08 Mar Top 10 Pillow Goddess Design Trends from 2020 Austin Modern Home Tour

It’s spring here in Austin and all the trees and flowers are starting to bloom. Spring is one of my favorite seasons because it kicks off with the annual February Austin Modern Home Tour. And boy, was this home’s tour spectacular!  There are always so many gorgeous homes to see, it’s hard to select as, in reality, my friend Sandy and I can only hit about 7 of them.  It was such a picture-perfect weather day for the tour. So buckle up as I walk you through some of the homes and highlight 10 inspiring Pillow Goddess design trends from the 2020 Austin Modern Home Tour.  If you’re doing any remodeling or planning to build a new home, be sure to take note of these amazing homes, their talented architects and designers.  You’ll be glad you did!

 

The Shoes tell it all

 

Each home starts with shoes at the front door. That’s how you can always tell a home tour is going on. Homes are open to any attendee with a ticket, and there are wonderful volunteers to attach your wristband (and hand out protective booties if needed). Be sure to check out the link I provide for each home so you can read more about it and see the professional photos.  All the photos in this blog post are taken from my phone. A tour doesn’t always provide the best angles as you’re trying to squeeze in photos between people, so the quality and lighting are not as I’d like it, but I hope you will enjoy these. (Note: I’m working on increasing my photography skills as our son, a professional photographer in NYC gave me his camera….yay!)

 

The Pillow Goddess Top 10 Design Trends

 

The funny thing about trends is they come and go, and most of us do not follow them. But when I talk about trends, I am referring to architectural and interior design features that are more classic and stand the test of time.

For example, two 2020 trends in kitchens are open shelving and blue cabinets. Did I see them? Yes. But do all homes have them?  Of course not.  In fact, I saw all black cabinets in one home.

What I think is most helpful to you, is for me to point out interesting design features that might be trending, but more importantly, add significant beauty to homes and help you design and decorate your own home to enjoy for years to come.

Out of 7 modern homes on the 2020 Austin Modern Home Tour, these are the 10 architectural and interior design features that were most common. Follow along below as I walk you through the homes we toured. See if you can spot these design trends. and think about how they would look in your own home.  At the very end of this post you can “Shop the Look.”

 

1. Layers of texture
2. Architectural angles + details
3. White kitchen countertops/cabinets with stainless steel appliances
4. Gold hardware
5. Black slatted railings
6. Unique finishes and colorful interiors
7. Dome-shaped table lamps
8. Open living concept
9. Lots of windows and natural light
10. Indoor/outdoor Living

 

First up, the cool Hanger 1111 home by Thurman Homes.

 

 

This spec home by Thurman Homes was designed with an aviation theme and butted up to a creek.  I loved this home, not only for the architecture but for the gorgeous finishes and the interiors.  When I asked who designed the interiors, I was amazed to learn that the homeowners themselves did!  I was captivated by the incredible attention to detail in the home decor and was delighted to meet the homeowners Collin and Hilary.

Michael Thurman of Thurman Homes said this about the home and couple –

We have sold a fair amount of homes in East Austin, and this is one of those cases where we were so happy to have a couple with their light, and airy design taste, fall into a home that carries that same feel.

Be sure to catch next week’s blog post as I interview the homeowners. You’ll learn why they selected this modern home and more about their eclectic home decor style.

I absolutely loved how you could walk out their bedroom door and sit in this texture hanging egg chair in the sun.  THAT would be my permanent spot if I lived in this striking home! I also liked shadow play of the black slatted metal balcony on the wrap-around deck.

 

Second up, the 512 South Park Home by Newcastle Homes.

 

This home I’m a little biased on. Full disclosure – The Pillow Goddess pillows are in this home staged by the talented design stylist Ruby Cloutier of Vazzo Spaces. But you’ll also see some of the design trends I mention. The beautiful artwork is by Jo Hyman Art.

This photo above is an excellent example of angles. Angles make a home architecturally more interesting. They need to have a purpose and be part of the overall design and, as you can see, these are not only functional but add visual beauty.

Shameless self promotion in the images above and below of the excellent home staging by stylist Ruby Cloutier of Vazzo Spaces. The photo above features one of Jo Hyman’s abstract artwork with white and blues and a touch of green. Ruby added The Pillow Goddess spring green, multi-tone, paisley silk brocade pillows to pack a punch of color. This is the 3rd Austin Modern Home Tour that Ruby and I have collaborated.  Vazzo Spaces team have an incredible knack for incorporating The Pillow Goddess colorful and textural pillows into modern rooms.

Pillow Goddess Design Tip

Try to find the subtle connections between these pieces of home decor. From the lime green in the painting and pillow and how the Linen + Wood pillow complements the wooden table, to how the ferns in another pillow pick up the cactus in the corner. These design details are what make a room come alive.

Third up, the South 3rd Street home by Forsite Studio.

 

A four-bedroom home in South Austin, this home is a great example of blurring the line between living indoor and outdoor. Color welcomes you the minute you enter the front door. Below is an iridescent stainless steel entryway that gives a nod to peacocks that are local to Austin.

Below, the homeowners take a break from the tour to snap a selfie.  I love the warm wood against the black metal slatted staircase.

As mentioned, from countertop to cabinets, many kitchens were all white. This home had gorgeous marble counters and was a great example of seamless cabinetry where the refrigerator is just one more cabinet along the wall, unrecognizable unless you open its doors, as one of the architects kindly did.

Loved the homeowners’ taste in art and pops of color.  The outdoor area below was beautifully done with a small pool to the right of this sliding door office.  This home also had an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)  in the back that they rent out. ADU’s are becoming increasingly popular in Austin as the city tries to increase the density of downtown.

 

Fourth up is the #TheAntiFlip Home by ESS Design + Build.

 

First off, the name of this home is perfect!! Because ESS Design + Build remodeled an existing home. This home was also popular with attendees catching coffee from one of Austin’s local coffee trucks.

As with every single home we saw on the tour, the kitchen, living and dining rooms are all one big open space.  To me, it’s a perfect way to live whether you have a house full of kids or you entertain at home. The ceiling above the chandelier in this dining room below was a stunning extra special feature that added luxury to an otherwise normal dining room.

 

What more can you ask for…. gold and texture anyone?

Between the porcelain tiles and wallpaper in the above bathroom to the Clay Imports aquamarine mermaid tile below, this home had some of the most unique bathrooms. this was also my first time seeing this type of round pedestal modern sink.

Fifth up is the Ridgewood Residence by Matt Fajkus Architecture

 

Matt Fajkus Architecture produces some of the most gorgeous custom homes in Austin.  On last year’s Modern Home Tour, it was MF Achitecture’s [Bracketed Space} house that knocked my socks off.  With all its angles, windows, and warm wood ceilings, this one was equally stunning and extremely popular by attendees.

 

 

Fifth up is the Portofino Ridge Dr. Home by Cornerstone Architecture.

Out of all the homes my friend Sandy and I toured, this was by far the most luxurious.  I was not only struck by the size of the home and the architecture, but the rich detail and luxurious fabrics in the home decor designed by ButterLutz Interiors. Talk about layers of color and texture! This home had it all.

On the right of the fireplace was a cool paper hanging sculpture, adding not only visual interest but textural. I’m afraid I did not get the artist’s name.

 

I loved the geometric side table above. I tried to find one like it for you in “Shop the look” below but was only able to find it in stone. Perhaps this was custom made.

This cut velvet chair below reminded me of fabric on a chair my family had in our den as a child. I remember running my fingers along what felt like tracks in a maze while I daydreamed.  This chair was stunning as were the dining room chairs.

Again, a huge trend in white cabinetry and gold hardware.

Okay, my photos do not do this bedroom justice, so let me briefly describe it to you. It was done in all blush pink and soft gray.  The colors were so warm and the layers of texture were jaw-dropping gorgeous!

Lastly, the Foothill Residence by Bercy Chen Studio and Open Envelope Studio.

This was probably my most favorite home, although I loved details about each of the homes we toured. I can’t share a lot of this home (and you will see why below) but here are a couple of snapshots of the bedrooms and living room.  The owner is a wallpaper designer and one of the bedrooms has her beautiful, delicate designs on the walls.  With color and texture abound, one of the outstanding features of this home were all the windows and the natural landscaping.

 

These photos are the only ones I can share of this, because both the homes by architects Bercy Chen Studio and Cornerstone architects will be featured in a “Guest Contributor” article by me in the March 15th issue of Seasonal Living Magazine. I can say no more, except that you will see why these homes really lived up to my 10th design trend, out of The Pillow Goddess 10 Design Trens – indoor/outdoor living.

 

What is Seasonal Living Magazine?

The mission of Seasonal Living Magazine is to encourage people around the world to live more in harmony with the four seasons of spring, summer, fall, and winter. Through inspiring imagery and fun, informative articles, videos, and music, this gorgeous online mazazine features all things seasonal in travel, food, recipes, entertaining, wellness and design.

I am honored to have been asked by Seasonal Living’s editor Leslie Carothers (co-owner of Savour Partnership) to be a Guest Contributor to Seasonal Living Magazine’s spring issue.  I can’t wait for you to see the new issue and read the article.

I invite you to get your complimentary subscription to Season Living Magazine, a luxury lifestyle magazine published quarterly, by clicking on this link HERE. 

To browse through past issue of Seasonal Living Magazine, please visit this link HERE. 

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What’s next!

In a world where we’re not sure what’s going to happen next, I hope you’ve enjoyed the 10 Pillow Goddess Design Trends from the 2020 Austin Modern Home Tour. And you find it as calming as I do to enjoy the beauty of architecture and design.  Up next on the tour produced by Modern Architecture + Design Society on March 28th is the Houston Modern Home Tour.  Don’t miss it and be sure to see what tour is near where you live, as there are 6 more across the USA.

OMG, I’m so sorry, I completely forgot to mention the fabulous Mid-century modern homes at the After Party out at the amazing Starlight Village Homes! It was a fantastic time. Will squeeze in pics in next week’s post, but here’s a teaser. Many homeowners opened their homes all decked out in MCM furnishings. Even a sunken living room!

 

Till next time, when I share the home decor style of the delightful couple living in the Thurman Home, stay safe and get outside to enjoy some beautiful spring days!  XO PG

P.S. Remember to shop The Pillow Goddess Picks below!

Note: All photography is by Deborah Main, except Seasonal Living logo; opinions my own.

Shop The Pillow Goddess Picks

Below I’ve selected some of my favorite home decor pieces similar to ones on the 2020 Austin Modern Home Tour. These items contain affiliate links. Any purchases directly from this blog, at no additional charge to you, help make this blog possible. Thank you.