Colorfully Collected in Austin
"Take the time to collect pieces that reflect you, and take care of them," says designer Esther LaVonne. "They will look great in any space you live in." She comes across the same obstacles as other homeowners, but does her best to apply her personal design philosophy inside her modern tri-level in the heart of downtown Austin. "Mix it up!" she says. "It's all about creating different layers within the space through various styles of furniture, bold color palettes and one-of-a-kind pieces."
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Designer Esther LaVonne and her Boston terrier Jovie
Location: Five blocks from downtown Austin and Town Lake. "I love that I can jog in the mornings and walk to concerts in the evenings," she says.
Size: 1,300 square feet, 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Builder: Dean Van LanDuyt
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Designer Esther LaVonne and her Boston terrier Jovie
Location: Five blocks from downtown Austin and Town Lake. "I love that I can jog in the mornings and walk to concerts in the evenings," she says.
Size: 1,300 square feet, 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Builder: Dean Van LanDuyt
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The living space has a very open layout, with windows on all three walls lending views of downtown Austin. LaVonne's aesthetic is colorful and funky, similar to her favorite designer, Los Angeles-basedKelly Wearstler, whose style is classic, edgy and warm all at once.
LaVonne has always known she wanted to own a design firm. She says, "I literally called a lady that owned her own firm 12 times right when I graduated so that I could start working for her and learning the ropes. Three years later I was ready to start my own firm." Browse more modern living rooms |
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The contemporary black barrel metal ottomans in the left corner are from outlet decor stores. The ottomans were originally green and blue and LaVonne gave them a coat of eco-friendly paint to match her decor. Her color placement is key in creating the space.
If LaVonne could change anything about the home it would be to add a balcony. "The large windows in the living space are great, but it would be so great to slide them open and be able to work outdoors once in awhile." |
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The third floor of LaVonne's home includes her bedroom and bathroom, and feels like a studio space. The large leaning mirror next to the sink maintains a clean and modern feel.
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Although LaVonne loves her home, the one space she would revamp is the bedroom, which now serves as both a sleeping and music space. "I want a sexy headboard and fun nightstands. I'm currently working on a separate music space," she says. "I want my bedroom to feel more romantic than just a place to make music."
Bedding and pillow covers: Ikea |
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LaVonne's kitchen cabinetry matches the light-colored wood tones in the hardwood floors throughout the space. Plenty of natural light streams through the space, with windows on all sides offering views of downtown Austin.
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