Name: Carly Uson, Lifestyle/Fashion/Beauty Publicist and owner of Carly Co. Public Relations and Jason Uson, Film/Commercial Editor with Posey (a female rottweiler), Gunner (a male rottweiler) and Rain (a male pit bull).
Location: Agave Neighborhood — Austin, Texas
Size: 2300 square feet
Years lived in: 2 ½ years — owned
Though Carly and Jason's place looks stylish and finished now, it looks pretty different from when they first moved into this ultra modern house almost three years ago. Why? Because when they first moved in, Carly thought she had to decorate to match the modern feel of the architecture. It was when she decided to be authentic to her own style that the house became the stunning specimen it is today.
An upstairs bathroom we weren't allowed to photograph because it hadn't been finished yet still bears the evidence that Carly once tried to create a home she thought she should have versus the home she really wanted: a neon green "modern" color adorns the walls. Since realizing that she could live in a modern home, respect the architecture and live in a style that fit her and her husband's personalities better, the whole home has really come together to be transformed into a comfortable, glamorous, luxurious space that highlights the architecture in a different way than before and also honors the style this young couple exudes.
Apartment Therapy Survey:
Our Style: Modern comfort meets rustic elegance
Inspiration: Stylish women who are as creative in work as they are at home and... Nancy Meyers Movies (particularly the cozy, stylish essence of the homes in "Something's Gotta Give" and "It's Complicated" although they lean toward a more traditional/classic style...I love them!)
Favorite Element: The unexpected warmth and classic elements in décor that contrast to the ultra-modern architecture.
Biggest Challenge: Our home is 3 stories and is spread out vertically rather than horizontally. This is challenging with 3 dogs and can also be especially challenging when entertaining, depending on the guest count.
What Friends Say: People comment on the interior décor and often ask if we've hired a decorator. We have not...it's all us ; ) We've had a few people comment on how "put together" it is while still maintaining a great level of comfort. The latter is the best compliment EVER...it's what we strive for each time we're decorating an area or room. A few people who know me well have said it's very "me" which I love. Your space should be a direct reflection of who you are and your unique taste. It's not fun to see a room that lacks real personality.
Biggest Embarrassment: Oh boy! Well...this one is easy! It's our backyard. Our house has a massive, beyond gorgeous oak tree in our backyard that is completely visible from each level of our house. The back of the house is basically all windows from top to bottom. This tree is awesome but it has kept any grass from thriving in the back yard. With the dog's wear and tear and the summer's massive heat, it has now become a big dirt pile more or less. Modern xeriscape plans are underway!
Proudest DIY: I found this old vintage chair for about $25 and re-styled it. I spray painted it black and highlighted some of the wood detail with white paint and covered the seat cushion with a beautiful cream silk damask fabric. I adore this chair.
Biggest Indulgence: So far (and it will continue to be) custom pieces. I have splurged on having pieces of furniture, accent pillows and decorative floor cushions upholstered with fabric I picked out on a trip to Los Angeles. I love knowing that many of the items in our home are custom and one-of-a-kind. I have a small love seat and ottoman that are next!
Best Advice: Contrast materials and style periods. Old meets new, sleek meets rustic. It's almost fail proof!
Dream Sources: Genevieve and Candice Olsen. Somewhere in the middle is pure perfection.
Resources of Note:
PAINT & COLORS
- • Living Room brown wall (Iron Mountain, Benjamin Moore)
• Living Room and entry hallway, light gray walls (Covington Gray, Benjamin Moore)
• Stairway and upstairs hallway (Weimeraner, Benjamin Moore)
• Master Bedroom (Fashion Gray, Behr)
• Half Bath (Black Noir, Behr)
APPLIANCES
- • Jenn Air
FURNITURE
- • Uptown Modern
• West Elm
• Los Angeles Boutique
• Custom
ACCESSORIES
- • Custom
• West Elm
• Random boutiques
• Antiques
LIGHTING
- • West Elm
RUGS & CARPET
- • Carpet Warehouse (had them custom cut pieces)
• Home Again
• Overstock
WINDOW TREATMENTS
- • West Elm
• Ikea
• Bed Bath and Beyond
BEDS
- • Los Angeles Boutique
• Ikea
ARTWORK
- • Salvatore Principe
• Personal artwork
• A few custom pieces from Robert Rodriguez's movie MACHETE
• Framed picture of one of our dogs by Tonya Pet Photography
Thanks, Carly and Jason!
Images: Adrienne Breaux
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The boards in the bedroom are perplexing, but I like them... Do they have some significance or are they purely for design? A lot of the house looks over-staged, but maybe it's just because they over-cleaned up for the photoshoot.
Anyway, I like any home with a herd of big dogs running around.
Cool home! What I want to know is how you keep light color rugs light with three dogs? We have two and usually a foster dog too, and no matter how much we clean, nothing is ever as sparkling as your house is! :)
So beautiful!!! It's inspiring for my place!
Yawn. It looks overly staged to the point it seems like an unlivable home. But if that's the look they were going for, well done.
Those 3 babies are cute!
I love the colors and angles of the exterior!
Love the black bathroom, the artwork above the bed, how nicely everything is arranged, and posing in a woolly hat! So cute, oh, & nice doggies too. Fab.
Beautiful...love the glam aesthetic ;)
I have to agree with some of the other commenters that it all looks very staged. Some of the architectural details are great (that staircase, for example), but the decor doesn't add much to the space.
On the other hand, those dogs are adorable.
I agree with others that it looks very staged, but oh is it lovely!! I love the stairs and floors
I love how clean it all looks. I know I'd throw a lot more around in there. But I always appreciate it when I see people who have the clean line and surface thing down so well, and still have a functional home.
Also, dogs? I'm in love.
What a lovely home. You did a great job. I adore the black bathroom.
I think that this is probably one of those homes that does not come across as it should in photos. I really love the stairs and the dining area windows. Suggestion: I think the toilet paper holder in the black bathroom needs a second look. Just looks stuck on the wall. Love the puppers!
Gonna be honest: it's well intentioned and on its way... but not there yet. Then again, I'm not a Genevieve or Candice Olson fan.
Beautiful !!!
Where did you get the leather pouf opposite the sofa in the main picture?
those boards above the bed: beaUtiful!
I thought it was beautiful. I love the throws on the couches, definitely gives that cozy vibe. I didn't think it was over staged at all! Can I ask where that black coffee table is from in your living room?
1. Your dogs scare me. Rottweilers!
2. Your house is BEAUTIFUL - young, fresh, stylish, and very individualistic.
3. Is that last pic of the exterior of your building? Is it a house or a condo?
...Also, the boards on the wall: I love it! It's like found art. It adds rustic charm to what looks to be a generally modern space.
I like the fact that they have a stylish home with three dogs.
Why are people always so shocked that some people have clean, organized and un-cluttered homes?
That is just how some people like to live.
love that you have Rottweilers. they are such lovers and always get a bad rap. and my brother just recently got a pit bull. guess we love big dogs.
beautiful home.
That frames dog pic is so frickin awesome! lol! love it!
the dogs look like they are sooo spoiled :D
It doesn't looked staged; it's just clean, organized, comfortable and relaxing! And I love the black bathroom. The main thing not working, for me, is the dark wood flooring. It just does not complement the beautiful wood doors and staircase.
Am I the only one who think sitting in ones home in a hat and scarf is a little over the top? I live in Wisconsin and we take those things OFF when we come indoors.
Why is she wearing a hat and a scarf in her home (in Austin, TX no less)? Poor baby - balance the budget and you can afford heat!
Hello! Love seeing all the comments on our house...the good and the bad : / wanted to take the time to address some comments and answer questions.
1) The house isn't staged, it looks like that all the time! Why? We don't like clutter or mess and with three huge dogs it's necessary to stay on top of it or else it just gets crazy.
2) Someone asked about the black pouf. My mom gave me that and it might actually be from Target.
3) The exterior shot is of the front of the house.
4) I'm wearing my hat scarf all day today in honor of this thread : )
Appreciate all the feedback especially the sweet comments!
The monocromatic (with punches of color) reads very cohesively throughout the home. As a dog lover and fellow Texan, I approve! ;)
Two questions: Where are the curtains from in the room with the round mirrors? AND where did you find that NEW YORK book in the living room? loved both
I had the same thought as mosaicwench and abcornwell. Hat and scarf indoors in TX, why?!?
I love the stone(?) floors and the tile in the kitchen. It must be kind of hard to decorate such a modern home if that isn't 100% your style, but you've done a great job. I really like the guest room/room with pinky-peach artwork. Thanks for sharing!
Hey guys, I didn't know I was going to be photographed. It was cold and rainy that day and I was out and about before the shoot took place. I didn't dress for the shoot relax. Yowzas...
Hi Ldanuels: the curtains are from bed bath an beyond almost 6 years ago. The New York book is actually a storage box and it's from Z Gallery!
Wait a minute, so the table is always set with plates and napkins? What if you're away for the weekend? Is the table still set?
@kmalone: YES it's always set!!! Always! You guys are freakin me out
I was intrigued by the textiles. I love the color combinations, mixtures of patterns and textures. They were cozy yet fresh. Unexpected and yet they worked really nicely.
I also would like to comment on the comments. Some of them make me cringe. Someone opened their beautiful home to us. Where are your manners? I don't find it necessary to give opinions on choice of pets, clothing, etc. If you have something kind to say, fine, but otherwise I find personal comments inappropriate. Just my opinion.
I love some of your details, but the pics failed to show the big picture. Thats too bad...I would have liked to see how the puzzle pieces fit together:))
@Coffeelovermom2006, thank you for your comments, so sweet : ) it's taken some time and definitely some trial and error to find our style, I appreciate your feedback...truly!
I really liked how you decorated the area above both beds. The wood was charming and the pink-ish art was really nice! Does anyone else see a bunny in it?
Love your place. Very stylish and clean.
Your dogs are gorgeous, their eyes full of love. I think you've done a fabulous job - very contemporary but still very cozy! My favourite shot is the one with the mustard throw, cool carpet and black and white floral cusion - works beautifully.
"Am I the only one who think sitting in ones home in a hat and scarf is a little over the top? I live in Wisconsin and we take those things OFF when we come indoors."
--
I live in Wisconsin and I am always putting ON hats and scarves to stay warm when I don't want to turn up the heat. What is it, 40% of your body heat escapes through your head?
I like a lot of things about the house and agree completely with being true to yourself rather than following a formula based on the home's architecture. I really like the kitchen windows and the stairs. Not wild about the "jail" bars. I love the doggies best of all.
Very nicely done. The juxtaposition of rustic and modern is something I strive for in my own space. I also really like the exterior shots. The pooches are cute, too. And as a person who lives in an ordered home, I don't ever understand the contempt directed at those who do. (Sure, I have OCD, but it's also my space.) And the catty comments about wardrobe selections smack of high school; grow up.
so cool! love all the interesting reticulations and reflected light patterns ~ the floor by the stools, the perforated lampshades, the open stairs against the columns...
OMG! The negative comments are just too much. I think you have a beautiful home and your puppies I just want to hug! I do really want to know how you keep your light colored rug so clean with three dogs. I have a little one and I'm constantly using Resolve to keep mine presentable. Thanks for sharing.
The last few posts have been so kind, thank you!
@Tracy333: thanks for your comments! The rug is light colored but looks much lighter than it is. Up close there are flecks of shades of brown from light colored to dark. This is perfect for people with dogs because any hair or dirt that comes in blends into the flecks of brown in the carpet yet the overall look is still light colored. Hope this helps : )
Is that one of the Kardashian sisters in the final pic? ...Karly, right?
Well, I think it is all beautiful! And she is adorable in her scarf and hat! More than likely, the people making the negative comments about her look, are very unattractive and lack self esteem.
love your pit!
I agree with Deedan. If she was ugly or fat in a hat and scarf, you probably wouldn't mention it. But it's the fact that she's hotter than you, right? Plus, her house is nicer and cleaner than yours and in a cooler city!!
Nice place!!
Love this tour! So stylish, inspiring and modern. Just my style.
wow! this house is beautiful and so is the owner :) the house is not staged... simply clean and stylish. I am a personal friend of the owners and this is truly how the house looks all of the time. they are simply neat, organized, trendy and modern people who take pride in their things and in their space which shows in the pictures! this house looks like a dream... i love it. And please stop the negative comments about her attire... jeez people. she looks beautiful. i love this house. love this style. love the dogs. love the owners :)
what i want to know is why some people are so critical, hasnt anyone ever had fun taking a picture or is everyone so darn serious . so she is wearing a stylish hat woo hoo. also her house is clean . That makes sense, Would you take messy pics of your house so everyone couls see them?? Anyhow I I think your house is pretty. I especially love your kitchen and your black bombo stools.Staircase is GREAT! Also love your mix of styles and textures.Thanks for sharing.
ohy yeah also the dogs rock!!!