Project Description

A client in Steyning engaged my design services to create refreshed room designs for the living areas of his home. He lives in the property with his two teenage daughters and wants to update their home and create an engaging downstairs space. I decided that California style room designs would suit this family very well.

California style design theme

I was inspired by several themes that fit within the California design style.

Firstly, the dashing good looks of 1930s Hollywood. The elegance of cocktails, the Art Deco beauty of line and the promise of excitement and fun times. This suited the space that is to become a pool table and home bar area.

Next, this flavour of California broadens out to become more rural and native. It incorporates the honesty of dark wood furniture, terracotta tones and Navajo-inspired patterns. This style works in the lounge area.

And finally, looking to the East the beauty of the prairie gives a soothing scenic landscape to enjoy. This is brought to life in the dining area, creating the illusion of a panoramic vista.

West Coast Art Deco pool table area

The centrepiece of this area is a stunning, original, walnut Art Deco drinks cabinet. Sourcing vintage pieces that work in harmony with a room design is something I really enjoy bringing to my client's designs. It provides a wow moment in a space, and celebrates the craftsmanship and materials of a past era. I paired this with an antique bronze light fixture that would suit lighting a pool table, and green velvet bar stools with metal tipped legs.

This area already has an original fireplace and dark blue walls, which I contrasted with the light oak floor. Introducing a blue-toned geometric patterned rug bridges the colour tones in the room and plays into the Art Deco theme. I completed the room with a set of California pool scene prints.

Canyon spirit lounge area

For the lounge I wanted to create a design that wasn't overtly masculine or feminine. Therefore I built on the neutral beige of the existing sofa and the dark blue of the cushions by introducing a warm terracotta to the colour palette. This appears as an eye-catching 3D accent wall and in the rug and additional cushions. Additionally, these elements (along with a new rattan accent chair) bring textural interest to the room, which was very flat before.

The furniture evokes Californian mission style with its honest, dark wood grounding the space and making it feel homely. A tall and interesting lamp in the corner adds height to the space. It draws the eye upwards so you appreciate the feeling of space in the room.

Prairie dining area

I wanted to create the feeling of looking out on a panoramic vista in the dining area. Framing portions of a wall mural, rather than papering it across the whole wall, gives a more subtle effect of looking through a trio of windows. I interspersed the panels with wall lights to give a cosy, warm glow to meal times. The current table has a glass top, so changing this for a darker wood ties in with the lounge furniture opposite and gives a more homely feel to the space. Upholstering the chairs in a dark blue fabric is practical for family life and counterpoints with the light floor and walls. You can see on the mood board above that I always give options to my clients. Here are four options for the wall mural which I thought would be appealing.

California style room designs

Following my design presentation to this client, I created a specification document, which details all the elements of the schemes. If my clients are happy to install the design schemes themselves, this document acts as the blueprint for them. It contains all the information required to make these designs a reality in their homes.

If you'd like me to find your design style and create a cohesive, design-led set of room designs for you - please get in touch here.