How to Style a California Casual Dining Room
Maybe it’s all the extra sunshine we’ve had here in Oregon lately, but I’ve been feeling some majorly easy, breezy vibes. I’ve been leaning towards a casual, bright space and the calm that it brings. With a mix of natural woods, woven materials, and lush plants, it’s easy to create the contemporary coastal look. Using a mood board I created for a friend as a jumping off point, I’ve pulled together some key elements to easily create a California casual dining room anywhere!
![California casual dining room space](https://i0.wp.com/www.allisajacobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/victoria-balson-maplewood-8.jpg?resize=683%2C1024&ssl=1)
California Casual Decor Elements
- Light woods – think white oaks, ash, and white maple (this wood species chart is helpful!)
- Natural materials – such as linens, ceramics, woven materials, baskets (check out some of my all time favorite baskets)
- Plants – of course, plants.
- Uncluttered – less is more and negative space is your friend
- Light & bright – make the most of those windows and white walls!
I love how natural and relaxed this space feels! You can apply this look by incorporating a few essential details (all part of the 7 Elements of Interior Design). Keep reading to see a list of some of my favorite pieces!
![casual dining room](https://i0.wp.com/www.allisajacobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/5-lighting.png?resize=682%2C1024&ssl=1)
Ready to get the look? Here are some pieces to get started on creating a California Casual Dining Room space – but honestly, these would work great anywhere!
![elements of california casual design](https://i0.wp.com/www.allisajacobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Blog-Mood-Boards.png?resize=791%2C1024&ssl=1)
- Mesa Art Print (I love the larger sizes such as 40″ x 55″)
- Basket Chandelier woven lights add so much to a space! I’m such a big fan, I have an entire post on Basket Pendant Lights Under $150
- Geometric Area Rug
- Linen Curtains: (hang 4-5 inches above window and order 84″ or 96″ so that bottom of curtain skims the floor)
- Light Wood Dining Room Table
- Navy Shiplap – I’ve never tried these ready to install sheets, which might make it easier but I would probably use standard shiplap installed vertically and painted in Hale Navy from Benjamin Moore
- Woven Dining Room Chairs (Check out my Dining Room Chairs post for more options all under $120)
- Fiddle Fig Plant and a Large Plant Basket
- White Terracotta Bowl (similar to shown)- adds texture and a natural element
Coastal Decor Guide –
curated decor & paint colors
![pacific natural home decor book](https://i0.wp.com/www.allisajacobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/pacificnatural.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&ssl=1)
If you’re looking for even more cool California vibes, the book, Pacific Natural is one of my favorites sources for coastal decor inspiration!
Take the Design Style Quiz!
Boho or Mid-Century? Maybe Modern or Coastal? See what interior design style fits you best!