HOUSE HUNTERS RENOVATION: WELCOME HOME, LAURA & STEVE!
When I met Laura and Steve, I quickly learned their styles could not be more different. Steve preferred a more traditional style while Laura liked the idea of a sleek, modern look. Things got even more complex when the couple announced they were pregnant with their first child. This house would have to be a fusion of both traditional and modern styles while maintaining a fun, playful feel that is accessible for a small child.
Michelle’s Solutions:
I wanted to offer this couple more storage and open up the existing space with strategic design. I used clean lines and pops of color typically associated with modern styles alongside some more traditional elements like a classic dining room and natural bamboo floors. A honeycomb tiled backsplash in the kitchen perfectly offsets bright yellow upper cabinets and keeps the look sophisticated.
An oversized sofa in a dark gray fabric invites guests into the living room for game day or movie night. Accents help tie in the color scheme with gold, gray and white chevron stripes on throw pillows. This look is mirrored in the original chevron-patterned artwork on the dining room wall. These small accents keep colors and patterns consistent throughout the home and help tie the design together in a playful way.
For the nursery, I chose to use textures like faux fur and pillows with pom poms for some childlike fun. The room was kept gender neutral (for now) with a fun yellow end table and coral organizers alongside blue walls. The room’s animal theme should be a big hit with the new baby!
Collaboration:
I was thrilled to work with some amazing professionals during the design process. Builder Justin Poses is extremely knowledgeable and renovated the house so Laura and Steve could raise their family there. Once the renovation was complete, I went to work with custom style and personalized pieces to really welcome Laura and Steve into their new home.
Among the pieces used in Laura and Steve’s new dream home are sleek modern cabinets designed by Patrick Lavery with Troo Design. These cabinets had the modern feel I was going for, and managed to lend some warmth to the kitchen with the stained wood base cabinets. Laura and Steve will also be able to enjoy a handcrafted workspace donated by The Galley, which allows homeowners to “prep, cook, serve, entertain, and clean up” without the hassle of moving around the kitchen or cluttering the countertops. The Galley manufactures all its workspaces in the USA and each piece is built to the highest standards for long-lasting use.
Dining room art was painted onto the wall by local artist Patti Halstead. Halstead’s original chevron pattern uses vivid greens, oranges and blues that really liven up the space. Abstract paintings by Austin artist Dawn Winter and original photography by Jake Bryer brought the space together and added local Texas flare to the home.
Before the big reveal, I placed custom silk floral and succulent arrangements around the home from Peacock’s Plumage to add an element of nature to the space. Photographer Ty West captured the home’s finished look by snapping photographs that capture each room in its best light. The finished interior design project could not have come together without the help of these amazing individuals right here in Austin, Texas.
We hope Laura and Steve enjoy their new home for many years to come!