Hmm. I wanted to say I like it but it feels so much like a nice office space with nice shabby chic stuff being stored in it. It seems unfinished. I like the color of the floors and the addition of the honey colored wood floors. Maybe more wood overall to tone down all the concrete and high white walls? The windows are great but still stark in design. And as mentioned, very difficult to keep clean. Not to mention birds will fly into them.

Beautiful! I love everything! Where did you get the steel display cabinet in the living room?

It's not what I would have done to the home, but it looks great! It looks like home! It looks so warm and comfy.

This also appears to be a great example of the "high & low" idea. Lots of gorgeous things intermixed with some budget things makes the space feel authentic and warm.

Brava.

This is interesting. I have to say, though, that for me, those kinds of furnishings still work best in a more traditional setting (let's say an old Victorian or a bungalow with lots of architectural detail.) The more modern setting in my view lends itself to furniture with sculptural qualities, since the setting itself is like a blank canvas. The shape of a couch or chair becomes really important. If it's saggy or shapeless, it's a detractor. In a traditional home with a lot of detail, (ceiling molding, crown molding, wood floors, chair rails, etc.) the furniture doesn't carry as much weight. I don't think the furniture necessarily has to be modern to work here, but just more defined in shape.

I love everyone's positive comments and, being very open-minded re: decor, myself, I really wanted to see a working rendition of a modern/shabby chic mash-up... HOWEVER-- as delightful as some of the vignettes appeared, the "total" did not work for me; I found myself wishing I could reach through the screen and rearrange the furniture and artwork into a more pleasing display.
I agree with ktex about adding more wood pieces (I picture minimalist and rustic in design) and also with Abstractionist in his/her observations and the idea that the homeowner should keep in mind her furniture's sculptural qualities when arranging.
I would like to see the homeowner experiment with bringing some of her furniture pieces OUT from the walls and windows, incorporating a few warm colors/textures (rugs like seagrass or FLOR tiles), and adding to/grouping her wall art so it doesn't seem so stark and unfinished.
(one more thing- is that a tush perched up there on that partition wall in frame #39? lol!)

I love all the different seating areas in your home- especially the dining table in front of the window and the love seat in the nook. It really helps to make a large space feel cozy.

One of my favorite HTs!

This place is so inviting and comfy from indoor to out. Great job!!

Hmm...these comments really make sense. But what do you do if you're a person who likes softer, eclectic Shabby Chic design but are stuck living in a minimalist, modern style house? Do you just go with how your house wants to be and learn to live with modern stuff?

Gerbil, no, not at all. I think it could just work better with a bit more design time and a few more pieces to better blend it. For example, the kitchen just feels so different than the other spaces (to me) and it could work better if more of that warm color were used in the adjoining spaces and maybe someting more done to the kitchen like an interesting older style lighting fixture?

As pretty as the window views are, I think I'd add something to some of them to soften/warm things up just a little to go with the other items in the home.

I understand what some people are getting at in the above comments, but I feel like the shabby-ness adds warmth to an otherwise geometric/cold home.

This is simply stunning - what a great way to bring two completely different looks together. Something I'd love to try in my home. It's warm and cozy, but still very modern and clean. And... I saw the first photo and immediately knew this home belonged to an Austinite. Lovely!

I like the idea, but a little less shabby would go a long way. The art works, but it's hung a bit high.

Very chic-not too shabby!

love that porch- looks very inviting.

My initial impression is that furniture from a traditional style home was just moved into a modernist house. I'm not a purist when it comes to modernism, but while there are somethings that work better than others (the bedroom, though I'd paint the wall behind the bed a shade or 2 darker to add a little contrast), as a whole for me, there needs to be a little more connection between the home and it's furnishings. The most important thing though is it seems to work for them.

Where is "Lizzie the bird"? As a bird owner, I know how challenging it is to incorporate feathery friends, their cages, and their mess into a living space. It would be great to see other bird owner's decorating solutions and ideas.

Please don't omit this important part of the household (when applicable) in the future!

When i got to the last picture in the series, I realized this house is right down the street from me! So fun to see beautiful homes in your own neighborhood!

I love your house, the floors, the windows and ceiling height. I like the mix match of furniture it still simple but cozy. I do want to come over and re work all of your art on the walls, too many little pieces and hung too high in the living room and too low everywhere else.

Bummer did not see the dog.

Gerbil, I think the key could be in an "interpretation" of shabby chic rather than a direct translation of the look. The furnishing needs to relate to the house in some way to feel authentic, so maybe the owner might have used linen or floral upholstering, etc., but on more sculptural pieces that would have also connected to the home's modernist style. I also think a home like this calls for more drama in its furnishings, and usually the comfy cottage-y look doesn't do that. But I don't think it's impossible by any means to furnish a modern home in a more rustic, relaxed style. It's just a matter of really choosing pieces with an eye to line and shape, and not just comfort.

?????

I really love my home. Thanks to all those that have responded positively. And especially thank you to Adrienne for making it so much fun to be a part of Apartment Therapy. And whoa, did not expect quite so much intense criticism!?!

Actually, ds8588, this is hardly intense criticism--I think everyone is being restrained compared to a lot of the posts on this site.

Your home demonstrates that it is possible to love one style of house and another style of furniture and to somehow make them work together. I have not always thought this was possible. I love Craftsman bungalows but hate mission-style furniture, and love some Victorian-era furniture but not usually the houses they were designed for. I applaud you for trying something original and unexpected.

very nice-especially love the concrete floors, windows and airy-ness of the space. looks like a great place to hold a party :)

I'm curious of what colours you use when decorating for the holidays? ....as I could see almost any colour-scheme working ... :)

And whoa, did not expect quite so much intense criticism!?!

Really? Clearly you have never read AT before. But welcome, it's lovely to have you here :)

Shabby chic/romantic/classic french design is all about soft lines, flowers, worn detail and layering. Modernism is about hard lines, geometry, crisp finishes and simple, standalone statements. Trying to blend the two is therefore difficult. Kudos on having a go at it, with many successes.

Personally I think some more large-scale pieces might help to bridge the gap. Big gilt framed mirrors. Floor-to-ceiling gossamer panels. Classical potted trees. Theatrical candelabras. Walls of books. And so on.

Count me as another who sees no intense criticism. And I really truly hope that your Hyde Park modern home didn't replace a perfectly fine super cute 20s bungalow like most of the modern homes in Hyde Park have.

This is gorgeous. So much great natural light! It's so relaxing.

Usually I cringe at the phrase "shabby chic" (people can go overboard...), but this is just perfect. Great job!

Usually when people say "shabby chic" it just means "crappy shit" but this is nice! It reminds me of people's houses in Finland, where lots of the architecture is modern and then people just put whatever they like in it and are not worried about whether it matches.

I was also going to say, wow what friendly comments and then I saw the complaint about "intense criticism" and now I am just annoyed. Where is the "intense criticism"?

ok, I was being overly sensitive. I'm over it now. Thanks for all the feedback. I am just new to the experience.
Gerbil - the pharmacy cabinet came from Wildflower Organics
jessicamc - totally agree, the phrase shabby chic is borderline abhorrent. I saw Rachel Ashwell a few weeks ago and even she is wanting to distance herself from it to a greater extent. But it is evocative of part of my style and gets put in the mix of language around it
Dirce79 - no cute 20's bungalows were destroyed for this project (or kept in small cages without food or water). This was a vacant lot for 20 years before I met the builder and we began to work on it. I have renovated in the past and would never ever tear a bungalow or historic house down
Blandwagon - totally agree that there needs to be larger pieces. Like your ideas. This style house is a huge experiment and change for me (previously a, guess what? yes, bungalow and Victorian person)
And thank all of you for your feedback and ideas. It's fun and interesting.

and rudy123 - in the winter months/holidays, I bring in a lot of rich colors, usually reds and purples so the house really takes on a much warmer tone, with more texture.

I love that you have surrounded yourself with things that you love regardless of whether or not they match the architecture of the home. I think this is a really nice balance. Feels very relaxing to me. Lovely!

I love the mixture of styles and the fabrics on the accents. But it doesn't seem very lived-in to me (I prefer cozy).

Would make a lovely BNB. I'd love to stay there for a little while, but I don't think I could actually live there.

Actually doing my new home up like this at the moment.. so it's wonderful for inspiration!

What a great house! It looks so comfortable. I like your idea for the plywood window panels. I think the only thing I would change is the metal door- I like the wood and glass doors you used in the rest of the house, but the metal one reminds me of a bank or store.

Usually we see it the other way round, some fabulous, classical architecture (Parisian apartment, Dutch attic, Boston Beacon Hill all come to mind) and the owner adds modern furniture and "stuff" and it is the contrast that sets everything off. I think the same applies here. I think it is a great concept, and I would rather read my book on that style of living room sofa! Personally, though, I would remove some of the stuff from floors and counters and add a few shots of color... just me, though.

For anyone interested, there are more photographs at this link. http://tocarefororphans.blogspot.com/
They are ones I have taken on more random occasions and I believe they give a different feel for light changes, etc. Would love to get comment feedback there also. Thanks

I love this tour! I think it takes way more creativity to make an unexpected decor choice work in a very particular space. Shabby chic is not my style at all, but I loved seeing it here instead of the styles that one would expect. So refreshing to see a house tour without an Eames rocker!

Blandwagon took the words out of my mouth ---- "Personally I think some more large-scale pieces might help to bridge the gap. Big gilt framed mirrors. Floor-to-ceiling gossamer panels. Classical potted trees. Theatrical candelabras. Walls of books. And so on."

But a really lovely home. Thanks for sharing.

Very relieved it was an empty lot beforehand, thanks for addressing that! Design-wise I will admit that modern isn't really my thing, so I am not a good judge for this kind of thing. I will say that overall I get a much warmer vibe from your house than other modern interiors, which I think is a good thing. If it were my place, I would want to put more color pops around. Although, there is no doubt in my mind that I absolutely covet your sunroom. ;)

Debbie, your house is simply marvelous. One of the finest I have seen on AT so far.
I love the bit of the contrast between the modern shapes of the building and the shabby chic furnishings. Deep in my heart, I lust after a mostly white space but I am afraid that it would feel too cold in winter (since I live in Ontario). I am beginning to think that it must be divine to live in Austin as I have seen so many houses I drooled over (on various househunting shows on HGTV).
If you ever consider coming to Canada, consider yourself invited to be my guest. I will pick your brain for some decorating suggestions.

P.S. I wish you had included your bird and dog in the pictures - that's my only complaint.

Nice house tour! I think that bookcase (metal?) and the great garden space are fabulous. Unlike some who have posted, I really like the mix of traditional furniture in the modern space. This feels like a real, lived in home and is a nice change from the typical mid-century furniture-laden tour (which I do love, too). Personally, I would add a few rugs here and there for color and warmth, but I am from San Francisco where bare floors are cold, which is probably not the case in LA. I like that you have multiple seating areas. I bet this place is great for having guests over. Thanks for sharing!

er, I see you are in Austin. Yeah, you probably don't need thick rugs for warmth. ;)

Interesting combination. Modern building, traditional "shabby" decor. I think it works, and if feels very personal and homey. Lovely!

Deborah, Your home is perfect! I love the play of patinas against the clean white walls and modern structure.

I'm always trying to achieve a balance of spare and loungeable in my home, and even though our styles aren't totally the same I'm using your home as inspiration! You've done a wonderful job, and I'm so glad that you decided to share it with us all!

I am in loooooove with concrete floors. So jealous! Also, loving the tush. The whole place is gorgeous. Loving the contrast between modern and shabby. Fantastic! Kudos!

Thank you for sharing this interesting juxtapose of styles. I'm in the process of purchasing a house with my fiance that, for lack of a better term, has a very manly, rustic look to it...which isn't necessarily my furniture style. Your house has shown me that not only do you not have to match the architecture of the house with the interior design, but with the garden design as well. Well done!

http://www.fthats.wordpress.com

misscorinee, thanks for sharing the pics of your new digs. I am in love! I can't wait to see what it will look like when you are done with it.

The house and setting is lovely. That is what made me click over to look at more pictures.

What struck me about the main living space is that it looks quite temporary to me. Like you are just using this furniture until your real furniture arrives. Or as though it is a sun porch where you do your living in the summertime, while your real living room is inside somewhere.

I don't think that the clash of styles is an issue, necessarily. I think it is probably just a matter of having your furniture floating around on a sea of concrete (the floor is gorgeous, by the way).

I think you are in desperate need of a rug.

I definitely need rugs! Problems: Bentley the dog and his brother are so not rug friendly and also, I have tried so many combinations and just haven't found the right color, texture, size. Ideas are very welcome!

I love this tour, usually when people try to design in a Shabby Chic style the result is too flowery and kitchey, but this house is perfect, the light is amazing, the curtains are beautiful, everything is in such good taste. Love it.

..i really dont mean to be rude..

the space feels very cold... like it has been very 'used'... ..very cold.. and.. very used.. But im sure for some dwellers they pref these mood.

and yes, my mom did teach me "if i dont have anything nice to say, dont say it" but i DO have something proper to say - the space reminds me of grandmama's space, in 1980..
very haunting. but it does bring back memories.
in that sense, it is not all that bad because
this space does evoke SOME feelings ..even tho i may not want those feelings. so.. i dont mean to be rude, (esp towards a person's ACTUAL dwelling / abode.. "to each its own" like i say). but i DO do do do love the kitchen area. =p=) grandma passed, two years ago but i am still reminded of her harsh, unbending, autocratic ways.. and her space that said none-otherwise ..im sure sometimes in this cluttered world we need more 'cordoned off', quiet spaces and of course this would be a LOVELY avenue.

What a strange comment

Cute...

Not shabby chic in my book. And what about some colour, hmm? Does not look lived in, but an interesting tour.

Thank you for sharing your house. I think it has a nice indoor/outdoor feel to it and it would probably be very comfortable. Not cold, but pleasantly cool on a hot summer's day! That said, I agree with those that feel the need for more colour and larger elements and perhaps a rug. A big, bold, aged persian or tribal rug with faded colours (including some faded black in it) anchored under your sofa and chair and coffee table would--to paraphrase the Dude--really tie the room together! I've found that small rugs get scooted around, chewed, etc. by my dogs, but the big ones under major pieces of furniture just get slept on. And the dog hair adds a nice patina. . . ;-).