Interiors

Design Direction: How to Achieve the Quintessential Los Angeles Aesthetic

by

6 years ago

Hi Everyone,

If you follow me at @graymalinpersonal on Instagram, then you know that although I’m traveling a big chunk out of the year, nothing makes me happier than returning to my home base in L.A. I love the welcoming feeling of retreating to our own little slice of heaven with my hubs and our pup Stella, and part of that is because of the familiar feeling of coming back to a place that we dreamed up and designed together. I’ve always been a fan of the equally comfortable and stylish design that seems to come with every L.A. home I step foot in, and I’m sure I’m not the only one that never tires of that Los Angeles aesthetic.

But if you’re wondering exactly what it is that makes a space feel quintessentially “L.A.” then keep scrolling, because I’m cluing you in on five pieces you’ll find in almost every L.A. home. Ready? Let me introduce you to Los Angeles décor 101…

Wanderlust-Worthy Photography

L.A. may be one of the most well-known hotspots on the West Coast, but that doesn’t mean we don’t own our fair share of fine art photography from locations around the world. You’ll almost always find a dreamy beachscape or other far-away scene as part of an Angeleno’s décor. One of these options will make any home feel like it belongs to a well-traveled adventurer…

  1. Ocean House Beach Umbrellas, $249+ | 2. Three Umbrellas, Harbour Island, $249+ | 3. Light Blue Cabanas, Venice, $299+ | 4. Rainbow Cowboy Hats I, $199+ | 5. First Beach Sunbathers, Newport, $249+ | 6. Bondi Beach Landscape, Vertical, $249+ | 7. The Coral Reef, Maui, $249+ | 8. St. Barths Red Surfboard, $249+

Midcentury Touches

There’s something to be said about the relationship between Los Angeles residents and midcentury décor. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you walk into an L.A. resident’s home, you’re highly likely to at least find one or two midcentury touches, whether it’s a bookshelf, credenza, coffee table, or dining chairs (or all of the above).

  1. Lawndale Daybed with Brass Base, $1,099 | 2. Aniline Leather Lounge Chair and Ottoman, $850 | 3. Parker Oval Marble Coffee Table, $899 | 4. Alba Credenza, $599 | 5. Hans J. Wegner Wishbone Chair, $595+

Globally-Inspired Rugs

While there are certainly people in L.A. who were born and raised in the area, you’d be surprised just how many people who call Los Angeles “home” are actually transplants to the city. That being said, the fact that L.A. is a melting pot means that unique global touches can be found everywhere in our interior design. Just take a note from these rug styles Angelenos love…

  1. Nadya One-of-a-Kind Rug, $2,730 | 2. Leila Moroccan Shag Rug, $325-$2,250 | 3. Double Diamond Rug, $128-$1,998 | 4. Drishti Indoor/Outdoor Rug, $83-$920

Woven Baskets

Woven baskets are stylish and versatile, and there is good reason why Los Angeles residents have this accessory strewn throughout their homes. They can be used to store everything from throws and pillows, to magazines and firewood. Plus, they serve as an effortless way to house your favorite leafy indoor plants—which is where you’ll most likely find them if you step into an L.A. home.

  1. Milulu Basket, $78 | 2. Abeni Baskets, $258 | 3. Contrast Basket, $58 | 4. Solid La Jolla Baskets, $78-$168

Modern Statement Lighting

The best part about classic California home décor is that it is always an effortless mix of styles—vintage and modern, clean lines and laidback textiles, etc. One of our favorite ways to balance out the vibe of our natural accessories is to add a show-stopping light fixture as the focal point in a room. The modern and minimal aesthetic complements any collection of Los Angeles décor, without becoming too fussy or overbearing.

  1. Bistro Medium Chandelier, $1,999 | 2. Nassa Basket Pendant Light, $299 | 3. Obliquity Pendant, $310 | 4. Ray Selenite Pendant Light, $799 | 5. Betty Large Pendant, $1,199

What’s your favorite thing about that Los Angeles aesthetic?

I love how accommodating it is to adding accents and accessories (and of course photography!) from our travels all over the world. What can I say, I’m a little biased… ;)

Cheers,

xx

Gray

Header Image: Local + Lejos, then additonal photos byA Dash of Details, Jacey Duprie, GrayMalin.com