A a classically trained interior designer based in Malibu with a stunning eye.
I find myself returning to these brands over and over because they all share something in common: their spaces feel effortless. Not trendy. Not over-designed. Just beautiful. And if I had to sum up California style in one sentence?
Create a home that feels collected, comfortable, and sun-soaked—even if you’re nowhere near the coast.
