Sky High Sophistication with O'Hara Interiors

Written by KATHERINE LAWLESS | Design by O'HARA INTERIORS | Photography by BRIAN COLE PHOTOGRAPHY

When the owners of a high-rise luxury condo in downtown Austin sought a designer to elevate their space, they turned to O'Hara Interiors. As empty-nesters who love being in the heart of downtown but not too far from their favorite golf courses, the location was perfect for this active and social couple. Having previously worked with our team on their primary residence, we were once again entrusted to bring expertise and vision to the couple's Austin getaway.

Our mission was clear: to create a sophisticated and welcoming space that maximized the breathtaking views of the river, lake, and Texas sky. 

The couple had several other goals for the design of their condo, too. They love modern, minimalist style and wanted to ensure that their favorite color, blue, was seen throughout the space, inspired by the blue skies above the city.

The owners wanted the space to be comfortable and not crowded, and since their kids no longer live with them, they could have anything they wanted and make it their private oasis.

The building offers unparalleled vistas, with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the city's natural beauty. Our design capitalized on these views, ensuring that each room in the condo offered an unobstructed visual connection to the outdoors.

The approach involved a thoughtful selection of furnishings, colors, and materials that complemented rather than competed with the scenery.

It's so easy to put too much furniture in a condo. But when working with a place smaller than a whole home, you want it to feel organized and peaceful. We were very selective and didn't include anything the owners didn't truly need.

For the living room area, we chose low-profile seating in neutral tones, which allows the eye to flow seamlessly from the interior to the panoramic vistas beyond. The furniture's sleek lines and understated elegance add to the overall sense of tranquility in the space. Geometric throw pillows in cerulean and navy and a zebra print accent chair add subtle intrigue to the room's bright, clean aesthetic. The bedroom, office lounge, and private seating also feature this soft blue palette. We layered various fabrics and textures, adding subtle intrigue to these spaces.

When designing for a large, open space, delineating areas helps establish flow and purpose. One of the most simple yet effective ways to do this is strategically placing area rugs throughout.

For example, off to the side of the main living area is the couple's grand piano, one of the focal points of the space. To further enhance the elegance of this piece, we selected a custom-bound rug for the piano to stand on. The material in the rug catches the sunshine during the day and city lights at night, creating a soft, ambient glow that spotlights this stunning musical instrument. As for the couch under the main lounging area, we selected a large area rug in a neutral, durable material that would withstand treads from the couple's dogs. 

In the private spaces of the home, we adorned the white walls with abstract art of dancers, flowers, and oceans, referencing the owner's passion for music and serene spaces.  

This thoughtful design results in a high-rise luxury condo that perfectly balances modern minimalism with comfort, set against the backdrop of the city's stunning skyline. By prioritizing the owners' love for blue hues and ensuring an uncluttered, serene environment, we created a private oasis that reflects the couple's active, social lifestyle. This condo is more than just a place to stay; it is a sophisticated retreat where the owners can relax and fully enjoy their time in the city, all while feeling intimately connected to the panoramic views surrounding them.

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O’Hara Interiors | O’Hara Interiors is a full-service interior design firm with studios in Austin, Texas, and Minneapolis, Minnesota. Working throughout the U.S. and international markets, O’Hara Interiors’ collaborative process ensures a smooth experience for every client, regardless of their location or project scope.