TRIBEZA’s 2025 Curb Appeal Award Winner Adds a New Orleans Flair to East Austin
Learn how Austin Realtor Chloe Chiang built her dream home with community at its core
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Austin real estate agent Chloe Chiang experienced a self-described epiphany. She wanted to build a house. As an agent, she was always helping other people find the houses of their dreams, but she wanted to build and design her own home from scratch — not only to create the ultimate bachelorette pad, but to further hone her skills and be able to offer her clients another level of insight and perspective as a home owner.
“Of course, it turned into a full-blown Sarah Jessica Parker moment when I found a big lot, and my original 1,500-square-foot bungalow home project turned into the 2,800-square-foot home of my dreams,” jokes Chiang.
For Chiang’s New Orleans-inspired home, she partnered with builder Render ATX, architecture team Designtrait and Structure Landscape to bring her dreams to life. Together, they worked to create a home that not only oozes the beauty and essence of The Big Easy, but has quickly become a gathering and connecting point in East Austin — just as Chiang intended.
“When I was building my house, I wanted porches where people could step right up and have a glass of tea and a conversation,” explains Chiang. “I told my builder the double porches were non-negotiable. I wanted to create spaces where people could feel at home and be unapologetically themselves. Come as you are when you’re at my house.”
As a Realtor, Chiang has seen a lot of houses. Because of this, she knew exactly what she wanted when it came to her own. Analyzing each and every detail, Chiang decided on customizing every detail. Each doorknob is unique, and every sound, color and texture is intentional.
“I don’t know if I’ll ever be done with this house,” she says. “I fell in love with New Orleans because of its soul and character. Everything was old and beautiful, with layered materials from different time periods, such as Oriental and French. That’s what I aimed to encapsulate with my home.”
The house features 1,100 square feet of covered exterior. The courtyards are modeled after those you find in New Orleans, decorated with lush, yet low maintenance, landscaping inspired by “The Secret Garden.” Buffalo lanterns add to the ambiance. The exterior includes six different colors, including light blue, which is used to ward off evil spirits, according to Chiang.
“In New Orleans, they find beauty in everything,” says Chiang. “My goal with this home was to do the same.”
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