Bree Linne
We loved the look of the original brick exterior but wanted to add some character to the roofline by constructing the peak and adding a front-porch entry. We widened the entryway and painted the double doors a happy shade of light blue so the entrance to our home could be as inviting as possible for anyone who stops by.
It took a little while — a few months according to Austin McLaurin — to see the potential of what would become a show-stopping flat in one of Fort Worth’s most desirable neighborhoods. But, according to his wife, local artist Elizabeth McLaurin, the home required a vision, someone who could see beyond shaggy carpet and peeling paint, to transform a ho-hum shanty into the couple’s dream home. And that vision was all Austin’s.
Bree Linne
Elizabeth and Austin McLaurin
Deciding against hiring an interior designer after they purchased the home in 2019, the two relied on their own instincts to create something that’s both personal and timeless in its design. Austin says the look of the house, with its distinct light blue accents (including the front door), reflects how Elizabeth paints. And quirky touches, such as wallpaper made from a collage Elizabeth painted of flowers Austin used to send her every week, pay homage to the couple’s relationship.
With the renovations complete, Elizabeth and Austin have opened their doors to our readers for an exclusive room-by-room tour through their charming home.
Bree Linne
Another focal point of our vision for the house was opening up the living spaces in the center of the home. A massive brick wall originally separated the kitchen and living room, so once that was removed, a major part of our vision was accomplished. The built-ins on either side of the fireplace give us a lot of space to display our favorite photos and collected items.
Bree Linne
If there is one thing we had our minds set on, it was having blue kitchen cabinets. The kitchen is a place where we spend the majority of our time, especially since it directly opens with the living room. We always knew the kitchen would be a focal point of our home, and we love that it captures our personality so well.
Bree Linne
Bree Linne
Even though most people our age would decide to forego a formal dining room, we are traditionalists at heart and wanted a space where we could share many meals with family and friends. The addition of the bar and cabinets along the back wall allows us to display our collections of glass and dishware and makes it a room where we enjoy visiting frequently.
Bree Linne
Bree Linne
Our bathroom was designed to be spacious and functional. The addition of the laundry room off of the bathroom was one of our best decisions we made. We connected the design of the bedroom and bathroom by using the wall color of the bedroom on the vanity cabinets in the bathroom and letting the rest of the color scheme remain a clean white.
Bree Linne
The guest bedroom is the largest bedroom in the house. It was originally the master bedroom before remodeling, so we love that our guests have their own space, complete with a private bathroom when they stay with us.
Bree Linne
The entire master suite was built from the existing exterior walls of what used to be the garage. We were able to fit our bedroom and a bathroom that includes two vanities, a large shower, a walk-in closet, and our laundry room all in the garage space.
