Located in the heart of Trancas Malibu, Anacapa is a newly completed luxury residence that reflects the relaxed sophistication of Trancas Canyon living. Designed with the natural beauty of the Malibu coastline in mind, this ocean-view home blends modern architecture, refined materials, and thoughtful interior design to create a timeless coastal retreat. To better understand the vision behind the home, we sat down with interior designer Nicky Marmet, whose work helped shape Anacapa into one of the most compelling luxury homes in Trancas Malibu.
Growing Up in Los Angeles: The Roots of a Design Philosophy
Growing up in Los Angeles had a lasting influence on Nicky Marmet’s design sensibility, particularly the city’s relationship with mid-century modern architecture. One pivotal experience came in his early twenties, when he visited the iconic Sheats-Goldstein House for the first time.
“That experience completely blew my mind,” Nicky recalls. “It opened my eyes to what architecture could be.”
Being surrounded by architecturally significant homes throughout Los Angeles helped cultivate an appreciation for spaces that feel intentional, immersive, and deeply connected to their surroundings. That foundation continues to inform his work today, especially in locations as design-sensitive as Malibu.
Learning to See: Early Career Influences
Nicky left UCLA early to work with designer Brad Dunning, a formative chapter that shaped how he approaches design to this day.
“He taught me how to really look,” Nicky says. “Why one table works and another doesn’t. What makes something special.”
That focus on detail, proportion, and professionalism became central to his creative process, reinforcing the idea that good design is felt more than it is announced.
A Design Philosophy Built on Restraint
When asked to describe his design philosophy, Nicky keeps it simple.
“I’m not trying to imprint my identity on a space,” he explains. “I want it to feel like it’s always been there.”
Rather than imposing a signature style, Nicky allows each project to be guided by its architecture. His work is about complementing what exists, creating interiors that feel natural, balanced, and timeless rather than overtly designed.
Starting with Architecture
Every project begins with the same foundation: architecture.
“I think of design as a collage,” Nicky explains. “Sometimes it starts with a piece of furniture, sometimes an heirloom, sometimes something I fall in love with. But the architecture always leads.”
This approach was especially important at Anacapa, where the architecture already had a strong dialogue with the surrounding landscape of Trancas Canyon Malibu.
Designing Anacapa: Letting Trancas Malibu and the Coastline Lead
With Anacapa, the setting itself dictated the design direction.
“You have the ocean, the wilderness, the light, the breeze,” Nicky says. “The setting is magnificent. You don’t need to overdesign something like that.”
The interior palette was inspired directly by Malibu’s coastal environment. White oak floors echo the beach, Belgian bluestone introduces contrast, and plaster walls subtly shift throughout the day as natural light moves through the home.
“The idea was that you walk in and feel the ocean,” he explains. “It’s luxurious, but it’s not precious.”
Luxury Without Fragility: A Livable Beach Home in Trancas Malibu
One of Anacapa’s defining qualities is that it feels genuinely livable. This is a home where luxury doesn’t come at the expense of comfort.
“You can come in from the pool with sandy feet and not worry,” Nicky says. “The materials aren’t too precious. It still feels like a beach house.”
That balance was essential for a home designed to support both everyday living and entertaining, a hallmark of Malibu luxury real estate in the Trancas area.
Built-Ins, Flow, and Intentional Living
Built-ins play a key role throughout the home, especially in the main living areas. A custom built-in couch anchors the primary living room, subtly directing attention toward the horizon and the ocean beyond.
“It’s almost a permanent suggestion,” Nicky explains. “This is how you sit. This is how you enjoy the view.”
Rather than relying solely on staging, these architectural elements establish flow, movement, and a sense of permanence that defines how the space is experienced.
Craftsmanship and the Details That Matter
For Nicky, working with master craftsmen is essential to achieving a refined result.
“You see it in the final product,” he says. “Every little detail matters.”
From custom cabinetry to electrical outlets designed to blend seamlessly into the walls, no element was overlooked. Plaster walls, Roman clay finishes, and carefully selected stone surfaces add texture and depth, revealing different qualities as the light changes throughout the day.
“Plaster adds something paint never can,” Nicky notes. “It’s alive.”
Curated, Not Staged
Anacapa was never meant to feel staged.
“I want a house to feel collected,” Nicky says. “Not like it was done all at once.”
Influenced by Brazilian mid-century design, European modernism, and natural materials, Nicky prefers to mix eras and styles rather than follow trends. The result is an interior that feels personal, layered, and enduring.
Designing for Timelessness in Trancas Canyon Malibu
In an era shaped by Pinterest and Instagram, Nicky is intentional about avoiding designs that are overly trend-driven.
“Design is cyclical,” he explains. “But good design lasts.”
Whether referencing Noguchi lighting or classic modernist forms, his focus remains on longevity rather than momentary popularity. That mindset is especially important in Trancas Canyon Malibu, where buyers value homes that feel relevant for decades, not just seasons.
A Home Designed with Love
Ultimately, Anacapa was designed with care, intention, and respect for its setting.
“I designed it with a lot of love,” Nicky says. “Whoever buys this house needs to love the beach, the ocean, modernism, and nature.”
From a real estate perspective, every detail truly matters. Anacapa offers a rare combination of privacy, proximity to the beach, and architectural integrity. Standing in the living room, looking out toward Point Dume, you feel an immediate sense of calm and connection.
Anacapa represents the next chapter of luxury living in Trancas Malibu, offering a home that is as thoughtful as it is timeless.
