Bell Mountain

Bell Mountain


Overview:

Bell Mountain is a 5,000-square-foot residential remodel located in Austin, Texas. Undertaken and completed in 2020, the project’s primary goal was to update interior finishes, reimagine key spaces, and showcase the homeowner’s access to exceptional stone materials. Work included a bathroom renovation, partial kitchen refresh, and the addition of a striking, three-sided wine cellar in the entry area. Despite global challenges of the time, the project was accomplished swiftly, demonstrating a high level of coordination, creativity, and adaptability.

Project Goals:

The client, who owns a stone yard business, sought to transform a previously bland interior into a modern, visually engaging environment that reflected his personality and love for distinctive materials. Improvements included upgrading floors, refining the bathroom layout, adding a custom wine cellar, and enhancing the home’s overall look and functionality. The intent was to create a space that felt unique, contemporary, and aligned with the homeowner’s appreciation for luxury stone.

Design and Implementation:

  • Layout/Structural Changes:
    While there were no major structural changes, the introduction of a custom three-sided wine cellar in the front entry required reworking a closet adjacent to the fireplace. In the bathroom, the configuration shifted to accommodate one long vanity and relocate the shower for a more spacious and functional layout.
  • Materials and Finishes:
    The central design driver was the use of high-quality stone sourced from the client’s own yard. A dramatic two-story fireplace faced with exceptional stone became a focal point, complemented by balanced, carefully chosen stone finishes in the kitchen and other areas. This approach replaced dated, overly warm tones with a sophisticated, modern palette.
  • Key Elements:
    • Wine Cellar: A custom-designed, three-sided installation near the entry that highlights the homeowner’s passion for fine wines.
    • Bathroom Redesign: Expanded and reorganized the bathroom layout for improved flow and comfort, including repositioning fixtures and creating a unified vanity area.
    • Signature Stonework: The strategic use of unique stone types throughout the home set the tone for a fresh, contemporary aesthetic.

Challenges:

  • Coordination During COVID:
    Although no technical challenges arose from the design itself, working during the early stages of the COVID era introduced logistical difficulties and health-related concerns. Adaptability and open communication helped ensure the project stayed on schedule.
  • No Major Structural Hurdles:
    The project proceeded smoothly without substantial structural changes or permit complexities.

Solutions:

  • Efficient Planning and Execution:
    A clear scope, direct sourcing of materials, and a tight-knit project team enabled a swift turnaround.
  • Client Collaboration:
    Regular communication with the client ensured that selections—particularly the stone choices—reflected his taste and business background, resulting in a space that felt authentically “him.”

Outcome:

The Bell Mountain remodel resulted in a refreshed, modern interior that effectively leveraged the client’s unique resources and love for distinctive materials. The standout wine cellar, reimagined bathroom, and stone-centric design elements transformed the home from generic to truly personalized. The project’s success was recognized with two awards for best bathroom design from Lux magazine and Austin Home Awards, underscoring the quality and creativity at play.

Client Feedback and Satisfaction:

The homeowner expressed satisfaction with the outcome, praising the transformation and the attention to detail. Though the project budget arrangement was somewhat unconventional, the final design met the client’s aesthetic and functional goals, reflecting J. Fisher Interiors’ philosophy of client-focused creativity.

Awards and Recognition:

Two awards for best bathroom design (Lux magazine and Austin Home Awards)

Time Frame and Investment:

  • Start and Completion: 2020
  • Budget: Variable due to direct client sourcing of materials, with an approximate investment of $80,000 to $100,000 in design-related services and furnishings.

Documentation:

High-quality photographs, floor plans, and before-and-after images document the transformation, illustrating the dramatic improvements to layout, finishes, andHigh-quality photographs, renderings, before-and-after images, and floor plans are available, showcasing the project’s evolution and the impact of well-chosen materials and design solutions. The success of Bell Mountain exemplifies J. Fisher Interiors’ ability to tailor each project to a client’s individuality and resources, resulting in truly memorable interiors. design coherence.

After

Before


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!

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