Talking Shop

_{We drool over their Instagram feeds, delight in their wallpaper choices and can’t wait to see what they do next. Meet the five designers you need to know now.}

by Tribeza Staff
Photograph by Kate Zimmerman
 
 

Shannon Eddings

Shannon Eddings Interiors

The Dallas native and UT grad studied studio art and ran a successful custom invitation business before following in her mother’s footsteps and starting her interior design business in 2010. Shannon, a mom of three who who just appeared on an episode of HGTV’s House Hunters Renovations, has gained many fans with the inviting and stylish spaces she has created in homes across Austin.

Describe your design style in three words.

Approachable, eclectic, refined.

If you could design a house for anyone living or dead, who would it be?

Wes Anderson. I love some quirk.

What do you love about the design scene in Austin and how do you think it is changing?

Austin is getting a lot more options for interior resources and I’m thrilled. In the past I’ve had to go to Dallas to find a big selection of lighting, furniture, rugs. But Austin has really stepped up in the last year or two.

What are some of your favorite spaces in Austin?

The Elisabet Ney Museum in Hyde Park. We used to live around the corner and would admire it on walks. I love a space with character and history.

What’s your advice for someone who wants to design his or her home for the first time?

I tell my clients to get familiar with their “style” though exposure to some great design publications (magazines, books, Instagram—anything). Then, prepare for an exciting process, a few delays and a really good house at the end of it all.

What’s one thing we would be surprised to know about you?

I’d takesweatpants and a book over heels and a night out—any day forever and always.

Find Shannon on Instagram @shannoneddingsinteriors.

Matt Tsang

M. Walter Design

Matt studied business at UT and spent four years working as a creative project manager before deciding to pursue an interior design career full-time. He was enthralled by Walt Disney at a young age and calls that connection a self-fulfilling prophecy that he would always “lean into my imagination, take big risks and live an inspired life filled with creativity.”

Describe your design style in three words.

Evolutionary, modernistic, classical.

If you could design a house for anyone living or dead, who would it be?

Arne Jacobsen. I admire his incredible legacy as a designer and architect. There’s something to be said about his tenacity and ability to push the bounds of modern design.

What do you love about the design scene in Austin and how do you think it is changing?

I’ve seen this city come into its own. What was just a quirky town known for live music is quickly becoming a metropolis of passionate design and architecture.

What are some of your favorite spaces in Austin?

Gardner (RIP), the Blanton Museum of Art, Hotel San Jose, Uchiko, Eberly.

Find Matt on Instagram at @mwalterdesign.

Kim West

Co-owner supply + designer, Well Dressed Space

The former fashion exec (Marc Jacobs and Jil Sander) made a splash on the Austin design scene with her bold and cheeky design style, especially with last year’s opening of SUPPLY, a showroom representing fabric, wallpaper, lighting, rugs and furniture, which has brought stunning lines from around the world to Austin.

Describe your design style in three words.

Playful, colorful, patterned

If you could design a house for anyone living or dead, who would it be?

Jennifer Lawrence

What are your favorite spaces in Austin?

The Hotel Saint Cecilia, Launderette, June’s, Jeffreys, and Josephine House

What’s your advice for someone who wants to design his or her home for the first time?

In design, following your gut is everything. Also, don’t be boring. Measure, measure, measure.

What’s one thing we would be surprised to know about you?

I’m obsessed with Australia. Their design sensibility is bananas.

Find Kim on Instagram at @welldressedspace and @supplyshowroom.

Taylor Murphy

Taylor Murphy Design Studio

After years working with a renowned Austin designer on some of the city’s most popular bars and restaurants, the San Antonio native launched his own firm this year. He says: “Seeing these places filled with people and the space being used at the end of a project is a very proud feeling once your hard work is activated.”

Describe your design style in three words.

Forward, collected, bright (baller).

If you could design a house for anyone living or dead who would it be?

My grandmother was an interesting lady, and raised a heck of a daughter. She lived an exciting life and always danced. I would enjoy designing a house for her because she was aware of so much in the world, up for anything, but never had a ton of money.

What are some of your favorite spaces in Austin?

The McGarrah Jesse Building, the Travis County Courthouse, Eberly, Juliet and Draught House Pub.

What’s your advice for what someone who is designing his or her home for the first time?

Think about your life and how you use your space. Functionality in a personal space is extremely important. Think about these things first and then how it makes you feel emotionally second.

Find Taylor on Instagram at @taylorwmurphy.

Duffy Stone

Duffy Stone Studio

This stylish redhead started her own design firm at the young age of 25 and has since created eclectic and whimsical spaces for shops like Beehive and Esby Apparel.

Describe your design style in three words.

Magical rainbow explosion!

If you could design a house for anyone living or dead, who would it be?

My husband, Ben (HusBen). He has really fun taste, and I would love to make his dream house one day.

What do you love about the design scene in Austin and how do you think it is changing?

I mainly do commercial interiors, so I’m very excited to see that spaces are embracing color and moving towards more bold interiors to house their businesses.

What are some of your favorite spaces in Austin?

The Esther’s Follies lounge area is incredibly playful and gets me giddy every time. They have these slightly Memphis style meets Saved By The Bell-lookingbanquettes that are amazing and such a piece of art.

What’s one thing we would be surprised to know about you?

I don’t ever do designs in leather or fur. I love faux!

Find Duffy on Instagram at @duffystone.

_{Read more from the Interiors Issue | January 2017}