Erin & Danny’s Serene California Home

Written by

Julia Brenner
Julia Brenner
Julia is a writer and editor living in Chicago. She's also a big fan of old construction, new design, and people who can pull off a wink. She is not one of those people.
updated Feb 20, 2019
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Bedrooms
Square feet

1700

Sq ft

1700

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(Image credit: Julia Brenner)

Name: Erin Nichols and Danny, daughters Kate and Ava, and dogs Chance and Stella
Location: Huntington Beach, California
Size: 1,700 square feet
Years lived in: 8 years

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Erin and Danny’s lovely Huntington Beach home feels idyllically Californian: tucked away on a quiet tree-lined street, a short walk from the beach, filled with sunlight, and book-ended by two breezy outdoor areas. It’s an easy place to feel relaxed and happy.

(Image credit: Julia Brenner)

I visited Erin on a warm, breezy weekday afternoon (her husband and daughters were at work and school) and as I walked up to her front door, I was struck by two elements: a lovely outdoor sitting area in her front courtyard and the distant sound of waves crashing; the combination was both relaxing and invigorating.

(Image credit: Julia Brenner)

The home itself, built in 1963, is a classic California ranch suffused with a mix of earth tones and gold, natural materials and moments of bold color. As a world traveler and co-founder and design director of Lately Lily, a popular brand of books, clothes and toys that promotes travel and independent thinking for girls, Erin is passionate about bringing elements of world travel into her own home.

(Image credit: Julia Brenner)

More than just trinkets, Erin views these items as reminders of special experiences that she and her family have had on their travels and as symbols to foster curiosity about the larger world in her daughters. I love this philosophy so much, and I love how Erin showcases these meaningful items with intention. Erin and Danny’s home is a beautiful and serene place for kids (and kids at heart) to relax, to work, and to dream. And that, to me, is the dream of any family home.

(Image credit: Erin Nichols)

Apartment Therapy Survey:

Our Style: Eclectic Modern… I think. I basically just do what whatever feels good.

Inspiration: Traveling!

Favorite Element: Being surrounded by windows.

Biggest Challenge: Limited space and storage… and hiding all of the kids’ toys.

What Friends Say: Our home is bright, inviting, and fun! After spending time at our place, they usually want to add more color into their own home. 🙂

Biggest Embarrassment: Our master bathroom (not pictured). It’s the last part of the house to be finished.

Proudest DIY: The towel hanger in the bathroom, considering I’m not much of a DIYer

Biggest Indulgence: Our kitchen, it’s the hub of our life!

Best Advice: When you travel, be sure to bring back little mementos. I love sharing stories about our collection with my daughters. They also serve as great conversation starters when we have people over.

Dream Sources: Amber Interiors, 1st Dibs, Paris Flea Market

Resources

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)
(Image credit: Julia Brenner)

PAINT & COLORS

  • Living room: Valspar Soft Pelican
  • Kitchen: Valspar Fish Tale
  • Master bedroom: Valspar Epic Adventure
  • Kate’s bedroom: Valspar Epic Adventure
  • Ava’s bedroom: Valspar Passionate Peony
(Image credit: Julia Brenner)

ENTRY

  • Console: Room & Board
(Image credit: Julia Brenner)

LIVING ROOM

(Image credit: Julia Brenner)

DINING ROOM

(Image credit: Julia Brenner)

KITCHEN

(Image credit: Erin Nichols )

BEDROOM

(Image credit: Julia Brenner)

KATE’S BEDROOM

  • Bed: Pottery Barn Teen
  • Bedding: Pottery Barn Teen
  • Dresser: Land of Nod
  • Shelves: Container Store
  • Bookshelf: Land of Nod
  • Hanging chair: One Kings Lane
  • Rug: Anthropolgie
  • Woven wall hanging: One Kings Lane
  • Painting: Suzi Kipp Art
(Image credit: Julia Brenner)

AVA’S BEDROOM

  • Rug: Land of Nod
  • Woven Wall Hanging: One Kings Lane
  • Mirror: One Kings Lane
  • Curtains: Pier 1 Imports
  • Bookshelf: West Elm
  • Cork Board: Pottery Barn Teen
  • Wallpaper: Hygge & West
  • Pillows: Land of Nod
  • Bedding: Land of Nod, Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie
  • Bed: Land of Nod
  • Desk and chair: Land of Nod
  • Beach print: Gray Malin
(Image credit: Julia Brenner)
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Erin’s front courtyard is a peaceful outdoor sitting area. (Image credit: Julia Brenner)

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Thanks, Erin & Danny!