In this unique home relaxation, meditation and a festive atmosphere come together. Although these concepts may seem incompatible at first glance, in this pied-à-terre, located in the heart of Austin, Texas, nothing is what it seems.
On the one hand, it’s within walking distance of an area with a vibrant nightlife, shops, live music venues and boutique hotels. On the other, it has plenty of space – everything its owner, Randall Mays, could wish for. He’s a leading figure in the American music and wellness industries so it was crucial that his home reflect his passion for music and for spiritual life.
Built in 1915, the home was originally a bungalow that underwent several additions and renovations over the years until its purchase in 2022, when it was deconstructed and renovated by Christina Simon Studio. All on one level, with five bedrooms and five bathrooms, it has been transformed into an eclectic home with bold colours, rich textures and a mix of grandpa chic and psychedelic elements.
It is designed to inspire joy, surprise, and unforgettable moments as it hosts numerous music industry parties during SXSW (the multidisciplinary media festival) and ACL (Austin City Limits Music Festival). The home’s design has been meticulously crafted to reflect and enhance the fun and atmosphere that surrounds these events.
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When asked about the unusual choice of colours for the home, the designer explains: ‘I knew the house had a lot of natural light, so my goal was to create a warm and inviting atmosphere with deep, vibrant colours and rich textures. The main rooms are decorated in an aged blue-grey that gives a somber feel, while most of the bedrooms are dressed in coordinating wallpapers in a wider range of shades. Everything was selected to evoke elegance and a sense of joy and creativity.’
Regarding the materials, she says, ‘They’re high-quality, including polished finishes like brass for the bar and faucets, along with unique stones. I felt incorporating these would enhance the home’s vintage feel, offering a touch of what might have been popular in 1915.’
She says the project began with the client’s impressive collection of pieces by local artists, which became the central and conceptual focus. ‘I was also inspired by the 1970s and 80s interiors that I grew up with from attending parties with my parents. Those elegant houses had a relaxed, multi-roomed atmosphere. I’ve always been fascinated by people’s art collections, which mix inherited works with more contemporary pieces. For this house, my guide was a mix of traditional elegance and psychedelia: I wanted guests to enjoy unexpected surprises and have a great time, with everything designed to look great in the dim lighting,’ she adds.
The designer’s goal was ultimately to create spaces that fostered creativity, curiosity, mindfulness, and meditation. ‘I wanted this home to be stimulating for both the owner and visitors,’ says Christina. ‘Knowing that Randall loves the spiritual world, I included a vibrant mix of colours and imagery to encourage playful interactions with friends and family. I also wanted it to feel relaxed and nurturing, with spaces that function well for entertaining,’ she adds.
Among the furnishings, vintage treasures such as the tables by Edward Wormley or the oversized Marbro lamp stand out. The ‘Lalanda’ dining chairs are by Gianfranco Frattini, the cabinet collection is by Peter Hvidt, the rug is by Rex Ray and there are multiple custom pieces and woodwork designed by Christina Simon.
The bathtub is a stunning piece carved from a single block of Italian Breccia Pontificia marble. Installation was carried out by experts, who treated it like a sculpture, making the entire process look like a work of art.
Regarding the spectacular mural, the interior designer says, ‘The client wanted the house to truly reflect the spirit of Austin and many local artists contributed their work.’ Originally, the designer envisioned a hand-painted William Morris-style wallpaper, but with hidden surprises but when the client met with the artist to discuss the motif, the vision changed: ‘As we collaborated, the space evolved. I saw how excited he was to use it as a Zoom background, and it became more and more psychedelic. We even added gold leaf to the word office on the glass transom in the entryway. It’s so fun.’ christinasimonstudio.com
