Hip Home: Rachel and Patrick and Baby Max

Rachel Roberts and her husband Patrick Stoker's gorgeous Malibu home makes you want to run off to California and live on the beach. Warmth, comfort and a strong sense of style define this one-of-a-kind home filled with the sort of idiosyncratic, curated details that speak to the two interesting personalities (along with baby Max and two dogs, Cy and Chief and cat Finn) who dwell here. Rachel and Patrick live in the kind of upscale trailer park that only a community like Malibu could support where homes have sold in the millions and directors and actors are neighbors, not surprising when you consider the front-row beach access. HGTV talked to Rachel about the things that define her and her husband's unique space, photographed by Jason Travis.

What you do: Model, mom (Rachel), contractor (Patrick)

Neighborhood and city: Paradise Cove, Malibu

How would you describe your home to someone who had never seen it? I am getting a definite earthy, natural vibe. Well I live in a mobile home by the beach so there’s definitely a cozy bohemian beach shack vibe happening. We are always fixing something in our double wide trailer! So ya, very down to earth. I’ve tried to keep it very light, airy and incorporate a lot of natural textures and details like plants, rugs, special light fixtures. But then there’s also my flea market eclectic huntress soul that is a major part of my interior style. For example my ceramics, all my mismatched old furniture, art, books, and textiles.

How has your style changed since having your baby? One thing I have noticed that has changed in me since I had my baby (and I think it starting in the “nesting” period of pregnancy) is that I really wanted to get rid of anything that didn’t serve us or bring us joy. And I now have become almost obsessed with everything having its place and getting rid of clutter. Especially because we live in a small house and especially because it’s so easy with a baby to collect toys, clothes, whatever. Less is more! But I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that is not my nature. I am kind of a hot mess. I’m messy! But I don’t want to be and it’s a daily struggle for me to stay organized. I try to start every morning off by making my bed. I have found it makes a huge difference in how I feel for the day.

Tell me a bit about where you live. Are you right on the ocean? What are the sounds and sights around you? What makes your home right for your family? We live in mobile home park in Malibu. It’s a short walk to the beach. We are incredibly lucky to live near the ocean. Me and my husband are both ocean lovers. So it was our goal when we starting looking for a house to be near the water and we got lucky. We live closer to the Pacifiic Coast Highway than the water so we do hear a lot of highway noise on busy days but in the very early hours of the morning we can hear the waves crashing from our bed. That is a dream come true for me. A fun little fact is the Indian meaning of the word “Malibu” is “where the waves crash loudly," so I think a lot of people who live in Malibu whether they live close to the water or not get to hear the waves.

What's an ideal weekend at home for your family? How would you spend it? My husband works really hard all week so we try to spend the weekend with each other and take it easy. We never make plans on the weekend. We like to keep it totally open and spontaneous. We love to cook, drink wine, play records and dance. During the day you will find us on the beach.

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Where do you always end up chilling at home? Is there a favorite room? My favorite spaces are my room; specifically my bed (we call it the throne), the kitchen (lots of cooking and even more cleaning) and then also the funk zone which is a little corner with a green velvet chair next to the record player and the records where you can’t see the TV. My dad is over a lot and he and my husband are sports lovers so they post up on the couch and watch games while I sit in the funk zone. I’m not interested in TV unless I’m cozy in the throne.

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What's an item in your home that really speaks to who you are? Gosh just one thing? I have so many things! I’m such a collector and I’m so damn sentimental I really fall in love with things. Can we do a top 5?

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1. My rugs
2. My crystals
3. Photos (I cherish my family photos as most people do) drawings and other artwork framed
4. Light details: lamps, candles
5. Music. Music is a big one at my house. Always setting the vibe. And my baby loves listening to, singing and dancing. It’s vital!

Is there something you want your home to provide for your son to make it a special place for him? I think its basic, it’s what every parent wants to give their kid. That sense of home, safety, comfort and love. I would love to instill values of artistry and organization. I love the idea of my children going out in the world and making their own home with the same thought and care as we have. To appreciate a beautiful, inspired and organized house.

It looks like you have an amazing record collection. What are some of the treasures in the collection you listen to again and again? Yeah I’ve been collecting records since I was a teenager. I was lucky both of my parents have great music taste. I have learned and continue to learn so much from my dad. He’s basically a pop music historian. And my mom has the soul part covered. I listen to a lot of Aretha Franklin, Paul Simon, the Beatles, Van Morrison, Neil Young, Otis Redding. Lately, a lot of Bruce Springsteen. And then very importantly I have some good hip hop albums when I need to clean house. And when I need to really chill, it’s Bon Iver.

Texture looks like it's important to you: soft, furry throws, velvet. Would you say that is a must-have in your space? Down pillows. Lots of down pillows! And soft blankets. I hate synthetic material. My skin doesn’t react well. So I stick to cotton and cashmere. And yes I have a velvet bergère chair that I love.

What's your sweet dog's name? Can he do any tricks? I have two dogs. Cy is named after my favorite painter Cy Twombly. He’s my first great love. I’ve had him since I was 21. We also have Chief. I found Chief as a small pup off of the oldest Indian reservation in the U.S., in Taos, New Mexico for my husband for our 1st year wedding anniversary present. He’s a great dog, he does lots of tricks actually. We also have a cat named Finn who does nothing but eat.

What's that cool plant you're growing on your kitchen counter? It’s an amaryllis bulb. The bulb keeps changing and producing, its magnificent! It’s been over a year and it still is doing its thang.

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Hat collection: sun protection or fashion? Both. I’m all about function with style.

That's a cool coffee table. Where did you find it? Thanks, yeah I love it! It’s a massive geode that sits on a base with a glass top. I got the geode off Craigslist! I had the base made and found the glass top at a thrift store.

The Joan Almond book on your table; it looks like a photo book. I'm intrigued...Yes that is my husband's grandmother's photo book and it’s beautiful! It makes me happy every time it catches my eye. I love a red pop of color.

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