Project House Austin: Living Room Design

Written by Laura Shimko

Photography by Courtesy of Cottage & Key

A warm and welcoming living room design kicks off our Project House Austin with a mix of simple charm and touches of elegance.

The living room serves as the most important gathering space in our homes, whether relaxing after a long day at work or hosting a holiday party for friends and neighbors. Often, it is the room that greets guests upon entering and gives the first impression of your home. Brother and sister team Melissa Olson and Brent Green at Cottage & Key understand the importance of this heart of the home, and they carefully crafted a design that is relaxing, inviting, and full of warmth. “We want people to feel happy, relaxed and comfortable enough to sink into the furniture and chat with friends and family for hours,” Melissa says. “It should feel like a warm hug the moment you walk in the door.”

Going Faux

Serving as the design centerpiece is the luxurious fireplace—one of the key features that makes the room feel especially cozy and welcoming. However, given the impracticality of a fireplace in the blazing Texas sun, Melissa opted for faux instead of functioning. “This design offers a solution that’s both stylish and sensible—a stunning faux fireplace that delivers on aesthetics and a touch of cozy year-round,” she says. To craft this focal point, Melissa used the white oak flooring as the base from which the viewer’s eyes are drawn upwards to the fireplace. Crowning the top of the vertical space are the faux wood beams, framing the fireplace from above.

Light & Bright

One of the first things that strike the eye in the AI rendering of the design plan are the high ceilings that create a bright and open feel. “Ample natural light streams through large windows strategically placed around the room, ensuring a bright and airy feel,” Melissa says. “This openness is further enhanced by the impressive nine-foot ceilings, creating a sense of spaciousness and grandeur.” Another feature of the design that enhances the feel of the space is the palette of the soft neutrals and warm tones. “That serves as the foundation of a serene and inviting ambiance, creating a cozy retreat, which is our signature style,” Melissa says.

Living room blueprint for Project House Austin — The floor plan of our Project House reveals the living room as the first space you see when entering the house. This was a key factor in the design plan for the room, including choosing the fireplace as the centerpiece. “The open floor plan with views flowing into the kitchen fosters a sense of connection and encourages easy entertaining,” Melissa says.

Creating Warmth & Welcome

Our Project Austin Sponsors are the Backbone of the Build

The details of the design exude coziness with a touch of elegance. The white oak floors truly set the tone for the space with their light and bright warmth. “We’re obsessed with Mullican flooring—their thick wear layer, wide planks, and color options are seriously the best,” Melissa says. Texture takes center stage in the selection of a sofa from Mantle Furniture alongside fabric chairs and a wood coffee table. “More texture is always a good idea, so we’re adding it in with drapes, throw pillows and the rug,” Melissa says. “All of these materials will help create a space that feels both refined and comfy—where you can relax and connect with the people you love.”

living room moodboard for Project House Austin — Collected materials reveal a neutral color palette replete with a variety of textures to create a cozy and elevated look and feel. “Here, refinement and comfort find perfect harmony, fostering relaxation and connection in equal measure,” Melissa says.

Learn more about Project House Austin sponsors, see the project introduction here, and follow along with its progress online, in the magazine, and find teasers along the way by following us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest!