After moving our boys into their dorm, we decided to treat ourselves to a stay at the Kelly Wearstler designed Austin Proper Hotel before heading home, just in case we got one of those last minute calls to run to Target or grab a bite to eat together one last time.
If you've been following here for awhile, you know my drill (and so does my husband) whenever we travel - I will be taking pictures throughout the stay, and no one is to set foot further into the hotel room than the little foyer until said pictures have been taken. #sorrynotsorry
If you're planning a visit to Austin in the near future, have a look through this mix of my iPhone photos (including some from a previous visit in January) and their beautiful professional photos to see just a sliver of why, in my humble opinion, I think there's only one perfect place to stay in ATX, the exquisite Austin Proper Hotel. Even if you're staying elsewhere, at the very least make sure you have a margarita here (I'll get to that later)!
I enjoyed reading Kelly's take on the design process here in this article, and thanks the loveliest young lady that was also awake at 6am, I found this stunning bathroom during our first visit to photograph with no one else there. Kelly's flair for the dramatic is such a nice surprise in the mundane spaces, and she is a master of mixing elements!
My one big tip for your stay if you like to take photos like I do, is to get up at zero dark thirty to be able to photograph spaces without a bunch of people milling around. I only know this because my husband spoils me by getting me coffee in bed every morning, and this is the first time ever that I've said I want to go on an early morning coffee run in a hotel! The night before the place was popping...at 5 am, not so much. @sheshootsshescores!
They even have signs posted everywhere that certain areas cannot be photographed at certain times because influencers can overrun the hotel if they don't call it out.
Mixing prints is a staple for her, and the Proper hotel rooms are a Masterclass in this!
She tells Elle Decor, "Austin informed the palette with warm golden yellows that pay tribute to the Texan sun combined with shades of rust, deep blue, sage, and cognac. From the color palette, we thoughtfully selected locally-inspired materials from leather and hides to furnishings made of wood to deep metal. We layered this timeless, historic, stylish sensibility with warmth and intimacy in a new, modern building." If you've ever visited Austin, if you know, you know and Kelly Wearstler, well, she nailed it.
Every textile and finish feels so luxurious and indulgent, especially in the bathroom!
Many areas felt like a luxury residence, but the high contrast pattern play through wallpaper and fabrics/leathers signaled to it being a commercial space. The amount of eye candy was endless, truly. Every corner revealed another combination that you could drink up for hours!
In terms of the special touches, Kelly says, "We approached designing the space with the same thoughtful process as a residential project, infusing each of the areas with one-of-a-kind vintage furniture, handmade pottery, fibre art and photography by local artists as well as vintage art. Vintage documents served as inspiration for wallcoverings while luxe fabrics and patterned vintage rugs elevate the spaces."
I'd love to see these complementary fabrics on multiple dining chairs in a future client's home! #callme The playfulness is so welcoming, but there's still an overall sophisticated vibe across this entire restaurant that I love.
La Piscina is on the 5th floor, next to the pool, and I swear to you, I will come back to stay here just for the margarita they serve. I don't even like margaritas, and it was the most delicious drink I've ever had! Mmmm, I have to pause here to daydream about it...
Both the hubs and I agreed that this will be our go-to stay when we're in town for college related festivities, hands down. It's luxury at its finest, with the high level of hospitality and service, and of course, it's aesthetically gorgeous every where you turn. If you end up having a stay here at the Austin Proper, have a margarita and think of me, and tell me what you think of your experience!