What’s so special about it?

I recently took a trip to San Diego to visit my boyfriend during his summer associateship. One of our favorite activities was exploring many local shops, restaurants, and bars. I found myself mesmerized by the beautiful spaces we encountered, which made me wonder: what made these interiors so special? I think California, in general, has a unique design style, influenced by its role as a melting pot of cultures that inspire its spaces. San Diego particularly excels at combining these diverse influences!

The California "look," if you will, consists of freshness, relaxation, neutral tones, and the incorporation of natural terrains. Designers like Fletcher Rhodes and Lindsey Brooke, embody the clean and modern style prevalent in this region of America. Coastal getaway meets modern sleekness—California chic at its finest. Keeping it light and breezy, folks! During my time in Cali, I noticed how much the outdoor environment influences indoor spaces. One of the best parts of San Diego, even during the "June gloom" season, was its weather. Many places don't even need air conditioning when it's a perfect 72 degrees outside. Sign me up! So, when creating a home in this region, connecting through colors, lines, and materials becomes paramount.

On the other hand, influences from various cultures add color, excitement, and diversity to Californian spaces, proving it's not all neutrals and clean lines. California is truly an all-inclusive state—well done, Cali! Designers like Martyn Lawerence and Alison Kandler introduce vibrant colors and patterns that reflect California's rich cultural tapestry. San Diego, in particular, showcases Spanish influences prominently in its design culture, alongside inspirations from Asia and Europe. The restaurants and bars in San Diego did an exceptional job of incorporating these influences, immersing visitors in cultural narratives through their interior spaces.

So, how do we bring this style into our homes? You can start with something as simple as a fresh coat of paint or by adding furniture, art, and intriguing decor. Let’s delve deeper.

Color: Adding color can be a delicate balance, especially between the contrasting California design styles. I suggest choosing either the clean, modern feel with neutral tones accented by blues and greens reminiscent of the coastal environment—think Audrey Kennedy —or opting for a more colorful, maximalist approach drawing inspiration from diverse cultures.

Materials: Selecting materials that echo a specific style can be challenging; consider natural influences like the ocean, sand dunes, and local flora. This could lead you to materials such as seagrass, linen, light woods, plaster, and natural stones. Many California homes also feature murals by local artists instead of wallpaper, or draw inspiration from Spanish architecture with stucco arches, clay tiles, wrought iron, and vibrant accent colors.

Furniture: California antiques add a unique flair; consider integrating pieces from places like the Cedros Avenue design district in Solana Beach. Transitional pieces with a touch of Spanish influence—think curved sofas paired with spindle wood lounge chairs and modern stone side tables—perfectly reflect the indoor/outdoor lifestyle typical of California.

Art: Given California's proximity to Hollywood, many homes feature art influenced by entertainment, including pop art and vintage advertising posters. For clarity on "advertisement posters," see this link: a shop we visited in La Jolla. Sometimes, a visual aid is more effective than my description!

Lastly, a fun decorative tip is to incorporate items that interact beautifully with the air in your home—think light linen curtains, real or faux plants and flowers, fringed or eyelash details, or even a small water feature. When you leave your windows open like a proper Californian, these elements will enhance your connection to the outdoors. Now, let's go make it beautiful!

San Diego Interiors

What’s so special about it?

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