As architects, part of our job is staying on top of the latest trends in home design, and as you know, home trends are constantly changing. Some stay for a while, while others are a flash in the pan. While not all of our clients are interested in having a home designed in the very latest style, some are, so our team needs to be prepared to give them the architectural elements that bring their preferred style to life!
One of the more recent trends to come along is the California Casual style, sometimes also called California Coastal. Not everyone is familiar with this term yet, but many are familiar with the elements that are included in it. This style is sort of a hybrid of several other popular home styles, including Rustic Farmhouse, Coastal Cottage, Modern, and Spanish Revival.
Some of the common elements to the California Casual style are:
- Lots of natural elements (wood, stone, linen, rattan, etc.)
- Warm white walls and light wood floors
- Neutral décor
- A mix of rustic and modern furniture
- Coastal-inspired accents
You might see the Spanish revival influence incorporated through things like archways and plaster fireplaces. Wood beams, light wood floors, and vintage pieces, similar to what you might find in a Rustic Farmhouse home, are often included as well. Modern and coastal elements are usually found in the furniture and décor pieces, or in the home’s cabinetry and built-ins.
Because California Casual is a hybrid of several different design styles, there are a lot of directions you can take it. It can lean more Modern or more Spanish, or it can have a strong rustic vibe. However, common to all California Casual homes is a bright, welcoming space that is comfortable to live in, but still feels “put together” through thoughtful, intentional design.
The California Casual style is a perfect fit for many Long Beach homeowners looking for a comfortable and casual, but still sophisticated and refined, style for their home. The style fits in well in many Long Beach communities, allowing homeowners to elevate their living space in a stylish way, without sticking out like a sore thumb in their neighborhood.
If you’ve been thinking about building a custom home or remodeling your current home in the California Casual style, our Long Beach architecture firm can work closely with you to design a home that suits your personality and style. We can work with your general contractor to make sure your vision is perfectly executed. We even have interior designers in house who can help bring everything together after your new home is finished being built or remodeled, or we can work with your preferred interior designer throughout the design process.
Contact us to get started or to learn more about our residential architectural design services.
