Creating Wellness Through Design: A Coastal California-Inspired Home

When I moved to California three years ago, I didn’t anticipate how much the landscape would influence my design aesthetics. As someone who loves to walk along the coastline of Big Sur, overlooking the countless shades of the ocean, I’ve found endless inspiration in the breathtaking views. The hues of the Pacific and the grounding earth tones of the cliffs have genuinely shaped how I see and design space. I never imagined incorporating so many earth tones into my home, but living here has changed—or perhaps added to—my design perspective in the most beautiful way.

A Palette Inspired by Nature

The color palette of my home flows directly from my antique Tabriz carpet to the natural landscape surrounding me. The deep blues of the ocean—sometimes serene, sometimes bold—are present throughout, acting as the soul of my design. Blue has always been my favorite color, but now it serves a deeper purpose, reflecting the endless movement of the Pacific. Paired with the earthy browns, soft camel tones, and warm beiges drawn from the cliffs, these colors provide the perfect backdrop for my home. They evoke a sense of grounding and warmth, making the space feel calm and inviting.

Photo and design by Emily Henderson via stylebyemilyhenderson.com
This is the color palette I drew from—gorgeous, deep, rich hues inspired by the Pacific Ocean coastline.

A Design Rooted in Tradition: The Antique Tabriz Rug

The journey of designing my home began with a single piece—an antique Tabriz rug I purchased at an auction. This rug became the anchor of my design, featuring all the colors I love: muted blues, soft browns, camel, and calming beiges. The palette is quiet yet powerful, creating an atmosphere of serenity that sets the tone for the entire space. It has an understated, timeless beauty, yet its presence is felt in every corner of the room. Starting with this rug allowed me to build a cohesive, comforting home rooted in history.

A Fusion of Styles: Tradition Meets Modern Design

Creating a home isn’t just about aesthetics; crafting an experience that brings peace, wellness, and a sense of history. I love mixing traditional elements with contemporary flair, like the elegant French antiques that ground my home. One of my favorite pieces is a rich chocolate color French cabinet and an antique French olive oil jar from Provence that speaks to my love for timeless decor. To balance that, I’ve added Hans Wegner mid-century chairs, which offer comfort and inject modern sophistication into the space. The blend of old and new creates harmony, making the space feel lived-in and fresh.

The Hans Wegner mid-century chairs paired with gold and brown velvet leopard throw pillows add a modern touch, while the linen throw and antique carpet create a striking contrast of texture and timeless elegance.

I added these beautiful Provence Blue throw pillows, which I purchased from Pottery Barn, for a touch of East Coast vibes and Provence aesthetics. I love the colors blue and orange. It’s exactly what I was looking for. It brings a more casual feel to the space, which I love.

Organic Elements and Thoughtful Details

I’ve always believed that nature should play a role in interior design. It’s not just about aesthetics—it’s about bringing the peace of the outdoors inside. I’ve incorporated organic elements like a round tree stump side table and a hand-carved cherry wood bowl, both of which reflect the rugged beauty of the coastline. A beautifully wood-grained walnut-floating coffee table is the centerpiece, seamlessly anchoring these elements and creating a cohesive design. The olive tree, tucked into a corner, brings a touch of greenery and life to the space, further enhancing the sense of serenity. The leopard throw pillows of deep gold and brown are a beautiful pop of color that I adore, bringing out a more golden hue from the furniture and brass fixtures.

The tree stump side table embraces today's circular trends and brings an organic look and feel to the space. Its rich, deep golden color adds more warmth to the room. The 100% organic linen throw is also added for texture and wellness.

Lovely House of Scalamandré throw pillows. Photo and design by Scalamandré

Always a pop of color to remind me of my passion for the North East Coastline

Warmth Through Brass and Soft Lighting

I’ve chosen brass fixtures and candles to add another layer of warmth. The soft, golden glow of brass lends a subtle richness, while candlelight enhances the atmosphere with its gentle flicker. These warm metals complement the natural textures in the room, creating a space that feels intimate and welcoming yet elevated.

Antique French olive oil jug and brass elements

Another 100% organic linen throw, which adds texture and interest.

My linen sofa and round side table again incorporate the circular trends of today and organic fabrics.

Art: A Tribute to Nature

The art that adorns my walls is deeply personal. I’ve chosen botanical prints from California to highlight the local flora and honor the natural beauty of my surroundings. Additionally, I’ve hung ocean scenes from Brittany, France—a region that mirrors the rugged beauty of California’s Pacific coast. Both places are dear to me, and these art pieces capture my love for the ocean and a passion for the French coastline, from which my family migrated many years ago. It is uncanny to me that both coastlines look so similar. It is heartfelt to me since these unique landscapes have inspired me more today than at any other time.

Gorgeous earth tones grace this beautiful piece of pottery.

Another beautiful piece of pottery, this one adorned with the colors of the Pacific Ocean. The dragonfly in the background nods to my company's logo and brings back memories of my trips worldwide. I bought this lovely piece in Australia.

This print, *Cliffs by the Sea at Trouville* by Gustave Caillebotte, holds deep sentimental value for me, as my family is from Brittany, France. The striking resemblance to the coastline of the central Pacific Ocean is uncanny.

This print, *Until the Night is Over* by Larisa Aukon, features vibrant oranges, pinks, and purples—colors I've incorporated into my living room design. These playful hues reflect my love for the design aesthetics of the U.S. Northeast coastline.

Stunning colors of the Pacific Ocean taken at the Channel Islands

I’ve also painted a few small abstract acrylic pieces that capture the movement of the waves as I see them. The different blends of blues, gold, and whites in these works are drawn from the vibrant colors I experience walking along the shoreline. These paintings are a personal reflection of the ocean’s beauty and the calming moments it offers.

Wellness and Serenity in Every Detail

Ultimately, this home is designed to be more than just a living space—it’s a sanctuary. Every detail, from the color palette to the furniture, was chosen with wellness and serenity in mind. I wanted to create a space where the rush of everyday life fades away and the calming presence of nature takes over. The deep blues, natural elements, and thoughtful details offer a retreat from the outside world, encouraging mindfulness, relaxation, and a sense of well-being.

This coastal-inspired home reflects not only the beauty of the Pacific but also the importance of living in harmony with nature. Every element is infused with the warmth and comfort that invites you to slow down, breathe, and embrace life’s simple joys. It all began with a single piece—the antique Tabriz rug that captured my heart and set the tone for this journey. Walking the coastline each weekend, I find peace and grounding in the rhythmic sound and kaleidoscope of colors from the ocean. These colors and sounds are my muse. These moments nurture my soul like no other, and the home I’ve created mirrors that serenity, offering a space where nature and design come together to restore and inspire.

Design by Merze Lifestyle
Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year, Mocha Mousse, is a soft, warm brown that embodies comfort, connection, and timeless elegance. It reflects the current cultural shift towards creating nurturing environments and celebrating simplicity. This shade, inspired by nature and the joy of small indulgences, encourages a sophisticated, grounded aesthetic. Its versatility allows it to blend seamlessly into modern, rustic, or traditional interiors.
Mocha Mousse offers stability and understated luxury, whether in cozy living rooms with creamy whites and brass accents or kitchens with natural wood finishes and matte black hardware. It resonates with sustainability trends and the desire for eco-conscious, biophilic designs, aligning with earthy palettes like muted greens or deep blues for complementary contrasts.
This color marks a return to stability in design, bridging contemporary trends with lasting appeal, making it suitable for spaces seeking warmth and serenity. Its adaptable nature ensures it will remain stylish beyond 2025, catering to diverse design sensibilities and lifestyles.

““True wellness begins when we align ourselves with nature’s rhythm. In the quiet moments by the ocean, I’ve found that health isn’t just about the body—it’s about nurturing the soul. Nature restores us, grounding us in serenity and reminding us to breathe deeply and live fully.””

— Mary Madore-Hickey