In addition to residential projects, our team is also responsible for renovating and updating commercial spaces like multifamily properties throughout Texas. This particular project happened to be less than 5 miles from our studio as it is located in the Northwest Hills neighborhood in Austin. This apartment complex needed a modern face-lift that included new paint, finishes and furniture throughout the main spaces like the lobby, leasing center, and clubhouse.
In today’s post, we have included the before photos and some of the design elements incorporated in this renovated Northwest Austin property.
Before Lobby:
The main level of the leasing center is the lobby. It is a waiting area for residents to lounge and wait to be assisted by the property’s manager and leasing agents. This space is the first impression of the property. It felt dated with a mix of red and brown colors throughout and the traditional furniture.
The brown carpet throughout the first level was also used on the stairwell. This space lacked the modern look and appeal that appeals to renters.
Before Clubhouse:
The second floor of the lobby is the property’s clubhouse. This space is an amenity for residents to watch TV, use computers or entertain. It can also be a place for the property to host events for residents in the apartment community.
The brown leather furniture was in pretty rough shape. There were folding chairs and tables that were obviously not the most sophisticated or stylish option.
Before Kitchen:
The clubhouse also has a kitchen where residents can prep food and entertain guests.
After Lobby:
The lobby now has a new traditional feel with a lot more ‘wow’ factors. We recommended replacing the drab carpet with commercially viable hardwood floors. The American Oak finish we selected is lighter and adds a nice warmth to the space. We painted the walls in Sherwin Williams Crushed Ice. The paint is a white color with greige undertones, a versatile option for this Austin complex. Quilted back chairs and a teak coffee table in a black finish offer a much more modern and sleek seating area for residents and guests to use.
The coffee bar was also updated with more modern finishes. The upper cabinets were removed and replaced with a floating shelf in the same material as the backsplash. The new countertops and backsplash are a natural quartz surface made to look like marble. This particular style of quartz had warmer tones and a mix of grey that paired perfectly with the design scheme of the lobby.
Finally, if you look to the far left of the photo below you will notice the staircase was also replaced with a more modern option. It is such an upgrade from the carpet that was there before.
After Clubhouse:
The bright new clubhouse is a stylish space for entertaining and lounging. We kept with a palette of blue and neutrals for a timeless appeal.
The fireplace surround was replaced with stacked white quartzite. A large sectional, accent chairs, and a pair of bistro tables give the clubhouse plenty of functional seating.
Other noteworthy design elements include the sofa console table and studded ottomans tucked underneath. They are the first thing guests see as they walk up the stairs and they certainly stand-out. Also, a new weathered iron pendant rounds out the upstairs with stylish detailing. Floating desks (shown on the left) are a modern way for the complex to incorporate computers upstairs for residents to use without taking up too much of the space.
The built-ins that flank the fireplace are painted in Benjamin Moore Wolf Gray. They certainly pop against the new fireplace. They are accessorized with modern accents like brass, white, and a blue color story.
The new kitchen feels more open and bright after we recommended leveling the countertops and extending the upper cabinets to the ceiling. The darker cabinet paint adds stunning contrast to the new marble surfaces in the kitchen. Swivel bar stools in dark grey leather give the space a polished look and cohesive flow into the clubhouse.
This apartment complex can now compete with properties that are decades younger. If you have a residence or business that needs a fresh new look our team has the skill and expertise to help. Start with our questionnaire, and peruse our projects to see how we can reimagine your space and make it much more memorable.