How Etch Design Group Transformed a Frida Kahlo-Inspired Oasis in Austin
The local interior design firm utilized bold color choices and the infusion of art and culture throughout the home
When Austinites Simon and Jaqueline Diaz purchased their Lone Oak Drive home in 2019, it had good bones, but lacked personality. The traditional, builder-grade structure didn’t have any custom or unique elements that the couple had been looking for in a home. That’s when they engaged Austin-based Etch Design Group.
“It was clear that Simon and Jaqueline’s vision was something special,” says Jessica Nelson, principal and interior designer at Etch Design Group. “They wanted a space that was not only beautiful, but deeply personal and reflective of their lives. We saw the potential for transformation.”
Etch Design Group transformed the space from the ground up. The design process involved closely working with the couple to incorporate elements from their travels and memories, as well as designing custom pieces with personal meaning.
“Simon and Jaqueline are incredibly well-traveled and culturally aware, having spent time living abroad, including in London,” explains Nelson. “They love unique, meaningful pieces and are not fans of anything cookie-cutter. Their appreciation for thoughtful, intentional design made them a joy to work with.”
The couple sought inspiration for the home’s aesthetic from Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul, particularly when it came to bold color choices and the infusion of art and culture throughout the space. Nelson said the group wanted the home to feel like an extension of the couple’s personalities — vibrant, global and deeply rooted in history. The colors and textures throughout the home evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia, while still being modern and luxurious.
As for the admired artistry of Kahlo’s Casa Azul, that’s a special story.
“Growing up, my mom used to take my siblings and me to the library on weekends,” says Jaqueline. “I used to sit on the floor devouring books about Frida Kahlo. It was the first time I had discovered a historical figure whom I could connect with as a role model for a successful career and legacy. Every time I walk by my laundry room now, it makes me smile.”
Etch Design Group even gave a nod to Jacqueline’s mother through a custom living room chandelier that looks like birds on branches.
“Growing up, my mom raised finches and lovebirds,” explains Jaqueline. “I like to have pieces of my mom since she lives in another state, and I don’t get to see her as much as I would like.”
“The home is filled with custom touches,” adds Nelson. “One example is the quartzite coffee table that we designed specifically for Simon. The veining in the stone reminded him of a river near his hometown. We also incorporated unique tile work, custom cabinetry and carefully selected furnishings to tie everything together.”
Standout elements from the home’s renovation are around every corner — inside and out. The primary retreat features a custom-forged iron bed designed by Etch Design Group, striking the perfect balance between both vintage and modern. The kitchen bears a resemblance to the older homes in the south of France or Corsica, including an island with marble tops for rolling out dough, a plaster hood, wood tones and hand-formed backsplash tile. Custom pantry doors were fabricated to look like antique doors, inspired by an old Spanish church. Blue lime wash walls in the laundry room, paired with the intricate Mexican Talavera tiles, create a warm and inviting atmosphere in this functional space.
The primary bathroom feels like a true retreat, with every detail thoughtfully designed to create a calming and luxurious space — a nod to the couple’s penchant for visiting spas on their travels. The Zellige floor tiles, in a soft and subtle tone-on-tone palette, create a natural texture and the glossy tile finish adds both depth and sophistication. The bathroom cabinets have a coastal shutter look that feels very Mediterranean. The careful coordination of marble tiles and slabs enhances the serene atmosphere, complemented by louvered cabinet doors at the vanities and custom-fabricated mirrors. The centerpiece, a stunning concrete bathtub, ties everything together, making the bathroom a true oasis.
“This is our ‘We made it’ house,” says Simon. “We wanted it to reflect our cultures, our favorite places around the world and our favorite people, and we wanted it to feel like a retreat from the outside world. We used to want to travel and escape a lot, but now we never want to leave home.”
“The entire home is a work of art,” says Nelson. “Simon and Jaqueline told us it feels like they’re on vacation every day, which is the kind of feeling we aim to create.”