SHOP THE SHOWHOUSE
Modern Entertaining from the 2025 House Beautiful Whole Home
Photos by Kieran Reeves Photography
Tucked into a leafy Austin neighborhood, the 2025 House Beautiful Whole Home is a canvas for modern entertaining, expertly lighted inside and out with Visual Comfort & Co.
Designed as a place to unwind and embrace a little whimsy, the 2025 House Beautiful Whole Home leans fully into its Austin, Texas, roots. The design team took to calling the 3,800-square-foot space a “Treetop Social Club,” and it’s easy to see why. Bold, mid-century-inspired interiors invigorate the living room, a flex space invites guests to let loose (or recharge), and leafy canopies sway outside nearly every window. There’s also a hint of quirk throughout — think a Kathy Kuo sheep statue in the primary bedroom or bandana wallpaper in the guest suite — all befitting of the city’s unofficial slogan, “Keep Austin Weird.”
In the multipurpose flex space, the Nyra 30 Chandelier by Sean Lavin captures the mid-century modern spirit infused throughout the home. Interior design by Amber Guyton.
The Lakmos Floor Lamp, also in the flex space, casts a warm glow. Shop a similar style, like the Dover Floor Lamp by AERIN, to add sculptural shine to a space. Interior design by Amber Guyton.
Vintage charm — like this retro radio-turned-console — doesn’t always come with an outlet. A cordless style, like the Olsen 15" Cordless Accent Lamp by AERIN, brings light to every corner. Interior design by Kim Lewis.
The guest suite’s eye-catching wallpaper calls for warm tones and natural finishes. The Corrine Extra-Large Wrapped Hanging Shade by Marie Flanigan is a polished choice that quietly nods to eclectic, bohemian style. Interior design by Leah O’Connell.
Still, it’s what you don’t see as much as what you do that makes this year’s Whole Home really shine. Architectural lighting was a huge component of the project, says developer Sara Malek Barney of BANDD/DESIGN. “Architectural lighting works best when you don’t even notice it,” she says. “It just becomes this quiet moment that makes the house feel perfect and peaceful.”
The Sutton 32" Flush Mount by Fisher Weisman, Cap-Ferrat 26" Table Lamp by Thomas O’Brien and Arabelle Medium Sconce by AERIN illuminate bold color in the home’s mid-century-inspired living room. Interior design by Kim Lewis.
Fringed, playful lines in the Sutton 32” Flush Mount by Fisher Weisman add to the home’s mid-century appeal. Interior design by Kim Lewis.
The Cap-Ferrat 26” Table Lamp by Thomas O’Brien is a work of art in itself when placed on a marble pedestal. The Arabelle Medium Sconce by AERIN adds a glowing touch. Interior design by Kim Lewis.
Here, lighting is central to how the home comes together. It guides the eye, shapes the mood and allows the house’s eclectic mix of ideas to feel intentional. Nowhere is that more evident than in the kitchen, where a dramatic swag of lighting floats above a custom, piano-inspired island — an instant conversation-starter that signals this is a house where design sings but doesn’t take itself too seriously. Throughout the home, singular design moments invite guests to look closer and linger longer, with Visual Comfort lighting serving as a unifying through-line. “I was really excited when Visual Comfort came on board,” Sara says. “I knew no matter which way the aesthetic went, it would all play well together.”
The dramatic swag of the Catena 149 and Catena 118 Chandeliers from Sean Lavin echoes the sculptural sconces from AERIN flanking the range in the home’s modern, open-concept kitchen. A piano-inspired island is a natural gathering place (and conversation-starter). Interior design by BANDD/DESIGN.
In the dining room, decidedly modern chairs are anchored by a contemporary chandelier, the Auxerre Extra Large Blacksmith Linear Chandelier by Thomas O’Brien. Custom automated shades from Visual Comfort & Co. allow for ample light — or total privacy — at a moment’s notice. Interior design by Kim Lewis.
A moody, built-in bar glows with warm light thanks to the Melange 9” Rechargeable Floating Disc Accent Lamp by Kelly Wearstler, offering sculptural light and a golden touch. Interior design by BANDD/DESIGN.
The primary bedroom echoes the canopy-like feel of the trees outside, featuring rich textures and patterns splashed across every square inch, even the ceiling. The Karam Medium Table Lamp by Sean Lavin adds sculptural warmth while the Iberia Large Chandelier by Julie Neill nods to the outdoors with its branchlike arms.
Tucked inside the four-poster bed, a pair of the Wimberley Single Arm Sconce by Marie Flanigan are a major upgrade to reading lights. Interior design by Kathy Kuo.
The hand-combed ceramic base and smooth brass shade of the Karam Medium Table Lamp by Sean Lavin create textural, layered lighting perfect for the richly patterned primary bedroom. Interior design by Kathy Kuo.
In the bedroom, even the smallest vignettes are worth a closer look. Here, the Estelle Display Lamp by Alexa Hampton spotlights a miniature work of art, set against the richly detailed Vista wallpaper by Phillip Jeffries. Interior design by Kim Lewis.
Branchlike arms in the Iberia Large Chandelier by Julie Neill extend the serene, nature-inspired motifs throughout the primary bedroom. Interior design by Kathy Kuo.
The simple yet striking Bernard pendants and Prado Medium Table Lamp, both by Amber Lewis, create a peaceful ambience in the loft space, featuring an attached guest bath with leather-trimmed Griffin Tail Sconces, also by the designer.
In the guest quarters, the Bernard 14” Pendant, Prado Medium Table Lamp and Griffin Floor Lamp by Amber Lewis softly illuminate without detracting from the view just outside. Interior design by Amber Lewis.
Simple sconces — the Griffin Tail Sconce by Amber Lewis — flank the mirror in this serene guest bath. Interior design by Amber Lewis.
Modern Anton Wall sconces and path lighting from Sean Lavin light the way, complementing the home’s architecture while providing a stunning contrast to the centuries-old oaks flanking the property.
A modern welcome. The Anton Large Wall Light by Sean Lavin creates a warm glow next to a seating area on the front patio. Design by Caitlin Creer.
Austin’s temperate climate is perfect for outdoor hosting, made even more inviting with the Marine Indoor/Outdoor Wall Light by Chapman & Myers. Design by Caitlin Creer.
Path lights by Sean Lavin lead the way to the home’s modern exterior, softened by lush landscaping. Design by Strata Landscape Architecture.
Directional spotlights by Sean Lavin illuminate one of the iconic live oak trees giving the house its nickname, The Treetop Social Club. Design by Strata Landscape Architecture.
The home’s spacious, functional back deck features the Cheshire Medium Hanging Lantern by Chapman & Meyers overhead. The Dresden Medium Wall Lantern by Thom Filicia and Tepa and Nevis rechargeable lamps by Sean Lavin offer beautiful illumination throughout. Design by Caitlin Creer.
Working to translate the interior designer’s vision for the space required Roa to anticipate all the ways the house would be lived in, and she designed accordingly. “A tailored architectural lighting plan adds depth and interest, bringing out the finishes of the space and making a home more comfortable, beautiful and enjoyable. Great lighting should feel natural, but there's so much intention there, too.”