Austin PR Duo Brandy and Ryan Fons Transform Their Bryker Woods Bungalow Into a Stylish Entertainer’s Haven
Wallpaper, brass hardware and an elegant color theme take center stage in entertainment publicists' home designed by Jenny Mason
Brandy and Ryan Fons, owners of Fons PR, have lived in their Bryker Woods home for the last 17 years, yet like many Austinites, the pandemic prompted them to reconsider their living situation. Should they sell their charming 1949 abode or transform it into their ideal forever home? The decision was easy.
“We really love our neighborhood, the trees, and our corner lot,” says Brandy Fons. In lieu of a move, they hired designer Jenny Mason to embark on a remodel that would perfectly reflect the couple’s style, while elevating each space with functionality at the forefront.
Balancing aesthetics and functionality
While the home had served them well, the couple faced challenges typical of older residences — a lack of both storage and closet space. The solution? A thoughtful renovation and cosmetic updates focused on key areas. Their must-haves included a modern kitchen, refreshed formal living room, screening room, and new primary bedroom with ensuite, as well as an expanded outdoor entertainment space with both personal gatherings and professional PR events in mind.
While they only added about 600 square feet, “every single space has a sense of newness to it,” says the designer, who helped bring their carefully-curated vision to life. The home now features a Palm Springs-inspired aesthetic with a black-and-white palette, shiplap walls — a clever solution to popcorn walls and ceilings — and a mix of furnishings and decor from beloved local vendors.
The kitchen, a major focal point of the renovation, was brought to life with a show-stopping waterfall island, custom cabinetry by Lucktone Woodshop and appliances from K&N Appliance Gallery.
“We didn’t even have an exhaust fan in our old kitchen, and it would get so hot,” recalls Brandy.
A home made for hosting
Standout lighting and textile and hardware choices, including the kitchen’s trio of brass pendants and dining room’s chandelier from Visual Comfort, make the compact home feel that much more sophisticated. The primary suite’s bathroom even brings the details onto the ceiling with floral fixtures and wallpaper, while the closet, wrapped in a red Scalamandre print, makes getting dressed for the day a treat.
“Wallpaper has become an essential design element in our home,” shares Brandy.
“We brought attention to every single selection, no matter how small,” adds Mason.
When it comes to entertaining, Ryan and Brandy Fons’ home is well-prepared thanks to their all-weather room, an addition to the original footprint, along with a separate screening room, decked out with state-of-the-art speakers to watch movies at their best quality. They can also host gatherings in a newly enclosed front yard with plants from nearby Thompson + Hansen, “something different, not done on our block,” explains Brandy.
They worked with Landpro Landscaping Services to create an outdoor lighting scheme with illuminated pavers to make the home glow at dusk and provide a lit pathway from the driveway to the front door.
A milestone year for the Fonses
Their redesigned outdoor space now serves as an ideal setting for hosting friends, movie screenings and other industry events — a landmark moment that feels especially serendipitous as this year marks Fons PR’s 15th anniversary. Ryan and Brandy Fons, who relocated to Austin from Los Angeles in 2006, have continued their entertainment public relations focus with clients such as SXSW, A24 Films, Fantastic Fest, Universal and Alamo Drafthouse.
While this was the couple’s first remodel, they both emphasize how invaluable Mason’s role was throughout the process.
“Jenny was there every step of the way. She was more than a designer. She felt like a project manager and general contractor rolled into one,” says Brandy.
Now, with their home complete, the Fonses are excited to host friends, family and clients — something they couldn’t fully enjoy before.
“We hosted Thanksgiving last year, and it felt amazing to have the space to move around and entertain,” says Brandy. “We feel like we’ve finally created our forever home.”