Austin Project
AUSTIN, TEXAS
“A home designed for balance”
Set in the heart of Austin, this 2024 European Contemporary home is a masterclass in contrasts—light yet grounded, sleek yet soulful. From the very beginning, the vision was clear: a retreat from the whirlwind of high-profile lives, a sanctuary where time slows, and every detail invites exhale. This home delivers just that. Soft neutrals and layered textures unfold effortlessly, creating a warmth that feels storied rather than staged. Over 60% of the furnishings are vintage treasures, sourced from Texas to European markets, each carrying its own history and soul. The design is a delicate balance of natural materials, curated moments, and a play between understated elegance and striking drama. The result? A home that feels both elevated and deeply personal—where beauty, function, and curves intertwine seamlessly, crafting a space that is as effortlessly chic as it is inviting. Shall we take a tour?
ENTRY
Like any grand entrance, the foyer sets the stage. The most welcoming light casts a warm diffused glow throughout the venetian plaster walls. A stone console—equal parts organic and architectural—grounds the space, accompanied by vintage pieces that say, "Yes, I belong in a gallery, but I chose this home instead."
OPEN CONCEPT: Kitchen, Pantry, Dining
This is where the house fully embraces its open-concept flow. The kitchen is where the design started…It quickly became the boldest room in the home yet undeniably functional. At its heart, a sculptural island in warm wood anchors the space, its softened edges inviting connection. You’ll notice more curved edges throughout this project, from the entry stairwell to the kitchen island, and furniture a-like, rounded corners are an ode to organic form in this home! Dramatic veining in the marble countertops brings movement, while unlacquered brass hardware promises to age gracefully, developing a patina that will only enhance the story of the home. The chocolate-hued cabinetry is grounding—both modern and timeless—complementing the creamy stone with a richness that makes the space feel both curated and effortless. Here, beauty meets function in perfect harmony, proving that a well-designed kitchen is more than just a place to cook; it’s a space to gather, linger, and live.
Speaking of marble..this pantry is the epitome of understated luxury—a hidden atelier for culinary artistry, where even the simplest tasks—grabbing a plate or pouring a glass of wine—feel elevated. The unlacquered brass fixtures will patina over time, adding to the sense of history in a space designed to be as functional as it is breathtaking.
The dining room is where warmth and restraint coexist—a space that feels as natural as the light that pours in through sheer drapery. It’s raw beauty celebrated rather than concealed. The chairs, woven with rush seats, bring an organic, textural softness that nods to European country homes, while their sculptural silhouettes add a refined edge (much like Austin, Texas). This is a dining room designed for long, lingering conversations over candlelit meals, for laughter that echoes against Venetian-plastered walls. A vase of fresh calla lilies, sculptural in their simplicity, is the only adornment needed.
Paint color: Wainscot by Farrow & Ball
LIVING ROOM
LIVING ROOM
The living room is an exercise in quiet luxury—effortless, understated, yet deeply considered. A neutral palette sets the tone, allowing light to dance across the Venetian plaster walls, creating an ever-changing interplay of texture and shadow. The fireplace, a commanding presence in its sculptural stone simplicity, is flanked by carefully curated accents—collected over time, rather than simply placed. Seating is low, deep, and impossibly inviting—an invitation to sink in. There’s a certain restraint here, but it’s never cold. Instead, warmth radiates from the woven textures, the aged patina of wooden elements, and the subtle interplay of modern and vintage pieces. Aged brass fixtures and collected objets punctuate the space, adding personality without overpowering the serenity. This is a room designed not just to be seen, but to be lived in—where mornings start slowly with a book and a cup of coffee, and evenings stretch long into the night, wrapped in conversation and candlelight.
PRIMARY SUITE: Bed & Bath
A study in softness, the primary bedroom wraps you in a cocoon of muted neutrals, tactile layers, and effortless elegance. The walls, finished in a luminous Venetian plaster, catch the shifting light throughout the day, giving the space an almost ethereal glow. At its heart, the bed—draped in Belgian linens and sumptuous textiles—anchors the room with a sense of calm. Here, less is more. A carefully curated selection of vintage lighting and accents allows the room to breathe. The overall effect? A sanctuary that feels like an escape—a space designed not just for sleep, but for restoration, reflection, and quiet indulgence.
Drenched in honed marble with organic veining, the primary bath exudes an old-world elegance that feels both timeless and modern. The plaster walls add depth and warmth, subtly reflecting natural light for a luminous, almost candlelit effect. A sculptural freestanding tub cloaked in marble takes center stage, positioned as if it were an art piece in a Parisian museum. The unlacquered brass fixtures, rich with patina, tell a story of time and touch, adding a lived-in charm. The vanity, crafted from natural oak, balances the coolness of the marble, grounding the space in warmth and texture. Beyond aesthetics, the design is deeply functional—double sinks, ample storage, and thoughtful lighting create a seamless morning and evening ritual. A walk-in shower, enclosed in floor-to-ceiling glass, feels like a private spa retreat, while a hidden linen closet ensures that beauty never competes with clutter. Just beyond the steel windows is a sauna, creating the ultimate wellness suite. Every detail, from the hand-selected hardware to the delicate scent of fresh linens, contributes to the overall feeling: a sanctuary designed not just for getting ready, but for slowing down.
HIS & HERS OFFICES
His: Designed for deep work and inspired creativity, the office is refined yet collected, with a storied feel. Every element is thoutful—the oversized desk, the plush yet structured seating, and objet d’art that add just enough personality without distraction. A place to dream, to build, to create—a space that invites focus and flow.
Hers AKA THE “CLOFFICE”: A hybrid of style and efficiency, the “cloffice” (closet-office) is a hidden gem designed for yoga classes, creative bursts, or simply a moment of quiet. Tucked away like a secret retreat, it is giving aesthetically pleasing and utilitarian—think a chic Parisian dressing room meets a modern study nook. Whether it’s jotting down notes, sending a last-minute email, or planning outfits for the week, this space proves that function and beauty can (and should) coexist.
View the portfolio page.
Photographer: Tim Lenz