This Tranquil Family Home of a Manhattan Beach Interior Designer Conjures Effortless Ease

“I don’t use color,” she says. “It’s my own aesthetic, and it makes me feel at peace. It’s all about this soft ease, thoughtfulness and restraint when I’m in my personal space. Maybe it’s because I’m constantly designing for other people and other spaces, so I need the ability to think freely and creatively for so many other things.”

For Nicole, whose illustrious residential and commercial career spans high-profile clients including Kelly Wearstler, Vince, Rebecca Taylor, John Varvatos, Smashbox Cosmetics, Nordstrom and Serena & Lily, the absence of vibrant color and excess possessions hardly translates as drab and austere.

“I believe minimalism does not mean sparse,” she says. “It doesn’t need to feel stark or hard. I love rooms where every element has space to breathe but nothing feels too precious. We designed our home during the pandemic. I had a 1-year-old and a 2-year-old at the time, and I was craving a retreat and escape. It feels very calming.

When Nicole, the principal and founder of design firm Est. Collective, and her husband, Taylor, first set out to find a dream home for their growing family, they couldn’t quite find what they were looking for. So they decided to build their own. They spent two years searching for an ideal lot. When a pocket listing became available in the Gas Lamp Section of Manhattan Beach, they knew they had to act fast.

After interviewing several architects, they settled on Laney LA in Hermosa Beach, along with Jones Landscapes, and got to work on their 3,800-square-foot, five-bedroom, five-bath home. “I love Spanish architecture, so that was sort of a reference point with a timeless, modern nod to it,” Nicole shares. “It was about creating quiet, intentional beauty with nostalgia that lingers.”

“I believe minimalism does not mean sparse. It doesn’t need to feel stark or hard.“

The dwelling boasts arched windows, a custom, ribbon-like sculptural staircase and two outdoor showers ideal for rinsing off after trips to the beach.

They also designed a courtyard—dotted with Portofino teak lounge chairs from RH and a firepit—that serves as a multipurpose zone for playing, throwing balls and lounging. “The one thing Taylor really wanted was a ‘California room’ where he could go and sit outside but still feel like it’s an extension of the interior,” explains Nicole.

The spa-like home reads like an elegant study in whites and soft greys. The ethereal living room is awash in White Dove by Benjamin Moore and custom gauze drapes, and the upstairs primary bedroom is fashioned with a warm, ivory-hued Ophelia bed by Rove Concepts and nightstands crafted from reclaimed wood pilings sourced in San Francisco.

In the living room, two classic slope arm slipcovered sofas from RH are paired with a vintage Chinese coffee table from Jayson Home and a large silver Florko chandelier from Arteriors. The main showpiece—and Nicole’s most cherished—is a 19^th-century limestone mantel culled from a French farmhouse and purchased from 1stDibs following a long, unwavering online search—and an unexpected return from a previous buyer.

“When it finally arrived, it was essentially like rubble,” recalls Nicole. “Each individual piece was placed on a pallet, and our general contractor and stone fabricator assembled it. Because we couldn’t do an open-flame fireplace, we made it decorative and architectural.”

In the kitchen and dining room, Nicole added photographs of misty Pacific Northwest forests to remind her of her hometown, Bellingham, Washington. She also selected rustic terra-cotta vessels and natural materials like stone that will reveal wear and tear.

“We like having dinner parties, so we wanted to select the longest table possible,” Nicole says of the reclaimed elm plank dining table from Mecox Gardens. “I’m drawn to stone and metals and things that patina. I don’t mind the ring marks on the marble countertops in the kitchen. It makes it feel soulful.”

In the adjoining family room, custom cabinetry discreetly hides toys and extra blankets—keeping the area serene and tidy. Along one wall, built-in shelves act as center stage for antique wooden milk jugs from Big Daddy’s Antiques, a papier-mâché bowl filled with rocks procured by Nicole and her grandfather during her childhood, and wooden frames displaying Bible verses handwritten in graphite on vellum.

“Initially, we were going to place family photos there, but when I started styling it, it just felt like a lot of clutter. So I handwrote these as blessings for our home and our family when we moved in,” shares Nicole. “One of my absolute favorite things to do as a kid was to go on walks with my grandpa and search for rocks and shells. I still do this today with my own children.”

Even though the home exudes stillness and refined minimalism, Nicole and Taylor realize the realities of family life, letting their children embrace the joyful chaos in their bedrooms and play areas. A dedicated space in the garage houses a collection of surfboards, sports equipment and beach essentials.

“Weekends look a little wild around here,” laughs Nicole. “It feels nice not to have the excess, and I feel freer. What matters is having what truly brings you happiness.”

Keep It Simple: Nicole’s Tips

Stay Calm

Neutral walls and simple upholstery let the architecture and key pieces speak.

Think Tone-on-Tone 

Keep within a restrained palette, but consider materials like warm limestone with ivory plaster, pale oak and soft textiles to create interest.

Go for Greenery 

Use large branches or a single sculptural stem in a timeworn urn. This brings height and life without visual noise.

Less is More

Despite pretty objects, too many can dilute the emotional impact.

Steer Clear of Trendy

If it’s “everywhere,” it will likely date quickly. Look for pieces with age.

Nicole’s Shopping List

Gum Tree

“A local favorite for gifts and home accents. They have a great entertaining section with linens, serving pieces and small tabletop finds that are perfect for hosting or gifting.”

Galerie Half

“I find so much inspiration here. Every item feels storied and layered with history.”

Olive Ateliers

“Their wabi-sabi sensibility and beautifully aged forms feel timeless and deeply rooted. I always find pieces that add subtle impact.”

Design Team

General Contractor: Denton Developments
Interior Design: Est. Collective
Architecture: Laney LA
Landscape: Jones Landscapes