This Austin Couple Intentionally Designed Their New-Build Home to Feel Old

Randall, a Texas native, initially planned to renovate his two-story Austin home. However, an aerial view via drone revealed the potential for a third story with a downtown view, prompting him to pursue building a taller home from scratch. His initial blueprints were drafted with his builder brother-in-law, and Davenport Builders and interior designer Taylor Clouse were engaged to execute the vision. Midway through the process, Randall and his partner, Sebastian, became engaged, necessitating a reevaluation of the home's size to accommodate both their remote work needs and shared living spaces. This led to a significant design modification, extending the third-floor roof deck to include Randall's office and creating a dedicated office for Sebastian on the second floor. A central challenge in the design process was to imbue the new-build with a sense of established character, avoiding a sterile, off-the-shelf appearance. Clouse guided the couple to draw inspiration from unconventional sources like Ted Baker suits, black-sand beaches in Iceland, and 1970s films such as *The Holy Mountain*, rather than typical home design references. Sebastian also contributed his ideas, and Clouse facilitated the integration of their diverse inspirations. The open-concept living area was strategically furnished with a mix of substantial pieces, like two side-by-side Menu coffee tables, and lighter elements to define distinct zones. Custom textiles, including a blue-green chenille cushion, velvet Zoffany ombré fabric, and Pierre Frey fabric on the pillows, added texture and depth. For the dining area, a lightweight oak table from ABC Home was chosen for its versatility, allowing easy repositioning for entertaining. This was grounded by a 1920s Baluchi pictorial rug and paired with Bruno Rey dining chairs. The couple developed a passion for art and collecting, with Sebastian contributing pottery pieces inherited from his Nicaraguan grandmother, displayed on open kitchen shelves. Randall, during construction, amassed a collection of 60 to 70 pieces from estate sales and online auctions, which Clouse meticulously mapped out for display. Strategic placement, such as hanging a Gertrude Abercrombie painting in the primary bedroom windows and using a continuous drapery rod, was employed to create visual symmetry in an otherwise offset wall. Budget considerations were balanced with a desire for elevated aesthetics. In the bathroom, black stone subway tile from The Tile Shop was combined with luxurious Paonazzo gold marble slabs, creating a historic feel. The walls were painted in Farrow & Ball’s Mouse’s Back. Clouse emphasized the importance of small, layered details in achieving an aged aesthetic. Contemporary white oak floors received a lived-in finish, while window frames were painted standard black. The stair railing was accentuated with Farrow & Ball’s Brinjal, a moody aubergine, and the first-floor ceilings were painted a pale green to enhance the sense of space. The primary bedroom features Sarah Sherman Samuel’s painterly striped fabric from Lulu and Georgia for roman shades and curtains. A smaller bolster pillow is upholstered in Pierre Frey’s Yeti fabric, reminiscent of a dirty martini. An overscale Max Ernst painting hangs above the bed, flanked by Hay nightstand lights. To source unique items, Clouse visited the Round Top Antiques Fair with the clients, where they acquired Hans Olsen leather sling chairs and a Svante Skogh love seat for reupholstering. Affordable elements, such as $7 Amazon kitchen cabinet handles and Tile Shop tiles, were integrated to manage costs. Initially, Randall expressed concern about the prominence of red and green in the color palette, fearing a "Christmas house" aesthetic. However, Clouse reassured him that by utilizing varying shades, such as a merlot velvet bed paired with an olive green Pierre Frey pillow, the complementary colors would blend harmoniously without a holiday connotation. On the third floor, a black marble CB2 table and a round Persian Gabbeh rug create an inviting flow at the top of the stairs, adjacent to a bar area. The third-floor bathroom features a vibrant red theme, with Portola Paints limewash custom-matched to the bar shelves and a clay sink by Nood Co, culminating in what Randall calls the "party bathroom." The terrace patio is furnished with Hay’s sage green outdoor chairs surrounding a travertine dining table, with a portable Hay lamp that transitions between indoor and outdoor use. #AustinHomeTour #NewBuildOldFeel #TaylorClouseInteriors #CustomHomeDesign #ColorPalette #VintageFinds #InteriorDesign #HomeOffice #ArtCollection #BudgetDecor #AustinHomeTour #NewBuildOldFeel #TaylorClouseInteriors #CustomHomeDesign #ColorPalette #VintageFinds #InteriorDesign #HomeOffice #ArtCollection #BudgetDecor