Austin Designer Transforms Home Office for Tribeza Tour

Interior designer Ali Burgoon Nolan has turned a neglected flex room in her 1939 Austin bungalow into a focused studio space, just in time for the Tribeza Interiors Tour.

From Cluttered Flex Room to Purposeful Office

Before the renovation, the room served as a guest bedroom, sample library, and storage area, complete with a pull‑out sofa and metal wire racks holding clear bins of fabric swatches. The space was the darkest in the house, and she often chose to work at the dining table instead of the intended office.

She had six weeks to redesign the area, aiming for a “layered, functional, and imaginative studio space” that could accommodate the demands of running her firm while feeling personal and inspiring. The first step was to conceal most of the storage, replacing the open‑shelf system with an expansive IKEA cabinet that now anchors the room.

Generous horizontal work surfaces were added to support the designer’s habit of building and studying project palettes. A vintage Henning Kjærnulf console, sourced from Round Top, provides warmth and patina, while a custom worktable offers ample room for layout work.

Details that Shape the New Environment

Lighting shifted from hard‑wired sconces to rechargeable art lights from Pooky, allowing flexibility without permanent fixtures. Opaque rattan bins paired with unlacquered brass egg knobs give the cabinetry a custom feel. Nearby stools from a Pierce & Ward collaboration with West Elm, upholstered in Tree of Life fabric, add a touch of texture, and a mocha silk fringe introduces personality.

The centerpiece is a Noguchi Akari pendant, painted by artist Paige Martin with a scene inspired by a safari trip. Because the room is naturally dim, the pendant aims to feel “transportive, playful, and dreamlike,” featuring a celestial astrology motif above and below the safari scene.

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Just before the house opened to visitors, a vintage olive‑burl mid‑century desk was paired with a classic Wishbone chair and a Jieldé task lamp in Vespa green, blending traditional taste with a slightly mid‑century, utilitarian vibe.

Burgoon Nolan says the redesign reflects her belief that environments influence mood and productivity.

The space now feels inviting.

“A thoughtfully designed space can support a sense of ease, help us function better, and ultimately improve our wellbeing,” she notes.

Looking ahead, the updated office may serve as a template for other designers seeking to balance aesthetic appeal with practical needs, especially in historic homes where natural light is limited. While the specific choices—vintage pieces, custom lighting, and concealed storage—fit her personal style, the underlying principle of reducing visual clutter could be widely applicable.

Studio Burgoon now operates from this refined setting, positioning the bungalow as a creative hub that showcases how intentional design can enhance daily work life.