20 YEARS
Celebrating over $105M in Combined Sales Volume since January 2019. Specializing in Westlake, Barton Creek, Spanish Oaks, and Central Austin.
Dara Allen Luxury Group Director, Luxury Estates 512.296.7090 dara@darallen.com Dara Allen Luxury Group is a real estate group affiliated with Compass. Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by federal, state and local laws. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Luxury downtown condo with protected views of Lady Bird Lake and the city skyline.
Lisa Matulis-Thomajan 512.739.2460 lisa@thomajanladnergroup.com
Jennifer Ladner 512.827.9255 jennifer@thomajanladnergroup.com
70 Rainey Street, Unit #3104 2 Beds + Den | 3 Baths | 1743 SF | $2.089M
thomajanladnergroup.com
All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. All measurements and square footages are approximate. Exact dimensions can be obtained by retaining the services of an architect or engineer. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage. Compass is a licensed real estate broker. Equal Housing Opportunity.
CONTENTS
JANUARY DEPARTMENTS
Social Hour p.!18 Kristin’s Column p.!22 Tribeza Talk p.!24 Arts & Entertainment Calendars p.!26 Karen’s Pick p.!52 Dining Guide p.!54 A Look Behind p.!56 FEATURES
Tribeza Interiors Tour p.!28 Global Eclectic p.!38 Beyond Diversity p.!42
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Sculptural marble lamps bring a modern balance to vintage details in our home feature
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ON THE COVER Local art pulls together a mix of materials, colors and styles in this remodel by Shannon Eddings Interiors. PHOTOGRAPH BY KATIE JAMESON
P H OTO G R A P H B Y K AT I E J A M E S O N
Branching Out p.!46
NEW HOMES – REMODELS - POOLS
o d c us to mho m e s . co m
BRAND NEW ON
TRIBEZA.COM
TRIBEZA SHOP & TRIBEZA TRUSTED
Stylish duds, home décor, gear, food and wine—our new shop is stocked with outstanding products by beloved brands. Browse and buy at tribeza.com/shop and check out the local and national partners we know, use, love and trust at tribeza.com/trusted.
Follow us @Tribeza on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Stories from this issue are available at tribeza.com, in addition to fresh content daily. Keep up by subscribing to our Tribeza Talk newsletter. tribeza.com/sign-up-newsletter
KINDRED SPIRITS
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LADBYBUG HOUSE
Need more cool design this month? Go inside an adorable Alpine chalet with wintery vibes—in Austin! tribeza.com/ amity-worrel
TOT E M P H OTO G R A P H : J O DY H O R TO N ; L A D B Y B U G H O U S E P H OTO G R A P H S : A N D R E A C A LO
Read the inside story of Totem, Texas’ wildest spirit that’s infused with ingredients foraged, harvested and hunted in the Lone Star State. tribeza.com/totem
EDITOR’S LETTER
hand, the month brings all the shiny hope of fresh starts and the empty canvas of a brand-new year. On the other, is there anything more daunting than staring at a blank page? New beginnings always seem to be the hardest part, and I can’t be the only one who’s a little gun-shy of setting any major expectations after the wild ride of 2020. That cautious optimism is something we held in tension while putting together this first issue of 2021, especially while a lot of last year’s realities remain the same. Our January theme is “Interiors,” which is not something many of us experienced in great variety in 2020. And yet, for so many, the unexpected amount of time spent at home generated a deeper appreciation for our own space and even some exciting renovations. These refreshes ranged from small, intentional touches like a new plant (or four), as Aaron Parsley reports in “Branching Out” (p. 46), to sweeping overhauls like the one in our cover story on an East Austin remodel by Shannon Eddings Interiors (“Global Eclectic,” p. 38). Using a bird’seye-view, writer Regine Malibiran shares how the founders of BRWN Collective Studio are aiming to do both—taking small but intentional steps toward the sweeping industry overhaul of creating more inclusive spaces for people of color (“Beyond Diversity,” p. 42). As you can see from our Interiors Tour sneak peek (p. 28), 2020 still kept Austin designers as busy as ever. And while we aren’t able to host an in-person tour this month, we’re very excited to share our first-ever Virtual Homes Tour thanks to the handy camerawork of Hayli Rudolph. In our interviews with the designers behind each project, our hope is that these videos will provide an even more intimate avenue to engage with their process. To capture these conversations, we filmed on the patio of Texas French Bread over several gorgeous days—the kind of winter weather only Austin can deliver. Our thanks to Murph Wilcott for the use of that space, which holds personal meaning for me and so many longtime Austinites as TFB marks a monumental 40 years in 2021. Growing up going to school in Tarrytown, I used to stop at TFB with my mom for after-school treats, and there’s still nothing that cheers me quite like that gingersnap cookie.
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We debated whether to hold off on honoring TFB until its official anniversary this summer, but there felt like no better time to celebrate an Austin establishment than the beginning of a new year—especially when so many of our beloved local restaurants still need our support to ride out the ongoing effects of the pandemic. 2020 made me more grateful than ever for restaurants like TFB and more eager to support them in 2021, whether through outdoor dining when the weather permits (which, let’s be honest, it does frequently here in Austin, even in January) or with takeout at home when it doesn’t. The glorious patio at TFB may not have been the obvious choice for an Interiors Issue, but we chose it as our monthly pick in the firm hope of seeing the inside of our local restaurants again in the very near future. Here’s to 2021!
Hannah J. Phillips Editor
The iconic sign at Texas French Bread, an Austin institution.
P O R T R A I T B Y H AY L I R U D O L P H ; T E X A S F R E N C H B R E A D B Y H O L LY CO WA R T
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ALWAYS HAVE MIXED FEELINGS ABOUT JANUARY. ON THE ONE
TRIBEZ A AUSTIN CUR ATED
JA N UA R Y 2 02 1
20 YEARS
N O. 2 2 8
CEO + PUBLISHER
George T. Elliman
EDITOR
Hannah J. Phillips ART DIRECTOR
Alexander Wolf
DIGITAL DIRECTOR
Aaron Parsley
DIGITAL MEDIA MANAGER
Holly Cowart
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
Vanessa Blankenship
DIRECTOR OF SALES
Krissy Hearn
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Paul Krushin
ACCOUNTING MANAGER
Joe Layton
PRINCIPALS
George T. Elliman Chuck Sack Vance Sack Michael Torres
COLUMNISTS
Kristin Armstrong Karen O. Spezia WRITERS
Holly Cowart Regine Malibiran Aaron Parsley Hannah J. Phillips COPY EDITOR
Stacy Hollister
PHOTOGR APHERS
Riley Reed Holly Cowart Jonathan Garza Katie Jameson Hayli Rudolph
CONTRIBUTING ARTIST
Shaylin Wallace
706A West 34th Street Austin, Texas 78705 ph (512) 474 4711 | fax (512) 474 4715 tribeza.com Founded in March 2001, TRIBEZA is Austin's leading locally-owned arts and culture magazine. Printed by CSI Printing and Mailing Copyright @ 2021 by TRIBEZA. All rights reserved. Reproduction, in whole or in part, without the express written permission of the publisher, is prohibited. TRIBEZA is a proud member of the Austin Chamber of Commerce. S U B SC R I B E TO TR I B EZ A VISIT TRIB EZ A .COM FOR DE TAIL S
visit us online:
or follow along:
JS DWELLINGS INTERIOR DESIGN www.jsdwellings.com
Step into your perfect future with Komal Sheth. Her role as a luxury Real Estate Advisor draws from 18+ years as a multi-Diamond Award Realtor and an Award-Winning Interior Designer. In Austin’s dynamic, fast-paced market, clients appreciate Komal’s almost-intuitive approach that belies deep market experience and her genuine joy in helping Clients sell at the best price or buy their perfect home in the right location, at the right price.
Buy the right home + sell for the best price. Komal Sheth komal.sheth@compass.com 512.423.0981 Let’s Connect
@komalshethrealestateatx
omal heth is a real estate agent affiliated with Compass. Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by federal, state and local laws. Equal Housing Opportunity.
R E P R I N T E D F R O M OA S I S . CO P Y R I G H T © 2 02 0 B Y I O T I L L E T T W R I G H T. P H OTO G R A P H S CO P Y R I G H T © 2 02 0 B Y C A S E Y D U N N . P U B L I S H E D B Y C L A R K S O N P OT T E R , A N I M P R I N T O F P E N G U I N R A N D O M H O U S E L LC .
INSIDER Photographer Casey Dunn’s new book is one of 9 ways to revamp your space in 2021 , p. 24
DESERT OASIS
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101 BY TEA HAUS KOKO POP-UP LAUNCH
Jane Ko, founder of the food and lifestyle blog a Taste of Koko, teamed up with 101 by Tea Haus for the Koko Pop-Up. The limited-time event featured menu items inspired by Taiwanese night markets, paid homage to Ko’s heritage and supported a locally owned restaurant. On October 5, Ko hosted an exclusive preview, where guests sampled delightful treats like the Matcha Green Tea Bubble Waffle and Galaxy Bubble Tea.
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PEASE PARK BUBBLES & BULLDOZERS
Held in October, the Pease Park Conservancy welcomed visitors to Bubbles & Bulldozers, a 10-person tour behind the construction fences of Kingsbury Commons. Supporters previewed the new amenities both in person and virtually while sipping on Champagne and enjoying a delicious bento box meal provided by Gusto Italian Kitchen. Proceeds from the event supported the organization’s mission to develop world-class green spaces for the Austin community. During Halloweek, Devil May Care escaped the ordinary by holding a lavish evening inspired by the infamous 1972 Rothschild Surrealist Ball. The black-tie, four-night event showcased the restaurant’s cozy and eclectic style, treating holiday revelers to a special cocktail, Mediterranean-inspired bites and authentic entertainment to tempt the senses.
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101 BY TEA HAUS KOKO POP-UP LAUNCH: 1. Aaron Ross, Bethany Ross & Honey James Ross 2. Vanessa Halls & Natasha Wilson 3. Jane Ko PEASE PARK BUBBLES & BULLDOZERS: 4. Melissa Burnett, Jennifer Sklass & Paula Requijo 5. Marianne DeLeon, Marcus Sanchez & Heidi Anderson 6. Kyle Reilly, Chuck Smith & Nick Boysen 7. Beth Quy & Rushmi Kumar DEVIL MAY CARE’S SURREALIST BALL: 8. Nicole Johnson & Guest 9. Andrea Paksert, Chelsea Bancroft & Shelby Sorrel 10. Nguyet Bui & Guests 11. Pavi Dinamani & Guest
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P E A S E PA R K P H OTO G R A P H S B Y J O N AT H A N G A R Z A , D E V I L M AY C A R E P H OTO G R A P H S B Y L E T I T I A S M I T H , W H I T E L I G H T E X P O S U R E
DEVIL MAY CARE’S SURREALIST BALL
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“We know that Chris is a sought after agent, yet he somehow makes you feel like you are his only client.� C. Salvucci and S. Brister
Chris Long | Broker Associate |
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512.289.6300 | chris.long@compass.com | chrislongaustin.com
SOCIAL HOUR
FIRST TO RISE FILM PREMIERE
THE ART OF KINDNESS 2020: FEED YOUR SOUL
Friends and family gathered in safe, intimate settings across Austin to celebrate community, kindness and the Kindness Campaign from November 12 through 24. Guests received a personalized gala-in-a-box, which included an elegant three-course meal, floral décor and a virtual art experience. Funds from the evening went toward community art initiative the Kind Mural and secured gift cards for Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas.
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C U S P OPENING RECEPTION AND POETRY READING
On December 5, Court Lurie celebrated the opening of her solo exhibition “C U S P” with a socially distanced reception and poetry reading at Cloud Tree Gallery & Studios. The interactive exhibition featured newer pieces as well as relevant past works from the Austinbased artist, fusing multiple mediums like abstract painting, drawing and photography to express the experience of liminality.
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6 FIRST TO RISE FILM PREMIERE: 1. Felo Martinez, Stephanie Martinez, Alyssa Hind & Jason Hind 2. Tara Chapman & Aidan Mosher 3. Hayden Hyde, Alyssa Hind & Garret Robertson
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THE ART OF KINDNESS 2020: FEED YOUR SOUL: 4. Justin Bayne & Al Koehler 5. Jeff & Julie Jumonville 6. Andy & Donna Tryba 7. Amber Scanio Koehler 8. Jordan & Katie Jaffe C U S P OPENING RECEPTION AND POETRY READING: 9. Austin Sears & Hank Opal Jove 10. Court Lurie 11. Brian David Johnson & Louie Johnson 12. Tori Stell
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O COT I L LO F I L M P H OTO G R A P H S B Y C A R O L I N A CO L A N T U O N I , A R T O F K I N D E S S P H OTO G R A P H S B Y B E N P O R T E R , L A U R E N E L I Z A B E T H A N D R I C H A R D R I N CO N , A N D C U S P R E C E P T I O N P H OTO G R A P H S B Y J O N AT H A N G A R Z A
Desert Door hosted the premiere of First to Rise at the Carpenter Hotel on November 1. Created by Ocotillo Films, the short film is about fifthgeneration rancher Alyssa Martinez Hind, who breaks the mold of the stereotypical cowboy. During the screening, her family, as well as the Austin community, gathered to hear her story while sharing ranch waters and warm sotol cider.
KRISTIN’S COLUMN
Inside Job By Kristin Armstrong Artwork by Shaylin Wallace
A
NY TRUE HEALING OR L ASTING TR ANSFORMATION IS
always an inside job. There is no external source of motivation strong enough to sustain the commitment to persevere when willpower fades, which it inevitably always does. There is no love outside yourself that can make up for a lack of self-love on the inside. Trust me, I’ve tried. I’ve tried to love a depressed man to happiness. I’ve tried to love an empty man into abundance. I’ve tried to love an angry person to peace. I’ve tried to love a faithless person into expansion. I’ve tried to love a confused person into clarity. I’ve tried to love a jealous, grasping person into confidence. I’ve tried to love a desperate person into the will to live. I’ve tried to love a dying best-friendship back to life. I’ve tried to patch up relationships that were not mine to patch.
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I agonized, prayed, offered, struggled and depleted myself to no avail in every one of these situations. I always thought I was someone who had so much love to give that I could eventually make everything better. I thought I could fix anything, even if all that was left to work with was my stubborn refusal to give up. I was confused, because in every single case, I was on the outside of an inside job. Even when I was creating external patches to repair internal leaks within myself: I needed to fix my fixing. I’ve been an emotional contortion artist, twisting myself into untenable positions and folding myself into cramped spaces far, far too small for me—until I finally woke up and decided to stop doing that. This contortion artist turned inward and went deep within myself and found more space than I ever knew existed. Who knew that everything I wanted was already here? Well, actually lots of wise people already know this. I guess I needed to learn it for myself—make it mine. Stretch out and inhabit myself. As it turns out, there is (and was) nothing to fix. Now this wide-open space is my favorite place to play, whether it’s with my treasured friends, family or the amazing, inspiring clients I get to work with. I find I’m meeting people at the perfectly appointed intersections, and discover we’re going in the same direction and the light is green. As the calendar changes and 2021 finally arrives (thank you, God), it’s high time to decide what direction we want to go. This is what I will be asking myself and my favorite people: What do you really want? Or, even better, my favorite question, How do you want to feel? That’s the only reason we ever want anything in the first place, because we think we will feel a certain way in the acquisition of it. If you could imagine living beyond the limitations of fear, what would that look like? If you choose to stop contorting yourself to fit everyone else’s needs and expectations, what could you begin to expect from and for yourself? Take the time to examine your life categorically—body, spirit, mind, emotions, career/financial abundance, relationships and passion/play/adventure. Consider how you want to feel in every one of those areas by the end of 2021. From there, we can make choices to cultivate those feelings now, and take inspired action in the direction of everything that is there, waiting for us to begin believing it into receiving it. We don’t go through a year like 2020 and come out the same, but it’s up to us to decide what will be different.
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T R I B E Z A TA L K
Refresh
A R T I C U LT U R E
PA I N T E D A N I M A L S K U L L S , from $160
Articulture is a charming South Austin boutique filled with even more enticing décor. Normally known for bringing interiors to life with their plantbased creations, these hand-painted skulls take Western vibes to the next level and are sure to stand out. articulturedesigns.com
9 EYE-CATCHING ITEMS TO REINVIGOR ATE YOUR HOME FOR THE NEW YE AR By Holly Cowart
S TA M P WO R T H Y GOODS T H E E L I A N A T A B L E , $1,190
IO TILLETT WRIGHT & CASEY DUNN
Built in collaboration with ceramicist Eliana Bernard, this wood coffee table is made from scratch by local furniture maker and vintage virtuoso Allie Launius. “Eliana’s eye-popping ceramic designs are one of a kind and fit in perfectly with my ‘statement piece’ philosophy,” she says. stampworthygoods.com
OA SIS: MODE R N DE SE RT HOM E S A R O U N D T H E W O R L D , $40
A perfect accent to any coffee table and a valuable source for modern design inspiration, this stunning body of work from author iO Tillett Wright and photographer Casey Dunn shines a light on the exquisite details of the world’s most enchanting desert homes (including a Marfa masterpiece).
M AT R B O O M I E
P OM P OM N E S T I N G B A S K E T S , $59
“Matr Boomie was created to be a leading fair trade brand and innovator in the ethical and sustainable space,” says founder Manish Gupta. Masterfully handwoven by artisans in Bangladesh, these sturdy nesting baskets help contain the clutter while adding a playful pop of color. matrboomie.com
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S TA M P W O R T H Y G O O D S : K AT I E J A M E S O N ; OA S I S : P U B L I S H E D B Y C L A R K S O N P OT T E R
penguinrandomhouse.com
M AYA B L U
THE SOUTHERN LOOM
L U N A P E N DA N T L I G H T, from $300
Add warmth to your space with this pendant light, handcrafted from white stoneware and finished with chalk paint by talented ceramicist Megan Leihgeber of Maya Blu. Subtle yet refined, these shades will effortlessly blend with a variety of décor styles. mayablu.com
G A R T H P E R S I A N R U G , $595
ARIELLE AUSTIN S O C I E T Y6 WA L L C L O C K , $32
Your personal space should be something that inspires you, and the right piece of art can do just the trick. Specializing in mixed media, oil and acrylic paintings, artist Arielle Austin offers original works, limited-edition prints and home décor through Society6. “In allowing myself to be present in the process of creating,” she says, “my hope is that others would be courageous enough to graciously do the same in their life—whatever that may look like.” arielle-austin.com
A deep love of hunting for antiques led Laura Branson to harness her eye for design and establish her very own vintage rug shop. The yoga instructor and Wild Flower Swimwear owner personally selects each handwoven pattern, forming a distinct collection that delivers a new layer of character to every room. thesouthernloom.com
PLANT + VESSEL
R A I N Y DA Y P L A N T E R S , from $48
A R I E L L E A U S T I N : CO U R T E S Y O F S O C I E T Y6
One of the best ways to brighten your everyday landscape is to mix in houseplants. These turquoise-and-white speckle-glazed clay planters are expertly crafted with love by Traci Ward of Plant + Vessel. Each creation is completely unique and made to be absorbent, meaning healthier roots and a happier home. plantvessel.com
R E V I VA L V I N TAG E
C O B R A B A C K P E A C O C K C H A I R , $475
Vintage-hunting connoisseurs likely need no introduction to this Austin gem. Moving to a brand-new North Lamar location this January, owner Sonia Rife curates a range of preloved items from trendy clothing to large furniture for local pickup. We’re still dreaming of this gorgeous wicker peacock chair! revivalvintageatx.com tribeza.com
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C ALENDARS D U E T O T H E O N G O I N G U N P R E D I C TA B I L I T Y O F I N - P E R S O N E V E N T S , B E S U R E T O C H E C K W E B S I T E S F O R U P D AT E D I N FO R M AT I O N A N D S A F E T Y P R O T O C O L S
Entertainment MUSIC RAGTIME KINGS January 8 Austin Symphony Orchestra (Virtual) CHARLIE STARR January 9 Paramount Theatre STOMP January 9 Bass Concert Hall YACHT ROCK REVUE January 9 Emo’s Austin GOOD VIBES ONLY: THE DEER January 13 Long Center (Virtual) ALESIA LANI January 15 Empire Control Room PAUL CAUTHEN W/ BUFFALO NICHOLS January 21 Antone’s Nightclub JACK DANIEL’S LONE STAR SESSIONS W/ DAVID RAMIREZ January 21 3Ten ACL Live (Virtual) WIDESPREAD PANIC January 21 – 23 ACL Live SCOTTY MCCREERY January 22 H-E-B Center at Cedar Park ROBERT CRAY January 23 & 24 One World Theatre
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EASTON CORBIN January 24 H-E-B Center at Cedar Park CAROLINE ROSE January 29 Antone’s Nightclub LARRY CARLTON January 29 One World Theatre KMFA 89.5 LIVE FROM THE DRAYLEN MASON January 29 – 31 Virtual APOCALYPTICA January 30 Emo’s Austin SLAVIC SPLENDOR January 30 Austin Symphony Orchestra (Virtual)
FILM REEL WOMEN IN FILM: JANIS: LITTLE GIRL BLUE January 18 – 22 Bullock Texas State History Museum (Virtual) SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL SATELLITE SCREEN January 28 – February 3 AFS Cinema (Virtual)
COMEDY TIM DILLON January 21 – 23 Paramount Theatre FRANCO ESCAMILLA January 24 ACL Live
Arts FAMILY FORTLANDIA Through January 31 Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center PAW PATROL LIVE! RACE TO THE RESCUE January 9 & 10 H-E-B Center at Cedar Park
OTHER TRIBEZA INTERIORS TOUR January 1 – 31 Virtual MATTILDA BERNSTEIN SYCAMORE: THE FREEZER DOOR January 7 BookPeople (Virtual) CITY-WIDE VINTAGE SALE January 16 & 17 Palmer Events Center
SIGHTINGS OF LA LUPITA Through January 7 La Peña Gallery EXPANDING ABSTRACTION: PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES OF PAINTING IN THE AMERICAS, 1958–1983 Through January 10 Blanton Museum of Art MEGHANN RIEPENHOFF: UPWELLING Through January 16 Lora Reynolds Gallery TOGETHER APART Through January 16 Davis Gallery AUSTIN ART + LOVE = HOME Through January 23 Art for the People Gallery SUFFRAGE NOW Through January 31 Elisabet Ney Museum (Virtual) THE FEMME ABSTRACT December 31 – January 31 979 Springdale Rd.
SNOW BALL: PROJECT TRANSITIONS RUNWAY January 21 Virtual
CHANGARREANDO WITH MICHAEL VASQUEZ January 1 – 31 Mexic-Arte Museum (Virtual)
MASTER CLASS SERIES: HOME BARTENDING 101 January 24 The Roosevelt Room
LANDMARKS VIDEO: ADRIÁN BALSECA January 1 – 31 ART Building
CHEESE & CHOCOLATE PAIRING W/ LAURA WERLIN January 31 Delysia Chocolatier (Virtual)
ORNA FEINSTEIN January 7 – February 6 CAMIBAart Gallery PRINTMAKERS: IN GOOD COMPANY January 9 – 30 Wally Workman Gallery
NOT ALONE January 9 – May 30 Bullock Texas State History Museum PRINTAUSTIN January 15 – February 15 Various Locations THE CONTEMPORARY PRINT: 5X5 January 15 – February 19 Big Medium Gallery (Virtual) AS THE WORLD STOOD STILL January 23 – March 6 Davis Gallery MADELINE HOLLANDER: SCORE FOR 7 SOLOS January 23 – March 27 Visual Arts Center WILL WILSON: AIR / SURVEY January 23 – March 27 Visual Arts Center DEBORAH ROBERTS: I’M January 23 – August 15 The Contemporary Austin Jones Center TORBJØRN RØDLAND: BIBLE EYE January 23 – August 15 The Contemporary Austin Jones Center
INTERIORS: DOUGL A S FRIEDMAN
2021
Peek Inside the 7 Homes on Our First-Ever Virtual Homes Tour FOR MORE ABOUT THE DESIGNERS AND A VIRTUAL TOUR OF EACH HOME, VISIT TRIBEZA.COM/INTERIORS-TOUR-2021
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Mark Ashby Design / CHRISTINA SIMON
Mark Ashby Design is an awardwinning Austin-based interiors firm that provides thoughtful, refined interior design and decorating services to discerning clients across the Southwest and around the country. Christina Simon joined the Mark Ashby team in 2011 armed with a bachelor of fine arts from the San Francisco Art Institute and an extensive creative background in the fine arts, graphic design, film and fashion industries.
HOUSE ON TAYLOR’S BR ANCH
Opening up to Taylor’s Branch, a quiet inlet off of Lake Austin, this art-filled, modernist home underwent a dramatic interior and exterior transformation. Exquisite materials, furnishings and art are revealed upon entry, set in dialogue with the natural realm beyond. Much of the fabrics, rugs and cabinetry are custom, bespoke and handmade in such a way as to also stand as their own works of art. This meticulous home was built by Dalgleish Construction, with architecture by Tobin Smith and beautiful outdoor spaces by Ten Eyck Landscape Architects. tribeza.com
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FOR MORE ABOUT THE DESIGNERS AND A VIRTUAL TOUR OF EACH HOME, VISIT TRIBEZA.COM/INTERIORS-TOUR-2021
2021
Breathe Design Studio /
CHRISTINE TURKNETT
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MOODY MODERN DUPLEX .
Designed by Alterstudio Architecture, this project draws from the concept of “warm minimalism” to transform light and airy finishes into a cozy and intimate modern space. Breathe Design Studio used color, wood tones and light and shadows to achieve moodiness while maintaining an unexpected Scandinavian charm. Well-being and sustainability also informed the overall design selections for the architecturally significant home.
INTERIOR : LEONID FURMANSK Y
Christine Turknett is the principal interior designer for Breathe Design Studio, a full-service interior design firm specializing in modern and contemporary design. Her aesthetic is rooted in warm modernism and draws from the Danish design approach of creating clean, comfortable and calming spaces. She believes that every detail should function well, even if that function is to bring joy.
ALTA VISTA
As project manager/lead designer on this home, Andrée Chalaron brought her impeccable attention to detail and passion for sourcing both new and vintage furniture. The addition of a modern Malm fire drum in the living room was the most challenging and exciting part of the project, while other highlights include the master bathroom’s complete transformation with a new free-standing bathtub on a custom teak platform. The home is a testament to the power of paint, wallpaper and finding just the right finishing touch.
Amity Worrel & Co. / I N T E R I O R S : A N D R E A C A LO
AMITY WORREL & ANDRÉE CHALARON Established in New York in 2006, Amity Worrel & Co. has completed a wide variety of projects in New York, the Midwest and here in Austin. With projects ranging from industrial lofts to traditional ranch homes, renovations or custom new builds, the Amity Worrel team finds solutions for the way we live today without neglecting the past. Highlighting the personalities of our clients while refining their style, our goal is to achieve easy beauty that adds value to their daily life and showcases them at their best. tribeza.com
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2021
CBi Studio /Skelly Home Renovations / DIANA SKELLENGER
AUSTIN CITY LOFTS . ECLECTIC .
In this condo renovation, we teamed up with Courtney Blanton of CBi Studios to transform a cookie-cutter condo into a dream space. Blanton fabricated the beautiful plans and made the selections, which Skelly Home executed. This client is a chef and avid baker, so her goal for this renovation was a more functional kitchen, a larger living space and lots of natural elements that will weather and beautify with age.
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I N T E R I O R : S O P H I E E P TO N P H OTO G R A P H Y
Good construction requires collaboration, and it takes a team to create a beautiful, quality project. Skelly Home’s mission is to produce a high-quality renovation while providing our clients with elevated customer service.
FOR MORE ABOUT THE DESIGNERS AND A VIRTUAL TOUR OF EACH HOME, VISIT TRIBEZA.COM/INTERIORS-TOUR-2021
WESTL AKE HILLS II
Butter Lutz Interiors / AMY LUTZ Composed of designers from various backgrounds specializing in new builds, renovations, furnishings and soft goods, the Butter Lutz Interiors team has a value-driven approach to creating beautiful, functional and personal spaces. Our design aesthetic is warm, modern interiors with an airy neutral base color palette, lots of natural light and high-end materials and finishes. We strive to give our clients the ability to inject their own personality into each project, reflecting the client’s personal design aesthetic in every room.
When building and designing this project for a rambunctious family of four, our main goal was to take advantage of the panoramic downtown views with all the green space engulfing the beautiful property. Large steel windows capture all the natural light, giving us the ability to create an airy interior that adds warmth to the modern architecture of the home. Using elements such as Calacatta marble, brass hardware and light fixtures, and stunning custom cabinetry weave subtle statements throughout the house, and the entire home evokes a sense of comfort, thanks to the collaboration between our team, the builder, the contractors and our wonderful clients. tribeza.com
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FOR MORE ABOUT THE DESIGNERS AND A VIRTUAL TOUR OF EACH HOME, VISIT TRIBEZA.COM/INTERIORS-TOUR-2021
2021 WESTL AKE PROJECT .
Kristen Nix Interiors / KRISTEN NIX Kristen Nix Interiors is a full-scale residential interior design firm that believes beautiful design feels good. Our spaces are contemporary yet timeless, focusing on texture and mixing old with new. Our bread and butter is designing for families and clients with pets who want to really live in their spaces, and our goal is always to design spaces that feel both functional and elevated.
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INTERIOR: MICHAEL HUNTER
To reflect the personalities of these Westlake homeowners, we designed a blissful space to return home to at the end of a busy day. The furnishings are textured and layered throughout, pulling in a color palette from the nature that surrounds the home. A mix of traditional and modern elements creates a transitional, timeless aesthetic, and a sense of serenity and style extends throughout the space.
BANDD DESIGN /
SARA MALEK BARNEY Sara Malek Barney is the mastermind behind BANDD DESIGN. She believes the design process should be highly collaborative and feel authentic to each individual. Sara loves to work with interesting patterns, colors and textures in her designs.
HISTORIC TR AVIS HEIGHTS PROJECT
For this project, the clients wanted to remodel some areas in their historic home to make it feel unique and express their personality. Creating an environmentally friendly space was also very important, so the vast majority of furnishings and materials are eco-friendly and sustainable.
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S P EC I A L A DV E RT I S I N G S EC T I O N
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For more information on Natiivo Austin, visit http://www.natiivoaustin.com. The sales center is located at 219 West 4th Street, Austin, Texas 78701. Phone (866) 963-6793.
P H OTO G R A P H B Y
A first-of-its-kind concept in residential living, Natiivo Austin will be a 33-story high-rise condominium tower, featuring 249 residences that offers the benefits of ownership combined with the ease and service of a high-end hotel. Owners will enjoy 24-hour concierge service and valet parking, co-working spaces, a lobby coffee bar with barista, café lounge with grab-and-go options, and a wine and beer lounge. An 18,000 square-foot amenity area includes a terrace and garden on the tenth f loor, an outdoor fitness lawn, dog park, and spa-inspired fitness center with state-of-the art fitness equipment and yoga room to appeal to owners’ and traveler’s active lifestyles. Boasting, a 60-foot resort-style pool with water lounge chairs, private cabanas, and an outdoor fireplace, the 33rd floor rooftop deck will be the perfect place to enjoy relaxation and reprieve while soaking in spectacular city views. Owners will also enjoy easy-access to coveted miles of hike-and-bike trails surrounding the shimmering waters of Lady Bird Lake. Natiivo Austin is expected to be move-in ready in the third quarter of 2021. Offering multiple furnishing packages and 11 different fully furnished f loor plans, ranging from 447 to 1,277 square feet Natiivo Austin has studios, one-bedroom, one-bedroom + study and twobedroom units available priced from $420,000 to $983,000.
P H OTO G R A P H B Y
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BY HANNAH J. PHILLIPS PHOTOGRAPHS BY KATIE JAMESON
CURIOS FROM NEAR AND FAR CREATE A CALMING BASE CAMP FOR A WORLDTRAVELING TEXAN
ABOVE:
The entryway sets the tone for the entire home, inviting guests into a balanced mix of color and style. OPPOSITE PAGE:
Honegger’s husband created the living room’s custom coffee table and firewood holder.
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F
or interior designer Shannon Eddings, the aim of every project is to integrate elements both old and new, vintage and contemporary, sentimental and sophisticated. Working with architect Sarah McIntyre to renovate the home of Jessica Honegger, co-CEO and founder of Noonday Collection, Eddings also combined local and global inspiration to make each room feel both personal and polished. McIntyre and Eddings each sought to maximize a flow from room to room: Where McIntyre vaulted the ceilings and created an open floor plan, Eddings selected finishes and focused on balancing the family’s inherited antiques and collected travel curios with modern pieces throughout the house. With Honegger’s husband, Joe, working as general contractor, the project became a rare collaboration among homeowner, architect, designer and contractor. “It was a very personal project,” says Eddings, who is a close friend of both McIntyre and the Honeggers. “We all wanted to honor the age of the house, and Sarah does a good job of that when she re-creates spaces. She gets every square foot out of a home, and my job was just letting that shine.” The joys and pain points behind each design decision are one and the same for Eddings: The key is finding just the right piece in every space—modern lamps to offset an antique painting in the dining room, for example, or a neutral palette to highlight colorful accessories. “In everything we did, we hunted for the perfect way to blend style, color and scale. Jessica loves color, so we sought to embrace that and keep it balanced. Color composition matters if you want to create a unified feel throughout the home, so each vignette has to factor in what else is at play.” The first sign of this subtle interchange greets guests upon arrival, where coral and aquamarine hues in the entryway’s Moroccan rug correlate to a sky-blue Georgia O’Keeffe print and orange inlaid ceramic tiles on a Currey & Company lamp. With collectibles from Honegger’s travels resting on an antique credenza sourced from Round Top, the vignette also showcases how Eddings seeks to incorporate independent artisans in her work.
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“We really like to support local and global independent artisans where possible,” she says. “The word ‘global’ really has a big meaning in Jessica’s house, since she partners with women artisans all over the world through Noonday Collection.” Eddings traced that global eclectic theme through the project, using meaningful objects from Honegger’s Texan childhood and world-traveling career as a starting point for each room. In the dining area, a table and painting that belonged to Honegger’s grandmother provide the base for Eddings to pair more modern elements such as velvet olive chairs from West Elm. Rattan chairs at the head of the table correspond to an antique European credenza, while sculptural marble lamps complete the mix of materials, shapes and styles. The dining room’s light is a custom Brian Chilton Design creation, as is the copper fixture in the kitchen. The latter once hung as lanterns in Honegger’s childhood home Eddings regularly and provided the springboard for the kitchen sources vintage finds redesign: Hovering over a waterfall quartzite from Round Top for her clients: “Shopping countertop with white oak cabinets, the light vintage is a good complements the kitchen’s natural warmth and way to minimize your footprint on organic touches. the world, and plays “Lights should be the room’s eye candy,” says into that element of supporting artisans.” Eddings. “You want to notice them without letting them compete with everything else for attention. In every room, I want people to linger without being overwhelmed.”
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That goal presented a bigger challenge in the living room, where Eddings sought to effectively showcase Honegger’s years of travel while still allowing the eye to rest. Here, the home’s bright neutrals provide a blank canvas for vibrant local artwork and global accessories, and Eddings once again plays with an impressive mix of color and material: White oak, leather, cane and pink and blue velvets all find cohesion within the painting by Austin artist Tyler Guinn above the white brick fireplace. “I like to be unique with color rather than predictable. I like to pair things in unexpected ways,” Eddings says, noting the departure from the neutral palette in the breezeway addition between the lounge and master bedroom. “We intentionally went crazy in there and wanted that moment to be totally awesome.” The main objective for the new breezeway (which McIntyre reconfigured
CLOCKWISE, FROM LEFT:
Eddings finished the kitchen backsplash in zellij tile, which repeats in the master bathroom for continuity. A Matisse-inspired mural takes center stage in the breezeway addition, which provides a glimpse into the master bedroom oasis beyond. .
from an old sitting room and multiple closets) was to fuse beauty and function for Honegger’s new office space. Especially in light of COVID-19, the room had to be inviting—equal parts cozy and invigorating. Here, Eddings scatters more local treasures (vintage mustard chairs from Maufrais on South Congress, for example) among international travel trinkets and an antique secretary, but an abstract pendant draws the eye upward to the room’s major highlight, a Matisse-inspired mural. Through the breezeway, the master suite returns to neutral tones, beckoning as a calm, peaceful oasis. Articulating sconces with rattan shades border a leather Citizenry headboard, centered by an original textile print from Justina Blakeney. The bathroom’s zellij tile and quartzite countertops repeat elements from the kitchen to bring the whole project full circle, a final nod to Eddings’ subtle blend of new and old, local and global, collected and clean. “You want to see a space and be drawn in,” says Eddings. “No one thing should dominate, but something should definitely make you want to stay.”
While four founding members of BRWN Collective Studio live in Austin, the group’s fifth member, Alejandra Ybarra, resides in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
BRITTNEY WILLIAMS and Fritzi Chavez,
along with the rest of BRWN Collective’s founding members, are bound by shared principles and goals: to not only represent Black, Brown and female creatives but also open doors for their community in the design industry. Williams is a native Black Austinite whose experiences before founding BRWN Collective left her feeling ostracized and undervalued in design. Not only was she often the only Black person presenting to clients for previous organizations, she also witnessed the perpetually untapped potential to incorporate diverse stories and perspectives at the core of major projects. At BRWN Collective, she’s created space for not only her own story and perspective, but also that of her community and clients. Chavez shares this mission, recalling early memories of her family’s ability to “create a safe space out of nothing.” She grew up with a resourceful single mom of five who loved to redecorate often, including a particularly
memorable setup revolving around a Tuscan theme. Chavez has experience with both the creative and business sides of the industry, starting in trade showrooms as a salesperson and then working for a model home company as a receptionist and in accounting. Williams and Chavez founded BRW N Collective with Viridiana Avila, Jasmin Romero and Alejandra Ybarra based on a mutual desire to carve out a vital niche in the industry. When they were first dreaming of starting BRWN, the team had no way of knowing they would inadvertently open their business during the onset of COVID19’s effects. We sat down with Williams and Chavez as they ref lected on their team’s intent and conviction and how they leverage those to face the challenges of the pandemic.
Beyond Diversity BY REGINE MALIBIRAN PORTRAITS BY RILEY REED
BRWN Collective Studio creates new patterns of community in design
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BRITTNEY WILLIAMS
VIRIDIANA AVIL A
FRITZI CHAVEZ
JASMIN ROMERO tribeza.com
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OPPOSITE:
The group’s Austin-based members include (clockwise from left) Avila, Romero, Chavez and Williams.
R E G I N E M A L I B I R A N : How did BRW N Collective come together? What space are you trying to create or fill? FRITZI CHAVEZ: We realized we all had a common thread. We wanted to grow and lead design and have a bigger voice. We had the vision of creating a collective to get jobs with our community in mind and how to employ other BIPOC: contractors, makers and vendors. BRITTNEY WILLIAMS: We’re not gatekeepers at all, but with more projects and more press, we’ve been addressing it more—who gets to tell our story? Who has access to that story? And it’s not just a conversation of cultural appropriation. It’s also about sourcing and being intentional about the origin. That’s something really important, especially here in Texas, where you see tons of Mexican restaurants where the culture is celebrated but [not] economically, racially or systemically.
ABOVE AND LEFT:
Snapshots of eleMINT Facial Studio in East Austin, owned by Shauntavia Ward.
RIGHT AND BELOW:
Plans and vision boards from BRWN Collective Studio.
FC: One of our members, Alejandra Ybarra, is based in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. San Miguel is known for [traditional approaches to] artistry: woodcarvers, blacksmiths, glass blowing. The carpenter we work with was taught by his father, who was taught by his father. You have the option to have a piece that’s handmade by generations’ worth of knowledge or to fabricate it. Giving back to those communities and developing those relationships are more important to us than searching elsewhere. RM: Aside from the inherent difficulty of starting a women- and minority-owned business at
the onset of pandemic lockdowns, what are some challenges you’re learning to navigate? FC: We’ve had to let go of or say no to work. We don’t necessarily have that luxury, but it is very much our mission to stay true to who we are. If we don’t think something aligns, we have to bite that bullet and move past. BW: [It’s challenging because] you might feel like this business relationship might not work but it’s the project that’s going to put you on the map [or] there’s a ton of money. We’ve had to feel people out, and you can tell by how they communicate, their eye contact and their intentions if we’re going to be seen. RM: How do you know if you’ll be “seen”? What do you look for in potential projects and clients? FC: Being excited about working with us is a big one. It seems straightforward, but they have to really see us and what our mission is and what we’re after. If that doesn’t align with their interior business politics, then you know it’s just not going to work out.
“For any designer of color... being unique is your superpower, not your crutch.” RM: Your senses definitely have to be honed to navigate this space. What are some projects that your team has been excited to take on? BW: One project in Houston [opening in December] is a Tokyo hip-hop record bar and restaurant—it’s inspired by a lot of things. It’s across from the Menil, called 93’ Til. It’s Asianowned and -run, which is really exciting. There’s also one project here called the Freedman House. Willie Wells is from East Austin and made it into the baseball Hall of Fame. We had the privilege of working on one of his homes. They’re historical preservation sites, so the original footprint is still standing. It was just a treat to have a bunch of Brown girls work on a home that is owned by a Black man and was previously a freed slave’s home. RM: This sort of alignment is what happens when you go with your gut. What advice would you give to people who are either trying to follow in this work or are currently fighting through it? FC: Trust yourself. Trust your intuition. We’re taught to think that the end goal is to get the job. But watch out for communication breakdowns. If you’re doing what you can to convey your needs to your client and there’s still a communication barrier, that’s happening for a reason. BW: That’s a great note. I’d add—for any designer of color—you being unique is your superpower, not your crutch. Always remember that in any space, in anything. There aren’t a lot of opportunities for us, so don’t think just because you’re not represented that your voice isn’t as important or that your talents don’t compare— because that’s just not true. tribeza.com
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BRANCHING
OUT
The houseplant craze is real—and so are the benefits of thoughtful design that features foliage BY AARON PARSLEY
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P H OTO G R A P H S B Y LEONID FURMANSK Y
a
Meeta Morrison believes every room should have plants, like this fiddle leaf fig in a sunny spot in her dining room (left) and a selection of succulents at the foot of a tub in the bathroom (right) of her West Austin home
t the height of Austin’s stay-at-home order last spring, parking lots at Shoal Creek Nursery and the Great Outdoors—both deemed essential businesses—regularly overflowed. Six months later, before Election Day 2020, the Frond Plant Shop was busy with antsy customers. “So many stressed-out people were coming in and saying, ‘I need a break. I need to buy a plant and take it home,’” says owner Sarah Barnes. In a year of pandemic fears, fraught politics, pain and protest, the houseplant craze kicked into high gear as people took in philodendrons, succulents and more, adding to collections or starting indoor jungles from scratch. “People need greenery or plants in their space,” explains Laura Britt, president and managing principal at Britt Design Group, an Austin-based firm that emphasizes wellness in design. “Those things can promote a biophilic response … It calms you down and can improve respiration. It can lower your blood pressure.” Now, at the start of a year that holds so much promise—of putting a pandemic in the past, of hosting, entertaining, gathering—spaces used for retreat and restoration will soon welcome outsiders again. Home is both a sanctuary from the world and a place to celebrate with guests. Honest, thoughtful design should serve both purposes, enveloping dwellers in calm and comfort while demonstrating taste and displaying the objects we cherish—like our plants. With that duality in mind, we spoke with experts about keeping plants alive and incorporating them in a well-designed home. “I never felt like a room looks good without plants in it,” says Meeta Morrison, owner of MMD Architecture. Sitting on her porch next to a massive Monstera deliciosa, she explains how plants add complexity to tribeza.com
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A sun-soaked bathroom is a perfect place for moistureloving plants in a home by Mark Ashby Design.
The kitchen is also made more beautiful with the added color and texture of a plant.
P H OTO G R A P H S B Y C L AY G R I E R
design. “Color, texture and scale are all part of the composition of a space,” she says. “With plants, you can play with these and use patterns in the plants themselves to bring out the patterns of your room.” At Mark Ashby Design, Christina Simon creates beauty in homes of various styles and says plants can work without disrupting the design. “Plants do a good job of adding organic form and color in such a way that you don’t even realize you’re decorating with them,” she says. “They don’t interfere with any other design concepts … You can keep a super monochromatic look and add a plant for that hint of green without compromising minimalist design.” Morrison agrees, adding that volume is less of a concern when it comes to plants. “It doesn’t matter whether you’re being minimal or maximal, because plants will always be minimal,” she says. “When you have a room that’s exploding with art and objects, everything demands your attention. Plants have a way of being symbiotic in that room. They work with each other.” Living walls, Ikea cabinets rigged into stylish mini-greenhouses and shelves lined with trailing vines are creative options for the “more is more” crowd. Instead of hanging art, a plant shelf helped create cohesiveness in the entrance to Morrison’s home, which is open and bright with lush gardens in the front and back yards. “It was like walking into an indoor jungle,” she says. “You have this space [in the front] and this space [in the back], and they’re all supposed to flow together. For the entry to have no plants, it would make no sense.” Britt’s firm has used Scandinavian reindeer moss to line walls, adding texture and color. For teetotaling clients, she converted a wine storage area into a plant wall. “The plants are in little pockets, their own individual containers, and they hang on the wall individually,” says Britt of the design. Simon suggests using a single plant—but something tall and dramatic—to fill a void. “That’s an elegant solution,” she says. “Instead of three clusters of pretty yet similar potted
M O S S WA L L : RYA N N F O R D ; P L A N T WA L L : T W I S T TO U R S
Laura Britt’s design firm installed a plant wall in one client’s home (left) and placed preserved moss in another (right).
“ I r felt ke a rm lks gd without plts in it.” — MEETA MORRISON
plants in a corner, I would rather have one big olive tree to create a broad sweeping movement.” The olive tree might be a new “it” plant for designers—though it won’t be easy to replace the fiddle leaf fig. The Ficus Audrey is also very popular, according to Melissa Lorraine Hagen, the houseplant manager at Tillery Street Plant Co. in East Austin. Like Barnes at Frond Plant Shop, Hagen offers exotic and up-and-coming specimens, but hopes décor-minded customers will consider a space’s impact on a plant over a plant’s impact on a space. She recommends, for example, the easier-to-care-for dracaenas and sansevierias for their reliability and diversity of color, form and shape. There’s both a science and an art to picking out plants, taking both health and beauty into consideration. After all, the benefit of keeping plants comes from a routine of caring for a life, finding the perfect place where it will be happy and complement a home, and in the joy of discovering vivid new green unfurling from a petiole. “We need to have something alive and something we can nurture,” says Britt. “Maybe because 2020 was so hard for so many people, for so many reasons, finding that new growth is almost like that little element of hope, that new beginning.” tribeza.com
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FOOD + DRINK RAISE A TOAST
P H OTO G R A P H B Y H O L LY CO WA R T
Four decades of Texas French Bread, p. 52.
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KAREN'S PICK
Even Better With Age TE X AS FRENCH BRE AD CELEBR ATES 40 YE ARS OF FRESH-BAKED GOODNESS By Karen O. Spezia Photographs by Holly Cowart
I
WASN’T LOOKING FOR ADVENTURE. I WASN’T SEEKING NEW. AFTER
Farm-fresh ingredients and seasonal plates have made Texas French Bread a mainstay in Austin for 40 years.
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our collective year of unwelcome surprises, I was craving something familiar. Reliable. Comforting. Hello, Texas French Bread. I’ve been frequenting this Austin institution since it opened 40 years ago. My mom chanced upon it first, then shared her discovery with me. Which is fitting, since TFB is a family affair. Judy Willcott opened it in 1981, and now her son Murph and his wife, Carissa, run the place. For four decades, TFB has been a go-to destination for high-quality European-style breads, pastries and bistro meals. In 1981, Austin was a smaller, sleepier town where a loaf of Mrs. Baird’s was practically de rigueur, but Judy had the crazy notion to offer authentic French baguettes, brioche and croissants. As it turned out, she wasn’t so crazy after all, and TFB quickly became an integral part of the Austin culinary community. At its zenith, TFB boasted 11 locations, but it now focuses solely on its location in West Campus. Steeped in history, its vintage 1939 building formerly housed a variety of businesses, including the legendary ’70s music dive Rome Inn. The Willcotts renovated and enlarged the structure and added an outdoor patio. For now, the indoor dining room is closed for COVID precautions, but takeout is available, as is dining on the tranquil patio. Over the years, TFB expanded its menu to a wider variety of breads and pastries, plus cookies, brownies, sandwiches, soups, salads and bistro meals. The restaurant is one of Austin’s pioneering farm-to-table advocates, sourcing produce from nearby farms like Boggy Creek, Milagro, Steelbow and Dewberry Hills, along with products from local purveyors like Antonelli’s Cheese, Niman Ranch, Applegate Farms, Mill-King and Texas Olive Ranch. Inspired by rustic French and Mediterranean cuisine, the food is updated and adapted to reflect the local, seasonal bounty. In the morning, you’ll find first-rate coffee to wash down a plethora of breakfast options. Pastries include the
much-heralded flaky croissants and light and airy muffins, plus fresh-baked cinnamon rolls, Danish and scones. For heartier appetites, there are hot breakfast platters, including a tender French omelette studded with chives, banana-walnut pancakes, tostadas, French toast and good ol’ bacon and eggs. And the restaurant also makes some of the best granola in town. At lunch, there are soups, salads and sandwiches that showcase the incredible breads. The club sandwich is served on toasted pain de campagne slathered with chipotle mayo, then piled high with crispy Niman Ranch bacon, grilled Dewberry Hills Farm chicken and fresh sliced avocado. For simpler tastes, there are classic sandwiches like roast turkey, ham-and-cheese, an Italian hero, vegetarian and chicken salad (also sold by the pound). The TFB cheeseburger is legendary and large, made with wagyu beef and topped with melted cheddar and zingy coleslaw and served with pommes frites. Even if you don’t order the burger, order a side of fries. They’re always hot, crispy and perfectly seasoned. Dip them into TFB’s homemade aioli and you’re in French Fry Heaven.
The Market Salad is a kaleidoscope of farmfresh organic lettuces tossed with shaved beets, radishes and cucumbers, then lightly dressed with a lemon vinaigrette and dusted with freshly grated Parmesan. There’s also a niçoise salad featuring smoked Idaho trout atop greens, tomatoes, potatoes, olives and hard-boiled eggs in a lemon-caper vinaigrette. At dinner, chef Derek Zampacorta transforms the bakery into a refined bistro, offering more-substantial entrées. Many items, like the soup and fresh pasta, rotate with the seasons. There are some mainstay dishes, like the coq au vin and pork Milanese, which earned high marks from my discriminating Milanese husband. For dessert, people clamor for the signature chocolate fudge cake, but I prefer the seasonal choices, like the fruit tart or budino pudding. The creative and reasonable wine list is worth exploring, and we enjoyed a bottle of Suriol Azimut Blanc, a racy Spanish white blend. A few nights a week—and if the weather’s fine—TFB serves a full-service dinner under the twinkle lights of its enchanting patio. Last but not least, the breads. Whether you stop by for breakfast, lunch or dinner, you’ll want to take home a loaf or two. There are a dozen delicious choices, but the rustic sourdough boule really knocks me out. There are also loaves of honey oat, whole grain and raisin-pecan, plus the bread that started it all: baguettes. It took a pandemic for me to really appreciate TFB. For 40 years, it’s been a staple in my routine, part of the fabric of my life. I swing by for a coffee and pastry on the fly or to grab a loaf of bread to take home. I have brunch with girlfriends or casual business lunches with colleagues. Or, on one of those glorious Austin Indian summer nights, I relax on its charming patio for an alfresco dinner with my hubby. Although I wasn’t looking for surprises at TFB, I got one anyway: It just keeps getting better with age. tribeza.com
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AS R E S TAU R A N TS R EO P E N, B E S U R E TO C H EC K T H E I R W E BS I T ES FO R U P DAT E D H O U R S , S A F ET Y P R OTO CO L S A N D TO-GO/DELIVERY OPTIONS.
24 DINER
HILLSIDE FARMACY
LA BARBECUE
600 N. Lamar Blvd. | (512) 472 5400
1209 E. 11th St. | (512) 628 0168
2027 E. Cesar Chavez St. | (512) 605 9696
Chef Andrew Curren’s casual eatery promises delicious
Hillside Farmacy is located in a beautifully restored
Though it may not be as famous as that other Austin
plates 24/7 and a menu featuring nostalgic diner favorites.
1950s-style pharmacy with a lovely porch on the
barbecue joint, La Barbecue is arguably just as
East Side. Oysters, cheese plates and nightly dinner
delicious. This trailer, which is owned by the legendary
specials are whipped up by chef Sonya Cote.
Mueller family, serves up classic barbecue with free
BARLEY SWINE
beer and live music.
6555 Burnet Rd., Ste. 400 | (512) 394 8150 James Beard Award–nominated chef Bryce Gilmore encourages sharing with small plates made from locally sourced ingredients, served at communal tables.
ÉPICERIE 2307 Hancock Dr. | (512) 371 6840 A café and grocery with both Louisiana and French sensibilities by Thomas Keller–trained chef
KEMURI TATSU-YA 2713 E. 2nd St. | (512) 893 5561 Kemuri Tatsu-Ya is a Japanese-Texan mash-up that injects seriously good food with a sense of humor. The East Austin joint features Asian-inspired smoked meats and seafood, along with yakitori, ramen, and izakaya classics meant for sharing. Drinks are also an integral part of the meal, so come thirsty.
Sarah McIntosh. Lovers of brunch are encouraged to
ODD DUCK 1201 S Lamar Blvd | (512) 433 6521 Famed food trailer turned brick-and-mortar, Odd Duck is the first venture from acclaimed chef Bryce Gilmore. Expect seasonal fare and drinks with a strong Texas inf luence sourced locally whenever possible. SUERTE
stop in here for a bite on Sundays.
1800 E. 6th St. | (512) 953 0092 Helmed by executive chef Fermín Núñez, Suerte was inspired by extensive travels through Central Mexico. Artisanal masa is the highlight, made from local heirloom corn and used in distinctive dishes rarely found on Austin menus. Order the delectable Suadero Tacos, perfect for sharing with friends.
THAI FRESH 909 W. Mary St. | (512) 494 6436 A restaurant, cooking school and market all in one place. When you’re done dining on traditional Thai favorites, stop by the adjoining coffee bar for freshly brewed joe, homemade ice cream and an
GUSTO ITALIAN KITCHEN + WINE BAR
JULIET ITALIAN KITCHEN
Nestled in the Rosedale neighborhood of north-
The greatest stories are told with family over
central Austin, Gusto captures the warm, comforting,
food and wine. Juliet Italian Kitchen embodies
every-day flavors of Italian cuisine. Dishes range from
just that, bringing nostalgic and classic Italian
and designed by Lake Flato Architects, Verbena
house-made antipasti to hand-formed pizzas, salads,
American cuisine to the heart of Austin on Barton
offers vegetable-forward dishes that highlight
panini, fresh pasta, entrees featuring Texas farm
Springs. From family-style dinners, to weekend
regionally sourced meat, fish and poultry.
raised meats, and scratch desserts. Craft cocktails,
brunch al fresco, to neighborhood happy
Chef Nic Yanes (Juniper, Uncle Nicky’s) is at the helm.
beer on tap, and boutique wines.
hours, Juliet Italian Kitchen is yours to call home.
4800 Burnet Road | (512) 458 1100 gustoitaliankitchen.com
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1500 Barton Springs Rd. | (512) 479 1800 juliet-austin.com
array of baked goods.
VERBENA 612 W. 6th St. | (512) 991 3019 Located in downtown’s chic new Canopy hotel
AUDREY ROMANO REALTOR® Austin Roots Exceptional Service Trusted Advisor
audrey@moreland.com 512-771-6551
A LOOK BEHIND After making fresh bread for a dinner party with the founders of Jeffrey’s, Judy Wilcott started TFB from her home kitchen, opening her first location on 34th and Guadalupe in 1981.
TFB once operated 11 busy bakery locations around Austin.
Against the Grain LOOKING BACK AT AN AUSTIN INSTITUTION By Hannah J. Phillips
first (and still remaining) farm-to-table restaurants, Texas French Bread is more than a pioneer of artisan breads and pastries. In many ways, the Austin staple set the stage for several of the locally sourced menus we enjoy today, and we’re excited to see what the next 40 years hold for this longtime West Campus favorite.
In recent years, Judy’s son Murph scaled the bakery empire back to its West Campus location, simultaneously expanding it from bakery and lunch destination to refined dinner bistro.
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JANUARY 2021 | tribeza.com
A R C H I VA L P H OTO S CO U R T E S Y O F T E X A S F R E N C H B R E A D
OFTEN OVERLOOKED AS ONE OF THE CITY’S
Cooking at home more? You might as well love it.
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Show off your culinary acumen in the Phoenix kitchen from Poliform - on display at our showroom.
Austin NEW ADDRESS 2120 E. 7th St. Ste. 100 512.480.0436
scottcooner.com
Our next level. For many, this year has required adaptability beyond what they thought themselves capable of. As a community, we’ve learned to find moments of triumph amidst adversity. In separation, we’ve discovered how truly meaningful our connections are. Here at Kuper Sotheby's International Realty, we have a new appreciation for what it means to be truly at home. Our passion and commitment to sharing that with our clients have grown tenfold, resulting in a record-breaking year. But we’re not resting on our laurels. Like you, we’re looking forward to putting the lessons we’ve learned in 2020 to use in 2021. Inspired by challenges and powered by gratitude, we’re helping our friends and clients achieve their next level.
E X P LO R E M O R E AT K U P E R R E A LT Y.C O M 6001 KRAUSE LANE, AUSTIN, TX 78738