We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
How to decorate with the California-cool look
Imitate Kelly Wearstler’s affinity for laid-back earthy colours, natural texture and surfer-esque waves
We’re taking cues from the sunny, laid-back style of Kelly Wearstler’s Malibu home, situated just moments from the ocean. Her distinctive relaxed-yet-luxe look is a lesson in how to ground space in nature. The American interior designer (who is synonymous with West Coast cool) leant into the beachy aesthetic, with organic, driftwood-like art and vintage furniture. For this edit – a handbook to her Cali-cool style – we look to her masterful use of timber and varied stones with a selection of furniture, accessories, fabrics and wallpaper. The result is a truly ‘chilled-out’ decorating palette.
‘Aalto’ shelf, Andu Masebo
Crafted by rising design star Masebo, this wall-mounted timber frame has been made to perfectly fit the wavy proportions of the classic ‘Aalto’ vase by Alvar Aalto for Iitala (£165). £220, andumasebo.com
‘Moncloud’ sofa, Cassina
Soft like a passing cumulonimbus, this sofa by Patricia Urquiola floats above impossibly thin legs. Its core is made of recycled PET fibre that’s an eco alternative to foam. From £8,859, cassina.com
‘Bracket Leaf’ wallpaper, Holly Hunt
Combining hand-applied plaster and real gold leaf, this minimalist wallcovering by Assemblage adds a subtle amount of California bling and a lustre that catches the light. £205 per metre, hollyhunt.com
‘Livon’ chair, Ransom & Dunn
Small but perfectly formed, this is interiors duo Ransom & Dunn’s modern take on the traditional vanity chair. A curve of burl wood contains the surprisingly deep cushion that ensures a level of comfort unexpected from such a compact design. £1,595, ransomanddunn.com
‘Wallace’ console, Soho Home
Book-matched mappa burl timber creates natural pattern across the surface of this design that is otherwise quite simple in structure. A seamless arch, its design is reminiscent of the interiors seen at 180 House. £995, sohohome.com
‘Aura’ fabric, De La Cuona
A linen warp with haphazard interwoven wool yarns lends this sheer fabric the texture of root growth. The juxtaposition of such an earthy appearance with the fabric’s airy lightness is intriguingly beautiful. £240 per metre, delacuona.com
‘Molly’ candleholder, Serax
Marie Michielssen designed these small but perfectly formed candleholders that are bare and textural on the outside but feature a glazed finish on the inside. £29 for three, serax.com
‘Marquise’ fabric, Designers Guild
Cut-pile velvet is a luxurious way to add texture to upholstery and, although geometric in its design, this pattern by Designers Guild still has the curves that will complement a Cali-cool decorating scheme. £130 per metre, designersguild.com
‘Maasto’ chair, Vaarnii
Finnish brand Vaarnii’s plywood pine has an exaggerated grain that lends it an arts and crafts charm. Combined with Ronan Bouroullec’s brutalist form it’s a winning combination. £625, vaarnii.com
‘Mino’ fabric, Elitis
Delicately woven from paper-based fabric, this sheer has an unusual texture that also lends a unique quality to the light it allows to filter through. It’s surprisingly tough, but with an effect that is ephemeral. £130 per metre, elitis.fr
‘Organza’ table lamp, Gallery Fumi
There’s a real totemic quality to this lamp, part of an artistic collection by American designer Jeremy Anderson. It’s formed from stoneware, with touches of 22k gold that accentuates its glow. Price on application, galleryfumi.com
‘Barrel’ chair, The Invisible Collection
There’s an extreme shapeliness to this chair by Atelier L’Inconnu – like the curves of a human body or pebbles softened by the shore. This version is upholstered in ‘Adorabile Alpaca’ fabric by Dedar for an assured touch of luxury. £10,310, theinvisiblecollection.com
‘La Celebración’ mirror, Joyful Objects, Yes!
Founded in Mexico City in 2021, new brand Joyful Objects, Yes! takes a (as its name suggests) playful approach to design. We adore this tall floor mirror’s wavy form. £4,204, adorno.design
Decorate with orange: our zestiest ever edit
The best chainmail designs, from stools to sconces
17 of the best summer parasols
8 homes that feature the ‘Utrecht’ armchair
