The (Scratch-&-Sniff) Wallpaper in this Austin Home is Everything

Design by: Veronica Koltuniak of Verokolt
Architect: Ben May Design
Home Builder: Bryer Construction and Installation, LLC
Location: Austin, Texas

Scratch-n-sniff wallpaper isn’t usually the first jumping off point in a design plan, but when Veronica Koltuniak of Verokolt lucked out with such a cool client—a self-confirmed bachelor who prefers a home filled with friends, music and late night jam sessions—requesting such rarities, she couldn’t believe her luck.

As a cheerleader for the unusual whose motto is “all about letting your design freak flag fly,” Veronica felt like the design stars had indeed aligned. “I feel lucky when I find a residential client as out as there as this self-proclaimed bachelor,” she muses. “We approached this project as if we were designing an MTV clubhouse; lots of eye candy, pattern on the walls, and an open, yet casual furniture layout that allowed for groups to mingle.”

In the airy, light-filled living room, Veronica opted for an antique rug to ground a vintage moss-colored mushroom stool, West Elm sectional and leather side chairs. “It’s really about scale and balance. I’m a firm believer in mixing eras and periods. If the size works, and you love it, then it’s a keeper,” says Veronica.

Large-scale lighting bolts (by Bien Fait) take center stage in the kitchen, drawing the eye downward from the ceiling toward the homeowner’s enviable lunch box collection proudly displayed in the upper cabinets.

As you continue through the home, brightly patterned wallcoverings quickly become the norm. While seemingly disparate from one another, it’s the vibrancy of each print that creates a cohesive space. In the hallway, a graphic, Pop Art print of bananas by Flavor Paper greets the eye and adds an olfactory twist—it’s scratch-and-sniff and smells just like the tropical fruit (!!!).

In the master bedroom, they came across a hipper take on the traditional toile print. An homage to the homeowner’s Dumbo, Brooklyn, roots, this funky and modern version features scenes from Coney Island, the Notorious B.I.G., and Boerum Hill, to subways, pigeons and Hasidic Jews. A headboard cutout plays peek-a-boo with the wallpaper while an antique side table continues the mid-century vibe of the space. Plush, wall-to-wall carpeting from Patcraft echoes the celadon hue found in the living room area rug.

A break from OTT pattern is a welcomed respite in the master bathroom, where a vintage crystal chandelier dangles overhead linear taupe limestone shower tiles and soft, mint penny round tiles on the bathtub surround. Just when you thought you’d seen the last of the wallpaper, a surprising wall of black and emerald dragons cloaks the walls in the WC.

Amongst all of the wild wallcoverings and mid-century furnishings, Veronica quickly realized one certain thing as the design plan unfolded. “This project reinforced my conviction that I am not the designer for the masses. I like quirky, authentic, and unorthodox and that is what I hope to attract in my design partnerings.”

Thanks for sharing this awesome project with us Veronica Koltuniak!

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