1930s Victorian bungalow | Side Angle Side

Austin couple Holly Beth and Matt Potter purchased a historic, rundown bungalow, circa 1935, located in the city’s older, established neighborhood. They loved the historic nature of the home abound with character and incredible millwork. The Potter’s had plans of restoring and adding an addition – as the home is situated on a large double lot. They retained award-winning architecture firm, Side Angle Side, to ensure the home’s historic preservation while modernizing. “The project presented somewhere between a historic restoration and a reconstruction,” says Arthur Furman, Side Angle Side. “The existing home was to be remodeled but as the builder began work, he discovered more and more rot and unusable structural members switching it from a restoration to a reconstruction. We used photos and existing drawings to inform the design plan, as we completely rebuilt the original home.”

A good portion of salvaged materials were restored and reused including trim, crown molding, baseboards, longleaf pine wood floors and interior doors. Exterior siding and windows are all new but detailed to match the original. The result is a stunning 3,700 sq ft home rich in historic allure and modern design. “Restoring and honoring the original house was a huge priority – as architects we try to let the home tell us what we need to do. We look closely at the existing conditions and make decisions that keep with the spirit of the original structure and period character, says Annie-Laurie Grabiel, Side Angle Side. 

Homeowner Holly Beth Potter, an interior designer, HP Studio – now the design arm of Side Angle Side, chose the interior finishes drawing on the architects’ design plan encompassing natural light, functionality, warmth, and a timeless aesthetic. The dining room is the heart of the home. The walls are clad with the original shiplap, painted a neutral yellow. Holly Beth chose an oval-shaped Nickey Kehoe community table at 54” wide for large group dining. She found six vintage Guillerme et Chambron armless dining chairs at Amelia Tarbet in Texas and two matching vintage armchairs from Morentz -- all reupholstered in a cream-colored fabric (SUPPLY Showroom in Austin) with a rust-red cord on the seat trim. The oversized Noguchi pendant light gives off a warm, cozy glow. The incredible, original wood pocket doors make an impactful entry statement.  

The kitchen counters are outfitted in Calacatta Ibiza Quartzite with custom cabinetry in rift sawn white oak with integrated pulls. The design team opted for concrete floors in the living room, part of the addition, adding a hemlock wood ceiling and a plaster fireplace wall with elevated plinth seating. The coffee table and brass floor lamp are both vintage pieces, passed down by her grandparents. “I chose furniture that felt contemporary, while also leaning into tones and patterns that were warm and romantic to create an overall feeling of timelessness,” says Holly Beth Potter, homeowner and Interior Designer for Side Angle Side. 

The primary bath's countertops, tub deck, and tub face are a leathered quartzite providing a dramatic tone with natural elements. The floors are a locally sourced white limestone tile.

Photography: Casey Dunn (https://caseydunn.net/)