This Austin, Texas, Spanish Colonial home can be described as grounded, collected, and timeless. But more than that, it’s a space with soul—and it’s all owed to the collaborative process between designer Viki Chupik of Chupik Design and her clients.
“This home is in a neighborhood that sits atop one of the tallest hills in central Austin,” Viki tells us. “Upon stepping out onto the upstairs terrace, this site has no shortage of breathtaking views, including downtown Austin, The University of Texas Tower, and the hills to the west, allowing one to watch the sunrise and sunset. The scenery is truly magical; it’s no wonder the homeowners immediately fell in love.”
The homeowners are entrepreneurs and philanthropists. “I had the pleasure of meeting the wife while serving on the Texas Book Festival board,” the designer recalls. “She and her husband have done amazing things for Texas and our beloved city of Austin.”
Naturally, this project’s journey was sparked by a deep-seated desire to craft a home that narrates a compelling story. “Our client, an author with a profound affinity for history, literature, and worldly adventures, envisioned a space that would reflect his passions,” Viki explains. “As we engaged in lengthy discussions about family history, memorable travels, and the ambiance he hoped to cultivate in his new home, it became clear that his partner sought a modern, inviting sanctuary equipped with all the conveniences of contemporary living. Collaboratively, we devised a blueprint that seamlessly integrated their aspirations, resulting in a home that exudes charm and comfort in equal measure.”
Stepping inside the home, you notice a palpable energy—a vibe that Chupik Design endeavored to maintain throughout the project. From material selection to accessories, every item in the house has its own story, which strikes a harmonious balance between past and present. “Central to our endeavor was the art of melding nostalgia with modernity,” Viki explains. “How does one breathe new life into cherished heirlooms without diluting their inherent charm? We eagerly embraced this delightful puzzle, employing a judicious mix of colors, textures, and traditional and contemporary elements.”
They began work on the house at the beginning of the pandemic, so there were many hurdles to overcome—like all other projects at the time. “Still, this one seemed to have negative energy at every turn. My poor clients endured one of the hardest construction projects I have ever experienced, and if something could go wrong, it did,” the designer recalls. She ticks off a few major mishaps: the builder’s project manager left the project suddenly without notice; the imported Spanish tile roof had to be replaced after installation because the finish was washing off in the rain; the elevator failed and trapped people in it on one occasion, and dropped from the second floor without anyone in it one day during a meeting on another; and when the homeowners finally moved in, there was a fire in the attic, resulting in a three-month remediation. “All construction projects have their own challenges, and I’m thankful to have been partnering with a strong comprehensive team that worked fervently to ensure all obstacles were addressed timely and efficiently,” she adds.
“My clients hurdled so many challenges beside me that I hired a Shaman to bless the house at the end of the project,” Viki recalls. “I wanted my clients to have some peace after all that they had been through. It really was a challenge to get to the finish line, but I am so happy to report that all is well, and the homeowners are so happy with their home now.”
In the slideshow, Viki shares the elements that make this house a home—the custom handcrafted plaster throughout, opulent jewel tones, striking modern art, and reclaimed materials. “Every facet of the design was meticulously curated to weave a narrative of history reimagined for our clients’ contemporary lifestyle,” she concludes.
