A Design Lover’s Guide to Austin
It’s not news that Austin is on fire. What was once Texas’s best-kept secret is now a serious destination for foodies, music lovers, media companies, creatives, and, as of late, the design inclined. A new generation of stylish hot spots has opened up in Texas’s capital and given a fresh voice to its uniquely poised and vibrant creative community. From a textile showroom housed in a chic and colorful bungalow to a bold hotel imagined by New York architect and designer Mark Zeff—Austin is ready for its close-up. Here, Architectural Digest shares our design-savvy guide to where to eat, drink, shop, and stay—all reasons you should be booking your ticket now to the hippest town in Texas.
1/5Where to Stay
Hotel Saint Cecilia (shown) A pioneer of Austin’s new wave of chic, this historic oak-laden property is the brainchild of hotelier Liz Lambert (see its hipster-loved counterpart, Hotel San José). Taking cues from the hotel’s namesake, the patron saint of music and poetry, the five suites, six poolside bungalows, and three studios are at once edgy and romantic, generously appointed with jewel tones, natural light, a medley of vintage and modern furniture, and original artwork. From $285/night; hotelsaintcecilia.com
Hotel Van Zandt The 319-room hotel, imagined by architect and designer Mark Zeff, salutes Texas’s quintessence—namely its musical pulse—in all aspects of its interiors, greeting guests with stately light fixtures composed of brass instruments. The idyllic fourth-floor pool terrace, designed by landscape architects dwg, and restaurant, Geraldine’s, attracts guests and locals alike with picturesque views of downtown Austin, poolside comestibles, and live music seven days a week. From $239/night; hotelvanzandt.com
South Congress Hotel Opened last year, this much-buzzed-about 83-room property reflects the vitality of its enviable address on South Congress Avenue. Austin architect Michael Hsu teamed up with Studio MIA to create effortlessly cool interiors featuring an eclectic selection of local art and midcentury furniture. The local haunt plays host to an equally chic slew of restaurants and boutiques, an artisan coffee and juice bar, and a nail salon. From $289/night; southcongresshotel.com
Copyright 2015. All rights reserved.2/5Where to Eat
Josephine House Tucked in a cheerful blue bungalow, Josephine House serves up all-day, herbaceous fare to Austin’s stylish crowd. Whitewashed shiplap is used throughout, and natural woods, brass fixtures, marble-top counters, and ever-present fresh flowers create a lived-in sensibility. The charming terrace, shaded by low-slung oak limbs, invites lazy lunches and chilled rosé—the perfect remedy for Austin’s long summers. 1601 Waterston; josephineofaustin.com
Chicon Architect Kevin Stewart and designer Ann Edgerton focused on a Texas ranch style for the interiors of this brand-new 120-seat spot. The result is a roomy neighborhood gathering place with regional touches to match the menu’s casual, locally foraged shared plates. Custom terra-cotta pendants from Clayworks Studioilluminate handmade steel-and-cedar furniture by Brian Chilton, and leather-backed chairs are accompanied by Mexican serapes for an undeniably Austin flair. 1914 East 6th Street, Ste. C; contigotexas.com/chicon
Launderette (shown) Since its opening in the summer of 2014, Launderette has received nothing but good buzz. Located in a renovated washateria, this neighborhood eatery serves up seasonal, Mediterranean fare in an airy, retro setting, created by a wall of windows, an electric blue floor, starburst pendants, and midcentury furniture silhouettes. Enjoy snacky bits and spritzy cocktails on the perpetually packed wraparound terrace. 2115 Holly Street; launderetteaustin.com
3/5Where to Drink
Rainey Street Rainey Street’s strip of bars in idyllic and colorful Craftsman-style bungalows practically begs alfresco imbibing. Locals flock to the area for walk-up handcrafted cocktails, live music, and fresh, casual small plates with an only-in-Austin neighborhood vibe. Design standouts include L’Estelle, Icenhauer’s, NO VA, and stylish newcomer the Parlor Room. Rainey Street
Lenoir’s Wine Garden In the backyard of an acclaimed fine-dining restaurant, under the glow of white lanterns and string lights, is one of Austin’s hidden gems, the wine garden at Lenoir. A notable wine list accompanied by adventurous shareables such as charred tomato toast and sweet potato hummus is offered in an intimate, romantic setting created by the garden’s main design feature—centuries-old live oak trees. 1807 South First; lenoirrestaurant.com
Antone’s (shown) An Austin institution in the heart of downtown has recently reopened after being shuttered in 2014. The 400-capacity music venue and bar was reimagined by local architects Randall Owen and Charlie Melanson of Hatch + Ulland Owen Architects, featuring 100-year-old longleaf pine doors, tin ceilings, retro pendants, and an exhibit of the nightclub’s colorful history. 305 East 5th Street; antonesnightclub.com
Jenn Hair4/5Where to Shop
Supply Showroom Three (superstylish) ex–New Yorkers came together to fill Austin’s designer textile void in the form of recently opened Supply Showroom. Housed in a charming bungalow, Supply has quickly become a go-to for Austin designers to peruse textiles, rugs, and home decor in an airy, residential setting. The well-curated range, 95 percent of which is carried exclusively throughout Texas, includes the likes of AVO, Flat Vernacular, Shibori Textiles, and more. 2204 Lake Austin Boulevard; supplyshowroom.com
Kettle & Brine (shown) This artisan-focused shop was created out of a love for holistic cooking and thoughtful design. Boasting a refined edit of heirloom-quality cookware, pantry items, and kitchen accoutrements, Kettle & Brine evokes a well-styled, contemporary home interior. 908-C West 12th Street; kettleandbrine.com
The Renner Project Kimberly Renner, a veteran of Austin’s design scene, seeks to create a collaborative design lab with her multilevel industrial-chic antiques shop. Her covetable range of collectible furniture, art, and accessories mingles styles like French Art Deco with Italian midcentury, all arranged in a harmonious mélange of livable vignettes. Notable designers include Karl Springer, Edward Wormley, and Osvaldo Borsani. 3018 North Lamar Boulevard; therennerproject.com
5/5What to See
Sculpture at Waller Creek Apart from its palpable serenity, this thin urban riparian ecosystem carries a sophisticated appeal. Through the vision of the Waller Creek Conservancy and an ongoing partnership with the Contemporary Austin, the area surrounding the creek has become a destination for art enthusiasts. A large-scale sculptural installation by Orly Genger, Hurlyburly, is on view now through February 2017. Current exhibit located at the Waller Delta, adjacent to the Waller Creek Boathouse,74 Trinity Street; wallercreek.org
Austin Studio Tours (shown) Big Medium is a nonprofit organization that cultivates the area’s contemporary art, producing such cult-followed events as the East Austin Studio Tour and West Austin Studio Tour. Twice a year you can visit the (nearly 500) studios of local artists and makers at the heart of Austin’s burgeoning art scene. For year-round viewing of emerging artists, drop by coworking studios like Pump Project and Canopy. 916 Springdale Road; bigmedium.org
The Paramount Theatre Recently celebrating its centennial, Austin’s iconic Paramount Theatre gained national esteem for its notable lineup of live theater and musical performances. The time-tested, architecturally stunning 320-seat venue has played host to such legends as Harry Houdini (yes, the magician), Katharine Hepburn, and, more recently, President Obama. 713 Congress Avenue; austintheatre.org
