The Rivercrest Drive residence was an exercise in reinvention. Set in one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Austin along the Colorado River, this 1980s split-level home has a ‘tucked away’ feeling of an urban treehouse. While the three-story home came with great bones and endless potential, the interior required a fresh perspective to embody the bright yet moody aesthetic our clients hoped to capture.
The scope of work involved complementing the existing design features while creating a cohesive narrative throughout the home. We wanted each room to flow and feel intentional, all while honoring its architectural charm and surrounding context. Today, we’re taking you inside the project as we delve further into the details, room by room.
Client: Rivercrest Dr
Location: Austin, TX
Architecture: 1986 Split-Level
Scope of Work: Renovation & Interior Design
As a design studio, our passion lies in seamlessly blending the old with the new, and this project was no exception. While our clients didn’t require a full renovation, we were brought on board to hone the overarching vision for the space and create common threads throughout the design. ‘Bright yet moody’ was the primary request from our clients, in addition to thoughtfully curated art throughout. We didn’t want to detract from the home’s surrounding beauty, so we kept things relatively open and airy, showcasing the views of mature trees to create a heightened sense of indoor-outdoor living.
The renovation process began by bringing some warmth into the home. We wanted to evoke a really inviting vibe, so we chose to add vertical wood paneling throughout the main living spaces. This style choice not only honors the era of the home but also creates a layer of warmth with a sophisticated twist. Visually, the paneling sits subtly in the background, capturing that ‘urban treehouse’ aesthetic without feeling over the top.
One of the standout features of the living area is the fireplace. We embraced its unconventional caddy corner placement by creating a special moment with natural materials and art. The fireplace features white oak, viola marble, and a statement wall sculpture that commands attention in the best way possible. It’s a defining feature of the home and demonstrates our studio’s artful approach to interiors.
In the kitchen, we made some slight yet well-considered changes to elevate the entire space. The existing cabinetry was a very stark white, which made the kitchen feel cold and a bit one-dimensional. To warm things up, we painted the cabinetry a creamy shade of mushroom paired with brass hardware that played beautifully alongside white oak.
Space was another key factor in the kitchen, so we heightened the functionality by eliminating the island seating to allow for more cabinet space—a must on our client’s wishlist. We also added a spice rack in the wall, cleverly disguised by wood paneling. These slight reconfigurations allowed for a much better flow and endless storage possibilities.
In the adjacent dining room, we brought in the drama with an intentionally bold space for entertaining. Dark plaster walls create mood and movement, while leather dining chairs and sculptural lighting bring warmth and balance.
Designing the powder room was so much fun! Some may view a small square footage as a challenge, but we embraced it. Rather than follow the rule book of light and bright, we went with a dark purple tile and a terracotta plaster ceiling. Somehow, going moody made the bathroom feel bigger and maximized the space. Marble and brass were chosen to complement the tile selection, tying the look together in a timeless way.
