This Austin Home Proves the Power of Beautiful Restraint

When designer Coco Greenblum began working on this Austin home, the project already came with a built-in foundation of trust. She and homeowner Shannon Ritchey first met through their husbands, who attended college together, and quickly became friends while living in Los Angeles.

When the time came to design Shannon’s family home, that familiarity allowed Coco to translate her friend’s sensibility into a space that feels both personal and deeply livable. At the time, Shannon was expecting her first child and building her wellness brand, Evlo, meaning the home needed to support everyday family life while also functioning as a filming location for workouts and digital content. Rather than relying on bold colors or statement-making moments, Coco focused on creating what she describes as a space that feels “calm and supportive of daily life.” The finished home supports both roles with ease, serving as a backdrop for family life, work, and everything in between.

Design: Studio Coco Greenblum | Photography: Tina Michelle | Floral Styling: Serra Cina

A Home Designed to Be Seen

The kitchen and living area became the primary focus of the renovation, serving as both the heart of the home and the backdrop for much of Shannon’s work with Evlo. Because the spaces needed to function on camera as well as off, Coco leaned into a quieter design language. “We approached the interiors with an emphasis on airiness and a restrained neutral palette, layering in visual interest through a thoughtful mix of textured materials,” she explains. Mercury glass pendants, softly veined marble, and warm oak tones bring character to the open-plan spaces without competing for attention.

Letting Texture Take the Lead

For a designer known for colorful, statement-driven interiors, this project marked a deliberate shift. “What makes this project unique is its restraint,” Coco says. Rather than relying on bold colors to create interest, she layered the home with materials that reveal themselves more slowly: woven dining chairs, sculptural upholstery, softly patterned wallpaper, textured table lamps, and handcrafted tile at the fireplace. Even the palette reflects that philosophy, with warm whites, pale oak tones, and earthy neutrals creating subtle contrast throughout.

Quiet Moments, Thoughtfully Composed

Beyond the main living spaces, Coco used a handful of carefully considered moments to keep the palette from feeling one-note. In the office, a brass and glass bookshelf adds lightness and structure without overwhelming the room. Upstairs, a cozy sitting area introduces one of the home’s few deeper tones through a rich green velvet sofa, offering a subtle departure from the neutral palette below. Together, these spaces add depth and personality while remaining in conversation with the home’s softer, more restrained palette.

Softness for a New Chapter

Because Shannon was pregnant during the renovation, creating a home that felt nurturing and supportive for a growing family remained central to the design process. Nowhere is that more apparent than in the nursery, where soft blush accents, warm wood furnishings, and delicate patterns create a room that feels both timeless and playful. Throughout the home, the emphasis remains the same: comfort, longevity, and materials that support daily life. The nursery may be designed for a new arrival, but its sense of warmth and ease echoes the feeling Coco set out to create throughout the entire house.

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