Old houses have become something of a niche specialty for us, perhaps because they require the patience of someone with respect for their secrets. Good thing I grew up in a hundred year old Edwardian and know a little something about cheescloth walls and eternal renovations.

This historic Palo Alto shingle home was stripped to the studs, raised up for a full floor basement addition, and then fully refinished in a manner befitting modern life. The goal was to create a relaxed yet refined setting for an extra special family of four. Although ergnomic out of necessity, a number of flourishes were addded in the spirit of the era. The curved staircase was relocated to a more central space that now serves three floors in an elegant progression. Custom millwork was site designed to ensure flow, and herringbone floors add a feminine layer of interest. Every color, material, piece of art and stick of furniture was chosen with love.

Along the way we discovered many surprises and were challenged to maintain flexibility with creative solutions. Moving the staircase created a leftover space that we transformed into a hidden lady library off the dining room. The top floor revealed a number of nooks and crannies, including a loft we connected to the craft room. Even the children's rooms were designed to work together with an ingenious pocket door that can conceal or reveal at the whim of our youngest (and obviously tasteful) clients.

We treat every project with care, but there is something deeply satisfying in the journey of design and preservation for a very old house with a soul of its own. We are so honored to have been a part of this magical collaboration from start to finish.

Of course... an old house is never really finished, now is it?

Once upon a time I went for a paint consultation and stayed to redesign an entire home. 

This classic rancher sits on a sprawling triple lot with beautiful city views, but our client didn’t love her house anymore. That’s a sad tale, a passionless marriage. We couldn’t let it end in divorce, because the house was fantastic.

It often happens that people get stuck in a rut and aren’t sure what next to do. Sometimes we can make a few big changes and when the confetti settles, everything looks so much fresher et voila! Mission complete.

But sometimes we have a crazy connection with a client and keep finding things to do because we are having F.U.N. Before we knew it, every single stick of furniture and light fixture and rug and pillow and faucet and wallpaper and all the art had been replaced with the coolest and best antiques and vintage we could find.

And obviously we painted it all too. 

Now everyone is in love again, and during the treasure hunting process we made an incredible forever friend. It is the greatest joy of my career to meet wonderful humans who inspire me. 

This one is a keeper.

A surrealist wonderland keeps watch over the Austin sky line, ensuring the city doesn't take itself too seriously. Home to stylish entrepreneurs, their young daughter, and Moka the frisbee crazed dog, this house is meant for living. Plush Moroccan carpets and sinuous seating demand lounging, while glass walls beckon outward and up into the sky.

Our imaginary muse Aunt Rose is a well traveled lady with exquisite taste in American mid century art and furnishings -- Wormley, Jere, Kittinger, Baughman, Pearsall. But she's not above playing bongo drums at midnight with a martini in hand. Who should be?

This house is as colorful and laid back cool as the people who live here. Because at the end of the day, it isn't so much the things that surround you as the vibe and hum of life that makes a house into a home. 

Feel it.

Okena is a charming multi unit A-frame lake house situated on on the shores of Lake Austin. Built in the 1950s, it evokes a sense of childhood nostalgia while offering clean, modern comfort. Each of the four units has a unique personality, allowing visitors to choose their own adventure.

Tudors don't have to be totally traditional, but they do demand at least a nod to formality.

This family home was swathed head to toe in khaki green carpet and paint when it was purchased. White oak floors were installed and walls were painted and papered to create dramatic interest that lends architectural weight to their respective spaces. Each room has a unique identity, but a tight palette of blues and creams allows flow and harmony. Fabrics and textiles were selected with durability in mind, for the children and also to lend a sense of ease to guests both young and old.

Grape juice and wine are welcome here. Make yourself at home.

Okena is a charming multi unit A-frame lake house situated on on the shores of Lake Austin. Built in the 1950s, it evokes a sense of childhood nostalgia while offering clean, modern comfort. Each of the four units has a unique personality, allowing visitors to choose their own adventure.

A formerly cramped kitchen and little used dining room were combined to create one spacious eat in kitchen with an unconventional floorplan. The all popular island was eschewed in favor of work horse perimeter cabinetry, keeping the floor space open and gracious.

A built in hutch does the dirty work, housing dishes and small appliances, but it hides its secrets well. The paneled refrigerator and dishwasher continue with the stealth kitchen theme -- this is just a room that you happen to cook in.

A powerful five burner cooktop and modern convection oven churn out many a meal on the fly. The custom hood made of billions and billions of tiny brass rods welded together shines like rippled silk on an otherwise spartan wall. 

Dinner for eight's at the cozy yet wipeable banquette. A vintage fringed chandelier lights the way, and ceiling mounted speakers provide the soundtrack.

Porcelain chevron floors and Caesarstone counters go above and beyond in the function department, while walnut cabinets lend warmth and comfort.

Hit the adjoining den to sleep off your supper on the most comfortable vintage sectional ever. No one will notice if you spill your wine on the way down, because pattern hides a multitude of sins.

Who says you can't be smart and pretty?

Okena is a charming multi unit A-frame lake house situated on on the shores of Lake Austin. Built in the 1950s, it evokes a sense of childhood nostalgia while offering clean, modern comfort. Each of the four units has a unique personality, allowing visitors to choose their own adventure.

Okena is a charming multi unit A-frame lake house situated on on the shores of Lake Austin. Built in the 1950s, it evokes a sense of childhood nostalgia while offering clean, modern comfort. Each of the four units has a unique personality, allowing visitors to choose their own adventure.

Unit 1701A began life as a neon yellow train wreck. The kitchen was cramped and dated, with upper cabinets that went nowhere and an eye watering bathroom. We replaced floors, reconfigured the kitchen, and gutted the bathroom. Paint transformed the airy bedroom into a tree house fit for boys and girls.

Geometric patterns and modern shapes keep things from feeling too sentimental. Our clients envisioned a camp for cool kids, although grownups are certainly welcome.

This unit is all about volume, with its vaulted ceilings and uncluttered interiors.

Breathe in, breathe out.

This remodel captures the bold spirit of a super family. A marketing wizard, her rock star husband, and their two stylish children were in need of a space as hard wearing as it is eye catching.

Stripped to the studs and rebuilt from the ground up, this bathroom benefited from confident clients who love pattern and unique materials. Cement tiles provide the wow factor, while other elements were kept clean yet interesting. Matte black Brizo plumbing, walnut drawer fronts, and a vintage French chandelier that remind the clients of a romantic trip, round out the personal details.

Who's ready to get clean?

Bright, hip, and in the middle of it all, this bungalow owned by young professionals with a growing family was in need of a floorplan and color palette as cool as they are.

The existing plan with a floating sofa was flipped to create more open space upon entry, and a vintage Turkish kilim pulled the space together. Knoll chairs invite guests to sit a spell, and vintage lighting, accent tables, new pillows, and accessories layer the space with color and texture. Art by Mark Sabin completes the decor.

This house is poodle approved.

With ample sunlight in a tree lined neighborhood, this lofty space offered a fitting backdrop for a straight talking lawyer with a sense of adventure.

Nearly two years ago we embarked on a bold build out complete with a custom credenza, new flooring, lighting, wallpaper by Timorous Beasties, and a host of vintage accessories. We were almost finished when tragedy struck -- my sweet client delivered her tiny baby very early, at 25 weeks. 

The project lost meaning as her life moved to the NICU, surrounded by machines and feeding tubes. There are no words.

And yet... baby survived. Baby thrived. Baby is now a walking, talking, smiling, laughing bundle of pure miraculous toddler joy. Gradually things settled down and we finished the last design details in bits and pieces. Slowly we built her sanctuary in the sky.

Rugs and wallpaper and lamps are always pretty, but in this case they are a reminder to savor the most important things.

It's not about the stuff -- it's about how it makes you feel. 

By day a large family uses this space for piano practice and homework, but a subtle dose of glamour allows for a smooth transition to night time festivities. 

This long, narrow room began as an empty box. The custom pink velvet sofa served as a jumping off point for a client who appreciates color, contrast and vintage furnishings. A vintage Persian rug brings a blush of warmth to the floors, and Farrow and Ball Pigeon provides a cool foil to the otherwise warm palette. Moody paint embraces the cozy atmosphere of a dimly lit room.

The vibe is whiskey soaked jazz with a crisp modern edge. Dig it.

A recently purchased ranch nestled in a tree studded neighborhood needed an injection of color and personality befitting a sunny family of four. 

The client had an array of neutral basics, but lacked furnishings and textiles to bring the space together. Antique rugs ground the rooms and lend a bit of patinaed gravitas. Custom curtains, abstract paintings, vintage lighting, and casual cool chairs add depth to the space while still maintaining a fresh and clean aesthetic. A vintage lucite coffee table commands center stage, but wipes clean lickety split.

The result is a home as charming and welcoming as the people who live here. 

This charity office filled with creative professionals looks out over the bustling Palo Alto skyline.

The task was to furnish the space with comfort and inspiration in mind. A custom milled walnut conference table was paired with classic Knoll chairs in an eye popping iris boucle fabric. The credenza by Emporium Home is a workhorse clad in rosewood and inlaid brass, West Elm shell art brings in a high/low mix, and a grand painting by Meredith Pardue provides a backdrop sure to stimulate conversation.

Good things happen to good people in this room.

A young lawyer scored a major victory when she purchased this vintage bungalow in a charming old Austin neighborhood.

Classic with a funky twist, the client wanted established basics paired with more whimsical elements. The bathrooms were fully remodeled with period appropriate materials to flow with the original structure. Lighting was chosen with an air of stately glamour in mind, while art and accent furnishings bring color and warm personality to the rooms.

This house is daytime business and nighttime party. 

Spacious rooms and good bones sealed the deal for new Austin transplants and their first home.

Walls were moved, the kitchen was completely gutted, and a bank of upper cabinets was removed to emphasize the airy ceilings. A neutral palette of grays and black let the freshened architecture speak for itself. Details like an entry ceiling treatment, antique rugs, vintage lighting, and classic vintage furnishings bring personality to the space. A memorable collection of portraits and paintings round out the decor.

Handsomely appointed, this home aims to please.