Certified Rad: Cottage and Sea

Nikki and Steve Carlson present an effortless pitch for fresh, clean, California-style cottages. A glance at their cozy and vibrant homes will have you checking your calendar for the ideal time to hit the beach. Shelfology recently sat down with them to discuss their Airbnb cottages and the story behind their business.

Shelfology: Tell us about your background and your company—how did it all begin?

We spent several years searching for our dream home, always on the lookout for the perfect timing and the ideal place that felt just right for us. Steve is an avid surfer, and Nikki has a soft spot for charming older homes. We actually came up with the idea while scrolling through Instagram, and within days, we stumbled upon our perfect home! This sparked our passion for renovating and creating our dream space, which then led us to design unique and special places for others to enjoy. Combining Steve's expertise in property investment and renovations with Nikki’s passion for design, decor, and hospitality, we’ve been able to keep expanding our portfolio.

Shelfology: What’s your business philosophy?

God first. Work hard and diligently, without cutting corners. Take time to enjoy the journey and play along the way. Give back and create a special haven for others.

Shelfology: What are your goals and vision for your company?

We aim to restore vintage homes and breathe new life into them, ensuring guests have the most enjoyable and unforgettable experiences. It’s not just about the interior aesthetics—it’s also about the location and the overall vibe that makes each stay special.

Shelfology: How did you get into the short-term rental business?

Steve grew up around property management thanks to his dad, so he had early exposure to property investments and apartment management. Nikki loves designing and curating spaces where people can feel comfortable and special. Together, these passions naturally evolved into the short-term rental business.

Shelfology: What are the pros and cons of owning a short-term rental?

On the plus side, you can enjoy the property yourself when it’s unoccupied, and it’s a fun creative outlet to craft a unique space. Additionally, you can stay on top of maintenance since tenants are typically shorter term. Financially, it can be quite rewarding. However, the downsides include the high upfront costs for furnishing and maintaining the property, as well as the volatility of the market in certain areas, which can lead to inconsistent income due to vacancies and seasonal fluctuations. Local regulations vary greatly, so you don’t always have full control over those factors.

We personally aren’t fans of daily rentals because of the additional wear and tear and the higher costs for guests. We prefer a longer, multi-day minimum.

Shelfology: Do you recommend this to other homeowners?

We recommend it to people who are genuinely interested in pursuing it. It depends on the individual, as it might be a great option for some but not for others. They should carefully weigh the pros and cons based on their personal circumstances and the location of the property.

Shelfology: What’s your favorite type of project to take on?

We absolutely love restoring older homes with character that we can revitalize with modern and luxurious touches in fantastic locations.

Shelfology: What type of design gets you excited?

We get excited about designing with a unique perspective, taking into account the era the home was built in, and incorporating elements from that era when possible, while also updating with contemporary trends and styles.

Shelfology: What current trends do you love?

We’re loving textures like cane and rattan webbing, black furniture, brass/gold accents, vintage pieces, artwork, and Turkish rugs.

Shelfology: Which trends do you think are on their way out?

Overly bohemian designs seem to be losing popularity.

Shelfology: Give us an overview of the Mint and Sea residence project from your point of view: what were your goals for this project and your thought process behind the solution?

When we began this project, we could already see the hidden gem beneath the stained blue carpet, cheap linoleum, dirty walls, and the gaudy gold hardware. We were thrilled when we uncovered the original hardwood floors beneath the old flooring. Our vision was to design with the 1950s in mind, incorporating styles from that era (spanning from the 1920s to the 1950s) with Art Deco lighting, mint and blue tile countertops, black and white bathroom tiles, café nook bench seating, vintage-style appliances, brass, and crystal knobs—while also creating a cozy cottage feel with features like a brick fireplace, open shelves, and cottage-style windows.

Shelfology: Favorite touches in the house?

Original hardwood floors, open shelves in the bathroom, tile countertops in the kitchen, bathroom tile floors, Art Deco lighting, luxurious kitchen and door hardware, brick fireplace, cottage windows, and vintage appliances.

Shelfology: What’s next for both of you and your business?

We’re on the hunt for our next beach home to renovate and design in another wonderful coastal town. We’d love to create another cozy retreat for guests to enjoy. As entrepreneurs, we plan to expand the Cottage + Sea brand.

Steve and Nikki, we love your dedication to transforming spaces that offer rest, relaxation, and loads of style. Cheers to another project completed: You are Certified Rad!

Certified Rad : Cottage and Sea

Steve and Nikki Carlson are channeling their love for the beach to bring style and comfort to their Southern California properties. Their positive energy keeps the good vibes flowing as they transform spaces into beachy chic havens, using Steve’s real estate knowledge and Nikki’s passion for design. Follow them @cottageandsea

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