Picture a hippie commune, remove the lava lamps (and the drug paraphernalia), add some iconic mid century pieces, cue hotel California and say to yourself where would Troye Sivan place this Isama Noguchi paper lantern? You get the vibe right? If only we could replicate the beauty of Troye Sivan’s iconic Melbourne house by Flack Studio and Richard Christensen’s Flamingo Estate’s theatrically chill Los Angeles’ pool house. Introducing the interior design trend taking the world by storm, 'California Cool'.
These spaces are riddled with originality, whether it’s the aptly named pink Roly Poly chair by Faye Toogood sidled up against a coffee table made from the trunk of an oak tree or a vintage 1970’s lounge hovering on a geometric Moroccan rug. There is something these two Aussie, both whom are based in Los Angeles, have in common – a design ethos that celebrates the past, is layered with soulfulness and peppered with a bit of Californian cool.
I often look to California for inspiration when designing here in Australia, we share a similar sensibility, a similar climate and a celebration of natural elements and earthy tones. This aesthetic draws inspiration from the diverse landscapes of California, and combines it with mid century modernism that was so prevalent in the golden state during it's time. What I love most about these interiors is not how they are curated, its the fantasy and theatre at play, there is a freedom in letting go of how we should design, and going with what you love, and that is the cool in the California cool interior trend.
Here is your starter pack to bringing the 'California Cool' look into your home.
Tigmi Trading Nara Sofa
Nara by Tigmi, a sumptuous modular sofa designed and made locally in Australia. Drawing inspiration from the enduring appeal of iconic mid-century design, The Nara sofa combines timeless sensibilities with contemporary design, expertly made for modern living.
Christopher Farr Tiger Lightening Bolt Rug
You can’t get more California cool than Studio Shamshiri. A multi-disciplinary design firm, based in LA and who is known for its restoration work on homes designed by iconic architects. This incredible rug produced through Christopher Farr is a great base for your retro LA fantasy
Hotaru Double Bubble Pendant Light
Ethereal, fluid and simple. The Hotaru range by Twenty-twenty-one launched at the London Festival of Design 2015, and represents the perfect unison of traditional craft with an enduring aesthetic that is as modern as it is timeless.
Fay Toogood Roly Poly Chair
On first sight you would question this chair as a member of your living room scheme, however, the more you analyse its design properties, you start to understand why its integral to your living room scheme. Designed by infamous London based designer Faye Toogood, the Roly Poly chair is meticulously handmade by master artisans one piece at a time.
Tamsin Johnson Hand Carved Coffee Table
Bring in raw wood and natural materials into your space to balance your room. A vintage wooden coffee table adds to our instinctual need to connect with nature. The decorative detailing is a welcomed surprise, one of the kind piece adds to the character of your space.
Jordan Nelly Table Light
This lamp just makes me smile. Playful and sculptural, the Nelly lamp is created in Australia’s oldest pottery studio, Bendigo Pottery. A stylish between old-world craftsmanship and modern day charm.
Gubi Vanity Mirror 2
It’s all in the details. GamFratesi pays homage to modernist Gio Ponti’s F.A.33 Wall Mirror by adding a subtle curve into the frame, creating depth to the vintage design.
Tamsin Johnson Murano Glass Drop Light
What’s a retro LA inspired interior with a Murano sconce?Tamsin Johnson has a huge collection of Murano, everything from vases to lighting. This amber Murano glass drop sconces dates back to Italy, 1940’s .
