A Horse Lover Den in Texas

Nestled in the suburbs of Austin, Texas, a unique and exciting project unfolded when private clients approached us with a fascinating vision. Their desire was to repurpose a section of an existing barn and turn it into a “Horse Lover Den.” What made this endeavor particularly remarkable was the clear directive to make extensive use of the existing wood, furniture, accessories, and fixtures. Our journey through this creative and eco-conscious transformation was not just about design but also a testament to effective collaboration and attention to detail.

A Sustainable Approach

Our project kicked off by embracing sustainability as a guiding principle. We understood the importance of preserving the character of the barn while bringing the “Horse Lover Den” to life. The first step was integrating the wood planks reclaimed from the existing separation wall. These planks were carefully repurposed as floorboards, laid atop electrical heating and floor insulation, ensuring that warmth would always greet the inhabitants.

Shiplap planks, traditionally associated with rustic and cozy interiors, were fashioned by re-purposing the remaining rough separation planks. To achieve this, we collaborated with a local mill, embracing a sense of community involvement and resourcefulness.

Client-Centric Design

Our clients were actively engaged in the creative process, wanting to see, approve, and modify every design choice. To ensure their vision was fully realized, we embarked on a journey to create the most realistic renderings. This step allowed us to work closely with the clients to finalize all the design details before moving forward.

From Existing Elements to Modern Vision

Our next endeavor was to identify and source furniture models that closely matched the existing elements within the barn. Elements such as the sofa, bookshelves, small wall sconces, Hi-Fi speakers, standing lamps, and even horse paintings and lithographs, were all considered. We also aimed to secure digital copies of these elements to aid in the design process.

With existing elements as our foundation, we then began selecting and proposing new furniture and accessories. Every choice was carefully curated and displayed through renderings, providing the clients with a tangible preview of the final design. This included fabric types and colors, allowing the clients to make informed decisions.

Iterative Design

Our journey involved constant collaboration and iteration. Over three days, we worked through six different design iterations, taking into account the clients’ feedback and preferences. This continuous dialogue ensured that the “Horse Lover Den” was evolving in a way that resonated with the clients’ desires, ultimately leading to a design that felt uniquely their own.

Detailed Planning and Collaboration

With the client’s vision thoroughly embraced and approved, we moved on to the next crucial phase. Collaborating with the local contractor selected by our client in Texas, we began generating 2D floorplans, layout details, electrical plans, and detailed elevation plans. This stage marked the transition from creative concept to practical execution.

The transformation of this Austin barn into a “Horse Lover Den” is a tale of sustainability, client collaboration, and the power of creative professionals. It showcases how old materials can find new life, how design can be a collaborative endeavor, and how the right professionals can bring a vision to life. This project exemplifies the beauty of repurposing and transformation, and we look forward to witnessing the final realization of the “Horse Lover Den” in Austin, Texas.