California Interior Design: Hybrid Styles + Global Influences

California interior design by Sarah Barnard, Photo: Brad Nicol.

The Golden State has generated many interior design aesthetics over the decades, from Hollywood Regency to California Modernism. The latest style to surge in popularity isn't a singular force, but a convergence of California eclecticism and global influences.

California is the most diverse state in America, home to 11 million immigrants, and 17 million transplants from other parts of the country. Coming from the nation's most populous melting pot, Californians have a deep appreciation for a variety of arts and culture. A study of Google search trends reveals that California is also the most well-traveled state in America, which explains why many Californians draw inspiration from their personal histories when decorating their homes.

Biophilic interior design by Sarah Barnard, Photo: Brad Nicol.

Home designer Sarah Barnard, WELL AP + LEED AP, is a native Angeleno who founded her design studio 17 years ago in the entertainment capital of the world. The early aughts were the height of celebrity couple nicknaming when monikers like Bennifer, Brangelina, and TomKat grabbed gossip blog headlines. Hollywood culture is woven into the fabric of Los Angeles and has even seeped its way into home design and how we label aesthetics. Using Barnard's past projects as inspiration, we brainstormed eight portmanteaus that celebrate California's blended design styles.

Caliminimalism interior design by Sarah Barnard, photo by Steven Dewall.

"Caliminimalism" (California + Minimalism). Neutral color schemes, natural elements, and seamless indoor/outdoor living define the California-cool aesthetic. This pairs perfectly with a minimalist style, which emphasizes clutter-free spaces, neutral or all-white color schemes, and functionality. These approaches complement one another, creating a new aesthetic that's warm and comfortable, yet practical.

Caliterranean interior design by Sarah Barnard, Photo: Scott Van Dyke.

"Caliterranean" (California + Mediterranean). Much of California has a Mediterranean climate, so it makes sense that the state's inhabitants have long borrowed from Mediterranean architecture and landscaping. California's take on Mediterranean style is a blend of Italian, Spanish, Moorish, and Mission influences. Stucco finishes, intricate tilework, dark wood tones, archways, and wrought iron accents characterize the aesthetic.

Ethicali interior design by Sarah Barnard, Photo: Steven Dewall, Artwork: Renae Barnard.

"Ethicali" (Ethical + California). California has paved the way for renewable energy and sustainable home design in America. It's no surprise, then, that residents value healthy, sustainable interiors. By adopting the Ethicali aesthetic, you can design beautiful spaces using non-toxic, naturally-derived materials, and finishes. These materials extend from FSC-certified wood furniture, chemical-free textiles, and zero-VOC interior paints, all the way to eco-friendly wood wax finishes, natural latex foam fillers, and organic cotton batting.

Scandifornian interior design by Sarah Barnard, Photo: Steven Dewall. Artwork: Renae Barnard.

"Scandifornian" (Scandinavia + Californian). Although separated by thousands of miles, California and Scandinavia share an appreciation for neutral color schemes, natural fibers, sustainably-sourced wood, and intentional accessories. The term "Scandifornian style" wasn't coined by us; however, it's certainly grown in popularity over the past couple of years. The combined style melds coastal California influences with the simplistic forms and function of Scandinavian interior design.

Calicottage interior design by Sarah Barnard, Photo by Scott Van Dyke

"Calicottage" (California +Cottage). California, and Los Angeles in particular, is home to a surprising number of Cape Cod-style cottages. To prevent a California cottage from looking like it's been airlifted from a coastal New England town, it's important to honor its sense of place by bringing in native plants, lightweight textiles, brighter color schemes, and timeless furniture pieces.

Francofornia interior design by Sarah Barnard, Photo by: Chas Metivier, Artwork: Renae Barnard.

"Francofornia" (French loving California). French and California home design sensibilities are surprisingly chic when blended. Classic French interiors can read overtly formal and ornate; offsetting the style with pared-back California comfort can make a Francofornia space feel fresh and au courant. Think custom-designed, French antique-inspired furniture made from sustainable materials and non-toxic French linen window treatments.

Tudornia interior design by Sarah Barnard, Photo by Steven Dewall, Artwork by Kevin Moore.

"Tudornia" (Tudor + California). Tudor-style homes are all about opulence. In the United States, they peaked in popularity during the 1920s and 30s, which is why you'll often spot them in historic L.A. neighborhoods like Beverly Hills, Pacific Palisades, and Hancock Park. Even in present times, their interiors tend to be quite traditional. To achieve the Tudornia aesthetic, mix contemporary art, California-inspired furniture pieces, and colors with time-honored finishes and wall coverings.

"Coho" (California + Boho). The bohemian home design style has deep roots in the counterculture movement of the 1960s — the epicenter of which was in California. That free-spirited nature hasn't faded from the state, and many Californians continue to embrace vibrant colors, striking patterns, abundant plant life, and natural materials. The California approach to bohemian style is a bit more subdued and intentional; the silhouettes are modern, the colors are muted, and the decor is unobtrusive.

Coho interior design by Sarah Barnard, Photo: Ace Misunias, Artwork: Kevin Moore

California's interior design is multifaceted, just like the state's nearly 40 million inhabitants. Californians draw on their diverse backgrounds and experiences to develop inclusive home design styles that function in their specific climate, geography, and social environment. Coining design phrases gives us the expressive language to convey the melding of ideas and cultures that exists in California.

Sarah Barnard, WELL AP + LEED AP, is a leading designer of personalized, sustainable, restorative spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art. Barnard’s designs celebrate the natural world while contributing to its preservation. Barnard is an advocate for consciousness, inclusivity, and compassion in the creative process. Through her speaking engagements, pro-bono work, and writing, Barnard hopes to draw attention to these critical design objectives.

Barnard holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from Claremont Graduate University as well as undergraduate degrees in Art and Interior Architectural Design. Barnard was recognized as an American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Ones to Watch Scholar in the program’s inaugural class and in 2018 Locale Magazine named Barnard “Los Angeles’ Favorite Interior Designer.”

Barnard has given lectures at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), California State University, Northridge (CSUN), Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM), and SCALE: The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) National Student Summit. She has presented at the LA Home and Garden Show, Pacific Design Center, California Preservation Foundation, and Textile Arts LA. Most recently, OM Chats hosted Barnard and fellow design leaders to take part in a multi-speaker conversation around the role of empathy in design.

Designer Sarah Barnard on Why Empathy Is Central to Her Work

Article by Gwendolyn Purdom, originally featured Houzz.

Growing up with historic preservationist parents, Sarah Barnard got her introduction to architecture and home design at a young age.

“I grew up in historic homes, and my father was restoring furniture and light fixtures and stair railings and you name it,” the Los Angeles interior designer says. “Certainly, as things progressed in life, I think his talents became mine.”

The experience also shaped the way Barnard now approaches her work as the principal designer at Sarah Barnard Design — a firm built on sustainable, wellness-focused and otherwise mindful practices. (Barnard is a WELL accredited professional, a Building Biology practitioner and a LEED accredited professional.)

“Reducing, reusing, recycling — these types of things were not novel concepts,” Barnard says. “Being sensible and responsible in our choices and in our material specifications is something that’s always been a part of my life and definitely influences the way that I work.”

Barnard, who has been using Houzz to share project photos and to connect with fellow professionals on Pro-to-Pro discussion boards almost since the platform launched, has been seeing more and more clients, parents particularly, looking at their homes through a more thoughtful, holistic lens. Beyond being environmentally conscious, Barnard’s home design projects revolve around creating spaces that are personalized to support mental and physical health and happiness.

“If we all could be so lucky to exist in a space that is uniquely ours,” Barnard says. “There really is no happier environment than a space that is specially made for you.”

PHOTO BY: CHAS METIVIER

Q. You specialize in wellness design, sustainable design, and other mindful design practices. Why did you choose to make those specialties central to your work?

A. Empathy is really the foundation of our studio’s practice. Being able to meet our clients where they are and create environments that support them in living their best lives is really the heart of what we do.

My two primary credentials are LEED AP [accredited professional] and Well AP. LEED focuses more on environmental responsibility. WELL is focused more on human health. Those two things, along with historic preservation, really are the key focuses of my practice.

PHOTO BY: STEVEN DEWALL

That said, the personalization piece is really where it’s at in terms of being able to adapt to a broad range of situations. Sometimes that is a client who is seeking a vegan or perhaps a sustainable and vegan environment.

Other times it might be something that’s more of a specific family need, like a child with developmental differences or a person who has 13 cats. Any personalized need that could be better accommodated through home design is something that we’re keen to help with.

PHOTO BY: STEVEN DEWALL

Q. How do you work around challenges those specialties may present?
A. There are always limitations, and one thing we learn as design students and we practice throughout life is that limitations really drive design. With a big, broad, open scope the outcome could be anything, but the more limitations the project has to endure, the more specific the outcome.

An example of that is that we have a client who utilizes a prosthetic leg, and of course, this is something that is integral to her day-to-day function but not something that she would like to draw attention to. In the process of designing her home, it was disclosed at some point that she didn’t want certain types of textiles that would make it difficult for her to get up or get down. Something that might be more slippery, for example.

So, something that we may not have been aware of at the start of the project — once we’re armed with the information of what specific textures are going to be safest for her, then we can proceed accordingly in recommending those well-matched solutions.

PHOTO BY: STEVEN DEWALL

Q. Where do you find inspiration?
A. On a personal level, I’m definitely very much connected to the natural world. For me, that means spending time in my garden, doing a heck of a lot of birdwatching, really being tuned in to the small daily differences — like what the birds are doing, what the plants are doing, what the caterpillars are doing.

Being in touch with what’s going on in the natural world is a really important way for me to stay grounded in my professional life. Those textures, colors, patterns, things that I experience in the outdoors definitely drive the solutions that I create indoors.

PHOTO BY: STEVEN DEWALL ARTWORK: KEVIN MOORE

Q. What has been your most memorable client request? You worked with someone with 13 cats?
A. Yes. We made a special screened porch for the cats so that they could enter and exit the house safely without being eaten by a coyote or disturbing the neighborhood bird population. They were able to bask in the sun and live their happy lives safely and in a way that made the homeowner pleased.

I think perhaps the most fun request we’ve had in the last few years was that a young couple in the entertainment industry wanted an adult sleepover room. It was a very large space that would essentially have multi-functions for hosting parties, but the sofas would be modular and movable so that they could be reconfigured as king-sized beds. And if the party got late and movie-watching turned to sleep, 10 or more couples could camp in this room.

PHOTO BY: STEVEN DEWALL

Q. Is there one particular project that changed your business in some way?

A. In my late 20s, I had the opportunity to design the West Coast offices for National Geographic Entertainment. And that certainly was an important project for us, because it was not only aesthetically in our dream wheelhouse, but it also was a client that more than ever before really was in alignment with our values and the things that we think are important. That definitely was a fantastic experience.

PHOTO BY: STEVEN DEWALL

Q. What advice would you offer to pros who want to make their practice more sustainable or mindful?

A. The most critical skill in mindful design is listening — creating a space in which the client feels comfortable to share, and then really listening and asking follow-up questions, many of them, prior to offering any solutions. Probably the most common rookie designer mistake I see is, designers, want to view a space and immediately make recommendations. And in doing that they would have missed the most critical element of the space, which is the user.

PHOTO BY: STEVEN DEWALL

Q. What particular challenges is the interior design industry facing?
A. Interior designers have always had a singular challenge, which we will probably face for decades to come, and that is that many homeowners don’t actually understand what we do. Because of this sort of lack of education in the homeowner, they may misunderstand our services to be shopping. They may misunderstand our services to be a number of things that are not actually what interior design practice is fundamentally about. And because of this misinformation, I think designers may struggle to communicate their value to a person who perhaps hasn’t worked with a designer before or isn’t familiar with all the benefits a professional can bring to a project.

Because I have been in the game most of my adult life, I am fortunate to be approached regularly by clients who are knowledgeable, who do value what my team has to offer. I think in the rare occurrence where we’ve worked with a client who struggles to understand the process, we just remain patient and explain to whatever length necessary so that they can understand what is happening and why.

A great example of that would be, I had a client once and he said he didn’t need measuring; he just needed furniture. That’s an example of someone who just doesn’t understand the steps of the process. Being patient with him and explaining to him why measuring is critical to the process allowed him to remain in support of the work that we were doing and understand what we were delivering and why.

PHOTO BY: STEVEN DEWALL

Q. What advice would you offer other pros on making their own design specialties stand out?
A. It’s like the advice that our moms all gave us as children, but it’s critical to be yourself — thinking about what’s really important to you and what are the things that you really, really are passionate about and being more a part of those things.

For example, for me, it’s nature and birds and that’s my truth. It’s easy for me to talk about nature and birds because that is my real life. It’s much more difficult to try to follow the trends of others and latch on to boho-chic or whatever is the latest thing. Because if the latest thing is not your thing, it’s never going to be authentic anyway.

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that connect deeply to nature and art. Empathy and mindfulness are the foundation of her practice creating healing, supportive environments that enhance life.