A woman in sunglasses, a white t-shirt, and cuffed jeans sits on the windowsill of a sun-soaked, airy café with blue shutters—an inviting scene that captures effortless LA style amid sunlight, wooden tables, potted plants, and colorful wall art.

Sun-Soaked Style. LA LA land living made simple…

With awards season wrapped and the final flashes of the red carpet fading, Hollywood’s elite have slipped back behind the gates of their gloriously glam boltholes, polishing their statuettes or nursing their bruised ego in sun-drenched seclusion (yes, Timmy, we’re looking at you…).


So rather than dissecting another parade of red-carpet outfits, we thought we’d turn our attention somewhere far more interesting: the red-carpet homes.

Interiors editor and lifelong LA obsessive Lizzie Hayman has been visiting Los Angeles for decades, staying everywhere from mid-century modern hotels to ultra-modern white-box apartments and classic Spanish-style Airbnbs. The backdrops may differ, but the essence never changes: that unmistakable Southern California charm, relaxed yet refined, sun-drenched yet polished, and always effortlessly cool.

Here, she shares how to bring a touch of SoCal’s golden glow into your own home with simple accessories, whatever your style, and without breaking the bank.

Mi casa es su casa…
Los Angeles is home to many typically Spanish-style properties, thanks in part to its close proximity to Mexico. These rustic, character-filled homes are timelessly classic, warm, homely, and full of charm. Think walnut woods paired with soft neutrals, rich Aztec fabrics and imposing furnishings.

A statement ceiling light instantly transforms a space. Hung above a dining table or in a hallway, it becomes a striking focal point delivering impact, style, and undeniable.

A rustic antler-style chandelier with eight candle-shaped bulbs hangs over a round wooden table, capturing laid-back LA living. On the table are a blue vase with wilted tulips, fruit bowl, and water glass; two dark chairs and framed art complete this sun-soaked style scene.

Lindby hanging light Tejask, Ø 102 cm, 6-bulb, antlers, E14

A few well-chosen soft furnishings can elevate a sofa into a true focal point. These boho cushions exude warmth and relaxed Spanish elegance effortlessly, inviting and beautifully styled.

Decorative cushion 4-piece set

Aztec boho mandala set

Four white square pillows arranged in a grid, each featuring a different colorful mandala design with intricate, symmetrical floral and geometric patterns—perfect for adding Sun-Soaked Style and vibrant LA living flair to any space.

I have a weakness for statement chairs, and this one is no exception. Whether placed at the head of a grand dining table or simply as a standalone accent piece.

A traditional wooden armchair with a cane backrest, curved armrests, and cream-colored upholstered seat. The chair’s rich brown finish and ornate legs evoke sun-soaked LA style, blending classic design with a touch of modern LA living.
A wooden dining chair with a tall, curved backrest featuring woven cane detailing, padded cream seat, and armrests sits beside a wooden table on a gray rug—capturing relaxed LA LA Land living against white paneled walls and a round mirror.

Five small ceramic plates with colorful, geometric designs rest on a white tablecloth. Their playful patterns and bold hues capture a Sun-Soaked Style, bringing the vibrant energy of LA living to your table.

Who remembers when hanging plates on a wall was a thing? Well, guess what, it still is, Hung over a mantel or chimney breast, they add simple, stylish impact.


A cozy bed with striped gray bedding, silver pillows, an open book, stacked books, lit candles, cinnamon sticks, and a wicker basket creates relaxed LA living vibes as sunlight filters through sheer curtains in the sun-soaked background.

Cosy rustic bedroom

A cozy indoor space with a beige hammock chair by a large window, surrounded by lush potted green plants. A soft blanket is draped on the hammock as sunlight streams in, capturing the serene, inviting vibe of Sun-Soaked Style and LA living.

A greenery heaven with a hammock chair in boho style

Mid-Century Heaven

Perched high above the Hollywood Hills, the legendary Stahl House remains one of the purest expressions of mid-century modern living. All glass, steel, and cinematic views, the architectural icon has graced design books, glossy magazines, and countless photographs for decades. Now, for the first time in more than 60 years, this modernist masterpiece is on the market with a price tag hovering around a cool $25 million. But don’t worry if your budget doesn’t quite stretch to the hills of Los Angeles. The mid-century look is surprisingly easy to capture. Flea markets remain a treasure trove for vintage chairs, sculptural lamps, and sleek teak sideboards, true pilgrimages for design lovers. And if rummaging through stalls isn’t your style, the internet has become its own marketplace of retro gems.

You may not own the Stahl House, but you can absolutely steal the vibe.

Yep, another chair. This piece is just effortlessly cool; it just oozes style and mid-century charm.

A modern armchair with olive-green leather upholstery, plush curved cushions, and wide armrests captures Sun-Soaked Style. The shiny chrome metal frame with sled-style legs reflects LA LA Land Living, set against a plain white background.
A modern room with LA style features a dark brown leather chair with chrome legs, holding a green and pink striped pillow. Beside it is a tan leather sofa with an orange and blue striped pillow. The sun-soaked wood floor and wicker lamp complete the look.

PS – It’s super comfy too….

Silla Green Leather Armchair | Oliver Bonas

Close-up of an orange table lamp with a dome-shaped shade and glossy surface. A gold cylindrical accent tops the lamp, showcasing modern, minimalist design and Sun-Soaked Style against a plain white background.
A modern orange table lamp with a dome-shaped shade sits on a wooden dresser with a chevron pattern, evoking LA living. To the right is a green abstract framed artwork and a book titled "Japandi Living" against a sun-soaked, textured blue wall.

Retro Table Lamp

You don’t need to spend big bucks to make an impact; just a few well-chosen accents, like this retro clock, can set the tone beautifully.

A modern table clock with a gold face and black hands sits on a striped surface, framed by warm sunlight. Beside it, a green potted plant adds fresh energy—perfect for infusing any space with the relaxed elegance of LA living.
A modern tabletop clock with a round, gold face and minimal markings. Encased in a light wood, arch-shaped frame, this simple and contemporary piece brings effortless LA style to your space. The two black hands show the time as 10:08.

Mid Century Wood Mantel Clock, 16.5cm

BLAST OFF – Crib of Art

A modern hallway channels LA living with a large, framed artwork of a space shuttle launching. Bold, retro colors—orange, yellow, and beige—evoke a sun-soaked style as stylized clouds and a sunburst frame the ascent. Minimalist decor completes the look.

A woman in black heels, a skirt, and a turtleneck reclines in a large armchair by sunlit windows. Smiling at her smartphone with legs up on the armrest, she embodies relaxed LA living amid brick walls and airy space.

Life’s a Sea Breeze

From Santa Monica to Malibu, there’s no coastline quite like the West Coast. Effortlessly cool and sun-washed, this laid-back aesthetic captures the feeling of salt in the air and endless blue horizons. It’s light, relaxed, and quite literally a breath of fresh air.

The good news? You don’t need a Pacific coast highway postcode to bring the look home. West Coast coastal style is surprisingly simple to recreate. Start with a whitewashed, neutral canvas, think pale woods, soft linens, and breezy textures. Then layer in nautical accents: rope details, ocean hues, weathered ceramics, and natural materials that echo the shoreline.

The result is a space that feels calm, sunlit, and effortlessly coastal, no oceanfront property required.

A close-up of a modern circular wall shelf with gold shelves and a light blue metal frame channels LA living. The display features two decorative photo frames—one pink and white, the other with gold, black, white, and marble patterns.

Beautiful and practical, I love the baby blue shade, and it looks stylish too. It would look great with some pretty pottery in the kitchen.


Iggy Round Blue Double Wall Shelf | Oliver Bonas

It’s not just about how it looks. The scent matters too. This gorgeous candle captures the essence of the West Coast; close your eyes, and you’re there.

Big Sur Candle – Lords Fragrance House

A pink candle labeled "Lords Fragrance House" sits atop a matching green and pink box. Its "Big Sur with Glass House" scent blends citrus, herbs, and coastal woods—perfect for sun-soaked style and modern, simple living. White and green text adds a chic touch.

I absolutely adore this beautiful sea-themed cushion because it adds a fresh, coastal charm and pairs perfectly with a crisp white sofa or chair.

A rectangular white pillow features a blue watercolor-style crab illustration in the center. With dark blue fringe trim on the edges, it brings a hint of LA style and sun-soaked charm to your living space.
A white couch with decorative pillows, including a blue crab design with fringe and fish illustrations, brings Sun-Soaked Style to this LA living space. A round tray with an hourglass, seashell, and basket sits on the textured coffee table.

This set of three framed prints is a perfect way to bring some coastal charm to your interiors – and would work in any room.

Three framed art prints hang on a light gray wall above a white sofa, capturing LA style with their blue, ocean-themed images—a seashell, coral, and spiral shell. The sofa features a white throw and pillows in blue and black geometric patterns.


https://www.beachhouseart.co.uk/

Living in a Box…

If you’re a fan of Netflix’s Selling Sunset, you’ll already recognise the look: striking white architectural “boxes” perched above the Los Angeles skyline. These ultra-modern homes, often framed by sweeping, jetliner views of the City of Angels, have become a defining feature of the city’s luxury property scene.

The aesthetic is unapologetically modern. Clean lines, vast glass walls, and crisp white surfaces create a gallery-like space where less is definitely more. Instead of filling rooms, the focus is on a handful of carefully chosen, seriously luxe pieces that elevate the simplicity of the setting.

The good news? You don’t need an A-list pay cheque to capture the look. The high street is awash with designer-inspired doubles, making it easy to recreate that polished LA minimalism at home.

This stunning lamp has been on my wish list forever. Although the design is quite busy, the sheer finish would almost make it disappear seamlessly in a minimalist room.

A tall, intricately patterned white floor lamp stands beside a beige paneled wall and window. Nearby, a modern wooden chair and potted plant sit on hardwood floors, as natural light brightens this elegant room with signature LA style.
A modern, LA style scene with a tall, intricately woven black floor lamp, a red plastic armchair, a round table with an orange stem and red base, a small red lamp, and a large leafy plant set against a sun-soaked light blue background.

Kabuki Floor Lamp Crystal – Kartell |

A tall, ornate clear lamp with a textured, lattice design stands on a tiled floor between a carved wooden cabinet and a dresser. Vintage-style geometric wall art in warm brown, green, and gold tones adds to the sun-soaked style of LA living.

A gorgeous, statement fire like this instantly transforms a sparse space into a main focal point.

A modern black suspended oval fireplace hangs from the ceiling with a stainless steel pole, bringing Sun-Soaked Style to LA living. Bright orange and yellow flames burn above a small rectangular burner, illuminating the smooth, dark interior.
A modern, black, oval-shaped suspended fireplace hangs from the ceiling, its visible flames adding warmth to a sun-soaked style room with light wooden floors, vertical wood paneling, and soft natural light.

Modern Black Bioethanol Hanging Fire – AmberGlo – Furniture123

Love this! It’s seriously luxe yet low-key. An absolute must for those interior design coffee table books!

A modern living room with a beige sofa, neutral pillows, and throw captures LA style. A unique glass coffee table with wooden sphere legs holds decor, while art and a lamp accent the sun-soaked, minimalist space with herringbone floors.

Sveti Curved Glass Coffee Table, Natural

Less is more in modern homes; clean lines, simple form, and a striking presence define this chair.

A modern, armless, white boucle accent chair with a brown textured pillow sits on a light woven rug, channeling LA living. Nearby, a round beige side table holds a small white lamp; leafy greens and a wooden dining set complete the sun-soaked style.
A close-up of a modern, textured white sofa with a fuzzy brown cushion brings LA LA land living to life. Beside it, a round beige side table with stacked magazines sits atop wood floors and a sun-soaked style, light-colored rug.

A modern living room with large glass windows offers panoramic views of mountains and greenery, embracing LA living. White tile floors, a beige rug, a white sectional sofa, orange armchairs, and potted plants complete the sun-soaked style.

A pair of elegant high-heeled shoes with pointed toes, covered in shiny red fabric and intricate multicolored floral and paisley patterns, sits on a dark wooden floor—perfect for embracing your style through menopause with natural management.

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