There’s something about nature that restores us, body and soul. Scientists have now proven that living near the beach leads to quantifiably better health, so it’s no wonder so many of us are drawn to anything with that effortless California Cool. Just thinking about Cali makes me exhale and mentally slow my pace. Why are those West Coasters so dang laid back? Well, I think we can safely blame it on the ocean, and I definitely heard the waves calling to me through many of the pieces I spotted at High Point Market on the Fall 2017 Design Bloggers’ Tour.

Let me say, California Cool references don’t have to be literal. There are many ways to capture the essence of Malibu and bring it home, but these are just a few examples I felt worthy of sharing with you.

ONE/  If this fine art photograph gives you all the vintage feels, it’s because Chris Dunker of Phylum Design revived his dad’s old medium format negatives from the 60’s and 70’s for this moody series of prints. Chris is the ultimate outdoor-enthusiast-meets-creative, and although he’s actually from Utah, he somehow embodies the essence of that laid back California spirit in his diverse body of work.

TWO/  Can I please take a moment to tell you how much I LOVE this Cosway Chair from Bernhardt? If you’ve been following me for awhile, you’ll know that Bernhardt is one of my favourites, and this chair is just one example of why. The cerused oak frame on the Cosway has an effortless, driftwood ease about it while the modern take on a 3-legged tub chair is utterly sophisticated. Naturally, it sits beautifully, as does every Bernhardt piece I’ve ever given the tooshie test.

THREE/  What says California more than lounge chairs by the pool? The beautiful new Cayman Collection chaise by Lloyd Flanders makes me want to exhale and take a nap in the sun. Just give me an umbrella – one over my head and one in my drink – please and thanks.

FOUR/  To me, effortless chic is all about a textural use of natural materials, like the combination of white and grey veined marble with glass on these simple but elegant candle holders from Green Apple Home Style. Marble transcends styles and time periods as a totally classic material, and it’s one of my forever favourites and a go-to whenever and however I can use it.

FIVE/  California Cool isn’t just about the outdoors. It’s about bringing a fresh and quiet colour palette indoors as well, like with Lonni Paul‘s new collection of Crypton Home fabrics for Duralee. The soft and feminine hues of Lonni’s collection pair beautifully with her organic patterns and textures, and because they are Crypton textiles, they are the ultimate in liveable luxury. Don’t believe me? Come back for next week’s post where I’ll put Crypton to the ultimate test.

SIX/  Pretty much everything the cool kids at Bend Goods make – from furniture to accessories and lighting – screams LA. The Captain Chair is no exception, and in the white powder-coated aluminum finish with a Sunbrella padded seat cover, it’s the perfect outdoor dining chair for endless evenings with friends.

Speaking of Sunbrella, outdoor fabrics have come a long way, baby. First of all, they’ve crossed over into the category of Performance Fabrics, meaning they can be used inside, outside and anywhere you want UV and fade resistance, mould and mildew resistance, and a fabric so tough you can clean it with bleach. And if you think you have to look tough to be tough, just take a look at these STUNNING Sunbrella patterns from Holly Hunt and S. Harris.

Sunbrella can be used everywhere, and we literally saw it everywhere at High Point Market. All the major textile houses have their own Sunbrella collections, because all of us design lovers are tired of having outdoor spaces that don’t match our indoor spaces. There’s a metaphor for life in there somewhere, and while we’re busy unpacking it, I’ll be happily dreaming and scheming about our outdoor living room redo all decked out in Sunbrella goodness.

Another category of design love at Market was all the lucite. To me, lucite never went anywhere, but it seems to be increasingly a part of the design consciousness in recent months, and that was very evident with all the lucite love at High Point Market. Here are a few of my favourite pieces:

ONE/  Bernhardt just gets it right once again with this Bellamy Bachelor’s Chest. The bleached walnut has quiet character that floats effortlessly on side panel legs of airy lucite. This piece is both fresh and timeless and a pair of these chests would be the perfect way to frame out the most important focal point in a Master Bedroom. Definitely on my lust list.

TWO/  Another perfect material pairing from Bernhardt, the Astra End Table combines delicate white marble with translucent lucite for a modern, feminine occasional table that could live almost anywhere with grace and class.

THREE/  When you think of Duralee, do you just think textiles? Well think again, because they have a beautiful collection of both upholstered furniture and casegoods, and this lucite and brass Plymouth occasional table is just one of many pieces to love.

FOUR/  Emerald green velvet with a floating-effect lucite frame? What’s not to love about this new introduction from iconic furniture maker Thayer Coggin, home to all the Milo Baughman classics that defined an era. The Bond Acrylic Lounge Chair is destined to become another timeless classic.

FIVE/  This little drinks table is the ultimate hostess’ assistant with its little handle making it a portable landing pad for guests wherever they sit. Just more evidence that our friends at Century understand lifestyle and want to help you live a more beautiful life.

SIX/  More lucite love from Century, this time with the Chin Hua Fushun Bunching Table. An Asian-inspired motif with universal appeal, this flexible little number could be integrated into spaces from the contemporary to the traditional, all while adding a splash of sparkle and class.

SEVEN/  What do you get when you combine lucite legs, a burled wood skirt and marble top? Powder room vanity perfection. The new introduction Chatham bathroom vanity from Worlds Away took my breath away the moment I saw it, and I’m currently designing a powder room around it in my head. Any takers on having me bring this space to life? Because some lucky homeowner surely deserves to enjoy this stunning space.

My head is still swimming with inspiration from our Fall 2017 Design Bloggers Tour of High Point Market, and I’ll be polishing off the highlights for you next week with my final wrap-up post. Don’t miss it, and in the meantime, hug your loved ones and create some beauty in your everyday.