From House to Haven: The Transformation of a High-Functioning Family Home
“We Loved Our House, But It Never Felt Like Us.”
Telling Your Story
It’s a sentiment we hear often–and it’s exactly where our work begins. At the heart of every project is our goal: to help our clients tell their story and transform their space into a home that functions beautifully for the way they live.
Our Austin clients had purchased a traditional Texas-style home featuring rustic design elements—think limestone finishes and cherry red cabinetry. While charming, it didn’t reflect their personal aesthetic. Their design sensibilities lean more contemporary, with a love for clean lines, modern touches, and subtle nods to the Texas heritage they cherish.
As a family of five, they needed more than just a pretty space. They wanted a kitchen and dining area that could handle the demands of busy weekday mornings, casual family dinners, and elevated entertaining—all while feeling thoughtfully designed and effortlessly stylish.
Design Approach: Philosophy Meets Practicality
From the outset, we focused on striking a balance—infusing the modern, clean-lined aesthetic our clients love while honoring the home's original architectural character.
Color played a central role in setting the tone for the space. We curated a rich, earthy palette that drew inspiration from the greenbelt views just beyond their backyard. A warm walnut finish was paired with striking natural stone to create a sophisticated two-tone design that feels both grounded and elevated.
Functionality was just as important as form. With no existing pantry, every inch of kitchen space had to work smarter. A built-in coffee bar was a non-negotiable for the family’s daily rhythm, and we embraced the challenge of a complex kitchen layout as an opportunity for thoughtful, creative solutions.
“The kitchen layout was tricky, but we saw it as an opportunity for creativity.”
Our Tips for Turning a House into a Haven
Pro Tip: Define Zones Based on Daily Routines
Start by mapping out how you use your kitchen each day. Create dedicated zones for core functions like meal prep, cooking, snacking, and coffee-making. For example:
Workstation Zone: Position prep surfaces near the sink and stove for a seamless workflow.
Coffee Station: Place it away from the cooking zone to avoid crowding during busy mornings.
Pantry Alternative: If you lack a full pantry, allocate a dedicated cabinet or wall unit with pull-out shelves and labeled bins for dry goods and snacks.
2. Use Cabinetry and Storage Solutions to Anchor Each Zone
Custom or semi-custom cabinetry can help visually and functionally distinguish zones:
Install drawers and utensil organizers in the prep area.
Use floating shelves or dedicated cabinetry to frame the coffee station—include outlets for appliances and compartments for mugs, pods, or grounds.
In the pantry zone, add vertical dividers, lazy Susans, or adjustable shelves to keep everything visible and accessible.
3. Layer in Lighting and Design Cues to Support Function
Lighting and finishes can subtly define zones without disrupting flow:
Use task lighting under cabinets in prep areas and coffee nooks.
Incorporate design details like a backsplash feature wall or open shelving in the coffee zone to make it visually distinct.
Consider contrasting materials or colors for different zones (e.g., walnut shelves for the coffee bar, light oak cabinetry for the prep area) to create visual clarity and interest.
The Transformation
BEFORE
AFTERShop Studio Picks
