Ask Joshua: A Guide to Selecting California Casual Style Outdoor Wall Lights

Hi Joshua,

My husband and I are in the midst of planning a major makeover for our home's exterior. We're saying goodbye to its outdated '70s stucco vibe and hello to a fresh, modern Santa Barbara style with beautiful white stucco that captures the California Casual aesthetic we adore. Part of this change includes swapping out the old garage doors for carriage-style wood ones and replacing our current front door with a new wood one that integrates with the overall design of the house. We're also trading in the beige windows for black ones to add a bit of contrast.

However, we've hit a bit of a snag when it comes to choosing outdoor wall lights. We're really struggling to find options that resonate with us without going into Mediterranean, Spanish, or Industrial styles, which we feel wouldn't work with our home's new look. Despite several trips to nearby areas for inspiration, we haven't found anything that truly clicks.

I've noticed that California Casual style is a specialty of yours, and I'm really hoping you can offer us some guidance. We're looking for outdoor wall lights that will give our home a welcoming and relaxed vibe without compromising on style or elegance. Our remodel is set to begin this April, so we're eager to make a decision soon.

Thank you so much for any advice or suggestions you can provide. We're really looking forward to bringing our vision to life with your help.

Amy - Ventura, California

California Casual style house. AI created by Dall-E 3

Hi Amy,

Thank you for reaching out with your great question about finding the perfect outdoor wall lights to complement your home's new look. You're absolutely right; California Casual style is one of my areas of expertise, and I'm more than happy to guide you in selecting the ideal wall lights for your home.

From your description, it's clear you're on the right path with your home's transformation. Given your home will feature a Santa Barbara-style white stucco exterior paired with black windows, I recommend opting for wall lights in black metal, equipped with either clear or frosted glass. The frosted option is ideal if you prefer to avoid glare or if your neighborhood has restrictions on glare-producing exterior lights. The design should be simple, with clean lines, such as a lantern-style rectangle box framed in black. This approach ensures a seamless blend with the California Casual aesthetic.

Below, I've compiled a digital shopping list showcasing outdoor wall lights that best align with a California Casual-style home. You'll notice a variety of bracket designs, ranging from minimalist to slightly more decorative, all while staying true to this distinct design style.

I hope you find this guidance helpful in choosing the perfect outdoor wall lights for your home. Should you need further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out. Best of luck with your home renovation!

Warmly,

Joshua

Shopping List

Have interior design related questions? You can ask Joshua here.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links and by clicking on them incur no additional cost to you. JJones Design Co. will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking on the link. Please understand that JJones Design Co. has experience with all of these vendors, and recommends them because they provide excellent customer service and quality products. We do not base our designs off of vendors that provide affiliate link commissions. Do not feel obligated to spend any money on these products unless you feel you need them or that they will help you achieve your goals for your design.