2026.01.23
Barton Creek Spanish Revival: A Deeper Look
Designed for a pair of empty nesters entering a new chapter, this renovation and furnishings project preserves the soul of a Spanish Revival–inspired home with Texas Hill Country influences while refining it into a calm retreat. Built in 2012 and situated along a golf course, the residence already possessed the strong architectural bones of Mediterranean-influenced massing but the interiors felt heavy, with ornate fixtures and visual weight that were at odds with the clients’ desire for lightness, flexibility, and longevity.
The homeowners, entering a new chapter, approached the project with intention: downsizing as a way to remain active, engaged, and grounded. Avid gardeners and readers with a deep appreciation for historic preservation and philanthropy, they also placed enormous value on their art, furnishings, and sentimental objects. Rather than replacing these pieces, the design treated them as raw material—refinishing, recovering, and recontextualizing beloved furnishings so they could live comfortably within a refreshed scheme while retaining their history.
01/
Layers of Lighting & Subtle Textiles
Lighting became a critical layering tool. New fixtures were selected not only to increase overall brightness, but to introduce contrast, texture, and moments of surprise, and to highlight architectural elements while softening the home’s formality, as opposed to strictly adhering to Spanish Revival precedent. Throughout the interiors, moments of whimsy were intentionally woven in, reflecting the clients’ desire to have fun at this stage of life. Pattern- and color-rich textiles, expressive wallpapers and playful hardware bring a sense of levity and personal delight.
02/
Bathrooms were approached with varying levels of intervention. Powder and guest baths received full overhauls, featuring custom-designed vanities, bold wallpapers, and unexpected fixtures. In contrast, the primary bath was treated with a lighter touch; existing millwork was modified and refinished rather than replaced, then enhanced with new hardware, mirrors, and lighting to better support the clients’ needs while preserving what already worked.
Whimsey & Warmth
03/
Function Through Creativity
Flexibility in programming was paramount. Many spaces were designed to serve multiple functions: a reading room integrates custom cabinetry to accommodate a full workspace alongside books and family games and playspace for granchildren; an upstairs hall features a window seat that transforms into two twin beds for visiting kids while also housing an extensive library; and a compact office was artfully carved out of a stair landing, enclosed by a custom perforated screen design that creates privacy without sacrificing natural light.
The result is a character-rich home that feels deeply personal and evolved—a residence preserved and refined into a serene oasis, where art, collected furnishings, and thoughtful layers support both daily rituals and the long view of aging in place.
