From the sun to the sand and the waves, there are plenty of similarities between Sydney and California. So it makes sense that our interior designs follow similar themes, too.

This year, the look at Christmas is all about the Pacific Natural style. It’s relaxed, organic and natural and makes for the perfect backdrop for your outdoor entertaining space this summer.
Here’s our quick guide for recreating this effortlessly elegant design trend at home.

What the Pacific Natural style looks like

The Pacific Natural look hails from the west coast of North America, and is about creating a casual yet chic style, or as some people call it ‘California cool’. Furniture and décor are mostly whites and neutrals, and the style borders on rustic, which is why it’s ideal for Christmas Day celebrations in the Inner West.

Think organic fabrics like linen, cotton and unbleached calico as well as a mix of different tones and textures, layered on each other, paired with foliage and natural materials ‒ like cane, blonde-toned wood, stone, ceramics and other earthy elements. From driftwood table décor to long bench seats for relaxed dining, herbs picked fresh from the garden and cushioned chairs draped in light-coloured throws, everything about the Pacific Natural style is about comfort and beautiful simplicity.

Where to buy Pacific Natural homewares

There are plenty of places to buy Pacific Natural homeware and décor, but we love to buy local. So how about checking out some of our local retailers here in the Inner West?

Home Industry
62 Darling Street
You don’t even have to leave the Inner West to get your fix of all things Pacific Natural style. They have all the natural, neutral fabric you need for table runners and place settings as well as gorgeous ceramics for the table.

Pepperwhites by Tara Dennis
250 Darling St
Pepperwhites, in the heart of Balmain, is another incredible homeware store to pop into. With its carefully curated collection of items for all corners of your home, here you’ll be able to find stunning Christmas table settings, and gorgeous accessories to make your guests feel comfortable and relaxed all day long.

Billy Baxters Home Depot
624 Darling St
Billy Baxters is an absolute treasure trove of homewares at the Rozelle end of Darling Street. Here you’ll be able to find those bits and pieces that really finish the look off, from serving ware to décor and everything in between.

How to DIY style your outdoor entertaining space

While it is great to pick up a few key pieces to add to your outdoor entertaining space, the great thing about the Pacific Natural style is that you can also DIY a lot of little details too to help bring it all together.

For décor, Pinterest is a fantastic source of ideas and inspiration but here are some of our favourite ideas gathered from weddings and parties we’ve attended or held:

  • Use recycled glass jars for tea lights. (A bit of sand in the jars helps stability.)
  • Write guests’ names on pebbles in gold or silver paint as place ‘cards’. Encourage guests to take the pebbles home with them.
  • Gather foliage from your garden to decorate the table and surrounding space.
  • Tie your linen napkins with brown craft string or raffia (and a pop of greenery too ‒ perhaps a sprig of rosemary for a gorgeous smell?).

Because the look is very relaxed and organic, the table doesn’t have to be structured. The look is less formal, more natural ‒ so have fun DIYing your original table setting.

And if after Christmas you end up loving everything about the Pacific Natural look, you could always buy the book ‘Pacific Natural at Home’ by Jenni Kayne, to help you extend the style throughout the rest of your home. (Or better yet, pop it on your wish list for Santa!)

So what do you think? Will this California-inspired design trend make it to your outdoor Christmas this year?

Can we help with your Inner West home?

Whether you’re ready to sell or need help to rent your investment property, we have the experience and local knowledge to make your property journey easier.

Looking for help selling your home or renting your investment property? Our team at Belle Property Balmain support homeowners across Balmain, Balmain East, Birchgrove, Rozelle and Lilyfield. Feel free to get in touch for a no-obligation discussion or property appraisal.

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