A father-daughter duo has successfully transformed a 1930s cottage in Austin, Texas, into a charming living space, completing the renovation for a budget of $80,000. Interior designer Ali Michel and her father undertook the project in October 2024, turning what was marketed as a teardown into a home filled with character and style.
Ali Michel, 27, fell in love with the cottage’s potential upon visiting it with her father. The property, which features two bedrooms and one bathroom across approximately 1,150 square feet, was advertised as a teardown due to its outdated features. Michel, seeing beyond the surface, recognized the home’s beauty and layout and envisioned how it could be revitalized.
Transforming a Vision into Reality
With her background in interior design, having worked as a lead designer at Living Oak Interior Design, Michel approached the renovation with a clear plan. She and her father aimed to do as much of the work as possible to stay within their financial constraints. Michel noted, “The budget was $80,000 to renovate the entire house, which is what we usually spend on one kitchen for clients. That was a really tight budget.”
The renovation process began immediately after the purchase was finalized. Michel utilized her professional skills to draft a design plan, creating renderings to visualize the space before any physical work commenced. “We demoed the day we closed,” she stated, indicating their commitment to the project.
One of the significant changes made was the merging of the kitchen and dining areas. Previously separated by a wall, the two spaces were combined to create a larger, more functional area. This involved removing a doorway and closing off a built-in pantry, which allowed for a more open kitchen layout.
Affordable Choices with High-End Appeal
To maximize storage and stay within budget, Michel opted for Ikea cabinetry. The total cost for the cabinetry was approximately $13,000, which included custom doors from Semihandmade that were spray-painted olive green. Michel remarked that this choice saved them around $60,000 compared to custom cabinetry options.
In addition to the cabinets, the duo created built-in storage solutions, including a bench seat with cabinets underneath it, effectively utilizing the space and providing a cozy dining experience. Michel crafted her dining table herself to meet her specific needs, incorporating design elements that harmonized with the overall aesthetic of the home.
The kitchen also featured a new oven, which Michel upgraded to ensure it sat flush against the countertops, allowing for a more seamless design. The vent hood, which she described as one of her favorite features, was custom-made and added a touch of elegance to the kitchen.
Throughout the renovation, Michel aimed to preserve the cottage’s historic charm while introducing modern touches. The living room, for instance, was enhanced by a custom fireplace that Michel envisioned with a curved design, reminiscent of a pizza oven, which added character to the space.
The bathroom was another area where Michel balanced modern elements with classic aesthetics. She installed shiplap walls painted in soft blue and incorporated a penny tile mosaic on the floor, paying homage to the original tiles found during demolition.
Michel’s design philosophy emphasizes creativity and personalization. “It’s hard designing your own space when you’re an interior designer because you see so many cool things every day,” she noted. This personal project allowed her to explore her style without the constraints of client preferences.
The renovation, completed in just three months, showcases Michel’s ability to blend professional expertise with a personal touch. The home is filled with vintage furniture, DIY projects, and affordable finds, creating a unique living environment that reflects her personality.
As the father-daughter team continues to work on a separate guest cottage on the property, Michel is excited to incorporate whimsical design elements that may not typically appeal to broader rental markets. “I think it’s good to gather a lot of inspiration photos… and start with that,” she advised others considering renovations.
Michel’s journey from a chemical engineering graduate to a successful interior designer highlights the importance of following one’s passion. Her story serves as an inspiration for those looking to transform their spaces, emphasizing that with creativity and a clear vision, even tight budgets can yield beautiful results.
