Mid-Century Modern Home Renovation: Garner Residence by Davey McEathron Architecture

Reviving 1970s Style with a Modern Twist in South Austin

The Garner Residence, designed by Davey McEathron Architecture with interiors and construction by Cary Paul Studios, is a vivid example of a mid-century modern home renovation that embraces eclectic style, spatial sophistication, and local architectural heritage. Located in the vibrant neighborhood of South Austin, this newly completed 5,948-square-foot residence reimagines the 1970s home aesthetic by fusing mid-century charm with Memphis modern influences and contemporary detailing.

Architectural Form Meets Eclectic Expression

The home’s exterior immediately reveals its architectural intent through a distinctive green standing seam metal roof that folds down to form the vertical siding. This bold gesture frames the building’s sharp geometry, creating a cohesive form that contrasts and harmonizes with the red brick base wrapping around the lower level. The use of classic brick connects the design to the surrounding historical homes, while its reinterpretation as a brise soleil near the entrance introduces a subtle modern filtration of light into the interior.

Conversation Pits and Custom Kitchens: The Soul of the Interior

One of the house’s most memorable interior features is the sunken conversation pit—a nostalgic nod to the 1970s, revived here for modern living. Positioned near the entry and facing the bricked brise soleil, the space fosters intimacy and openness in equal measure. Adjacent to the pit, a walnut-clad kitchen peninsula topped with terrazzo blends natural warmth with retro flair. Floating shelves and integrated planter boxes complete the mid-century modern palette, offering a richly textured and immersive interior environment.

A Vertical Home Designed for Light, Views, and Functionality

The three-story home unfolds vertically with each level delivering its own experience. The second floor is tailored for function and comfort, housing two bedrooms connected by a jack-and-jill bathroom, a laundry area, and a cozy reading nook with natural light spilling in from above. A custom storage cabinet adds utility without compromising style. The third level presents a lounge and custom wet bar, extending out to walk-out decks on the second and third floors that offer panoramic views of the downtown Austin skyline.

Handcrafted Details for a Boutique Living Experience

Throughout the residence, handcrafted design elements elevate the interiors. Angular motifs appear in the custom built-ins, boutique light fixtures punctuate each space with personality, and hand-selected tiles contribute to the house’s rich tactile character. Every detail is curated to express individuality while honoring the cohesive design language of the home. The careful layering of materials, colors, and forms embodies a unique synthesis of mid-century modern and 70s design sensibilities, reinterpreted through a contemporary lens.

Rooted in Place, Designed for the Present

While the Garner Residence is unmistakably modern in its execution, it remains deeply rooted in its South Austin context. The choice of red brick, spatial hierarchy, and relationship to its surroundings reflects an understanding of local residential traditions. At the same time, the bold roofline, vibrant interior language, and modern amenities speak to a lifestyle that values both nostalgia and innovation.

A Model for Modern Mid-Century Renovations

This project is more than a renovation—it’s a design narrative that bridges eras. Davey McEathron Architecture has created a home that honors the legacy of mid-century design while embracing the needs and desires of contemporary living. With its playful interior language, structural clarity, and sensitivity to both context and craft, the Garner Residence sets a new standard for the future of mid-century modern home renovation.

All photographs are works of Hunter Mitchell