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!
What is California Casual?
Before we jump in you might be asking, what is California Casual interior design? This style blends the lightness of coastal design with the warmth of natural textures all with being slightly modern. These spaces are welcoming by nature —whether it’s coffee on a weekday morning or dinner with friends on the weekend.
With a mix of natural wood tones, woven textures, airy fabrics, and lush greenery, this vibe is surprisingly easy to create—no beach house required! Below, I’m breaking down the key elements and sharing some of my favorite pieces to help you bring the look home.
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 (all the plants!) – Greenery brings life and movement to a space. Fiddle leaf figs, olive trees, or even a trailing pothos add that lush, grounded feel.
- Uncluttered Layout & Decor– less is more and negative space is your friend, California Casual is all about intentional simplicity. Let pieces breathe. Leave space between furniture. It’s okay to let a corner stay empty—it adds to the relaxed, lived-in charm.
- Light & bright – make the most of those windows and white walls! Think white walls, pale woods, soft textiles, and an overall color palette inspired by sand, sea, and sky.
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!
- Mesa Art Print (I love the larger sizes such as 40″ x 55″) – it’s one of my home decor favorites
- 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 – A soft, subtle pattern adds interest underfoot without overpowering the space. Look for light neutrals and natural fiber blends.
- Linen Curtains: – Perfect breezy material (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 – Layer in more texture with wood & woven 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 – adds texture and a natural element
Coastal Decor Guide –
curated decor & paint colors
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving even more design inspiration, one of my favorite resources for this vibe is the book Pacific Natural. It’s full of laid-back, earthy decor ideas that truly capture the California Casual spirit.
And if you’re just starting out on your home styling journey, check out my Coastal Decor Guide, where I share paint colors, decor staples, and design tips to help you pull the look together.
