This article focuses onCalifornia casual bedroom conceptsto develop a refined appearance in your residence.
Greetings, friends! It’s astonishing to consider, but we’re already halfway through spring, and summer is approaching quickly. While planning a vacation is exciting, I equally enjoy infusing coastal vibes into our home.
Our guest room needed a makeover, so I seized the chance to craft an elevated yet relaxed bedroom ambiance that will easily adapt with the seasons. Continue reading for California casual design suggestions!
This post is brought to you by Serena and Lily. As always, all thoughts are my own.
This article may include affiliate links.
California Casual Aesthetic Bedroom Design
It has been some time since I showcased our guest room! My aim with this update was to transform this area from cozy and traditional to California casual style. Even the beach-themed artwork above the bed begged for a relaxed atmosphere.
Initially, I opted to use fewer decorative pillows for a more relaxed appearance. The prior arrangement included five pillows, and cutting that down to three helped create the desired look.
I’ve recently been adoring Serena and Lily’s Topanga tassel linen pillow covers (similar). We’ve had one since last year—check it out in our autumn living room—and I believed that the washed linen would provide the ideal casual touch for our guest room as well.
To introduce subtle contrasts against the beige headboard, I selected neutral hues: two 24″ pillow covers in gray, and an ivory lumbar (similar).
Initially, I was uncertain whether our vintage-style rug would complement California casual interior design, but I believe it fits! The gray pillows highlight the cooler shades of the rug and provide harmony. (Previously, brown pillows made the entire space feel warmer.) The delicate contrast of neutral colors creates a tranquil atmosphere.
Did you observe this lovely piece on the nightstand? A white dipped vase has been on my home decor wish list for quite some time. I was thrilled to incorporate this one into my collection, styling fresh flowers for these images, but I also look forward to trying it out with faux greenery.
And with that, our California casual bedroom transformation is finished! It demonstrates that a few minor changes can significantly influence the ambiance of a space. I’m going to share plenty of tips for achieving an airy California style below, should you wish to recreate the appearance.
California Casual Interior Design Suggestions for a Bedroom
Here are the top suggestions for attaining California casual style in your own abode!
1. Natural fibers and textiles
Firstly, one of the fundamental aspects of California casual design is the incorporation of natural materials. Consider utilizing natural rugs (such as wool or jute) and soft textiles (like cotton or linen). Fabrics crafted from natural fibers are durable and make an excellent investment, while also being stylish.
Linen, in particular, embodies both casualness and sophistication, and creases are permissible—how fabulous is that? I have been gradually incorporating linen bedding into my collection, as it can require an investment, but smaller items like accent pillows are also effective. Alternatively, enhance the bed’s end with a linen throw for added texture.
Another method to introduce natural fibers into your bedroom is through rattan furnishings. Think about rattan side tables or a rattan chair if you have room for a seating area.
2. Vintage items
Furthermore, vintage decorative pieces suit the California casual aesthetic. Explore estate sales and flea markets for items that add personality to your bedroom. Vintage baskets, candle holders, and leather details are merely a few suggestions.
Pro tip: While rustic finishes may complement California casual design, they should only be used sparingly to maintain visual intrigue. An abundance of rustic elements can shift your space towards a farmhouse style rather than the California cool vibe.
In our guest room, I incorporated this olive and charcoal rug for a “vintage” touch. It is actually an economical printed rug designed to give a vintage appearance—well used and faded on one side. Nevertheless, you can also source budget-friendly antique and vintage rugs online.
3. Neutral color scheme
Thirdly, neutral shades are fundamental for designs inspired by the West Coast. In our guest room, I opted for beige, gray, and white bedding, but don’t hesitate to experiment with a “tone on tone” appearance focusing on layers of a single hue.
It’s also acceptable to include bursts of color if desired, but it’s preferable to stick with soft hues and earthy tones for California casual environments. Consider powder blue pillows like I have in our primary bedroom, or richer natural shades like terra cotta and rust.
4. White walls
Next, white walls are excellent for creating airy environments! If you’re contemplating paint shades, I can share that I have utilized Cameo White by Behr in all our bedrooms and truly adore it. It’s a creamy white with very subtle red undertones. I have also applied Polar Bear in our living room, a brighter white with yellow undertones.
White paint consistently helps make a compact room appear larger. While I’ve been introducing more colors into various spaces of our home, I still appreciate the versatility of white walls in our guest room.
If you worry that white may appear too sterile, fear not! This design style emphasizes creating a warm ambiance through various materials and textures.
5. Natural features
Beyond natural fibers, California casual interiors also integrate additional natural features. Incorporating varied textures provides visual warmth to your area.
Interior decorators employ warm wood tones, indoor plants, and organic forms to achieve this aesthetic. Merging indoor and outdoor elements fosters an indoor-outdoor lifestyle feel.
6. Clear lines
California casual spaces blend vintage and contemporary aesthetics. As previously noted, balancing rustic elements with modern pieces is crucial. A superb method to accomplish this is by incorporating clear lines.
Think about incorporating modern furniture like sleek side tables or a metal standing mirror. These components will create harmony with the warm wood tones and vintage decorative accents.
7. Lighting fixtures
Next on the list is lighting! Light fixtures serve as key focal points in any environment. The clean light or warm glow they emit establishes the overall atmosphere of the space.
Consider how you wish your room to feel. Large, rustic table lamps can offer ample illumination and complement California casual style nicely. Another alternative is to install wall sconces, which evoke a snug ambiance.
An excellent option for California coastal design would be rattan sconces! We have these
the ones in our main bedroom and adore them.
For our visitor room, I selected sleek brass wall sconces to complement our vintage rug and classic nightstands.
8. Natural illumination
Lastly, an abundance of natural illumination is a vital component of West Coast design. However, if your area lacks expansive windows, not to worry! The optimal method to achieve this appearance is with light hued drapes, positioned high and widely.
Pro advice:Within the realm of interior decoration, one of the most crucial rules is to hang your drapes higher and wider than you might assume necessary. Drapes that hang low can make ceilings appear lower, while those placed too close to the window at the sides obstruct natural illumination.
In our guest room, you can observe that I positioned the curtain rod only a few inches beneath the ceiling. This elevates the line of sight and creates an impression of higher ceilings. Additionally, I placed the rod approximately 12 inches away from the outer edges of the window, providing ample space for the curtains to be drawn back and ensuring all natural light can enter.
California Casual Bedroom: Serena and Lily Pillow Evaluation
At last, I wished to express my candid evaluation of the Topanga pillow cover.2025 update:The Topanga pillow is currently unavailable, but Serena and Lily’s Mendocino pillow is quite comparable!
California Casual Serena & Lily Pillow Advantages
- Distinctive Aesthetic: The weathered linen appearance has gained popularity recently, and I believe the Topanga pillow cover is an excellent selection. The ivory, gray, and blue variations each embody relaxed coastal aesthetics. The hand-knotted tassels provide remarkable texture and are something I seldom encounter elsewhere.
- Material: The material is 100% linen, which is both gentle and robust. It features a chambray weave, indicating that dyed threads are interwoven with white threads for a casual appearance.
- Craftsmanship: As with all products from Serena and Lily that I possess, the craftsmanship is outstanding. Well-stitched seams, concealed zippers, quality fabrics, and meticulous attention to detail make this a premium item.
California Casual Serena & Lily Pillow Drawbacks
- Expense: I aim to find a balance between budget-friendly and investment pieces for my home, and the Topanga pillow cover falls into the latter category for me. While I believe they justify the cost, they are pricier compared to other pillows I have.
- Maintenance: These covers are labeled as “dry clean only”–I assume this is due to the tassels not faring well in a washing machine. Therefore, I place these at the end of my sofa or on a bed where they will not endure as much wear and tear–typically from energetic kids! It doesn’t bother me to handle them with care, but it’s something to consider.
I hope you found this article motivating, especially if you have a fondness for California casual interiors! Please share below, what is your preferred method for styling your home during spring and summer?
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