Name: Sam, Anne, new baby Tesla and Pup Indiana
Location: South Austin, Texas
Size: 2200 square feet
Years lived in: Owned; 8 months
Sam and Anne never intended to make this house in South Austin their home. They had been living in a gorgeous modern home we featured on Apartment Therapy last year, and purchased this 1927 bungalow with the intention of flipping it. But once this creative couple starting adding their signature style (and some exciting modern additions) to the house, its unique charms won them over.
So they sold their previous house and settled in to making the new home — they've been fully moved in since June of last year — the perfect spot to raise their new baby girl, 4-month-old Tesla. The master bedroom, guest bedroom and nursery make up what was the original 1927 bungalow, simplified and modernized. Sam and Anne, working with Kevin Alter and Tim Whitehill of Alterstudio Architects, shifted the front door to the middle. In the back of the house are the living spaces of the all-new modern edition, a living room, kitchen, and modern music loft and office for Sam, who's a music manager and partner at On-Airstreaming, a music video and promotions company.
Sam and Ann made use of much of their existing furniture, art and accessories (with some new additions for Tesla). The home even features some familiar tile in two of the bathrooms. But the house sports even more reused style: parts of the previous bungalow not kept in the new design found new purpose as steps to the front door, the kitchen counter and more. Along with more space, this new home gives the young, hip family a lot more privacy. And after spending an afternoon photographing them, it's clear the space brings them a lot of joy, too!
Apartment Therapy Survey:
Our Style: Fun and relaxed.
Inspiration: Scandinavian homes, Sonos music system, travels to Amsterdam & Copenhagen.
Favorite Element: The light. And the layout of the space. We love the separation of the sleeping and living spaces, the former in the original bungalow and the latter in the new addition.
What Friends Say: "Where is the front door?"
Favorite DIY element: Salvaging every last scrap of wood from the original house.
Biggest Indulgence: The Fritz Hansen sofa we are about to purchase.
Best Advice: Take your time decorating a space.
Resources of Note:
APPLIANCES
• All appliances are Miele except for the Wolf range.
HARDWARE
• Linea
• Baldwin
FURNITURE
• Ligne Roset
• Modernica
• Eames
• Fermob
• Harry Bertoia
• BluDot
• Fatboy
• Tolix
• Antiques, salvage
LIGHTING
• Flos
• NUD
• Artemide
• Schoolhouse Electric
• Modern Fan Co
• Iacoli & McAllister
RUGS & CARPETS
• West Elm
• DWR
• Indian and Turkish antiques
TILES & STONE
• Daltile
• Mosaic House
• Carrera Marble
• Espana Azul Limestone
• Leuders Limestone
BEDS
• CB2
• Crate Barrel
• Antiques
• Conran Shop
ARTWORK
• Jason Archer
• James Victore
• Matthew Rodriguez
• Hugo Guinness
• Jamie Cervantes
• Ann Carrington
PAINT
• Benjamin Moore "Black Beauty"
• Benjamin Moore "Chantilly Lace"
• Sansin Ebony Stain
FLOORING
• Polished concrete
• Oak
Thanks, Sam, Anne and Tesla!
(Images: Adrienne Breaux)
• HOUSE TOUR ARCHIVE: Check out past house tours here.
• Interested in sharing your home with Apartment Therapy? Contact the editors through our House Tour Submission Form.
• Are you a designer/architect/decorator interested in sharing a residential project with Apartment Therapy readers? Contact the editors through our Professional Submission Form.








Shaw's Original Fir...
baby AND a dog in the first picture? That's cheating
I live in Austin and I have to know-- who did the pool and fence?! Love!
Loved their last house & this place as well. Thanks for sharing!
The use of materials (stone, wood, metal, white whatever on the cabinets) is such great contrast and texture in the kitchen. The desk nook is awesome too.
And Tesla...the name & the cuteness!
Gorgeous tour, gorgeous baby! I love the built in computer nook.
Absolutely gorgeous!
that baby........... SOOOOO ADORABLE!!!!!!!!
house is great too.
Forget the house. +1000 for naming your baby Tesla.
this is my dream house! does anyone have any suggestions on austin neighborhoods?
Not my style, but I dig the house.
Beautiful dog!
Some of the cacti in the backyard look like they are the kind with the soft needles that like to embed themselves everywhere upon the slightest touch so I would be concerned that the doggie or the kiddo may end up with some in their skin.
are you kidding me with that baby?
and i love how the dog is all, "did you get my good side?"
and oh, yeah, the house is freaking awesome.
i'll be looking at this tour every day for a week, at least.
Any idea where the throw the baby is sitting on is from?
That salvaged wood is stunning! Did your architects design the yard or was it a landscaping firm? That fence is perfection.
I cannot move past your adorable chubby little baby oh my goodness. And a million brownie points for that name! I love the pops of color on the clean white walls, and also that Darth Vader print.
Love the blanket on the bed, I've seen a similar (larger print) version but it was so expensive! Can you share your source? Thanks!
Also, that baby, and those cheeks??? Ahhhhh! TOO CUTE
Love the wallpaper in the hallway, and your adorable baby's room, as well as the wooden panelling in the house. The whiteness elsewhere was just a bit overwhelmingly white. Also loved your garden raised beds and a lot of the artwork. Well done.
Adorable baby - and home! I would also love to know where the blanket that's on the bed is from?? Gorgeous!!!
I don't know if this is their blanket/throw, but I THINK it's this one, or very similar. http://www.storynorth.com/Pia-Wallen-Cross-Blanket-p/piawallenlargecrossblanket.htm
Do a search for Cross Blanket and see what else pops up.
Nice Vizsla!
I know it's not a parenting blog, but come on with that baby! She is tooo adorable!
I like the "pops" of color throughout your home. It all works well.
ABSOFREAKINLUTELY LOVING the fat baby!!!
8 months and you got the home onto apartment therapy in record time! way to go with having purpose!
I approve of this house tour. That baby is probably the cutest thing this side of the force.
Seriously with that baby. <3
The house is gorgeous. The baby is adorable.
But the dog's mug here and there is priceless.
Seriously, this is HIS house he's showing off.
Well done!
I can't even focus on the house because CHEEKS!
Where can I get one of those babies?! Source, please. ;-)
I 100% agree ... totally cheating! :)
Can't stop staring at the cutest baby! The rest is nice too, but hard to focus on.
And, what is that light fixture in the front entry way all about ... by the Darth Vader print (slide 45)? Can we see a closeup or have more info on it?
PS - would you mind to share the source of your Darth Vader painting/print? I tried googling all the artists you listed and googling Darth Vader El Malo but to no avail!
seconding darth vader print/painting request. though i love star wars a reasonable amount, i am normally pretty turned off by SW-inspired art. this one is amazing, though.
OMG, your baby is SO SO SO CUTE!!! I literally screamed out loud when I looked at that baby!!!
The house is beautiful too...very different and unique! I admire that!
The Darth Vader print would be an amazing gift for my husband who collects star wars prints, and who's middle name is Malo! If someone could tell me who the artist is, or if it's even possible to buy this anywhere then please let me know! I googled and no dice.
The house,Tesla, and the fur baby are all amazing by the way.
Any house tour with a super cute baby and a Vizsla!?! Doesn't matter what the rest of the house looks like, it's a winner to me :) (I'm super bias though, we have two Vizslas)
That baby is the best thing you two did since the lat at post. So cute !!!!!!!!
At apartment therapy should have wrote. Cute cute cute baby!
what is the source for the army green canvas pillows? they're adorable!
That is the cutest baby I have ever seen. And I've had 3 of them! Lovely home, also.
loving this camera hog dog...oh, and beautiful space :-)
Great place! Where is the mobile over the crib from?
That first picture is insanely cute.. and LOL to the comment above!
I love the bed beside the red table but I don't see it at any of the bed sources they mention.
dog
Love, love, love the house, but want that baby!
wonderful use of wood and light and patterns
CanadianMango-- it looked like two pots had those type of cacti-- easy enough to keep them away from wayward babies and dogs. They live in Austin, where there is a lot more danger from things like fireants and scorpions than from a few cactus needles anyway. ; )
The house is wonderful. The baby, however, made my ovaries get seized by the spirit like they're in an evangelical church. Good grief. CRIMINALLY cute! And I love the name! And the dog too!
OMG, that baby!!
Oh, that baby! Swoon.
And the house is great, too.
Oh my goodness...what an adorable baby! Beautiful house too with so many interesting things to look at!
OMG my Lips would be so SORE from Kissing that BABYS CHEEKS!!! how could you possibly Look at any other pictures on your tour when those Cheeks SAY HOLLER AT YOUR GIRL!! if she isn't the Epitome of JUICY, I don't know what is!
The baby and the dog, perfection! House is great too.
This house is just cool all around. The coffee table, headboard and blue chair in the master bedroom and the map shower curtain - I covet all four!
Oh, that darling Tesla photo is the best. She's the definition of cute times a million. And it IS cheating having your Vizsla in that shot too! ;)
Who makes the mobile over the crib? I love it! And add me to the long list of baby Tesla admirers!
What a bunch of cuties! Thanks for sharing this home :) Gorgeous photos as well.
Modern and warm at the same time. I am super in love and super jealous. Btw, a technical question (as a fellower user of concrete in my kitchen) - have you found a good product to keep resealing the concrete?
love the baby!
love the dog!
love the house!
And LOVE the EL MALO print? where did u get it?
How can anyone resist this house tour with the insanely cute baby in the very first frame??? Love the doggy photo bomber in every other picture. Fantastic design. I'd like to see a follow up with the new couch. That red one was probably the only piece I didn't really like.
That has got to be the biggest fridge I have EVER seen! Wow. I loved so many things about this house - the bright white walls and cement floors are my favorite combo. I dream about a huge pantry space with sliding doors like these, and all the light.... I loved the rug in the hall way by the El Malo print. So many things....and of course the baby was an added bonus, she does have some amazing cheeks!
Beautiful home... and clearly, the MOST beautiful baby and dog! So darn cute!
- I could eat that baby
- That dog is giving so much face
- This tour felt like a vacation
baby Tesla is the best. dog is not bad either, but that baby steals the show entirely.
That baby is so adorable!
love the "D is for Drive By" artwork, and the baby needs a few more chins!
Tired of seeing people tear out all the charm in the old homes in Austin. It's a very neat home and very beautiful, but update something from after 1950 that has old carpet instead of hand hewn wood floors, doors, and other materials that you can't buy today. Just sad to see these homes that had such amazing details get bought up by flippers who don't try to maintain them because it's cheaper to replace everything.
I love the mix of nubby textiles and colors. And yes, that ridiculously cute dumpling of a baby!
that baby is electric! ..... ;D
Lakeside Custom Pools and Dees Decks and Fencing.
The baby and the dog are adorable..could eat them both up!....oh, and your house is cute too..LOL!
what kind of plants are those? (the one on the counter in the kitchen & the one hanging on the wall with the antlers)?
The baby and the dog in the first picture...well, it doesn't get much cuter than that.
As for the actual house, it's very interesting. A nice balance of color and texture. Very warm home, thank you for sharing!
Sweet Jesus that baby is ADORABLE!
Information on the Darth Vader print please!!
cutest. baby. ever!
Thanks so much for the kind responses. We, too, are in love with our little girl and best dog buddy.
Not sure how to reply to each person directly so here is a list of answers to your questions. Bedroom blanket - Pia Wallen Crux blanket
Landscape Design - Mark Word Design
Light fixture in Hallway - Spica Light by Iocoli & mcallister (did the threading myself to save $1k!!)
EL MALO is by Jaime Cervantes try him at liquidoverhead.com
Canvas pillows are vintage canoe bags. My mom sourced them in central Pennsylvania. The roundish one is from John Derian.
The mobile over Tesla's crib my mom made. She was inspired by Waldorf birds.
Guest bed is Crate and Barel from over 10 years ago.
and deh347... let me asure you the original bungalow still stands with all its original glory intact! i promise! see the pictures here: http://www.alterstudio.net/work/hillside-residence
Would love to know the name of the company who makes the red sofa.
The plants are both Staghorn Ferns.
The red sofa is called The Lover by Ligne Roset. And we are selling ours soon!!
Could you let us know what you think about the Miele appliances? Are they worth the cost?
Thanks.
Thanks for all the answers!
You've killed me with that red sofa covered in huipil pillows. Amazing. Simply amazing.
You had me at baby and dog...so adorable. The house is amazing...loved everything about it...wouldn't change one thing! Thanks so much for sharing.
Laughed when I saw the cute baby & dog.
i love this. love how bare it is but still manages to be inviting. (i can't make that not sound like an insult, but i assure you, it's a compliment.) gorgeous rugs, gorgeous floors, so much light. and yes, probably the cutest baby ever.
@deh347 - not being snarky, but your comment confuses me. are you suggesting that someone should update a midcentury home with carpet and keep the carpet?
Really lovely, beautifully done. I love the staghorn fern with the antlers. My dying-to-know practical question is: how do you water it without dripping all over the decor??
Can't resist chiming in about that baby--so CUTE!!! Lovely home, with lots of nice details (I'm thinking about getting a Crux blanket too).
The baby!!! Bahaha such a cute face.
Tesla made me stop in my tracks while scrolling. She + your comforting happy home + your design aesthetic are beautiful. This is going to be a wonderful place for her to grow up and for you to make memories with her!
The fact that you have staghorn ferns makes me happy. The little computer/office nook is awesome. The dog, looking as if he is leading the tour is way too choice. And as for Tesla, SQUEEEEEZZZE!!!
I love the pillows on the red couch in the TV room!
Someone needs to caption the baby and dog photo...
ditto on the red-orange side table in the bedroom. Where is it from?
Too much white paint for me. However that dog is hysterical.
The apartment/house is incredible - but that baby is ADORABLE! Where do I get one?
I would LOVE to know where the bassinet/hanging baby hammock is from! Gorgeous!
Drooling over everything in this home ... so lovely ... and cannot stop smiling at that gorgeous, chubby BABY!
that baby has the worst posture i have ever seen. (joke). ADORABLE!!!!!!! it's ridiculous how cute!!!
Let's face it, in the world of design that little love bundle is the focal point. Too cute.
Let's face it, in the world of design that little love bundle is the focal point. Too cute.
E-mailed Jaime Cervantes, and awaiting reply. Since its a screen print, it's probably limited and numbered. It's awesome though. I'm going to be in Austin this summer, so maybe I can find it locally. Thank you for actually answering.
The house is wonderful, the baby is so adorable, and the dog is good looking.
Damn that baby is cute, and I don't even like kids!
That is an awesomely adorable baby, and I'm kind of an expert, so I know what I'm talking about!
Lol, automatic LOVE
I love that the pattern on the duvet cover is the same as the framed picture. So simple yet positively gorgeous! The wooden headboard makes the room warm and rich! Such a lovely job.
Where can I get a baby that looks like that? Adorable! ;^ )
Yeah...couldn't concentrate once I saw your too too cute fat beautiful baby and the dog that hilarious dog. Managed to notice the wall-paper but scurried back to take another look at the baby.
OMG!! Baby n dog!!! Where can I vote for the 'best cheeks n doggie' !!!!!
anne, sorry if I missed this, but can you tell me who designed the quilt on your bed?
Oh my word, I'm sorry to say, but Tesla stole the show. She is so, so adorable!
Your baby and dog are precious. Your house is bangin'.
More answers:
emerson - the blanket that is black and white on the master bed is by Pia Wallen. if you are referring to the bed by the fluoro table, that is a vintage ralli quilt i picked up in jaipur.
danebee - the fluoro bedside table is an old beater from crate & barrel that we had powder coated.
laurenedith - the baby bassinet/hammock is the Okoa Stand and hammock by Hushamok thebabybassinet.com
Ebumu - the staghorn fern is attached to the wall using a gigantic picture hanger. so i just take it down and put it in the shower to water it.
see - we LOVE the miele appliances. they are terribly expensive but i feel worth every penny. the only technology i am not yet comfortable with in their product line is the oven (though we did buy the speed oven for our microwave and an extra oven) so we stuck with Wolf for the main range.
what happens when a vermont cabin, a modern art museum, and austin have a baby? it looks like this. and i LOVE it. well done!
beautiful...loving wood on walls...
I don't even want a baby, but on an impulse I'd buy this one if it were for sale at a checkout counter. Ya know how they put those irresistable chocolates out there just calling your name.
Ok the house... I love the wood and white contrast with splashes of color.
Love the master bed, where is that from?
Thanks! Beautiful home!
Tesla is too precious! The dog is adorable too but that baby!!
WHERE did you get that El Malo Darth Vader artwork!??!!? I must have it. And that baby! Don't worry, not gonna steal her, but oh my - absolutely adorable!
It gave me a feeling of calm. No clutter and simple decor just made me sigh... inside and out, love love love. Tesla is adorable!!
Put me in the "can't get past the baby" camp. She is absolutely delicious! I want to squeeeeeze her.
Was Alterstudio your contractor was well? If not would you mind sharing. Beautiful finishes and design. Love it!
The baby is beautiful, but perhaps because I've had 5 stunning butterballs of my own I'm able to look past it. ;) I could not help but see Ray LaMontange everywhere!!
These folks are truly living a charmed life in an inspiring space.
Love the boneless baby and the camera-philic pup.
I love this house - the pup and babe are sweet too.
I was wondering where you got your wine shelf under the island; it's so discreet. Is it custom made or ...?
With thanks!
AND the canvas pillows look very much like Duluth Pack gear.. I'm a fan!
The house is clearly well-designed and curated. more imprtant is the baby. Adorable. For those interested, and everyone else I thought background on the baby name, Telsa is in order:
The meaning of the name Tesla is From Thessaly, A Region In Greece
The origin of the name Tesla is Slavic
Notes: Nikola Tesla, inventor and electrical engineer.
I only clicked on this for the baby. How freaking cute it she!!!!! Unbelievable. I haven't even looked at the tour yet lol!
That dog!
Practically hyperventilating I love this tour so much. :) Your staghorn ferns are gorgeous and the colorful textiles are to die for! Y'all seriously have such great style and it makes me miss Texas. I want everyone I know to see your home and be inspired. Thank you!
cute dog + chubby baby = best tour ever!
Beautiful home and Tesla looks like she hasn't missed a meal, she is too danged cute for words!
How much are you selling the sofa for? I'm in San Antonio!
Beautiful home and super cute baby!
Absolutely LOVE this place, as I see everyone else does too.
The wood walls are my favorite part by a landslide.
Thanks for posting this one
Ohmygodohmygod - house tour perfection!
This house made my mouth water. No kidding.
lovely textiles < conehead dog
chubbylicious baby omg!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! soooooooooo super cute. and the expression on her face!!!!!!!!!! whoaaaaaaaaaa. my first thought was "she sits very well for a 4 months old baby!" but then I saw she was propped up againsta some pillows. that only made her cuter!!!!!!!!!!!! and the photbombing dog is AWSOME. and yes, the house is beautiful.
Tesla is adorable, give her a bigggg hug and shower her with kisses. the. your home is great too.
What about the amazing wallpaper looking so fantastic in the hallway - am I the only one who looked at that rather than the baby? Where is it from? The wallpaper I mean of course, not the baby.
Can you share the cabinetry source for all the built-ins? Thanks!
Love this house! And the baby and dog? Way too cute! Thanks for showing your home.
Surprised baby and worried dog. Thanks for sharing.
I clicked on this only to see this ADOOORABLE baby.
What house?
yammy, beautiful baby
what's is "a music executive"?
Screw the home (which is gorge) look at that baby!
would love to know what type of frame you used for the EL MALO print?
a beautiful baby AND a regal dog - you are doubly blessed.
I don't know how I missed this tour but I am in love!!
Can anyone tell me the brand of the blue comfy pillow lounge chair? Love everything about this house!
I love that wood, i can never find a stain that matches what I want... which is pretty much exactly what you guys ended up with. What did you use?
omg, the baby is such a cute chunk!
LOVE the two tone dining chairs in the kitchen! Where are they from?
ahhhh too sweet