The Newest Trend in Design: East Coast Meets West Coast Interior Design Aesthetics
When I moved to California a few years ago, I found myself at the crossroads of two distinct yet equally captivating design aesthetics. The East Coast, with its refined, cozy feel, classic blue and white stripes, and charming floral accents, had always held a special place in my heart. In contrast, the West Coast's laid-back, organic vibe, with its natural textures and neutral colors, resonated with my newfound Californian lifestyle.
Little did I know this merging of two aesthetics was on trend and I was about to embark on a journey of blending these two iconic styles, creating a unique and harmonious home that reflects the best of both worlds.
Join me as I share my tips and experiences on merging the timeless elegance of East Coast design with the relaxed, effortless charm of West Coast living.
Start with a neutral color palette
East and West Coast designs favor neutral colors, so this is a good place to start for your first layer.
East Coast Design and Color Aesthetics
East Coast design exudes a sense of timeless elegance and classic sophistication. The color palette tends to favor darker and richer neutrals, such as navy, oxblood, and chocolate brown, which create a warm, inviting atmosphere. In coastal areas, you’ll also find brighter hues like pink, blue, and green, reflecting the vibrant seaside environment. Traditional patterns such as stripes, plaids, and florals are prominent, adding a touch of formality and refinement.
East Coast homes often feature polished finishes, including shiny hardwood floors and marble countertops, which lend a luxurious and upscale look. This style emphasizes a structured, cohesive aesthetic that feels both comfortable and sophisticated.
West Coast Design and Color Aesthetics
In contrast, West Coast design is characterized by its light, airy, and laid-back vibe. The color palette leans towards lighter neutrals like white, cream, and light gray, which contribute to a relaxed and casual ambiance. Modern patterns, including geometrics and abstracts, bring a contemporary edge to the space, infusing it with personality and a touch of whimsy. Natural materials such as wood, stone, and leather are staples in West Coast homes, creating an organic and earthy feel.
This design aesthetic prioritizes comfort, simplicity, and a strong connection to nature, resulting in spaces that are both stylish and unpretentious.
Bringing East Coast and West Coast Design Together
Combining the sophisticated charm of East Coast design with the relaxed, organic feel of West Coast style creates a harmonious and unique aesthetic. To achieve this blend, start with a balanced neutral palette that incorporates both the darker, richer tones of the East Coast and the lighter, airier hues of the West Coast.
Integrate traditional patterns like stripes and florals with modern geometrics and abstracts for a dynamic visual interest. Use naturaI materials such as wood, stone, and leather to bridge the two styles, ensuring that each piece feels connected to nature.
Accessories, artwork, and furniture in vibrant colors can add pops of interest and tie the look together. For example, antique vessels from the South of France can sit comfortably alongside organic-shaped side tables made from tree stumps, and a crystal and upcycled wooden bowl can complement both polished and rustic elements.
By thoughtfully combining these elements, you can create a cohesive design that beautifully mingles the elegance of the East Coast with the casual charm of the West Coast, resulting in a space that is both stylish and deeply personal.
It's essential to understand that both East and West Coast design aesthetics share a strong connection to nature, making the use of natural materials a perfect way to blend the two styles. Incorporating wood, stone, and leather can seamlessly merge the refined elegance of the East Coast with the laid-back vibe of the West Coast.
For example, I love adding rustic, organic antique vessels, like the beautiful confits I found in the south of France, which now grace my living room cabinet. Additionally, organic-shaped side tables made from natural woods, along with a crystal and upcycled wooden bowl, enrich my space with a harmonious blend of both coastal influences.
Add some Texture
Texture is another way to add interest to a space and to help blend the two aesthetics.
Photo and design by Scaramandre.
Try using different textures in the fabrics, rugs, and furniture. I added some tiger pillows from Scalamandre along with some texture and heavy woven linen throws . As you can see, I am starting to add color with my textures.
The antique Parisian carpet has lovely light golds, different hues of blue and cream. When selecting my textures I am looking at the colors within my carpet to further carry them into my space.
I added some laid-back elements. Think: throw blankets, pillows, and rugs in natural colors and textures.
A little about scale as it relates to interior design
In interior design, scale refers to the size of furniture, objects, and other elements in relation to the ROOM’S SIZE. When decorating a room, it is important to consider scale, as the wrong scale can make a room feel cramped or overwhelming.
There are a few things to keep in mind when considering scale in interior design:
The size of the room: The size of the furniture is the most important factor when determining scale. A large room can accommodate larger furniture and objects, while a small room will require smaller pieces.
The height of the ceiling: The height of the ceiling can also affect scale. A room with a high ceiling can accommodate taller furniture and objects, while a room with a low ceiling will require shorter pieces.
The style of the furniture: The style of the furniture can also affect scale. For example, a traditional style room typically calls for larger, more formal furniture, while a modern style room typically calls for smaller, more streamlined furniture.
The amount of furniture: A room’s furniture can also affect scale. A room with a lot of furniture can feel cramped, while a room with very little can feel empty.
Adding East Coast Colors to a West Coast style
This is an example of some textures that I was looking at to further decorate my space. The geometric shapes and the sheep skin are beautiful examples. This was my first inspiration for adding another layer of color to my design.
Design Mood Board
This mood board gave me a lot of inspiration for the colors that I wanted to add to my living space. You can see that I have added my love for flowers and the colors that are so vivid in many East Coastal homes. I am using my carpet as the main focus on color and adding a touch of pink.
Add pops of color:
Selecting flowers with pinks, yellows, and greens feels vibrant and cheerful, instantly bringing a sense of the outdoors into any space. It is a must for me since I am a gardener at heart. I love flowers of all kinds.
When selecting fabrics for throw pillows, I chose a beautiful Ralph Lauren floral fabric with subtle shades of grey and blue, and delightful pops of pink and green. To complement this, I picked another fabric that matches the blue in my carpet and pairs well with the Ralph Lauren fabric. This fabric also has a textured element, bringing in the relaxed, organic vibes of the West Coast. To add even more texture, I backed these pillows with velvet.
To achieve a truly East Coast look, I love incorporating various flowers in these colors. Mixing different shades of pink—such as hot pink, rose pink, and pale pink—creates a dynamic and rich visual effect. Adding yellow flowers and green foliage enhances this vibrant yet sophisticated palette.
Here’s how you can incorporate these flowers into your designs:
Vase Arrangements: Place them in a vase on your coffee table for a bright,
welcoming touch.
Centerpieces: Create a stunning floral centerpiece for your dining room table to add elegance and charm.
Decorative Touches: Use them to adorn bookshelves or mantles, adding a burst of color and life to any room.
In addition to flowers, consider using other East Coast-inspired colors like blues, whites, and grays in your design. These muted tones balance the brighter hues, maintaining a coastal feel. Combining these elements creates a more sophisticated and harmonious look.
By thoughtfully mixing and matching colors and textures, you can beautifully blend East Coast charm with West Coast ease in your home decor.
Here are some of my photos that I am considering using in my living room and adjoining kitchen. You see hints of pink, yellow, and blue. I still need to finish my design since I need to add window treatments and other art; More will come.
No matter your preferred design style, I encourage you to incorporate some East Coast colors into your space. These colors are sure to add a touch of warmth and beauty to any room.
The result is a space that feels both coastal and California-inspired. It's a place to relax, unwind, and feel inspired and creative.
Mixing and matching East Coast and West Coast Interior Design
If you're looking to mix East Coast and West Coast decor in your own home, here are a few tips:
Use pops of color. Pink, blue, and white are all classic coastal colors, but you can add other colors to your decor, such as green, yellow, or orange.
Combine different textures. Coastal decor often features a mix of smooth, polished surfaces and natural textures, such as wood, wicker, and stone.
Add some laid-back elements. Throw blankets, pillows, and rugs in natural colors and textures.
With a bit of creativity, you can easily mix East Coast and West Coast décor to create a stylish and comfortable space.
In addition to the tips above, here are a few more ideas for mixing East Coast and West Coast décor:
Use nautical accents.
Display seashells and other natural objects.
Hang framed coastal prints or paintings.
Add a touch of greenery with plants or flowers.
Play with different patterns and textures.
Don't be afraid to experiment! The best way to find your unique style is to try different things and see what works for you.
Let the light in. New England and California coastal design styles benefit from plenty of natural light. This helps to create a feeling of openness and airiness in the home.
Foster a sense of relaxation. Both styles are designed to be relaxing and inviting. This can be achieved by using soft fabrics, comfortable furniture, and calming colors.
Don't be afraid to mix and match different styles to create a unique look. For example, you could combine traditional New England pieces with modern California accents.
By following these steps, you can create a coastal-inspired home that is both stylish and relaxing.
I designed this floral bouquet with my favorite colors from the East Coast. The colors lighten up the space and work well with my linen sofa.
““Let us celebrate the occasion with wine and sweet words.”
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Design with your heart™️
Happy entertaining my friends!
Mary
“May your home be a place where friends meet, family gathers, and love grows. ”
