See Why This Austin Home Has 20 Coffee Mugs on a Wall

Name: Amit Anandwala, my dog Queen Daisy
Location: East Austin — Austin, Texas
Size: 1,875 square feet
Years lived in: 3 years, owned

This three-story house is teeming with colorful artwork throughout. I have been collecting rugs, art, pillow cushions, and decor for years on my many international trips that have taken me to places on all seven continents. I have been most influenced by Moroccan, Turkish, and Mexican textiles; and Southern African, Korean, and Argentinean artwork. I have always chosen pieces that are bold and beautiful, and somehow they all work together in the space.

I have been most inspired by taking modestly priced decor and making it look more upmarket by how I use it, where I place it.

I share this house with my beautiful dog Daisy who loves making each pillow and bed a resting place during the day. She has been able to find comfort in many places in the house, which I love.

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Globally eccentric, colorfully delightful.

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? My succulent plants! I have never had plants in my entire life and was really ready to bring some additional life into the house.

I first went to West Elm to look for pots and everything was like $25 per pot. It was out of my budget and then I thought, this wall leads to the dining area and I could use coffee mugs instead and they would be much more affordable. I bought 20 for $80! Then I took them to East Austin Succulents to get them potted with succulents that I picked out. It was such a beautiful nursery and I am obsessed with the outcome.

Any advice for creating a home you love? Taking ordinary objects and applying them with repetition is a great way to make affordable art that can feel more expensive.

For example, while in Zimbabwe, someone tried to sell me just one woven plate. I thought to myself, what would I do with just one plate? And then I realized that if I bought several, I could create an art piece. Twelve dollars and 12 plates later, the woven plates provide a dramatic entryway into my house.

I have been a little neurotic about this house because I finally feel settled and wanted to start hosting dinners for my friends and family.

I first learned about design by my friend, Heather Crockett Lehman, who introduced me to Apartment Therapy in 2012. Since then I have been a kid in a candy store and have learned how to bring together different design elements to create beauty and love in a home.

What is your favorite room and why? My favorite room is my open living/dining room because everywhere I look, I am reminded of the memory of buying each piece of art and of the trip experience. I love how the colorful and bold the room is and how it is set up to welcome friends and family to come often and stay awhile. I like that every time I have visitors, each individual is drawn to something else in the house and has their own favorite piece.

Thanks, Amit!

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