California Coastal design is a style that is inspired by the relaxed and casual lifestyle of the West Coast. According to Courtney Thomas Design, California Coastal style is characterized by “pillows without piping, slip-covered sofas, rough-hewn wood surfaces and lots of sisal elements” 1. This style is different from other coastal styles such as Carolina Coastal or Florida Coastal, which have their own unique characteristics 1.
If you’re looking to incorporate California Coastal design into your home, here are some tips to get you started:
- Choose a light color palette.California Coastal design is all about creating a bright and airy space. Choose light colors such as white, cream, and beige for your walls, floors, and furniture.
- Incorporate natural materials.California Coastal design is inspired by the natural beauty of the coast. Use natural materials such as wood, stone, and sisal to create a warm and inviting space.
- Add texture.Texture is an important element of California Coastal design. Use textured fabrics such as linen, cotton, and burlap to add depth and interest to your space.
- Use nautical accents.Nautical accents such as ropes, anchors, and shells can add a touch of coastal charm to your home. Use them sparingly to avoid a cluttered look.
- Keep it simple.California Coastal design is all about simplicity and understated elegance. Avoid clutter and unnecessary decorations, and focus on creating a clean and uncluttered space.
Handleless Cabinetry
Handleless cabinets are a popular choice for modern kitchens. Here are some benefits of designing with handleless cabinets:
- Improved safety: Handleless cabinets eliminate the risk of accidentally bumping into knobs or handles and receiving cuts or bruises. They also prevent sleeves and pockets from getting caught on jutting out handles.
- Sleek design: Handleless cabinets create a streamlined look that can make a small kitchen look larger and more spacious. They also offer a range of functional benefits, such as easier cleaning and greater accessibility.
- Minimalistic aesthetic: Handleless cabinets provide a minimalist, uncluttered look that helps create an overall sense of minimalism in the kitchen space. They also eliminate visual distractions from the area and promote an overall cohesion within the interior scheme.
- Long-term investment: Handleless cabinets are a great long-term option as they are unlikely to date. They are also a sleek alternative to handled cabinetry, making them ideal if you want a clean, contemporary aesthetic.
Stain-Glazed Finishes
A glazed finish is a technique of applying a layer of stain color over a stained or painted surface to create more interest and pop the grain. It is a highly controllable way of floating color in between layers of a finish. When you stain, the wood absorbs the stain, and that has a profound impact on how much color gets taken in and where it lodges, but with glaze you have almost complete control over where the color goes and how much stays on. Glazed finishes are designed to bring out dimension and depth. Hand applied over the top of your stain or opaque color choice, glazes build up in corners and edges, accentuating the finest details. This effect will also deepen your color choice giving an overall warmer tone. Glaze finishes are especially dramatic on the more detailed door styles.
Face Frame Inset and Frameless Cabinetry
Face frame inset joinery is a traditional method of constructing kitchen cabinets. A face frame is a framework made up of stiles (vertical pieces) and rails (horizontal pieces) that’s installed on the front of a case 1. Inset cabinetry is very similar to a framed cabinet, however, the doors and drawers actually fit inside the face frame . This allows the door to sit inside the frame to showcase the profile 3. The most common door style associated with this type of cabinet is inset .
The use of face frame inset joinery dates back to the early 1900s when it was the only method of constructing cabinets. It was popularized by the Shakers, a religious sect known for their simple and functional designs 1. Today, face frame inset joinery is still a popular choice for those who prefer a traditional look in their kitchens.
Frameless euro styles, on the other hand, are a more modern approach to cabinet construction. They are also known as “full access” or “European-style” cabinets . Frameless cabinets do not have a face frame, which means that the doors and drawers are attached directly to the cabinet box. This creates a sleek, modern look that is popular in contemporary kitchens
The choice between face frame inset joinery and frameless euro styles ultimately depends on your personal preference and the style of your kitchen. Face frame inset joinery is a great option if you prefer a traditional look, while frameless euro styles are ideal for those who prefer a more modern aesthetic.
