Allen and Clara met through a mutual friend years ago and became long distance pen pals, between San Francisco and Houston. Texas has always been home for Clara, so she was itching to move back. Allen got a job opportunity that he couldn’t pass up, so they packed up and moved to Austin in 2012.

Clara and Allen completely transformed a run-down bungalow into their now incredibly clean, modern home with the help of contractors from Making Modern Home.

Our Style: Modern-ish, open, breathable spaces. We like clean lines that allow simple beauty to shine.

Inspiration: We’re most inspired by authenticity. Any space that accurately reflects a person will naturally feel like home to them, and by extension to their friends.

Favorite Element: We love the lighting in our house, especially the gold fixture in the stairwell.

Biggest Challenge: Our house required extensive renovations prior to moving in. Also, since I was pregnant at the time, delays and going over budget became major concerns.

What Friends Say: Our friends say they feel comfortable in our house, which we feel is the best compliment.

Biggest Embarrassment: Upstairs bathroom (not pictured — under renovation)! Our drain is on the opposite side of the faucet/shower head due to plumbing requirements.

Proudest DIY: We repurposed a dining room hutch into a built-in cabinet for our hallway bath.

Biggest Indulgence: The house itself was a leap, so we tried to be responsible throughout renovations. However, landscaping was a tough area to cut corners, and equally important to us.

Best Advice: Don’t overthink it.

Dream Sources: Design Within Reach

Remodeling Project Contractor/Design — Dana Ambs of Making Modern Home Landscape Design and Install — Dave Teykl of K+D Designs

ENTRY
Console — Room & Board

LIVING ROOM
Rug — Dwell Studio (unavailable)
Box Frame Coffee Table — West Elm (No longer available)
Gold Pendant in Staircase — Originally from Dot & Bo (no longer in business)
Flying Flamingo Print — Sharon Montrose

KITCHEN
Stools — Anthropologie
Floating shelves — IKEA

NURSERY
Crib — Walmart
Mobile — Poketo
Dresser — IKEA
Shelves — IKEA
Lamp — Target

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