Austin Proper Residences

Overview:

Austin Proper Residences is a 2,500-square-foot high-rise residential project located within the Austin Proper building in downtown Austin, Texas. Initiated in July 2021 and completed in late 2022, the project involved furnishing an entire empty apartment for clients who had sold their previous home and possessions, as well as incorporating a custom wine cellar. With an initial budget of $150,000 that eventually totaled approximately $180,000, the design solution responded to the building’s established aesthetic—earthy, warm, and inspired by the work of Kelly Wearstler—while catering to the client’s desire for a masculine and art-infused space.

Project Goals:

The primary goal was to transform an unfurnished apartment into a comfortable, personalized home that mirrored the client’s taste and lifestyle. This included curating all furniture, finishes, and accessories, and designing a special wine cellar for a client passionate about collecting and enjoying fine wine. Achieving a polished, functional space that aligned with the building’s signature style and showcased distinctive materials and colors was central to the design vision.

Design and Implementation:

Layout/Structural Changes:
While no major structural changes were made, a dedicated wine cellar was added. The remainder of the apartment’s configuration remained as-is, with the focus on enhancing the interiors through furnishings, wallcoverings, and personalized décor.
Materials and Finishes:
The aesthetic leaned into the building’s earthy palette. Bold wallpaper selections distinguished key areas: a blue and black pattern in the entry, a dark, moody wallpaper in the bedroom, and a unique Brooklyn-themed toile in the powder room. Furnishings combined comfort and style, chosen to reflect the client’s interest in art and wine.
Key Elements:
- Wine Cellar: Integrated into the existing layout without external venting, featuring UV-protective film on glass to safeguard the collection.
- Automated Systems: Lutron and Savant systems controlled window treatments and lighting, supporting a luxurious yet practical living environment.
- Furnishings and Décor: Sourced and curated to create a masculine yet warm atmosphere, blending existing building cues with the client’s personal preferences.

Challenges:

Supply Chain Delays:
Global supply chain disruptions significantly prolonged the project timeline, leading to extended lead times for furniture and materials.
High-Rise Logistics:
Operating 23 floors above ground required careful coordination with building management and scheduling for deliveries, using service elevators within limited hours.
UV Protection for Wine:
The wine cellar’s location within a glass-faced building necessitated adding a clear tint film to reduce UV exposure and preserve wine quality.

Solutions:

Flexible Planning and Communication:
Constant communication with the client and vendors helped manage delays, ensuring that while the timeline extended, the final quality and design integrity remained high.
Smart Material Choices:
By selecting wallpapers, furnishings, and finishes that suited the building’s established tones, the design maintained continuity and created a cohesive environment.

Outcome:

The completed apartment successfully balanced a masculine, art-centric aesthetic with the earthy undertones of the Austin Proper building. The addition of a wine cellar enhanced the functionality for a wine enthusiast, while curated décor and thoughtful details resulted in a space that felt both sophisticated and personal. Although the extended project timeline was challenging, the final outcome met the clients’ desires and reflected their individuality.

Client Feedback and Satisfaction:

The client appreciated the design quality and the final look of their new home, despite frustrations over unavoidable delays. The project demonstrates J. Fisher Interiors’ ability to navigate complex logistics and supply chain issues while delivering a personalized, well-executed interior environment.

Similar Projects:

While no direct references were provided to similar projects, J. Fisher Interiors applies a similar client-focused, detail-oriented approach to other high-end residential projects, emphasizing unique aesthetics, functionality, and authenticity.

Time Frame and Investment:

Design Start: July 2021
Completion: Late 2022
Budget: Increased from $150,000 to approximately $180,000 due to extended timelines and material costs.

In future projects, verifying on-site measurements early and often will help prevent any discrepancies between provided plans and actual conditions, further refining the process of creating tailored, beautiful spaces.

Proper Dining wine cellar

``Working with Jen was fantastic. She was extremely professional and finished on time and on budget. Very creative, efficient, accountable and I love the outcome. I was very pleased with the experience and highly recommend her to transform your home.``

"Jennifer Fisher has a true passion for interior design, and it is evident in her work ethic. She is a professional with the artistic ability to produce exceptional results. That is why I can strongly recommend J.Fisher Interiors for any decorating needs or projects you may have."

"Very professional, reasonable and creative services. Worked within my budget and was always timely on requests and suggestions while meeting the decor selections for my contractors scheduling deadlines. I would recommend J.Fisher Interiors to all of my friends."

The whole experience working with J.Fisher Interiors was excellent. My home looks amazing and there was a nice balance between brand new pieces and the vintage treasures that Jen was able to find. Unlike past experiences with designers, where my budget was ignored, she took great care in working within the budget and delivering a stunning space that I enjoy living in and get tons of compliments on…"

"Jennifer is helping us with a full remodel of our house. She has been instrumental in helping us with fixtures, colors, inside and out, our pool remodel, the entire project. She has been extremely professional, available, communicative and has really listened to our feedback and what we are looking for. She has kept our deadlines and budgets on track and really gives us a variety of options to consider. I am so thankful to have her, I do not know where we would be without her!"

"Jennifer jumped in to do a project for our office, and we couldn't be happier with the level of professionalism and skill with which she operates. She got the job done in a timely manner, her pricing was reasonable, and now, our team has been enjoying the space so much more. I'd highly recommend her expertise to other companies or individuals looking to freshen up their space."

"As a recent divorcee, I rented a condo in a rush and it was a mess -- dark with an odd mixture of colors and styles. Jennifer worked quickly to completely transform the space using cost-effective options that made sense given that I might only be in the unit for one year. In addition to designing the space, she also served as a project manager for the work. She is very dedicated, works quickly and efficiently, and has a very professional and pleasant demeanor. She has a definite style and sensibility but also adapts well to her clients' tastes. I couldn't be happier with the result."

Interior Design Consultation

J.Fisher Interiors’ studio is located in Austin. To schedule your consultation appointment, please fill out the contact form or call us at 512.954.0904. We would love to hear from you!