My Houzz: Modern Sleekness and Serenity in Austin
by Kara Mosher · 17 photos · 25 comments
AFTER: The couple cleaned up the exterior and put in low-maintenance landscaping. A new walkway with repeating concrete pavers on gravel reflects the geometric patterns on the updated exterior. Charcoal-gray HardiePanels were added to the second floor, and cream-colored stucco refreshed old beige painted brick. The new column by the front door is made of ipe — a hard, weather-resistant and sustainably grown wood.
by Kara Mosher
BEFORE: Chris and Leigh ditched the traditional shutters; a new concrete retaining wall cleaned up the front landscaping.
The full remodel took 10 months; the couple moved out of the house while the work was being done.
Should You Stay or Go During a Remodel?
BEFORE Austin Zen-like home
The full remodel took 10 months; the couple moved out of the house while the work was being done.
Should You Stay or Go During a Remodel?
AFTER: A gold statue of Tibetan goddess Tara passed down from Leigh's grandmother greets visitors in the foyer. The renovated kitchen is to the right of the foyer. "My dream has always been to have an open kitchen to cook and entertain while guests can hang out on the opposite side of a bar/island and have drinks," Leigh says.
by Kara Mosher
BEFORE: The previous kitchen was small and made entertaining difficult.
BEFORE Austin Zen-like home
AFTER: New black bamboo floors replaced the previous laminate flooring. The support beam over the kitchen island is engineered wood made by compressing several types of exotic woods together. The cross cut determines the wood's unique design.
by Kara Mosher
This open living room space sits to the left of the entry. The Cortinazes were inspired during a stay at New York's London Hotel a few years ago and continue to incorporate ideas from its luxurious and modern design.
Couch, ottoman: Cindy Crawford collection, Rooms to Go
by Kara Mosher
Couch, ottoman: Cindy Crawford collection, Rooms to Go
The kitchen flows into an open dining area with a view into the couple's lush backyard. "The inside of our home is a combination of both our personalities," Chris says. "Leigh and I gather our decor from glamorous Austin glitz and practical but funky Craigslist finds."
Table: Cost Plus World Market; orange chairs: Room Service
by Kara Mosher
Table: Cost Plus World Market; orange chairs: Room Service
The couple brought in the same neutral colors and dark woods they used in their salon. "We spun off the color idea we used at our salon to move forward with our mission to target a warm, inviting, inner-city, modern, urban space," Chris says.
Bar stools: Craigslist
by Kara Mosher
Bar stools: Craigslist
A chrome railing and staircase, made of the same engineered exotic wood as the support beam in the kitchen, lead to the master bedroom, guest room, bath and balcony. The stairs are both Leigh's and Chris' favorite part of the remodel.
Square paintings: Home Goods
by Kara Mosher
Square paintings: Home Goods
The master bedroom has a Zen-like atmosphere. The reupholstered blue couch used to be in the salon. The paintings of lovebirds above the bed is from one of the couple's favorite home shops, Four Hands Home.
by Kara Mosher
BEFORE: The master bathroom originally felt cramped and outdated. "The old layout wasn't couple friendly," says Leigh. "[We had to] change that stat!"
by Janet Paik
AFTER: The spacious new bathroom has twice the amount of space, plus a soaker tub and separate steam shower. The clean and modern color scheme has the spa feel Leigh and Chris wanted.
by Kara Mosher
BEFORE: A backyard and manicured outdoor space were important to the two, and the original yard just didn't make the cut.
BEFORE Austin Zen-like home
AFTER: Stucco and a fresh coat of cream paint gave the exterior a new look. Architect Haas designed a covered patio area where the pair likes to hang out. The new second-floor balcony can be seen on the right. Leigh gave Chris a bench swing that hangs from an oak tree just visible in the corner of this photo.
by Kara Mosher
Leigh, Chris and Delilah relax on their new patio. "Be patient and stay focused on the end result," Chris suggests to new remodelers. "It'll all be worth it in the end."
Your turn: Please share your remodeled home
by Kara Mosher
Your turn: Please share your remodeled home
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I like to say, and I think your architect would agree, that "great clients make great remodels".