These native Texans returning to Austin after a stint in New York City found themselves in a traditional home in Circle C, stuck with the previous homeowner’s dated decor. They wanted to create a more modern look for their family room, and they also had a treasure trove of mid-century furniture passed down from a grandmother ready for a makeover.

Before

before-austin-family-room-builder-beige before-austin-family-room-builder-beige-2

before-austin-family-room-builder-beige-3 before-austin-family-room-mid-century-cane-chair

After

The first things we need to address with the interior design of this living room are the walls. Since this is space is open to the second floor of the home, the walls are expansive and connected to many more rooms than just this family room. Rather than blow out one paint color throughout such a large volume of wall space, we opt to create a bold striped pattern on an accent wall that incorporates the existing wall color. By leaving a few stripes the original builder beige color, we create a sense that the builder beige is a part of the overall design–an intentional part. This allows us to leave some of the main wall areas the existing wall color, but we still get the punch of color this couple is dying for in their family room.

Austin-modern-stripes-living-room-02

Kitchen cabinets and storage units from Ikea are used to create a customized built-in media unit. The golden yellow paint from the striped accent wall appears within the frame of the new media unit, as well as the fireplace wall, to carry the color palette throughout the space. Relaxed roman shades replace the dated window treatments and give the windows a modern, casual look.

Austin-stripes-living-room-01

Our boldly-striped accent wall serves as a large-scale art backdrop behind the tufted sofa.

Austin-modern-stripes-living-room-03

Grandma’s mid-century cane chairs are now the life of the party, thanks to a teal paint job on the frame and new upholstery fabric in a fun, modern pattern.

Austin-mid-century-chair-makeover-living-room-08

A fun, vinyl-covered and tufted ottoman featuring mismatched buttons from local furniture designer Iron Thread Designs makes a fantastic family-friendly coffee table. A bright yellow lacquer tray, potted faux succulents and travel books are accessories a parent doesn’t have to stress over with small kiddos around.

Austin-modern-ottoman-living-room-04

Austin-modern-ottoman-striped-living-room-05

Art from the family’s collection is hung in a vertical column, drawing your eye through the corridor.

Austin-modern-art-installation-stripes-living-room

Art given to one of the homeowners as a child gets a new framing makeover by Art on 5th and looks fantastic over the fireplace mantel next to the couple’s favorite “moose” menorah.

Austin-mantel-styling-living-room-20

Check out other rooms in this house: dining room  |  master bedroom

Photography by Suzi Q. Varin / Q Weddings.