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Homes & Gardens
Homes & Gardens
Charlotte Olby

Cali Wabi-Sabi Is the Imperfect New Take on California Style – These 20 Pieces Will Help You Get the Look

A trio of images of a 'Cali wabi-sabi' home by Studio Kosma in San Francisco.

California homes have long been defined by breezy coastal palettes, crisp white walls, and laid-back beach-house style, but there's a softer aesthetic slowly taking its place – one that swaps nautical nods for rich timber, sculptural forms, tactile natural materials, and a deeper connection to the landscape. We're calling it Cali wabi-sabi.

Spotting when touring Studio Kosma's San Francisco home with Cali wabi-sabi style, where sculptural architecture, shifting natural light, and earthy textures came together to create a home that feels effortlessly warm. Think handcrafted ceramics over polished perfection, grained oak instead of whitewashed wood, layered linens, richly veined stone, and furniture that prioritizes craftsmanship. Inspired by the Japanese wabi-sabi philosophy of finding beauty in imperfection, blended with the warmth of California casual style, this aesthetic is less about following trends and more about creating homes that feel calm and curated, yet never cold or minimal.

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