Designer Series: California Cool Interior with Sonam of A Whimsical Retreat
Clean, calm and blissfully beautiful. California Cool Modern style interiors are not only pretty, but they also have a calming atmosphere. Interior designer and home stager Sonam Nayar of @awhimsicalretreat treats us to a trove of design ideas and shows us how to achieve an understated yet harmonious look that is Cali cool. Also known as Easy West Coast style, this design can be described as clean, comfortable with lots of texture and warmth yet undeniably chic.
The Plan
Sonam takes two of our collections for a stylish spin.
The Prep
Style using a combination of Mor Furniture furniture accents, studio props and personal accent pieces from Sonam's collection.
Challenge One: Slater Panel Bed w/ Storage in White
The Result:
Sonam’s first set features the Slater Bed with Storage in White, also available in black and gray. The panel bed boasts a mix of classic and vintage-inspired style, spacious 2-drawer footboard storage and a masterful headboard. Designed with subtle neutrals, Sonam wanted to create a bedroom environment with a sense of calm that’s meant for unwinding. The layering of the bed included an array of textured standard pillows, euro pillows, a bolster accent pillow, fluffy duvet and chunky throw.
She paired the bed with two Bellamy 2-Door Nightstand in Charcoal with large lamps, patterned decorative accents, and nature-inspired wall art. To finish off the look, Sonam went with a traditional style rug in a Cali modern room. The blend of all pieces combined create a balanced contrast adding dimension and overall visual interest.
Challenge Two: Luigi Full Tux Sleeper w/ USB Charger
The second set features the Luigi Tux Sleeper Sectional in Gray with a full-size pullout, removable table trays, USB charger and arm storage. Sonam’s living room design approach for a California Cool style is in-between the minimalist aesthetic yet not as full or vibrant as an eclectic space. The effect is subdued, and the style is present but understated. Playing with shapes and materials she paired the sectional with plenty of throw pillows for dimension and personality, a marble-metal-dark wood combo coffee table and a round-shaped striped end table. She added additional seating with faux leather accent chairs and an oversized wood framed light for shape and size. To complete the room she opted for the Aden Rug in 1214 Gray 8x10 for definition and personality.
Bonus: Skyy Media Console
The Result:
Sonam wanted to highlight additional living room ideas by styling the Skyy Media Console in Black 60 inch favoring a neutral, textured and clean look. She added decorative pieces such as a large lamp, table books, the Emele Candleholders, a large clear vase with beautiful full greenery, and the beautiful Oengus Large Arch Mirror as the centerpiece.
California Modern is simple luxury. It’s attainable, unintimidating, realistic and most importantly comfortable. Shop our selection of beds, sofa sectionals and accents for creating your calming Cali cool interior design.
Follow Sonam at @awhimsicalretreat for interior design and home staging needs + home design inspiration.