Character Building: The ‘Guesthouse East’ Remodel
Brimming with personality, this sensitive and bright remodel of a 1920s boarding home brings a modern touch to an old-Austin gem.
Words by Chris Ferguson, AIA Photos by Leonid Furmansky
Once housing as many as nine people, Pluck Architecture’s “Guesthouse East” is only the latest chapter of an historic Eastside property’s century-old story.
Originally a boarding home that was converted into a duplex shared by multiple families, the building retains much of its original charm, accommodating a primary residence on the ground floor and a secondary guesthouse above, reachable by an enclosed stairway off a covered front porch.
From the street, the home pops in a fresh coat of pastel greens, sporting a new landscaping and a handsome, semi-opaque wood fence. But otherwise, it somewhat remarkably remains the same as it was: a novelty for a remodel in today’s Austin.
The building’s good bones allowed Harmony Grogan, Pluck’s principal, to take a light-handed approach when reimagining the duplex, especially the taut 636-square-foot upstairs space.
“We could have easily over-designed it, but we instead made a few simple moves to add a lot of value,” explains Harmony. “By removing a redundant hallway, we gained two small vanities, and we reconfigured the kitchen to add a built-in bench for a breakfast space while opening up views through the home.”
The airy interiors of the kitchen, living room, and two bedrooms spill into each other over the home’s original hardwood floors, which are complemented by elegant, deep “retro blue” trim accents that match the home’s casework and wainscoting. A balance of playfulness and restraint, the interiors are richly layered with finishes and fixtures that feel both expertly curated, while also comfortable and genuine.
The Pluck team was tasked with selecting all of the interior furnishings for the project, so Harmony took the opportunity to introduce local art from East Austin artists, with multiple pieces featured prominently in each room.
Small, delightful projects are the sum of many small, delightful choices. A well-placed mirror above a tight stair landing isn’t only there to be beautiful but also to lend depth and light to an otherwise less comfortable space.
Poised and livable, Harmony and her team at Pluck have designed a home that feels greater than the sum of its parts.
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