CGD Austin Design Guide: The Best Spots in Austin for Design Lovers

Austin is full of great restaurants and hotels and has a vibrant music and arts scene. There is no shortage of places to explore and things to do, but for our design aficionados out there we’ve compiled a list of our favorite spots that induce major design envy.
If you’re an Austin native, or just visiting, below are our top picks for the best locations in Austin for interior design inspiration!

Hotel Magdala

Infused with Austin history and culture, Hotel Magdala opened in September 2020. It’s located just off South Congress Ave on Music Lane.

It’s in part, inspired by the original 1950s building that used to be there, the Terrace Motor Lodge that was purchased by Willie Nelson in the late 1970s and renamed the Austin Opry House, which served as a music venue.

The new hotel is eclectic, mid-century modern, and 70s inspired, designed by Bunkhouse Group and Lake Flato. The materials and products used are a mix of prominent and local retailers. 

"The story of the hotel is the story of Austin. The buildings are inspired by 1950s Austin lake houses, which then informed the materials you see and the furniture system we designed for the guest rooms," says Tenaya Hills, VP of Design and Development at Bunkhouse. (Dezeen) 

The guest room designs are minimal and incorporate a single accent color in each - either blue, green, or yellow. That color is then a prominent feature in the bathroom’s tile and walls. 
On the walls of each room are black and white photographs by local photographer Scott Newton, who has documented the history of Austin’s music scene since the 70s.

The hotel amenities include a pool, the design, and shape of which is inspired by Barton Springs, an outdoor bar area and restaurant, Summer House on Music Lane.

SoHo House, Austin

The SoHo House opened an Austin location in May 2021 on South Congress Ave. It’s comprised of a three-story club including a terrace restaurant, bar, rooftop pool, and screening room for members, while a hotel and event space opened in later August. 

The design, lead by Harriet Liley, was inspired by the city itself with furniture, decor, and artwork sourced from local artists and artisans. It also incorporates Spanish influences with vintage furnishings, limewash walls, and sisal floors.

Liley explains, "Our House in Austin is the first Soho House in the southern states. Located in a new building, we worked hard to bring authenticity to the design. We have created a space that feels aged and loved instantly, from the material selections to the furniture style and artwork." (Dezeen)

The artwork displayed throughout the property represents over 70 artists that are either local to Austin or are from Texas. One prominently featured piece is the mural above the pool by Dallas-based Desireé Valencia whose work challenges stereotypes of Black women.

Though SoHo House is a members-only club (you can learn more about membership here) if you’re not ready to buy a membership and have the opportunity to go with a member you definitely should not pass it up!

Austin Proper Hotel

The Austin Proper Hotel is a luxury hotel and residence in downtown Austin on 2nd St. The design of the property was a collaboration by Handel Architects and Kelly Wearstler. Wearstler is dubbed “the queen of maximalism” by Architectural Digest and that is definitely reflected in the interior design of the hotel.

Her design centers around local art and textiles, with eclectic vintage elements mixed in. The inspiration includes a diverse selection of design and cultural elements including Turkish vintage rugs and minimal Japanese-inspired details combined with art nouveau. To develop the hotel’s atmosphere and aesthetic, she spent years making trips to Texas collecting vintage pieces.

There is a curated mix of patterns, materials, and textures, which include wood, leather, metal, and upholstery. In addition to the vintage rugs, she also incorporated terrazzo and parquet floors throughout the building.

For additional insight into the design, Wearstler explains: 

“The culture of Austin is a merging of past and present, infused with a vibrant, creative spirit that is constantly evolving. Austin Proper is an ode to its city, an amalgam of unexpected, unique imaginations that come alive in one space. I used local textures, colors, and materials to bring a deep sense of culture to the project...Local artwork from emerging talents also crosses the bridge from the past to the present.” (Elle Decor)

You have to experience these stunning spaces for yourself! The hotel is home to three restaurants, a bar, spa, and fitness center - each with its own color pallet, aesthetic, and personality.

Commodore Perry Estate

Recently opened in June of 2020 the Commodore Perry Estate is a 1928 mansion that was redesigned into a luxury hotel. The hotel is made up of 42 rooms and 12 suites and is part of the Auberge Resorts hotel group. The design was conceived by the architecture firm Moule & Polyzoides and interior designer Ken Fulk.

Fulk kept many of the original design elements like the Mexican tile and room layouts. The design also pays tribute to the original owners Edgar “Commodore'' and Lutie Perry. It embraces their vibrant personalities, jazz-age parties, European travels, and love of safari.

The design evokes old-world romance and glamor, while also referencing Texas history as Fulk sourced a lot of pieces from the Round Top Antiques Fair. It incorporates Spanish Revival and Italian influences. The general effect is meant to transport guests back in time - visiting a Texas estate during the affluent 1920s.

Visit the hotel’s restaurant Lutie’s which has seasonally inspired menus and stunning garden views. Other dining options are the mansion dining room, the garden breakfast nook, and poolside dining which are reserved for members and hotel guests.

Juniper

The restaurant Juniper opened in 2015 in East Austin. Its North Italian-inspired menu is fused with local Texas ingredients and is rated one of the best restaurants in Austin by Thrillist, and personally one of my go-to favorite restaurants for date night. 

The space was designed by Sanders Architecture and Cravotta Interiors and features a cool modern aesthetic. Its focal point is the kitchen area as the chef requested the design to allow the energy and dynamic of the kitchen to overflow into the dining area. The kitchen acts as a “culinary stage” for guests to be spectators and watch the team create exquisite dishes and drinks.

The building had originally been a bottling plant, so the designers kept some of that industrial aesthetic, with the original wood joists, and concrete columns and beams left exposed. There are also floor-to-ceiling glass windows that look out onto a courtyard which helps facilitate a sense of openness within the space.

Another focal point is the large mural of a juniper tree which contacts beautifully against the dark walls.

The moody atmosphere, along with the top-notch food and service make this spot perfect for your next date night!

Hotel St. Cecilia

Located in the historic Travis Heights neighborhood, Hotel St. Cecilia is a boutique hotel that was converted from a Victorian home by the Bunkhouse Hotel Group in 2008.

The property was originally owned by Leslie Crockett - a descendant of Davy Crockett - and Mary Ann Miller. It was then converted into a B&B in the mid-90s.

Liz Lambert led the redesign of the space. The property is named after the patron saint of music and poetry and is inspired by the 60s and 70s music scene and hippie culture. There is a carefully crafted playlist that plays in the common areas, as an ode to the hotel’s inspiration which also matches the aesthetic of the place.

The guest rooms are all designed differently. Many include rich colors or have bold accents and contain a mix of one-of-a-kind vintage and modern furnishings and decor. They all have a boho-chic aesthetic inspired by the hippie area.

The hotel includes a lobby with a lounge, 14 rooms, a pool, and a private terrace for small parties or events - open to guests and members only. So if you’re planning either a staycation or a visit to Austin, this spot is a must!

Hanks

Situated in the Windsor Park neighborhood of Austin, Hanks, which opened in 2018, is a great all-day cafe- and one of my favorite’s for a group Brunch!

The design team was led by Claire Zennicker. It features a minimalist, desert modern aesthetic with industrial touches.  

"The design intent was to make the space feel warm, comfortable, and inviting while maintaining an organic sophistication," explains the team. (Dezeen)

The space has indoor and outdoor seating options, with an open floor plan, white walls, high ceilings, and large steel-framed windows. Each dining area is furnished a little differently adding a lot of visual interest to the space. The decor and accents which include different textures, along with plenty of potted plants add cheerfulness and warmth to the environment.

This spot is family-friendly and laid back but in a sophisticated setting - perfect for your next weekend brunch!