Kaki John is the owner and senior designer of Kaki John Interiors, an Austin-based interior design studio serving clients nationwide. She holds an Interior Design degree from the New York Institute of Art and Design and has been transforming homes since 2012, working across full-home renovations, new construction, and single-room redesigns. Her work has been featured in Voyage Austin.
Here in Austin, we’re done with “nice.” A nice front porch, a nicely hung gallery wall, a living room with perfectly nice furniture - enough with the niceties, everyone! Homeowners are craving spaces that do more than simply look…nice. They want spaces that make an impact, that create a feeling. They want homes with personality, warmth, and a sense that someone lives there.
And yes, please! I am sooo here for it.
For a good long while, there was a real pull toward safe design. You know the look I’m talking about: loads of neutrals, minimal personality, and everything being perfectly coordinated. And listen, there is absolutely a place for a calm, neutral space…but that doesn’t have to mean generic colors and basic features. More and more, homeowners are ready to move beyond that formula and ask for something different.
They want homes that feel collected instead of copied. They want color that tells a story. They want materials with texture and character. They want spaces that reflect who they are, not just what happens to be trending online.
Austin has always had a little bit of that independent spirit, and I think our homes are really starting to reflect it. This month, I’m sharing the interior design trends we’re seeing most in Austin lately, from warmer palettes and layered textures to spaces designed around how people want to live in their homes.
Color Is Coming Back, and Homeowners Are Oh So Ready for It
Hallelujah! People are not afraid of color anymore. Cue your own little jig here because I sure am dancing.
Now, that does not mean every room needs to become a crayon explosion. (Although, if that’s your thing, I fully support it.) What it means is that people are becoming more intentional about using color intentionally in their homes. They’re using it to create an atmosphere that sets the tone for how they want to feel in their space.
For example, a deep green library can feel cozy and sophisticated. A warm clay-toned dining room can feel welcoming and grounded. A painted vanity in a powder room can turn a small space into one of the most memorable rooms in the house. Oh, and a fun as heck wallpapered powder bath can make someone feel light, bright and giddy – putting a little pep in their step in the middle of their day.
Texture Is Doing the Heavy Lifting
One of the biggest luxury design trends we are seeing right now is texture. This goes beyond visually interesting materials and into spaces that make you want to reach out and just touch everything. Think natural stone, woven fabrics, handmade ceramics, plaster finishes, wood details, and layered materials that create depth.
We are also seeing this show up in architectural details. Fluted cabinetry, reeded wood, textured millwork, and custom details are becoming popular ways to add interest without relying on a lot of decoration.
The reason I love this trend is because texture creates a lot of warmth. A room can have a rich color palette, but without texture, it can still fall a little flat. The spaces that feel the most inviting usually have layers.
Homes Are Becoming More Personal and Less "Pinterest Perfect"
Here’s another one that gives me perhaps an absurd amount of joy: people are finally realizing that their homes are meant to be lived in. Hello. Yes. Exactly!
Your home does not have to look like a perfectly styled photo. It needs to work for your life. Here in Austin, we’re seeing clients ask for spaces that reflect their routines, their hobbies, and the way they spend time at home, not someone else’s vision of what a “perfect” home should look like.
A kitchen designed for someone who loves to cook should not look exactly like a kitchen designed for someone who mostly orders takeout. A home office should support the way you work. A living room should encourage people to gather, not just look pretty in a photograph. And a garage is a portal to explore your hobbies.
This is why my priority as a designer is always to understand the person who lives there. The best compliment we can receive is not, “This looks like a magazine.”
It’s, “This feels like us.”
Indoor-Outdoor Living Continues to Define Austin Design
Austin living naturally lends itself to indoor-outdoor spaces, and that connection is not slowing down. Homeowners are thinking more intentionally about how their interiors connect with patios, pools, gardens, and outdoor entertaining areas.
Large windows, oversized doors, comfortable outdoor furnishings, and materials that transition beautifully between spaces are all part of this conversation, but the key is that outdoor spaces are no longer an afterthought. They’re becoming an extension of the home.
A thoughtfully designed patio can function as an additional living room. An outdoor kitchen can become the center of weekend gatherings. A well-planned transition between inside and outside can make the entire home feel larger and more connected.
Vintage And Collected Pieces Are Replacing Perfectly Matched Rooms
Here we’re calling for another amen, as this might be my favorite trend.
The days of buying an entire room set and calling it done are finally fading away. Instead, people are looking for pieces that feel like they have a story. Vintage furniture, antique finds, handmade pieces, and unique artwork are making their way into homes alongside newer pieces.
That mix creates a beautiful personality. A home does not need to feel like everything was purchased during one shopping trip. A home that feels layered, collected, and like it has evolved over time is very in right now.
Some of my favorite spaces are the ones where you can look around and wonder, "Where did they find that?"
What’s Not Changing: Thoughtful Design Always Wins
Trends come and go. That’s the nature of design, but the spaces that stand the test of time usually have the same things in common: they are functional, intentional, and designed around the people who use them.
At Kaki John Interiors, we love seeing trends because they give us inspiration and new ways to think about spaces, but we never want a trend to take over the most important part of design, which is creating a home that feels right for you.
Whether you’re renovating your entire home, refreshing one room, or simply trying to understand what direction you want to take your space, the best place to start is always the same. How do you want to live?
From there, the design follows.
If you are ready to talk through your project, we would love to hear what you are working on. Reach out anytime if you’d like a second perspective.
Frequently Asked Questions
What interior design styles are popular in Austin right now?
Austin homeowners are gravitating toward designs that feel warm, personal, and connected to the surrounding environment. We’re seeing more natural materials, layered textures, richer colors, and spaces that blend comfort with sophistication.
Are neutral interiors still popular?
Yes. Neutral design is not going away, but the way people use neutrals is changing. Instead of relying only on white and gray, homeowners are incorporating warmer neutrals, natural textures, and layered materials to create spaces that feel more inviting.
What colors are trending in Austin homes?
We are seeing more homeowners embrace earthy greens, warm browns, terracotta, deep blues, and other nature-inspired colors. The goal is less about following a specific color trend and more about creating a feeling.
How do I incorporate trends without making my home feel dated?
The best way to use trends is through elements that can evolve over time, such as paint, textiles, artwork, and accessories. For larger investments like cabinetry or flooring, focus on timeless materials and designs that fit your lifestyle.