When it comes to West Coast design, think light-filled rooms, soft textures, and an easy-breezy vibe that makes every day feel like a vacation. We asked three incredible designers, Kerrie Kelly, Julee Ireland, and Divya Vijayanandakumar, to share what defines the coastal calm look and how anyone, anywhere, can bring it home.
What Is West Coast Style?
West Coast style is all about indoor-outdoor living, focusing on sunshine, open spaces, and serenity.
“West Coast style is defined by its seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living. It celebrates natural light, relaxed layouts, and materials that reflect the beauty of our surroundings.” — Kerrie Kelly
“A seamless indoor-outdoor connection—spaces that breathe with natural light, organic textures, and an easy, elevated vibe.” — Julee Ireland
“For me, it’s natural light. There’s something about the way it fills a space out here—soft, warm, and effortless.” — Divya Vijayanandakumar
Striking the Balance: Relaxed and Refined
It’s easy to assume that "relaxed" means casual or not styled, but West Coast design is all about layers. Sophistication comes through in the details. Kerrie emphasizes pairing “comfortable, approachable pieces with tailored cabinetry, elegant hardware, and curated accessories.” The result? Rooms that feel intentional but never fussy.
Julee builds on this with her signature twist. “Clean lines and soft neutrals balanced with bold, sculptural details or a rich wood tone keep things grounded but never boring.”
Divya’s approach is more personal. “Natural textures, soft palettes, and simple lines,” she says, are the foundation. It’s the “Refined or meaningful elements—like a vintage rug or art from the client’s travels—that add soul.”
It’s not about perfection, it’s about making the space feel both designed and deeply lived-in.
Not on the West Coast? No Problem
You don’t need palm trees or Pacific breezes to capture the West Coast look. It's all about creating a sense of ease and openness. Kerrie recommends focusing on “airy, light-filled spaces that emphasize comfort and natural materials,” with soft neutrals and woven textures to round it out.
Julee suggests letting “the light in—both literally and in your material choices,” and reminds us that “West Coast style is more about feeling than geography.”
Divya adds a helpful checklist: “Light woods, woven pieces, organic shapes, and natural light—even if it’s just softer curtains or bigger windows.”
Wherever you live, you can tap into this coastal calm by designing for flow and softness.
Cabinetry That Says ‘California Cool’
Cabinets are the backbone of the kitchen, and choosing the right color and style is key to capturing a West Coast vibe. Kerrie loves the pairing of “Galaxy Frost for its crisp, clean lines with Fusion Stone for an earthy contrast.” It’s light and airy, but grounded.
Julee is all in on oak tones, choosing “Luna Desert Oak for a light white oak look and Luna Timber for warmth,” and even suggests “a soft, muted accent color like Sherwin-Williams Sea Salt” to personalize the palette.
Divya’s still getting familiar with the full Fabuwood range, but she’s excited about the potential: “From what I’ve seen so far, there’s room to play with their finishes in a clean, coastal way.”
In other words, West Coast cabinetry should feel soft, grounded, and effortlessly elegant.
Real Projects, Real Inspiration
Each designer brought their vision to life in different ways, but all with that unmistakable West Coast touch. In a Lake Tahoe vacation home, Kerrie “opened up the kitchen to frame expansive views, used reclaimed wood for warmth, and selected durable materials like Dekton.” The palette was “soft and neutral, punctuated with texture and layered lighting.”
Meanwhile, Julee brought West Coast flair to a Boston project, layering “Fabuwood cabinetry, wide plank white oak floors, and a creamy stucco exterior paired with Fond du Lac stone.” She added “brushed gold finishes, handmade tile, and soaring 12 to 24-foot ceilings” to maximize flow and light.
Divya’s recent kitchen design leaned into ocean blues and walnut accents, with “soft matte finishes and lots of open space” to reflect her client’s lifestyle.
It’s All About the Light
If there’s one thing all three designers agree on, it’s this: light is everything. “Prioritizing natural light and flow is key,” says Kerrie, noting that thoughtful window and finish placement “anchors the design.”
Julee calls light “the secret sauce that makes the space feel open, effortless, and connected to nature.” And Divya puts it simply: “Flow—that ease of movement, visually and physically—is what defines the look.”
From soft morning glow to golden hour magic, West Coast design begins and ends with light.
West Coast style isn’t about copying a location; it’s about creating a mood. Its texture and tone, light and warmth. It’s thoughtful, layered, and lived in. Whether you’re designing a vacation home in Lake Tahoe or a cozy kitchen in Kansas, it all starts with embracing nature, comfort, and calm.
With the right palette, natural elements, and a few smart Fabuwood selections, that West Coast feel is closer than you think. Order your sample doors to see how West Coast style will look in your space.
