One Designer Was Tasked with Transforming a Farmhouse in Hermosa Beach, California, Into a Light, Bright Family Home

It's hard to imagine this Hermosa Beach farmhouse looking anything but California chic, but like many renovation projects, the design for this jaw-dropping family home didn't have the smoothest start. Interior designer Kate Lester met her clients—a family of four—just after they had finished building their five bedroom, five bathroom house—with another designer. "The wife was a fan of our home store and often brought her designer in to look around and show her the 'design vibe' she was hoping for. Unfortunately, she and her designer never quite got on the same page concept-wise, so one day we started chatting in the store and she said, 'Kate, I really need your help.' She and her husband [asked us] to turn this new home into something that was a direct reflection of their family and would resonate with them for years to come."

From there, the design direction for Lester and her clients came naturally and remained consistent throughout the coming months. "The best part about having a store is that sometimes, clients walk in and say, 'Yes. This. This is exactly what I want.' It's so effortless when that happens, because the store is really and truly me." Along with her own shop that epitomizes laidback luxury, one look at Lester's portfolio will tell you that creating coastal chic homes truly is second nature. "When a client trusts the process and lets you do your thing, so much magic can happen," she explains. You can say that again.

When it comes to creating an eye-catching space, Lester says that a dynamic mix of materials is key. "In my opinion, a room just falls flat without a mix of texture, color, stone, and metal. I always want to try to include these elements so that the eye doesn't stay settled on just one thing at a time," she reveals.

As for lighting, Lester encourages her clients to invest in unique pieces that create a true focal point. "I think of light fixtures as functional art pieces. They should be conversation pieces, and they should be noticed and enjoyed. We spend a lot of time and energy selecting fixtures with texture, mixed metals, and unique details."

Lester's favorite part of this transformation can be found in the heart of the home. "When we got the job, the home had just been completed—and by most people's standards the kitchen would have been fine. But I felt it was all too traditionally 'beachy' and safe," she says. Her team rethought the then-seafoam green island and metallic backsplash ("The whole space was overly feminine!" says Lester), and realized that what the area really lacked was warmth. "What amazed me was how just changing the island color, backsplash, hood, and cabinet hardware completely changed the look and feel of the kitchen. It was really dramatic for such small changes."

She took a risk by selecting the butler's pantry reclaimed shelves without her clients in tow, but it paid off in the end. "There's a fine line you have to maintain so that the vintage pieces add character and dimension to the space without feeling old and gross. I personally think we nailed it this time," she tells us.

The reclaimed shelves reappeared on either sides of the farmhouse sink.

Chief among the clients' needs for the home was durability and comfort, which the team achieved in the living room with a washed denim sofa. "With two kids, they wanted a home that not only looked amazing but would hold up to playdates, sleepovers, and the active lifestyle they were accustomed to," Lester explains.

In order to create the coastal chic vibe that Lester is famous for, she sought out sophisticated yet playful pieces that would serve the family well over time. "We relied on vintage Turkish rugs, indoor/outdoor fabrics, furniture pieces that play double duty, and art and accessories that don't take themselves too seriously to round out the look," she notes.

In lieu of a formal dining room, Lester and her clients decided on a casual entertaining space that would get much more use. "We created a second seating area, almost like a game room with chairs and a coffee table. This space plays double duty when our clients are entertaining, and it actually made the whole area more welcoming," she explains.

Since they decided against a formal dining room, the family opted for a casual eating area just off the kitchen, using built-in seating and a mix of chairs, which can also be seen in the home's entryway. "Repeating pieces throughout the home is always intentional. The [entry chair] can be brought into the dining area for extra seating, but in the meantime can serve a really functional purpose for people to put shoes on in the entry."

Lester and her clients took every opportunity to add both function and beauty throughout the home, even in the transitional spaces: "[The hallway] was the perfect place to create storage for backpacks, soccer cleats, and more shoes. We kept the fabrics casual and durable and added some colorful, whimsical art and accessories to keep it interesting."