While the official slogan of Austin is “Keep Austin Weird,” these top interior designers keep the rapidly growing city looking eclectic, fresh, and stylish. Always looking to combine the natural elements of Texan history with modern aspects, the designers are experienced in both the residential and commercial realms. They are always on the hunt for one-of-a-kind pieces to include in their designs, as well as pieces they can reuse and adapt. Many of the designers create their own collections as well. These 12 interior designers have been featured locally, regionally, and nationally for their contributions to the Austin aesthetic
Allison Burke Interior Design
1010-B West Lynn Street, Austin, TX 78703
Allison Burke began her interior design career in San Francisco after receiving her Interior Design degree from the University of Texas Austin School of Architecture in 2001. She cultivated her skill and style at famed firms such as Nicole Hollis Interior Design, Orlando Diaz-Azcuy, Marmol Radziner, and Michael Hsu. in 2013, she started her own studio in Austin and has built a remarkable style best described as collaboration complete with a warm personal touch. She has worked on residential and commercial projects that have been profiled by Dwell, Tribeza, Food & Wine, and Luxe. Her impressive list of accolades includes ASID Awards, IIDA Awards, and an AIA Honor Award.
One of Allison Burke’s notable works in the Three Courts Residence. She collaborated with A Parallel Architects for the most effective and efficient approach to maximize the layout of the home. Treetop windows flood the space and the 8-foot ceilings with natural light, opening up the once dark outdated home. A palette of white and grays bring depth to the space, yet still keeps the space bright. A patterned rug, brick, and plush furniture bring balance. The project won a 2018 AIA Award. Aside from excellent homes, Allison Burke has also worked on a number of restaurants in the Austin area. She is also behind the contemporary interiors of Suerte in East Austin. The homey restaurant showcases items chef, Fermín Núñez, and founder, Sam Hellman-Mass discovered on their Mexican travels, like Oaxacan textiles, La Chicharra ceramic plates, hand-woven palm tortilla warmers, as well as a whimsical mezcal bottle chandelier. These are all set against a backdrop of neutral colors in a large dining space fit for the family. The restaurant was named by Food & Wine as one of the Best New Restaurants of 2019 and it was featured in Tribeza and Texas Monthly as well.
Allison Jaffe Interior Design
6101 Balcones Drive #103, Austin, TX 78731
Always aiming for collaboration, integrity, and smart design, Allison Jaffe serves the Austin area and beyond. Jaffe received an interior design degree from Texas State University. She is one of the few Austin interior designers registered with the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners, which means that Jaffe’s designs meet all health and safety requirements without the firm having to seek extra consultants or approval. Since the founding of her interior design firm in 2010, she has won 23 interior design awards, including a Design Excellence Rising Star Award from the American Society for Interior Designers. Recognized as an “Austin Under 40” finalist and “a star to watch right now” by Austin Culturemap, her work has also been recognized by the Legacy of Design Awards. She’s also committed to various organizations in her community.
One of Jaffe’s exemplary projects is the Josephine-Soft Contemporary Living and Dining Rooms. Featured in Austin Woman Magazine, the design was inspired by the Nordic philosophy of “hygge,” a type of coziness. The space is full of calming colors with luxurious fabrics. Candles and other warm light fixtures make the space welcoming. There is also a unique hanging chair swing in the family room that gives the area a whimsical vibe. Another featured project is her work on a Weston Lane kitchen remodel. The contemporary Westlake kitchen won a 2012 ASID Design Excellence Award. Behind an expansive island in the center of the kitchen sit four unique barstools. A custom backsplash adds a splash of color. Multiple windows allow for lots of views of the surrounding areas.
Blair Burton Interiors
4005 Hyridge Drive Austin TX 78759
With a firm belief that homes should be a refuge and place to grow, Blair Burton opened her firm, Blair Burton Interiors, in 2004. She notes that the home she shares with her family is her favorite place to be, and she wants to bring that same joy and peace to others. Before opening her firm, she worked for Karen Hall at Cohagan Hall Interior Design. She grew up with good design; her father was in the building industry and her mother practiced floral arts. Her love of design has blossomed ever since. She has designed homes in Houston and Austin as well as in London.
Wood is an integral part in the design of two of Blair Burton’s projects: a cozy cabin along the Frio River and the Lake Austin Overlook project. The firm designed intimate spaces filled with textural moments in the Frio refuge, purposely selecting materials that complement the home’s focal point—a dramatic reclaimed wood arched ceiling. In a new home overlooking Lake Austin, Austin Country Club, and the 360 Bridge, Blair Burton took a modern take on the Texas Hill Country style. A wide range of textures like shiplap, stone, solid wood beams, and stunning hardwood floors were used.
Evensen Design
Austin, TX 78723
Evensen Design is a boutique interior design firm that specializes in renovations and new construction throughout Texas. The firm is headed by Principal Erica Volkmer, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from the University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture. Clean lines, bright spaces, and luxurious details are all hallmarks of Evansen. Working on everything from a historical renovation of a Tudor cottage in Lakewood to a modern penthouse in downtown Dallas, Evansen Design aims for superior quality and workmanship. The firm provides building, renovating, and furnishing services; the team also has experience in custom furniture. Volkmer’s work has led to her being named an Austin Top 10 Designer by Austin Architects and Culture Map. Her eclectic design for a kitchen remodel was recently featured on HGTV’s House Hunters.
Evensen Design provided the design for a stunning Tarrytown home. A crisp, white palette allowed for wooden and iron accents on various furnishings. Extensive storage space in the cabinets is artfully hidden. Some open shelving allows space for display. Two cozy chairs at the back of the kitchen offer a reading nook or a place to have some evening cocktails. Another excellent design is the Gaston residence. Completed in 2017, the home’s kitchen has light blue tile, which is complemented by a gray granite countertop. Unique light fixtures give the space a one-of-a-kind look. A gorgeous white cabinet holds much of the family’s dishware. In the center of the cabinet is a vintage, gold vanity-esque mirror. A beautiful brick fireplace is the central part of the design of the family room.
Blair Burton Interiors
4306 Walhill Lane, Austin, TX 78759
With a firm belief that homes should be a refuge and place to grow, Blair Burton opened her firm, Blair Burton Interiors, in 2004. She notes that the home she shares with her family is her favorite place to be, and she wants to bring that same joy and peace to others. Before opening her firm, she worked for Karen Hall at Cohagan Hall Interior Design. She grew up with good design; her father was in the building industry and her mother practiced floral arts. Her love of design has blossomed ever since. She has designed homes in Houston and Austin as well as in London.
Wood is an integral part of the design of two of Blair Burton’s projects: a cozy cabin along the Frio River and the Lake Austin Overlook project. The firm designed intimate spaces filled with textural moments in the Frio refuge, purposely selecting materials that complement the home’s focal point—a dramatic reclaimed wood arched ceiling. In a new home overlooking Lake Austin, Austin Country Club, and the 360 Bridge, Blair Burton took a modern take on the Texas Hill Country style. A wide range of textures like shiplap, stone, solid wood beams, and stunning hardwood floors were deployed.
Heather Scott Home & Design
1105 W. 42nd Street, Austin TX 78756
Garnering fame locally and nationally for its classic, chic, and serene designs, Heather Scott Home & Design has solidified its reputation as an award-winning interior design team and retail boutique. Founded by Heather and Scott Harkovich in 2006, its team is rounded out by principal and interior designer Raquel Skrobarczyk and Chief Operations Officer, Emily Ward. Under their leadership, the firm has been named a Top 50 Retail Star by Home Accents and has won dozens of awards from the Austin Parade of Homes and the American Association of Interior Designers (ASID). The firm has been featured on HGTV, Elle Decor, and Southern Living.
Austin jeweler Wendy Wells commissioned Heather Scott Home & Design to design her first retail storefront. The firm transformed an old rented bungalow into a jewel of space with cost-conscious options and upcycled pieces. E-glass and marble furnishings are played up with punchy colors for an eclectic feel. Principal designer Raquel Skrobarczyk’s efforts for this project paid off—the project earned a 2020 ASID Austin Design Excellence Award for Retail Design and placed 2nd in the Retail category of the ASID Texas Legacy of Design Awards. The firm has also been praised for its exceptional residential interior design, such as a Southern Living Showcase lakeside retreat that won the Best Southern Living Showcase Home in the country. Horizontal planking defines the home’s great room while an all-white kitchen is accented by Calcutta marble. The whole of the home reflects its lakeside placement with watercolors—sand, greens, and blues in varying intensities throughout.
Laura Roberts Design
3920 Myrick Drive, Austin, TX 78731
An interior designer since 2002, Laura Roberts names textures, textiles, and classic design as her staples when designing a new project. Like much of the style aesthetic in Austin, she knows how to seamlessly integrate traditional elements with more modern concepts. Some of her experience includes working with The George Eastman House and cataloging the Gernsheim House photography collection at the Harry Ransom Center. Trained in classical art at the Art Institute of Chicago, Roberts specialized in fabrics. After 15 years of heading her own practice, she joined forces with Clayton & Little in late 2017. Laura Roberts Design has been featured in the AIA Austin Homes Tour, Traditional Home, and Luxe.
Mount Barker is a great example of Roberts’ work. A neutral color palette was observed throughout the design, with warm wood accents to complement the custom woodwork in the home. The living area is especially welcoming, with a bookcase full of books and art. Framed artwork is showcased throughout the residence. Another example of Roberts’s work is Northwest Hills. The complete remodel used much of the client’s collection, in addition to vintage and contemporary elements. The open living room has both modern classics and vintage Asian accents. A library has several areas to read under vintage reading lamps. Modern kitchen furniture, a built-in office area in the backyard, and a low, wood hearth are all features of this stunning home.
Marcus Mohon Interiors
Austin, TX 78746
Specializing in design with graceful elegance and distinct geometry, Marcus Mohon Interiors is led by Marcus and Autumn Mohon. The firm has worked on projects all across the country but is based in Austin. They note that this Texan perspective informs their work by combining juxtapositional elements, such as elegant and humble, urban and rural, and refined and rough. Marcus has an economics degree from Baylor University and an interior design degree from the University of Texas at Austin. The firm is especially dedicated to its community: Texas Hill Country. Mohon’s design on an exotic and extravagant home in South Texas was extensively featured in Luxe Magazine, and their work has also been in Austin Woman Magazine. The firm was honored with the request to design the Southern Living Magazine Idea House that sits on the inlet of Texas’ Lake LBJ, which was inspired by Mediterranean villas. Because of their dedication to classical elements, the Mohons have been featured in Architectural Antiques, Milieu, and Veranda; and have also had the honor of participating in the Kips Bay Show House.
One of their featured projects is Villa Romanza, inspired by the landscape of the Texas Hill Country. The design of the house mirrors the meandering ridge on which it is situated. The interior design reflects the various elevations throughout the home. The owners have a diverse collection of Spanish antiques and modern artwork, which were both incorporated into the design. The opulent design is full of this contrast. The owners were focused on authenticity, so that was of top priority. Another project is “Lighten Up,” an expansive English manor in South Texas. To keep the home from leaning towards the heavy side, lighter than expected stains and a fog-color stone flooring were used. A neutral color palette was used with some accents of blue. Unique weathered mahogany benches were found in a New York antique store and used in an open sitting area.
Maureen Stevens
Austin, TX 78703
Infatuated with design and styling from a young age, Maureen Stevens is a leading interior designer in Austin. In addition to her firm, she also runs a popular blog. Recently, she was named one of Austin’s Top 5 Interior Designers to Watch by CultureMap. Her services range from space planning and design boards to full design and renovations. Mainly focused on high-end residential design, she also occasionally works with small-scale commercial projects. Stevens also offers e-design for clients in other states and countries. She has worked with HGTV.com, and her home has been featured in the Austin-American Statesman and Make It Over. She sums up her design philosophy as “well-edited and immensely functional.”
Maureen Stevens designed the Austin condo of trial attorney and legal, political, and social commentator Brian Claypool. His second home embodies his bold, fierce, and fun attitude. In the living room that overlooks Austin’s Seaholm District, the magenta and navy palette pops out more with several textured accents. A coffee table with a marble top and sinuous brass legs is paired with plush velvet seating for a vibrant yet dramatic space. The design continues to the bedroom where a navy tufted velvet bed sits against a wall of exuberant pink. Another interesting project from Stevens is a home that had a design inspired by color therapy. The colors used were those that resonated with the homeowner’s energy. Accents of dark blue and purple were sprinkled throughout the living area. The stairs and area leading to the next level were accented with a bright and bold blue.
McCray & Co.
Austin, TX 78722
Led by real-life partners Chris McCray and Grace Hall, McCray & Co. is an Austin-based design studio specializing in interiors. Chris is passionate about responsible and unique designs for each of his diverse clients. In the mid-’90s, he founded Chris McCray Designs in Richmond, Virginia, and after over 10 years in business, he left for RISD and earned his master’s degree in industrial design. Following a stint in teaching at Syracuse University, he and Grace founded McCray & Co. in 2011. The firm is dedicated to creating living, breathing spaces. The couple gets their inspiration from other people and how they live, work, and play in a space. The firm is known for its innovative restaurant interiors and also offers residential design services. Edible Austin comments that McCray and Hall are two of the “most creative minds in the local design industry.” Spruce Austin also names the firm as one of their favorites, noting their “fresh, soulful, and inspiring” designs. Their work has been featured in Tribeza, Edible Austin, Dwell, Hunker, Domino and on the Tribeza Homes Tour.
Featured Projects
One of their most well-known projects is Picnik, the first brick-and-mortar restaurant for this company that focuses on whole body nourishment. The goal was to create a space that looked and felt as clean and vibrant as its menu. McCray & Co. worked with local artisans to create custom lighting, a bar top, pillows, casework, tile, ceramics, and planters. The lighting and artwork was interwoven to create a truly one-of-a-kind space. They’re also known for “Casa Cartel”, a vibrant, Instagram-worthy Airbnb property they worked with the owner to refurbish and furnish from top to bottom. The space features a 20′ mural in the living room by the artist Curiot Tlalpazotl, as well as a fountain at the entryway and a secret speakeasy.
Natalie Howe Design
Austin, TX 78739
A graduate of Texas A&M University and the UCLA Interior Design School, Natalie Howe founded her own award-winning firm, Natalie Howe Design. While growing up, she was part of a military family that constantly moved from state to state. She credits her ease of communicating with all different types of people to that early travels. Taking outdated and inefficient kitchens and transforming them into attractive and efficient spaces is her specialty. She served the NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association) as secretary and has a national NARI award (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) in the kitchen category. She has also served as showhome designer for the Women’s Symphony League of Austin. Her firm has been featured on MSN.com, the Austin American Statesman, Austin Monthly Home, Texas Home and Living, the HGTV.com design blog, and Tribeza.
Natalie came in to design the interiors of a newly renovated lake house in Horseshoe Bay. With only the original footprint and square footage maintained, it gave Natalie the freedom to incorporate traditional and contemporary finishes for a bright, colorful, and sophisticated home. The entryway welcomes you with a fun pop of pattern while the serene master bedroom features a carved out reading nook, white oak floors, and a beautiful wool and viscose rug. The project won Best Kitchen and Living, Best Master Suite and Bath, Best Interior Design and Decorating, Best Craftsmanship, and Best Outdoor Living in the HCBA Parade of Homes. Another notable Natalie Howe design is a farmhouse kitchen remodel in Austin. An old, space-inefficient kitchen was transformed into an elegant farmhouse kitchen. The blue peacock-patterned wallpaper brings attention to a cozy bench area. Blue glass knobs accent that color palette. The kitchen is much more open: crisp, white cabinets increase the sense of space.
Rachel Horn
110 Mission Ridge, Austin, TX 78704
Growing up in San Miguel de Allende, Rachel Horn was always fascinated by the classic stone buildings and churches in her town. She is a native Spanish speaker and has established herself as one of the top interior designers for Spanish Colonial style. She has cultivated many manufacturing and sourcing relationships in Mexico and around the world. Describing her style as nomadic, her design is inspired by the places she has been and is integrated by her roots. She specializes in a Spanish Colonial style that flirts with American and international aesthetics. Her work has been featured in several publications, such as Harper’s Bazaar, Luxe, The Society Diaries, Austin Home, Home & Style, Vacation Homes, and the New York Times. She recently debuted her new Liston Collection of custom pieces at the Architectural Digest Design Show.
RachelRachel Horn both decorated and chose all of the hard finishes for the Crockett residence in Austin’s Bouldin Creek neighborhood. This modern farmhouse has a mostly black and white color palette, with several interesting textiles used as accent pieces. Several cowhides are used as rugs. Unique light fixtures are a fun feature in every room of the home. A very Austin-esque design is the renovation of Horn’s personal 1969 Airstream trailer. The coach has a mirror-polished exterior and a modern interior that is Moroccan themed. Three main living areas are partitioned by walls. The interiors share a gray, black, and cream color scheme with metal accents. The Airstream was featured on the cover of the New York Times home section and Town & Country.
Veronica Koltuniak
2808 Pickwick Lane, Austin, TX 78746
Starting as a set decorator in Los Angeles, building character-driven living spaces for film and commercials, Veronica Koltuniak first opened her design studio MILDRED in 1992. Her focus was mainly on furniture design and window treatments for Hollywood’s A-list. She even guest designed on Courteney Cox and David Arquette’s TV series Mix It Up. She arrived in Austin in 2001 and, since then, has again taken up designing residential interiors and has also started designing commercial interiors. She’s especially fascinated by restaurant interiors and has also created a new line of furniture under the name VEROKOLT. Koltuniak has been featured in several publications, such as CultureMap, Apartment Therapy, Kinfolk, Harper’s Bazaar, The Guardian, Tribeza, the LA Times, Austin Monthly, and the Austin American Statesman.
While she does plenty of residential interior work, her restaurant interior designs have generated the most buzz. One of her most well-known featured projects is Easy Tiger, a brewpub and bakery. The design came from two unlikely sources of inspiration: The Royal Tenenbaums and Annie Hall. A deep, French pink adorns the bakery counter, and randomly painted picnic benches offer plenty of gathering space outside. Pendant lights painted as tennis racquets serve as the light fixtures, with vintage wooden racquets as the lampshades. Another excellent example of her work is the restaurant Irene’s. The restaurant’s inspiration came from one of the owner’s grandmothers — a true, drinking, smoking, gambling woman of the South. Old airplane panels, a pinewood bar, and vintage accents all embody a vintage charm.
