In Austin’s coveted Tarrytown neighborhood, a modest painted-brick bungalow has been transformed by the team at Clayton Korte—a firm that began as a small architecture practice in 1983 and has since evolved into a firm that includes interior design and brand services with offices in Austin and San Antonio. The homeowner, an artist who relocated to Austin to be closer to family, initially approached the firm with plans for a modest renovation, but the project quickly evolved into a comprehensive reimagining of the entire property.

The house is on a corner lot near Lake Austin and downtown and occupies a unique position within one of the city’s most beloved neighborhoods. Tarrytown’s enduring appeal lies in its established character, a quality that cannot be replicated in new construction. Rather than competing with that history, the team at Clayton Korte embraced it, creating a design that honors the original structure while introducing playful, personal interiors. 

Initially, the homeowner hoped to open up the kitchen and find a way to celebrate a beloved vintage pink refrigerator. As the design process unfolded, however, the scope of work expanded to address broader challenges within the house, including awkward level changes, limited flow between rooms, a lack of privacy, and the need for dedicated spaces to create, read, and display her extensive art collection. The resulting home is layered with color, texture, and personality. Historic architectural details remain intact, but they are enlivened by contemporary forms and tactile materials throughout, creating a dialogue between old and new.

Central to the renovation are two carefully inserted additions that expand the home’s footprint. Clad in blue stucco and punctuated by green-framed multi-lite windows, the new volumes sit quietly behind the original white brick façade. One addition enlarges the kitchen, while the other creates a dedicated library and studio. Together, they introduce modern architectural language without overwhelming the scale or charm of the original bungalow.

The kitchen serves as the heart of the home—and perhaps its most expressive space. Drawing inspiration from the homeowner’s vintage pink refrigerator, the room layers creams and warm earth tones with wavy pink floor tiles and rose quartz countertops. A sculptural curved range hood clad in zellige tile anchors the space, while a copper sink and fluted custom millwork add richness and depth. The design struck a chord beyond the home itself, earning Austin Home’s 2026 Best Kitchen award as well as a 2026 Luxe Red regional award.

Adjacent to the kitchen, the once-enclosed dining room now feels bright and expansive, benefiting from raised ceilings and seamless visual connections to neighboring spaces. Sheer drapery softens light while providing privacy when needed, and a Myrna Wall Mobile fixture by Ladies & Gentlemen Studio adds a sculptural focal point overhead.

Just beyond, the library and studio provide a quieter counterpoint to the home’s vibrant gathering spaces. Referred to by the homeowner as her “Zen room,” the space is lined with custom wood shelving designed to house books, artwork, and personal collections. Floor-to-ceiling sage-green windows frame views of mature trees and raised garden beds outside, reinforcing a strong connection to nature. A curved fluted-plaster fireplace introduces another layer of sculptural warmth to the living area.

The primary suite continues that sense of calm. One of the home’s most significant planning moves involved raising the former garage conversion—which sat several steps below the rest of the house—to create a continuous floor level throughout. Now, lush green terrazzo flooring and softly textured green walls envelop the suite, while a serene palette enhances its restorative atmosphere. The terrazzo flooring continues seamlessly into the primary bathroom, where forest-green zellige tile surrounds a freestanding hammered-copper soaking tub positioned beside a window.

Outside, architecture and landscape work together to solve one of the project’s greatest challenges: creating privacy on a highly visible corner lot without sacrificing openness or natural light. Rather than relying on fences or barriers, the design uses raised planters, strategic landscaping, a rear terrace, and a terracotta-block carport screen wall to create a sense of enclosure while maintaining a connection to the surrounding neighborhood. Designed in collaboration with Lattice Studio, the landscape feels fully integrated with the architecture, blurring the line between indoors and out.

Completed in the summer of 2024 after nearly three years of design and construction, the property stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful renovation. The homeowner describes the finished home as “pretty much perfect”—high praise for the team at Clayton Korte. Perhaps most tellingly, neighbors frequently stop to compliment both the house and its gardens, underscoring the project’s success not only as a private sanctuary, but also as a thoughtful contribution to the character of the neighborhood.

INTERNAL PROJECT TEAM: 
Kristen Brown, AIA, Partner  
Nathan Quiring, AIA, Director 
Patrick Lucas, Project Designer 

COLLABORATORS: 
Architecture and Interiors: Clayton Korte 
Landscape Architect: Lattice Studio 
General Contractor: Drake Build 
Structural Engineer: A-1 Engineering