A laid-back beach town with an urban edge, Santa Monica offers a rather interesting interior design backdrop. From a cozy bungalow near Main Street to a modern condo overlooking the Pacific, here’s how to achieve all these styles and more while embracing the city’s coastal charm.
Coastal Contemporary
If you have always been dreaming of a space full of natural light, airy fabrics, and soft shades, go coastal contemporary. Start with the focal point of the room: a plush sectional in sandy tones. Sectionals are the epitome of calm and sophisticated like Ocean Avenue, offering plenty of seating and maximum comfort. For those looking for the best sectionals for their dream space, Harmonia Living is a brand to look into. It creates furniture pieces that balance durability, beauty, and affordability. Their sectionals in recyclable HDPE wicker and Sunbrella fabrics are luxury for your space and perfect for the daily grind.
Once the sectional sits comfortably, add details that amplify the coastal feel. A glass-top coffee table catches the shimmer of the Pacific, and woven chairs add a dimension to the room with texture while nodding to the iconic appeal of the Santa Monica Pier.
Anchor the space with a natural jute rug, and allow abstract wave art or coastal photography to bring the ocean inside. For a finishing touch, discard overly sentimental nautical decorations in favor of thoughtful, understated elements that honor the splendor of coastal living.
Mid-Century Modern
With its clean lines and organic shapes, the mid-century modern style fits in perfectly with Santa Monica’s architecture especially in neighborhoods like Sunset Park. Invest in iconic pieces like a traditional lounge chair, which you can find at local vintage shops. Its design is timeless just like the Santa Monica Pier is. Add a teak sideboard to make this space even more beautiful; you should go with warm tones to create a contrasting effect with the ocean breeze.
Lighting is made easier using a Sputnik chandelier, as it adds a touch of whimsy and nostalgia, like the optimism of the Space Age. Bear in mind that in mid-century design, less is always more, so don’t go overboard with the idea of adding unique accessories. Instead, let the furniture’s sculptural forms speak for themselves. It is much the same as the aesthetic of Santa Monica, where the natural beauty of the landscape often takes center stage.
Bohemian Eclectic
For those drawn to a more free-spirited aesthetic, Bohemian eclectic helps them capture the artistic soul of Santa Monica, making it well-suited for locations near Ocean Park and Main Street. Start with a vintage leather Chesterfield sofa, as it looks perfect with its worn patina and shares stories similar to those of the historic buildings along Third Street Promenade. Add colorful, globally-inspired throw pillows that celebrate the diversity of the community of Santa Monica.
Incorporate a variety of textures by using a Moroccan shag rug, which provides a plush sensation underfoot that contrasts the smooth wooden floors; this creates a sensory experience reminiscent of the transition from sand to the sidewalk along the beach.
An eclectic mix of furniture will do the trick for storage and display. You can always go with a reclaimed wood bookshelf to house the surfing memorabilia and travel souvenirs, each a conversation starter like the street performers who enliven the Promenade.
Don’t be shy to go bold with vibrant colors. A tapestry full of vibrant colors or a gallery wall showcasing local artists could serve as the anchor, giving voice to that creative spirit found throughout the numerous galleries and studios of Santa Monica.
Minimalist Zen
If you’re looking for some peace and quiet in your home, minimalist zen is the antidote to the chaos of Santa Monica’s tourist traps. For starters, choose a low-profile platform bed in natural wood tones. The simpler it is, the better, as it feels as calming as an early morning walk along Palisades Park. Paired with white linens, it all feels like a blank slate as fresh as the ocean air.
Similarly, a neutral-colored streamlined sofa totally deserves a place in your space. It offers comfort without creating a visual clutter in the living area. Still, a few judiciously chosen pieces can complement it, like the singular, striking piece of driftwood art, which always reminds you of the beach.
Don’t forget to add some nature with potted succulents or a small indoor fountain, the presence of which is as calming as the waves at Muscle Beach. Keep surfaces clear and invest in smart storage so your mind can rest as easily as your eyes.
Endnote
In the end, it doesn’t matter which style you choose, just keep in mind that the best interiors are not just reflective of trends, but of who lives there. Consider your unique tastes and desires and pick what works for you. In Santa Monica, beach culture meets cosmopolitan sophistication, so your home should be a personal haven that captures that unique blend perfectly.
