Blog by Beebe Cline, PREC*

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Retro Modern in East Austin

Architectural photographer Ryann Ford's home is part of a new development of unique alternative modern homes in East Austin. Built in 2006 by Emily Little of Clayton Levy Little, the three-star green rated home in Agave Austin takes cues from International Style and Modern architecture. 

The interior includes a vibrant color palette with retro-modern flair. Ford is an avid traveler, fond of Route 66, and some of the greatest decorative pieces in her home were found abandoned in the middle of the desert. 

Houzz at a Glance
Who Lives Here: Ryann Ford
Location: Austin, Texas, United States
Size: 1,537 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths
Architect: Emily Little of Clayton Levy Little
The focal piece of the living room is an oversized vintage "cafe" sign Ford found on the side of Route 66. The cactus also speaks to much of her décor's desert origins. 

Yellow cabinet: Texas Surplus 
Red coffee tables: Crate and Barrel
Ford visits numerous national parks all over the United States and has collected a vintage postcard from each one. She framed them individually and arranged them in a grid to create a graphic and compelling gallery wall.
This captivating view greets you when first entering Ford's home. The 20-foot high ceilings and clean lines draw you into the space.

Fun animal pillows from an Oklahoma boutique accent Ford's charcoal gray Ikeacouch.

Ford turned this vintage baby stool into a stand for her beloved fish tank.
Ford created the piece of art above the 1950s vintage dining room set with twine and glass candle holders from CB2. Her hope for this space is to eventually create a diner-style red wraparound booth.
The kitchen is an open space that encourages guests to move freely between it and the living area.

Metal bar stools: Overstock
Concrete floors are becoming increasing popular in modern design, and have become some what of a signature look for Austin homes. The eco-friendly staircase is made out of recycled pressed bamboo.
Subtle art can be more powerful than bold art. Ford got these papier-mache animal heads from West Elm.
The view from the top of the stairs is breathtaking thanks to the height, view to the ground floor and windows on both sides of the house. Two blue-and-white checkered signs Ford found abandoned in the desert are her favorite art pieces in the house.
The upstairs office, filled with vibrant color and retro Texas state surplus items, is where she feels most at home. The wall is magnetic chalkboard paint, great for proofing photographic prints in natural sunlight. 

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