TRIBEZA

Designing for a speculative homeowner demands both bold vision and refined restraint.

Kelle Contine Interior Design embraced that balance in a new Tarrytown build, partnering with architect Hugh Jefferson Randolph and builder Capital Construction to bring the vision to life.

Principal in Charge Kelle Contine and Lead Designer Nicki Pérez drew on their long-standing collaboration to create a cohesive design concept, color story, and material palette. Contine, who launched her firm in 2011, brings over 20 years of design experience. Pérez, with more than 11 years in the field, has spent nearly a decade managing projects under Contine’s direction.

“Our team had to strike a balance between strong creative vision and thoughtful restraint,” Pérez explains.

Once they locked in a plan—featuring rich jewel tones, light natural woods, and a modern aesthetic with art deco accents—Pérez led the project through its final stages, refining the details and guiding it to completion.

AUSTIN TARRYTOWN

“This home sits in the heart of one of Austin’s most architecturally dynamic neighborhoods—Tarrytown,” says Pérez. The team embraced a concept of old meets new, with a deliberate nod to modernity. They took design risks while carefully avoiding anything ostentatious or overdone. As a result, the home feels bold yet refined, never safe but never excessive.

From the start, the team envisioned bringing the exterior brick indoors. This decision added a grounding, organic element that unified the spaces. The Old Chicago brick, ranging from sandy brown to limestone white, occasionally reveals charcoal tones.

These natural shades repeat in the soft wood flooring and exposed ceiling beams. Meanwhile, the darker hues echo in matte black fixtures and window frames, tying the design together.

As you enter, an exposed brick wall guides you into the open living room. There, the hearth acts as a warm focal point. To balance the brick’s neutrality, the team introduced bold paint colors and vivid tilework throughout the home.

GEMSTONE HUES

“We’ve always loved the rich saturation of gemstone hues,” says Pérez. “Jewel tones aren’t limited to one design style. They bring a flexible, multifaceted beauty.” This philosophy shines in the wet bar near the dining room. A sapphire blue mosaic tile in a chevron pattern recalls the glamour of the 1920s. Overhead, a skylight filters soft light into the space without diminishing its intimate atmosphere.

In the kitchen, deep blue cabinetry adds richness and depth. This bold color contrasts with the subtle backsplash and a dark steel range hood. Textured white tiles with geometric lines bring dimension without overpowering the minimalist design.

Toward the front of the home, the powder bath makes a vibrant statement. Jade green tiles pair with fish-scale sage wallpaper to create a striking yet balanced look. Brass sconces with frosted glass complete the space with a warm glow. Just outside, a steel pocket door—painted emerald—leads into a cozy study. Built-in shelves, navy velvet chairs, and an ornate wallpapered accent wall invite calm and creativity.

Though Contine and Pérez embraced art deco elements, they avoided locking the home into a single era. Instead, they allowed various design periods to harmonize, creating a timeless, layered aesthetic. Each space reveals thoughtful details—never forced, always intentional. This Tarrytown home stirs curiosity and offers elegance at every turn, revealing its beauty piece by piece.