Houzz Tours
My Houzz: Art and Color Light Up a Texas Home
Family artwork and patience lie at the heart of this Austin home, along with striking colors, a converted garage and a spacious backyard
Not everyone who sees a tiny carport envisions a modern dining room, but Billy Brown had a vision for his house from the very beginning. When Brown first saw his home 12 years ago, it needed a lot of cosmetic work. But he was sold when he walked in the door. A big backyard, plenty of natural light and an ideal location close to downtown Austin, Texas, made it an easy decision.
Since moving in, Brown has freshened up his exterior, landscaped his backyard, and — most impressively — converted the former carport into a dining room. Over a decade later, he's now able to enjoy the fresh life he's given his home.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Billy Brown and 2 housemates
Location: Bouldin Creek neighborhood of Austin, Texas
Size: 1,700 square feet; 3 bedrooms, 2 baths
That's interesting: It took less than a month to convert the garage into a dining room.
Since moving in, Brown has freshened up his exterior, landscaped his backyard, and — most impressively — converted the former carport into a dining room. Over a decade later, he's now able to enjoy the fresh life he's given his home.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Billy Brown and 2 housemates
Location: Bouldin Creek neighborhood of Austin, Texas
Size: 1,700 square feet; 3 bedrooms, 2 baths
That's interesting: It took less than a month to convert the garage into a dining room.
The backyard is large for being so close to downtown Austin. Brown has added a lot of landscaping since moving into the home just over a decade ago. He planted three new loquat evergreen trees for year-round greenery, and shrubs that can grow in filtered light. The existing oak trees provide plenty of shade during the hot Texas summers. Brown also added the backyard deck and fire pit — perfect for nighttime entertaining.
This colorful dining room was originally the home's garage. The carport was halfway walled up when Brown bought the house, and it was too small to comfortably fit his car. He decided to totally enclose the carport and then finished the space with the help of a friend.
The clear glass dining room table, found at a local consignment store, is one of Brown's latest splurges.
The clear glass dining room table, found at a local consignment store, is one of Brown's latest splurges.
The open and light-filled rooms are what originally drew Brown to the home. The simple wood piece hanging on the wall is an old air intake from a small farmhouse on his sister-in-law's extended family's property. "One day I asked if they were throwing it away," he says. "I took it and think it's now repurposed as a wonderful and simple piece of art."
Remodeling the kitchen is next on Brown's home project agenda. Removing a window and a cupboard near the sink and adding a countertop to create a bar space with stools are some of his main priorities. He'd also like to open up the space to the dining room and add more room. "It's still a two-butt kitchen," he says.
The long hallway is often called the gallery, since it provides a place to hand Brown's collected artwork. A large crocheted piece made by his grandfather sits near the back door, which leads to the backyard.
The living room is anchored by a vibrant painting above the couch by Brown's aunt, Betsy Davis. She typically does landscape paintings, and Brown challenged her to do this modern piece for him. "I wanted something bold that would grab your attention as you walked into the home," he says. "I've even had other dogs bark at it."
Another one of Brown's favorite pieces in the home is the industrial Vornado fan in the corner, which is essential given Austin's triple-digit summer temperatures.
Another one of Brown's favorite pieces in the home is the industrial Vornado fan in the corner, which is essential given Austin's triple-digit summer temperatures.
A gallery wall in the master bedroom displays artwork collected over the years. One of the pieces is by a local homeless street artist named Benny "Mjumbe" Sorrels; another abstract landscape is by Brown's grandfather William Kolliker; and the small painting in the left-hand corner is by artist Mark Traughber. The velvety yellow armchair is from Home Decorators.
The framed orange and red watercolor is by artist Michael Frary, a family friend who painted a beautiful series inspired by his trips to Africa.
Rug: Lowe's
Rug: Lowe's
Local artist Dusty Whipple custom designed this modern bathroom, featuring a walk-in shower and a smooth, slanted slate rock sink.
Brown enjoys a peaceful moment on his front porch. An avid music enthusiast, he loves that he has easy access to annual festivals like SXSW, Austin City Limits and the Fun Fun Fun Fest.
Houzz call: Do you have a colorful, creative home? Share it with us!
Houzz call: Do you have a colorful, creative home? Share it with us!
Originally the house was painted in a green hue and just blended into the wooded neighborhood. Brown opted for a bold red so his space would stand out and contrast with the aluminum siding and surrounding greenery.