Austin vs. LA: How I Style Differently for Each City

Living between Austin and Los Angeles has fundamentally shaped how I think about design. These are two very different cities with very different energies, and I've learned that the best spaces are always in conversation with their environment.

In Austin, the vibe is warm, creative, and laid-back. The Hill Country landscape (limestone, live oaks, wide skies) naturally pulls my palette toward ochres, sage greens, and warm neutrals. Austin clients tend to want spaces that feel effortless, like everything was collected over time (even when I sourced it all in three weeks). The estate sale scene here is incredible, and there's a thriving maker community that I draw from constantly.

In LA, the energy shifts. There's a boldness to Los Angeles design that I love. The mid-century heritage, the Hollywood glamour, the California cool. My LA projects tend to be more editorial, more curated, with stronger contrasts and more statement pieces. The commercial work is bigger here too: hotel lobbies, restaurant spaces, nightclub lounges that need to create an entire atmosphere.

But here's what stays the same in both cities: the commitment to authentic materials, vintage pieces with real history, and spaces that feel deeply personal to the people who live and work in them. The address changes, but the eye doesn't.