Design Daytrip: Austin, TX

These past few weeks have been  like a work-immersion experiment  and I think it’s time to break away from the laptop (just as soon as I finish blogging).  I’ve been itching to get up to Austin since I started working in Dallas.  We all know it’s a creative mecca and I’m excited to get a dose of that modern, subversive energy.

Here’s how that road trip might play out:

Scouting: Cool Design Resources

Mockingbird Domestics is a soulful purveyor of all things Texan and handmade.  The owners are devoted to the idea of showcasing local artisans along with an edited mix of vintage accessories.  This could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship:

Jean-Marc Fray – French and Italian antiques plus cool contemporary art and vintage objects:

 Urbanspace Interiors – For pieces with a more conceptual edge:

A Little Play Time

Shop the legend that is By George – Curated boutique with a polished, masculine aesthetic:

Relax over “Texas Tea” at the Four Seasons Lobby Lounge, with its haute Western decor and views of Lady Bird Lake:

Stroll the grounds at the Umlauf Sculpture Garden with family in tow.  It looks so serene, and where else are kids encouraged to touch important works of art?

Dine in Style 

Dallas has no shortage of fine Southwestern dining, but I can’t wait to check out Michael Hsu’s amazing design at La Condesa.  What’s one more perfectly chilled margarita?

Design All Around

Austin City Limits – not to be missed

Of course you can’t take in all of Austin in one day.  I’ll be gathering ideas for the next road trip, to coincide with the opening of Michael Van Valkenburgh’s new design for Waller Creek park.  I love all the gorgeous detail:

Image credits as linked