Step into this serene Texas residence through its striking steel-arched entrance. Located near Lake Austin, it offers breathtaking waterside views in one direction and the bustling downtown and University of Texas campus in the other.

Designer Vanessa Alexander collaborated closely with the homeowners to create a 'fresh and edited language' that complements its Spanish Revival design, crafted by renowned architect Michael G Imber.

Left image: a large living room with tall wooden clad ceilings and a fireplace. The furniture is a mix of soft neutrals and wooden accents. Right image: A neutral dining room with wooden paneled ceiling and an oval wooden dining chair

Left image: Vintage chairs (foreground) from H Gallery, upholstered in Marlow mohair by Kravet. Vintage sofa upholstered in Inuk fabric by Brüder. Coffee table from Galerie Provenance. Chandelier by Jonathan Browning Studios. Rug by Mehraban. Right image: Chairs from DEN, upholstered in leather sourced from Jerry Pair Leather. Chandelier by Paul Matter. Artwork by Claire Oswalt. Rug by Erden.

(Image credit: William Jess Laird)

Vanessa shares, 'Austin has numerous new builds, as the community expands, and the clients desired a warm, comfortably contemporary home.'

From the project's inception, they collaborated with Michael, establishing the house's layout while infusing a simplified, holistic vision that mirrored the owners' preference for a laid-back lifestyle. Although inspired by Spanish Revival, they aimed for a design that felt 'light and airy.'

Vanessa describes the homeowners as 'elegant, well-traveled, and understated.' They sought a grand home that embodied comfort, beauty, and subtlety without ostentation.

Neutral kitchen with wooden cabinets and marble countertop. The main kitchen is through an arch and there is an arched window to mirror this

Kitchen: Dining table by Louise Liljencrantz at Stahl + Band. Spindle chairs by Nickey Kehoe. Vintage stool and sculpture from Gallery Rath. Oscar pendant from Roman and Williams Guild. Plaster Cone pendants by Rose Uniacke at Una Malan. Banquette and cabinetry designed by Alexander Design. Cord bar stools by Thomas Hayes Studio. Art by Tyler Guinn.

(Image credit: William Jess Laird)

Drawing inspiration from Puglia's historic masserias, Vanessa notes, 'Their simplicity is striking, yet they are rich in detail.'

This attention to detail is evident from the grand yet intimate foyer, leading to a spacious great room. 'You sense a larger space beyond it,' Vanessa explains. This room serves as the heart of the home.

Left image: bathroom with plaster walls and marbled half way up. There is a wooden vanity on the far side and two glass pendant lights. Right image: a neutral cozy home office with built in wooden shelves and a burl wood desk in the middle

Left image: Custom oak vanity and Haven tub from Apaiser. Vintage stool from Gallery Rath. Frosted lanterns by Rose Uniacke at Una Malan. Right image: Desk chair from 1stDibs, covered in Nordic Autumn leather by Holly Hunt. Aramis XL suspension pendant from Atelier Vime. Jardin Intérieur rug from La Manufacture Cogolin at Canvas Showroom. Clam chair by Arnold Madsen.

(Image credit: William Jess Laird)

Vanessa emphasizes the home's informal atmosphere, enhanced by its seamless flow between spaces. The kitchen opens to the dining area, while a glimpse of the dining room can be seen through the chimney breast. Stone steps lead to two children's bedrooms and a guest suite, along with a communal hang-out room.

Downstairs, a courtyard separates communal areas from a guest bedroom, the main suite, and home offices. An expansive outdoor space under a reclaimed oak roof features a kitchen and dining area, with a pool offering stunning views.

Thoughtfully selected materials and colors create a cohesive feel throughout this open-plan residence. Consistency reigns: the same stone appears on multiple surfaces, while plasterwork and reclaimed oak beams and doors share a uniform hue.

Vanessa explains, 'We aimed to showcase the character of these materials and establish a natural rhythm. If something showed a flaw, we embraced its authenticity.'

Left image: a swimming pool with a lawn on the right and a patio with loungers on the left. Right image: an outdoor living space with a wooden roof, kitchen, living space and a dining area

Left image: Custom daybeds in Perennials Shearling fabric, available at David Sutherland Showroom. Right image: Dining chairs by Phantom Hands. Bespoke table. Custom sofa in Outrider by Carlucci at Jab Anstoetz. Vintage stump table from Gallery Rath. Bar stools by Thomas Hayes Studio. Brass pendants by Lumfardo.

(Image credit: William Jess Laird)

Authenticity is a recurring theme for Vanessa. 'We stripped the design down to its core, focusing on a select few materials that are natural and beautifully crafted, paying close attention to details.'

Capturing a sense of timelessness and originality in a new build is a challenge. 'We refined every aspect, down to the grout color. If we'd added excessive archways or curves, we could have lost the essence of the design.'

Left image: a long entryway with wood paneled ceilings and an arch at one end. Right image: Entryway leading up to a white staircase

Hallway: Bespoke runner from Marc Phillips, Globe Series Egg Shade pendants by Roman and Williams Guild, Ceramic by Olivia Cognet from The 1818 Collective.

(Image credit: William Jess Laird)

Ultimately, this home feels truly unique. 'Yes, we delivered a turnkey project,' Vanessa states, 'but my design goal is for clients to feel it's their home, reflecting their personal tastes.'