Californian Cool (and how to get it)

I am so excited to bring this blog back to life, thanks to The Design Files for the offer to write as the interior design contributor.  What an honor to write for a blog that I have been such a fan of for so many years!

I will share the story on my own blog, with a few out-takes additional photos and how to shop-the-look if so inclined.

This story was a pleasure to research and in the process I ‘met’ so many generous designers and photographers which lead me all the way to email Ellen Degeneres and Portia de Rossi!  This is a Californian article after all, so we needed a bit of a celebrity brush with fame!  Read on to see what I mean…

There are some exciting things happening in the design world over in California, and these chilled-out vibes are well suited to how we live in Australia. This look is laid-back and effortless. We’re talking exposed timber rafters, a knockout vintage armchair, earthy ceramics, slouchy jute baskets and classic mid-century lighting. Don’t forget a guitar in one corner of the room, and a surfboard in the other. We may not be rockstars or pro-surfers, but at least in our home, we can be!

California was known for the very popular ‘Hollywood Regency’ style a few years ago, which was a coordinated look of shiny metallic, blue velvet and bold geometric rugs… but today we’re seeing something quite different. The ‘Californian Cool’ look is more relaxed, comfortable and breezy. However, we are still in Hollywood folks, so there are a few touches of luxury.

It’s the element of the unexpected that adds the cool factor. The combinations that create a bit of tension and excitement, such as a Victorian upholstered chair next to a contemporary lamp, or an abstract artwork alongside a traditional turned wood dining setting.

Also for more of this look, read Surf Shack with gorgeous images by the talented Brittany Ambridge.

Cool Californian Colours

Walls are generally kept fresh and white, allowing for natural materials such as timber, leather and stone to add colour. Whilst walls tend not to be painted in bold hues, there are colourful moments to enjoy – usually in the form of textiles, rugs, artwork or feature lighting. I encourage you to check out the work of Alexander Design based in LA if you are digging this vibe.

The most important colour to add, though, is black. This adds the cool factor, and without it, you may end up with shabby chic or country style.

Feeling It!

The absence of colour in this look is more than compensated with gorgeous texture. Timber tabletops with a grain you can feel, wicker furniture, organic ceramic shapes that show evidence of having been made with human hands.

One cannot talk about ‘Californian Cool’ without mentioning the Queen of Californian Design, Kelly Wearstler. Her incredible interiors are loaded with contrasting texture and shape, but not necessarily bold colour. And they’re definitely not boring!

Furniture

To get Californian Cool, you’ll need at least one statement chair, and if you can invest in a design classic you will never regret it.

Look for something preferably in black or tan leather, or natural linen. If it’s a minimal vintage chair or a classic design then you’re already halfway there. A rattan or wicker chair with a sheepskin over it is a relaxed option too.

Sofas should firstly be comfortable and inviting, however they are usually white, or not too many shades from it. Since white isn’t the most practical colour to live with, consider using an outdoor fabric with a linen look, and use a throw over the seat, which only adds to the casual look.

If you’re looking for something truly unique for your entrance then a glass ping-pong table is something the neighbours definitely won’t have!  This is the image that lead me down the rabbit hole to contact Ellen and Portia.  We need permission to publish images on The Design Files which lead me to getting permission from the photographer Roger Davies, then Architectural Digest, the designer Cliff of Matt Blacke Inc so all that is left is permission from the home owner, who happens to be Ellen Degeneres and Portia de Rossi.  I will not be holding my breath!  So apologies for the low-res image.

Californian style resonates so well with us in Australia as we love to live outdoors. Think large glazing looking out onto a spectacular view, and huge sliding doors that open onto a courtyard that doubles as another living room. This 1963 mid-century house is the perfect example of the merging of the outdoors, inside. The interiors are by Reath Design and touch lightly on the perfectly worn existing materials.

If all else fails, bring the trees inside the house. A tall tree inside makes a big statement and totally changes the atmosphere of the room.

There are ALWAYS indoor plants in Californian homes. Cluster a few small plants together in wicker baskets or ceramic pots of a similar colour.

A space that feels so relaxed, comfortable and kind of thrown together, is often anything but. If you’re struggling for that ‘effortless’ look, start with an easy project – accessories. Collect handmade ceramic vessels and pots in varying shapes but similar colours, to cluster on a shelf or mantle.

Place a few baskets on the floor and if they are a bit wonky, that’s great. The look is to see evidence of made by hand. (Baskets are also so handy to use as planters or storage).

The materials should be REAL. Real leather not vinyl, real stone not engineered stone and real timber not laminate. So although this looks super casual, it can be an expensive look to pull off.

On the walls, macramé is perfect for this casual look, search for vintage options, or make your own, if so inclined. Just make sure it’s a natural colour.

When selecting artwork, keep the colour to a minimum, or just stick to black and white. Find artwork of a black line drawing and you’re onto a winner.