Project House Austin: A Warm Texas Welcome

Written by Laura Shimko

Rendering courtesy of by Cottage & Key Design Studio

The exterior rendering of our Project House Austin is full of classic English cottage charm and architectural details that add character, while modern touches root it firmly in the present.

Things are coming together for our Project House in Austin, Texas, helmed by the dynamic brother and sister duo, Melissa Olson and Brent Green of Cottage & Key Design Studio. (Hop over here to see our fantastic Project House Austin sponsors.) In this installment, we bring you an exclusive look at the plans for the exterior of the home. Carefully crafted curb appeal requires thoughtful design, an eye for detail and maximizing materials to not only create the best first impression of the home but also present an introduction to the look and feel of the
interior. The team at Cottage & Key presents a mood board demonstrating key elements selected to do just that. “Our main goal for the exterior design is to create a timeless yet modern English cottage aesthetic that reflects simplicity and warmth,” Melissa says.

exterior rendering of Project House Austin — “The exterior design of the home is intended to be a preview of the character and charm that awaits inside,” says Melissa Olson of Cottage & Key. This mood board illustrates this principle with several elements. The brick hints at the herringbone floors inside, while the arched entrance is a nod to interior arched openings and cozy nooks. “The overall aesthetic is one of warmth and timeless elegance, a feeling that seamlessly transitions from the exterior to the interior,” Melissa says.

English Inspiration for Project House Austin

From the get-go, the exterior design of the home evokes traditional and charming cottage vibes—with a slight twist. “We are inspired by the classic and charming beauty of English cottages,” Melissa says. Painted siding is flanked by a brick façade by sponsor Cherokee Brick painted in White Dove, giving the home an instant cottage feel. An arched doorway and gable roofing provide charming architectural elements as well as traditional louver-style shutters from sponsor Southern Crafted Shutters. “However, we wanted to modernize the look, so we incorporated clean lines, large windows and a neutral color palette,” Melissa says.

The landscaping is another nod to the English countryside—“particularly the Cotswolds,” Melissa explains. “Lush greenery and flowering lavender plants create a charming and inviting ambience. The neutral palette of the home presents the perfect backdrop to let the natural elements shine. “This softer paint color provides a beautiful contrast against the natural elements,” she says. “The creamy color makes the landscaping pop and highlights the architectural details of the home.”

Welcoming Details

Another component of a successful exterior design is one that instills a sense of “home” and comfort. “We carefully selected each element to create a cohesive and inviting exterior,” Melissa points out. The front door from sponsor Steves and Sons makes a statement at 8 feet tall and with ¾ glass, creating a visual connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. “The sandstone color, a contrasting neutral beige, adds warmth and depth to the exterior,” she says. Soren exterior wall sconces from sponsor 1-800 Lighting provides another inviting touch. “We chose them because of their classic, cottage-like lantern design,” she says. “These substantial sconces are a statement piece, adding a touch of elegance to the home’s exterior. As the sun sets, their warm, ambient light creates a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for evening gatherings on the front porch.

First Impressions

Don’t let your home’s exterior be a mere afterthought. Create a design that exudes a welcoming feeling and blends seamlessly into the interior design. Melissa Olson at Cottage & Key offers the following tips to consider for eye-catching curb appeal.

GRAND ENTRANCE. Your front door is the ocial entry into your home—make sure you choose one that makes a statement. “A well-chosen front door, especially one with a striking door handle, can make a big impression and instantly elevate your home’s curb appeal,” Melissa says.

ILLUMINATION. An easy way to freshen up the look and feel of your exterior is by leveling up your light fixtures. When making your selections, just make sure you choose pieces that complement your home’s size and scale. “A good rule of thumb is to choose lights that are proportional to the size of your home’s features,” Melissa says. “Outdoor entryway lights should be positioned at eye level. The center of the light source should measure 5-1/2 to 6 feet from the ground and the size of the fixture to be 1/4 to 1/3 the height of your front door.”

LOVELY LANDSCAPING. There is no doubt that changing up the landscaping of your home will transform its curb appeal. “Even small changes, like adding a few colorful plants or trimming existing bushes, can make a big difference,” Melissa says.

For more on Project House Austin, check out Introducing Project House Austin, and meet our amazing sponsors here. Of course, stay tuned on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for updates!