Living Oak Home Decor Opens in Austin’s “Design Row” With Stylish, Accessible Finds
Designer Laura Williams brings a curated mix to her new boutique in the Brentwood neighborhood
In a once-quiet stretch of Brentwood, a design boom is taking shape. Anchored by charming mainstays like Brentwood Social House, Alexander Marchant and Honey Hill Market, the neighborhood has become a go-to destination for those looking to sip, shop and stay awhile. And now, thanks to interior designer Laura Williams, Living Oak Home Decor offers a new place for everything from a coffee table book to a vintage vessel and local art.
Over the years, Living Oak Interior Design’s clients have not only hired the team for full-scale renovations but for all the finishing touches too. “We would finish styling a home, and the clients would say, ‘I love this so much—I want to keep everything you used,’” says Williams.
Living Oak Home’s opening in November 2024 is a natural evolution. Williams also saw it as an opportunity to fill a hole in the market for cost-friendly home goods. (Visitors can find stylish picks for an average price of just $30.) Like their design philosophy, the store’s aesthetic is sophisticated, transitional, and approachable.
Inside, every shelf features an eye-catching object. There are glazed jugs from Round Top, small-batch candles—which she calls “the most luxurious-smelling candles in the world”—found at the Dallas Market, floral tea towels, candlesticks, and custom block print pillows. “Pattern play is having a moment right now,” she adds.
The shop is both a showcase of Williams’ favorite finds and a space that fosters community and connection. “We were already sourcing beautiful things for clients and keeping them in the back of our office,” she explains. “We go to Round Top and High Point and have items from all these amazing markets.”
In addition to sourced finds, there are plenty of pieces from local artists. For fans of unique flatware, dishwasher-safe pieces from Alexandra Bond of I’m Slip Ceramics show plenty of personality. “It’s all in the details,” says Williams. “She has salt and pepper shakers, Russian doll cups, and ergonomic mugs. I drink my espresso every morning out of one of those cups because it just feels so good to use.”
Travel photography by Madeline Harper lines the back walls, alongside handmade glass-and-resin art by San Antonio–based artist Tracy Murphy that celebrates the beauty of Texas landscapes.
Living Oak Home has also become a hub for creative community events. Past happenings have included a floral marking workshop for Galentine’s, a charm necklace party, a charm bar with August and Addison, and a wellness morning earlier this month. On June 7, the store will host Living Oak Market, a vintage home decor and artisan market featuring vendors like LuLo Vintage and VHB Goods, along with a curated selection of interior décor.
While the shop is open to all, it also serves as an extension of Williams’ design studio. Clients often stop in with Pinterest boards and leave with styled vignettes or scheduled consultations. “I love when people walk in mid-renovation,” she says. “We’ll pull together a few pieces, take them to their home, and style it on the spot.” The team offers everything from quick styling sessions to full-room furnishing. “You don’t need to start from scratch,” she adds. “Sometimes, the right lamp or throw pillow is all it takes to bring a space to life.”
Whether she’s consulting on a full-home renovation or guiding someone through shelf styling, Williams leans into practicality and play. Lately, she’s gravitating toward blues—a subtle shift from the green tones that have dominated kitchens in recent years. “I painted my own kitchen blue, and now it’s showing up everywhere,” she says. “The jugs, the books, the doors—it wasn’t intentional, but it reflects where I’m at right now.”
Laura’s Quick Styling Tips:
Start with layers. “I’m always stacking a candle on a coffee table book or placing a bowl on top of a tray,” she says. “It adds dimension and makes everyday items feel intentional.”
She’s currently drawn to blues—periwinkle, slate, powder—after years of seeing green dominate. “There was a big green wave, especially in kitchens,” she says, “but now I’m seeing blue make a comeback. I painted my own kitchen blue in December, and it’s popping up all over the shop without me even realizing it.”
She also loves the return of pattern—subtle ways to add color and texture without overwhelming a space. Her advice? Mix textures, decorate in odd numbers, and let your personality peek through. “You want your home to feel layered and lived in—not staged.”
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