Perched in downtown Austin, this redesigned residence embraces light, comfort and refined elegance while maximizing city views. With interiors by Britt Design Group and construction by David Wilkes Builders, the once heavy interior was transformed into a seamless indoor-outdoor living area. Blending the best of luxury architecture with resort-like relaxation, this remodel creates a bright, inviting environment. From intimate vignettes to grand open areas, the remodel balances style and sophistication. The result is a bright, inviting home that reflects the client’s vision of modern luxury living.

Every part of the home reflects this careful balance of style and function, with architectural features that encourage both admiration and facilitate everyday living. The dual-sided plaster fireplace anchors the living and dining areas both visually and spatially, adding rich texture while maintaining openness. The living room’s once out-of-proportion vaulted ceiling now deftly assumes a graceful, contemporary form with clean lines and floor-to-ceiling glass doors which fill the space with natural light. In the dining room, a scenic outdoor view frames fine dining, while a floating crystal strand chandelier serves as a stunning focal point visible even from the front entryway. The modern glass fireplace surrounded by dark paneling enhances the room’s tailored elegance.

Drawing inspiration from the home’s uniquely lush landscape, Britt Design Group approached the remodel as a dialogue between past and present. “The expansive views were a major driver in the design. From the front door, your eye carries straight through to the outdoor living spaces and the green beyond,” says Britt. “Even the dining room light fixture was designed to be bold yet transparent, enhancing the room without interrupting that visual connection.” The result is a design that elevates the space—enhancing the architecture and improving upon the original—while still honoring its roots.

The powder bath is a study in how the smallest space can make the biggest statement. In stark contrast to the rest of the home’s light, airy atmosphere, the dramatic powder bath draws you in for a dark, showstopping reprieve. “One of my favorite moments is the powder bath,” says designer Laura Britt. “We leaned into a high-contrast black-and-white tile to create something bold and graphic in a small space. It is unexpected and very intentional.”

Both the primary bath and powder room showcase the home’s range and sense of surprise. The powder bath exudes moody elegance using Michael Aram’s “Orchid Dimensional” mosaic as a striking backdrop for the vanity wall. The custom Pietra Friggion wall-mounted basin against Benjamin Moore’s Graphite walls adds a warm, glossy drama. In contrast, the primary bath offers a serene retreat buoyed by natural materials, a light palette and thoughtful symmetry. Luxurious not only in style, the primary bath creates a serene retreat through a Ravenna Trove waterjet wall, freestanding tub, and heated floors.

The space draws inspiration from modern architecture, sleek interior design and the natural beauty of its surroundings. Expanding upon the original structures bare-bones architecture, this renovation expands its windows to capture the idyllic views, nowhere more evident than at the bar. Framed by lush greenery, the mesh-front cabinetry, White Cliff quartz counters, and suspended shelving creating a shimmering, serene focal point. “An expansive window framed in marble tile brings in natural light, while custom brass shelving, fabricated to sit in front of the glass, allows bottles and barware to be naturally backlit. The result is dramatic, yet still light and inviting,” says Britt. 

The new and improved wine room offers an homage to complex architecture, combining functional elements like storage with a gallery-like presentation. Britt Design Group managed to transform the pre-existing staircase into a functional showpiece that doubles as a wine cellar. One of the only areas which doesn’t rely primarily on natural light, this space infuses the home with welcome warmth via its backlit, glass-enclosed wine display. This show-stopping visual centerpiece cleverly fuses function with fun. 

Original Article by: Sammy Bates, Austin Home

Photography by Ryann Ford