Maureen’s Classic & Comfy Austin Abode

Name: Designer and interiors stylist Maureen Stevens and husband Jason (plus a tenant)
Location: Old West Austin Neighborhood; Austin, Texas
Size: 2,200 square feet
Years lived in: 2 years; Rented

To say Maureen’s home exudes a comfortable style would be an understatement. You immediately feel at ease as soon as you enter her Austin home. Some people just naturally “get” how to make a home look great and inviting. From the welcoming and warm front porch all the way to the bar cart in the back of the house that Maureen swears she rolls out for guests, it’s clear this designer and stylist has chosen the right career.

Though the house itself is 2,200 square feet, Maureen and her husband occupy a smaller foot print, a portion of the home used for a tenant they rent to. But the space they do use is wall-to-wall accessible luxury — sumptuous details that mix with comfy furniture that mix with personal accessories and art that mean something to the couple, like the large DIY graphic art piece in the hallway that represents some of the cities they’ve traveled to together.

My Style: Updated Classic.

Inspiration: Architectural details; I love looking at old buildings. I think I’m getting older as far as my choice of home mags but I’m loving Veranda and Traditional Home right now; I check out Lonny and Domino too of course!

Favorite Element: The arched front door.

Biggest Challenge: It was a disaster when we saw it at first. Five guy students lived here. Also making sure everything flows and that it shows both me and my husband’s personality.

What Friends Say: That it feels lived-in or that it looks like we’ve been here for a long time; it’s beautiful without trying too hard. I like that; I want it to feel like a home and not look like I made things matchy-matchy.

Biggest Embarrassment: The backyard, wish I could do more to the exterior but we really don’t have to put time, effort and money to this part.

Proudest DIY: The bookcase in the living room; I wanted so badly to have a brass one but cannot imagine spending $2000 on a piece. This one is from World Market for less than $200; it’s so simple but it works. I just painted all the planks black and all the hardware and cross-fittings spray painted in brass. I also made the painting in my home office myself and drew some architectural buildings. I didn’t want to spend so much on art pieces; it means so much more and is a conversation piece.

Biggest Indulgence: Case pieces with good bones, like the credenza in the home office.

Best Advice: Art is so personal and so subjective. I truly believe everybody and anybody can make their own! And great paint goes a long way. Never ever skimp on this; even if you think you’re saving lots, it will show! Sherwin, Benjamin and Jef Lewis color are my favorites.

Dream Sources: Like if/when I’m rich? 🙂 Boca do Lobo and 1st Dibs.

• Interior walls: Sherwin-Williams French Gray
• Entry door: Benjamin Moore City Shadow

• Media: West Elm
• Shag rug: Crate & Barrel
• Other rugs: One Kings Lane
• Mirrored Accent Table: West Elm
• Curtains: West Elm
• Pillows: Some Pottery Barn and from my previous shop {The Inglenook Decor}

• Table: West elm
• Chair: Crate and Barrel
• Filing Cabinet: Ikea
• Cowhide: local vintage store
• White chairs: Ethan Allen

• Rug: West Elm
• Platform Bed: West Elm
• Throw: Novica

• Old dining table decoupaged by me (Originally from Pier 1)
• All others are vintage

• Good ol’ Amazon and Overstock.com

Thanks, Maureen!

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