Austin, TX March 2026

The Home's Issue

HOME + DESIGN

EXPLORE VIBRANT WALLPAPER, HOME TECH AND A "TRADITIONAL WITH A TWIST" MAKEOVER

The Home’s Issue

Welcome to our annual Home Issue! March in Austin is always a season of renewal and high energy, but it is also the perfect time to turn our focus inward to the spaces that ground us. This month, we are exploring how local visionaries are helping us move past "sad beige" to create homes filled with vibrant storytelling and cutting-edge comfort.

We begin with a look at the "wallpaper queen of Austin," Lindsay Nicol. As the founder of The Wallpaper Concierge, this former tech professional has found her true calling as a design matchmaker, helping homeowners find the bold prints they are head-over-heels for. We also step inside a classic Brykerwoods home that received a "traditional with a twist" makeover from the talented team at Ashby Collective. Senior Designer Cori Pfaff shows us how to balance family memories with a modern, colorful spirit.

Of course, a modern Austin home is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about how the space functions. We sat down with the gurus at HAAS Home Technologies to discover how they are revolutionizing luxury living through "invisible" tech. From immersive private screening rooms to lighting that supports your natural circadian rhythms, they are proving that the most sophisticated homes are the ones that feel the most intuitive.

Whether you are planning a full-scale remodel or simply looking for that one perfect pattern to brighten a room, I hope this issue inspires you to make your Austin home a true masterpiece.

Cheers,

JOE KERBY, PUBLISHER

March 2026

PUBLISHER

Joe Kerby | joe.kerby@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Montannah Kerby | montannah.kerby@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Jennifer Birn

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

QUALITY

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

Modern Lux Lasik in Austin

Under the guidance of our Medical Director, Dr. Ryan Brewer, a board-certified LASIK surgeon who completed his ophthalmology residency at one of the nation’s top programs, and Dr. Tim Soeken, a fellowship-trained ophthalmologist with both military and academic distinction, we deliver exceptional clinical care and surgical precision. Our bladeless LASIK technology allows more patients to safely qualify for the procedure than ever before.

Imagine your life, in focus.

business monthly

Art of Kindness Gala

The Art of Kindness Gala

The Kindness Campaign’s annual fundraising gala is March 27 at PBS Studios. This year promises to be extra special, with featured speaker Jefferson Fisher, a communications expert, author of “The Next Conversation” - and UT alum! And, we hear the after party will be hosted by designer Jonathan Simkhai! The Kindness Campaign, founded by Andra Liemandt (pictured with Jefferson), brings emotional health tools to children nationwide. Learn more at https://www.tkckindness.org

The Portal Opening This Fall

The Portal announced it will open an Austin outpost of its members-only urban sanctuary this fall. It will have curated events, coworking, wellness, and community connection designed to inspire creativity, growth, and holistic well-being and will feature lounges, a restaurant & bar, spa amenities, yoga and movement spaces, and events for members, The Portal fosters transformational connection and collaboration. Go to ThePortal.House for more information

House of Margot Blair Now Online

House of Margot Blair, the secret magic touch behind so many dinner party preparations and gorgeous florals has closed up their 35th Street shop and stepped back from outfitting events for the year. But, have no fear, you can purchase the fabulous florals you love as well as buy the elements for a perfect dinner party.from flatware to stemware - on their website https://houseofmargotblair.com/

Photography by Matthew Williams

ROOST Rainey Joins LV Collective’s Paseo

The spacious residential-inspired accommodations provide an alternative to a traditional hotel for both short-term and extended-stay travelers and mark the completion of LV Collective’s 48-story luxury mixed-use property at 80 Rainey Street. They have 59 furnished suites ranging from studios to four-bedrooms, each with kitchens, in-unit laundry and a mix of modern and vintage furnishings. Guests also have access to Paseo’s wellness amenities, including a pool deck overlooking Lady Bird Lake and fitness center with saunas and cold plunges.

Rolling Suds, the nation’s leading power washing franchise, dedicates its services to revitalizing and enhancing the value of commercial real estate properties.

Set your schedule. Make an impact. Build a life you’re proud of.

Behind each of our 200+ City Lifestyle magazines is someone who cares deeply about their community. Someone who connects people, celebrates businesses, and shares the stories that matter most. What if that someone was you?

Or maybe it’s someone you know. If this isn’t the right time for you, but you know someone who could be the perfect fit, we’d love an intro.

WAYS2WELL INNOVATIVE LONGEVITY LAB

INCREASING HEALTHSPAN & LIFESPAN WITH COMPASSION, INNOVATION AND END-TO-END CARE

If you’ve driven down Bee Caves Road and spotted a tiny alien waving next to a Ways2Well sign, you’ve glimpsed the entrance to the building that houses one of the country’s most innovative longevity labs.

The brainchild of founder and healthcare entrepreneur Brigham Buhler, Ways2Well operates on the core philosophy that healthcare should emphasize wellness over illness. As such, the company’s model centers on predictive, proactive and preventative care, aiming to empower members with the tools and insights they need to take ownership of their health.  With things

like annual bloodwork memberships that come with multiple blood draws throughout the year, an in-depth analysis and review with both a clinician and a knowledgeable (and often sassy) AI named Allen, who’s available via an app 24/7 to answer questions using a patient’s own health data, they provide tools that allow people to optimize their health.

Ways2Well offers virtual bloodwork memberships in 48 states, but those who travel to Austin for their services, and those lucky enough to live here, get to experience in-person services from stem cell and peptide therapies to modalities like IV Drips, Dexa Scans, Red Light Therapy, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, and more, designed to support recovery, energy and long-term vitality.

Although celebrity testimonials are how many people come to know Ways2Well -Jelly Roll attributes Ways2Well with beinga critical part of his journey to losing over 300lbs (without GLP-1s!) and Russell Crowe has shared with Ways2Well regular Joe Rogan that his quality of life was improved with stem cell therapy at Ways2Well -, they say the majority of their clientele are everyday people interested in increasing their healthspan –the part of a person’s life when they’re in optimal health.

ALWAYS INNOVATING

This month, we’re told they’ve added plasmapheresis to their menu of treatments. Essentially “blood clearning”, plasmapheresis is a procedure that separates the liquid part of your blood (plasma) from blood cells, removes harmful substances like autoantibodies, and then returns the cells with a plasma substitute. It’s a treatment that’s not offered at many clinics, but may be highly effective for autoimmune, neurological issues, blood disorders and more. In addition to traditional plasmapheresis, Ways2Well is offering proprietary variations during reinfusion.

ABOUT THE FOUNDER

Brigham began his career more than two decades ago in pharmaceutical sales. Witnessing the limitations and outdated practices of traditional healthcare firsthand inspired him to pursue a model that prioritizes prevention, personalization, and accessibility. He’s known for advocating for patient-centered care that takes them through their health journey and prioritizes patients over profits. “I’m dedicated to fixing a system designed to profit off sickness and replacing it with one centered on health, longevity, and patient empowerment,” he says.

In addition to Ways2Well, he founded Revive RX Pharmacy, a mail-order compounding pharmacy that offers next-day shipping and operates on a cash-pay model, which can cost less than insurance co-pays. Brigham also plays an active role in industry advocacy and policy discussions, regularly traveling to Washington, D.C., to engage decision-makers on regulatory frameworks that impact healthcare. If you want to learn more about that, check out one of Brigham’s many three-hour episodes on The Joe Rogan Experience.

Learn more about Ways2Well at https://ways2well.com/ and follow them on Instagram @ways2well.

A TRIO of New Spots for Sushi

...WITH CHEFS WE LOVE

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN

Shokunin

Chefs Phillip Frankland Lee and Margarita Kallas-Lee

From Chef Phillip Frankland Lee and Executive Pastry Chef Margarita Kallas-Lee, the brilliant Michelin-starred husband and wife team behind Sushi by Scratch Restaurants, and NADC Burger, comes a more casual sushi concept that seems almost retro in a world of high-concept spots. While Sushi by Scratch is one of our favorite special occasion spots, Shokunin and their a la carte menu is a one that has us wanting to go back multiple times a week because although it’s a more no-frills format, they don’t skimp an ounce on quality. The fresh seafood and Japanese ingredients are shipped to Shokunin weekly from Tokyo’s Toyosu Fish Market, the same purveyor used by its sister restaurant. And, leave room for dessert – all of them. Margarita says, “Shokunin gives me a new canvas for desserts that complement the menu to be bright, textured creations and crafted to enhance the experience.” The 20-seat sushi bar does not take reservations, but you can go on the website to join the guest list on the day of your desired visit. 1009 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702

Kappo Kappo at Austin Proper Hotel

Chefs Haru and Gohei Kishi

Kintsu Nori

Chef Paul Qui

James Beard Award-winning chef Paul Qui recently debuted  Kitsu Nori , his latest Japanese handroll and sushi experience. The menu consists of snacks (miso soup, edamame), starters (including a notto-be-missed Hamachi), and handrolls. It’s designed around the Japanese philosophy of ikebana, or the art of floral arrangement, reimagining sushi as edible design, with each handroll conceived as a delicate bouquet of fish, rice, and nori. The concept reflects the chef’s long-standing interest in the artistry of sushi, dating back to his Uchi days in 2003, when he first explored the idea of presenting sushi as a thoughtful, visual experience. At Kitsu Nori, that philosophy comes to life through handrolls and sushi that are as visually striking as they are flavorful.

The 30-seat interior space features a 14-seat counter and 16-seat dining room that was designed by Qui himself. The aesthetic draws inspiration from kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, reflecting the restaurant’s belief that there is beauty in imperfection. Each natural-edged wood table is filled with gold epoxy, and the team is exploring ways to upcycle broken plates from other restaurants, giving them new life through the same golden repair technique. There’s also a pation that can seat 100 where guests will be able to order from their table via QR code, with food and drinks delivered directly to them.

2310 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

Twins Haru and Gohei Kishi pair culinary skill and artistry with a dose of fun and humor to create a unique chef-driven tasting experience. The setting is a room designed by Kelly Wearstler with 25 seats, including 15 at the chef’s counter, where guests are served an 11-course omakase that blends the refined discipline of Japanese kappo cuisine with the expressive elegance of French technique. Kappo, which translates to “cut and cook,” is a traditional Japanese dining style in which each course is prepared and served directly in front of the guest, emphasizing connection, seasonality, and trust in the chef.

The Kishi brothers’ culinary paths have taken them through kitchens across the world, including Los Angeles, London, Dubai, and Paris, all of which have shaped their refined yet playful approach to technique and storytelling through food.  “Kappo Kappo is built on the spirit of conviviality. It’s about dissolving the barrier between guest and chef and creating something warm, personal, and alive. Through years of cooking and traveling across different cultures, I’ve found that sharing a meal is the most meaningful way to connect,” says Haru, adding, “We had a family ritual to do ‘on est bien’ – good food, good rinks, a cozy space. That feeling is what Kappo Kappo is built on.”

Inside The Proper Hotel: 600 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701

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Private Chef Leave It to Kievit

For dinner parties big or small, get fine restaurant-style service & cuisine, without leaving home

MEET DANNY KIEVIT

For Chef Danny Kievit, food has always been about connection. He says that as a child, Mr. Rogers taught him how to cook eggs in the microwave –and on Mother’s Day, he delivered his mom breakfast in bed. The care he took preparing the meal, and his mom’s positive reaction to it, were the impetus for Danny deciding to become a chef. It’s that feeling he tries to recreate with every meal he’s hired to make, now with high-profile clients, in beautiful homes, estates and events throughout Texas and around the country.

Danny, who’s called Austin home since 7th grade, began his culinary career at 15 years old as a dishwasher, working his way through restaurants to become a culinary director. Over more than two decades, he developed the discipline, leadership, and precision required to operate at an elite level and in 2019, just before his 43rd birthday, he stepped away from the restaurant world to launch Leave It to Kievit—a luxury private chef and events company built for clients who value discretion, excellence, and seamless execution.

At Leave It to Kievit, he offers a menu of seasonal, ingredient-driven dishes grounded in classic European traditions—Italian, French, and Mediterranean—while remaining entirely bespoke. In addition to multi-course plated meals he does family-style tables, live-fire cooking inspired by early experiences over open flame, pristine seafood, and refined techniques such as

flambé desserts. He says, “My Filipino heritage also informs the food, creating a natural fluency with Asian and Latin flavor profiles. The result is cuisine that is elegant, expressive, and deeply intentional.”

He shares his dinner party sweet spot is six to twelve guests, which allows for the highest level of customization, service, and presence, but he scales comfortably and has executed private weddings for 100 guests, celebrations exceeding 200, and destination events in The Hamptons, Aspen, and Mexico. He and his team have also been part of elite culinary teams serving approximately 13,000 guests at major festivals such as Austin City Limits and Lollapalooza and support high-profile hospitality experiences at The Masters each year and at Formula 1 in Austin—environments where precision, timing, and discretion are essential..

He tells Austin Lifestyle, “My aim is to create immersive experiences that turn into lifelong memories for clients, while building a team that gives other chefs a platform to perform at their highest level. At its core, Leave It to Kievit delivers peace of mind. When guests can fully relax, trust the process, and remain present in the moment, the experience has achieved its highest purpose.”

Learn more at https://www.leaveittokievit.com/

YOUR HAIR & SCALP NEED TLC

Elysian Head Spa’s co-founder shares hair & scalp health is a practice, not a product

Head spas have been popping up with more regularity in the last year or so, and with good reason. In this article, Katie Wills, an acute care nurse practitioner, clinical trichologist and co-founder of Eylsian Head

Spa shares why our hair and scalp deserve the same attention we give to our skiin

I’ve spent nt my career in medicine, where the body rarely lies. It signals. It adapts. It responds –especially when something is off. The most prominent lesson we’ve learned since opening Elysian

Head Spa just over a year ago isn’t how many people struggle with hair concerns, but how disconnected we’ve been from understanding why

We live in an era of optimization. We track our sleep, regulate our nervous systems, invest in our skin, and talk openly about longevity. Yet when it comes to hair, most people are still searching for a product – a serum, a supplement, a shortcut –to fix what feels like a sudden problem. But, hair doesn’t change suddenly. And it doesn’t exist

ARTICLE BY BY KATIE WILLS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CONNIE CHANG

in isolation. The scalp is living skin, deeply influenced by circulation, inflammation, hormones, stress, and the consistency of care it receives. When shedding increases or density changes, it’s rarely random. It’s information. And for years, the hair industry has trained us to ignore that information in favor of quick cosmetic solutions.

What I’ve seen, both clinically and in practice, is that healthy hair always begins with a healthy scalp. This isn’t a philosophy – it’s physiology. Hair follicles are complex, living structures embedded within the skin. When the scalp is congested, inflamed, under-circulated, or chronically stressed, hair growth is compromised. No product or single intervention can override an unhealthy environment. This realization is part of a larger shift happening in hair care – one that reframes hair and scalp health as a practice, not a fix. Much like modern skin health or physical rehabilitation, meaningful change requires assessment, personalization, and consistency. Progress is subtle. Results are cumulative. The work happens over months, not moments.

Medical insight plays an important role here, especially when addressing hormonal shifts, autoimmune conditions, inflammatory scalp disorders, or genetic predispositions. Skin science matters too – understanding barrier function, the scalp microbiome, and how topical or procedural treatments interact with living tissue. But one of the most overlooked contributors to hair health is the nervous system. Chronic stress alters circulation, increases inflammation, and disrupts the hair growth cycle. In our work, we’ve seen how intentionally designed head spa treatments

– when rooted in anatomy and physiology – can do far more than relax. Manual scalp techniques support blood flow and lymphatic movement. Parasympathetic activation encourages regulation and repair. Over time, the scalp begins to recalibrate.

Hair restoration fits naturally within this model, but it is no longer viewed as a standalone treatment. When approached thoughtfully, restoration becomes an extension of overall scalp health – supporting the body’s own regenerative capacity rather than attempting to override it. Advanced, naturally based therapies that work with physiology, inflammation pathways, and circulation are most effective when the scalp has been properly prepared and supported. In this context, restoration is not about forcing growth, but about creating the conditions in which hair can respond, strengthen, and regenerate over time.

Elysian Head Spa was created from the intersection of medicine, skin science, nervous system regulation, and ritual-based consistency. The intention was never to open “another spa,” but to establish a new category of scalp experts, known as Treatment Specialists - ones trained to observe patterns, educate clients, and guide long-term scalp and hair health in a way that doesn’t fully exist elsewhere. What we’ve learned in this first year is that people are ready for this shift. They want care that feels intelligent, intentional, and grounded in reality – not louder promises or faster fixes. The future of hair care won’t be about what you buy next. It will be about how you care, consistently and thoughtfully, over time, because hair and scalp health isn’t something you correct. It’s something you cultivate.

BODYBAR Pilates on South Lamar

The Luxury Home Technology Gurus

HAAS Home Technologies is the Go-To for Austin’s Top Architects, Designers, and High Value Homes

Home technology has come a long way over the last decade, especially when it comes to Austin’s luxury market. Luxury home technology is architecturally-driven, starting in the planning stages of a project, giving the performance luxury homeowners want, while remaining out of sight.

Home technology is more than just audio-visual equipment or home office tech, it’s remote management during travel, energy management and back-up energy for an outage. It’s full system video surveillance, and the automation of lighting and sound throughout the house, and more.

Meet the founders of HAAS Home Technologies Pierre Cloutier (CEO) and Donny Carlyon (CTO). They founded HAAS ten years ago. Today, they have a team of 35 who design and implement these complex systems. Trusted by award-winning architects, builders, and design firms and backed by 24/7 customer support, they are dedicated to delivering solutions that elevate the homeowner’s daily living experience. There is a reason that that Austin’s best architects, like Ryan Street, choose HAAS.  The team at HAAS is meticulous in their precision, quality, and attention to detail.

The foundation of every home is a high-performance network. HAAS designs and installs commercial-grade networks that ensure speed, stability, security, and scalability across every connected system.

ARTICLE BY LAURA CRADDICK

PHOTOGRAPHY BY HANNAH LOUISE KOEHLER, DOUGLAS FREIDMAN

CTO Donny Carlyon said, “Our goal is to build a whole home technology plan, but we also get called in for specific projects. We are seeing an emerging demand for golf simulation rooms, video gaming experiential rooms, and home theaters.”

From the elegance of perfectly tuned lighting to the immersion of private screening rooms, each solution is crafted to disappear into the architecture while elevating daily life. From human-centric lighting that supports the body’s natural circadian rhythms to thoughtful upgrades of older or outdated systems, HAAS creates intelligent environments that feel intuitive.

Entertainment systems are tailored to how each space is used — whether immersive listening, cinematic viewing, gaming, or interactive experiences. From distributed sound and video to media rooms, video walls, and golf or game simulators, HAAS designs and installs systems that deliver performance without visual clutter.

Private screening rooms are designed as complete environments, not just technical installations. HAAS oversees the full process — design, build, installation, and equipment selection — to create high-performance spaces tuned for image, sound, and comfort.

Shades and drapery are seamlessly integrated into the architecture of the home, responding to light, privacy, and time of day. Motorized window coverings are designed to work in harmony with lighting and automation systems.

Ultimately, home automation brings all systems together into a single, intuitive platform. With one touch, environments shift — lighting, shading, sound, climate, and more — setting the scene for how a space is meant to be used.

Automation integrates lighting, window coverings, entertainment, security, access control, intercom, pool and spa functions, fireplaces, HVAC, and energy management into a cohesive, human-centered system.

HAAS also has an electrical division. From full-scale residential and commercial installations to advanced energy management and whole-home surge protection, every wire, panel, and pathway is planned with discipline. Systems are designed to support modern living and long-term performance while remaining clean, organized, and serviceable behind the walls.

Electrical infrastructure is designed with resilience and efficiency in mind. HAAS implements energy management systems, gas generators, battery backup solutions, and solar-ready infrastructure to ensure homes remain reliable, adaptable, and prepared for future energy needs. Power is treated as a system — monitored, protected, and intelligently managed.

HAAS also provides ongoing maintenance to support its systems. Whole-home surge protection is installed to safeguard sensitive equipment and ensure stability across all connected systems, protecting both infrastructure and experience.

DREW LANE

LindsayNicol,Founder of The WallpaperConcierge

Austin’s Wallpaper Matchmaker

Former tech refugee, Lindsay Nicol, helps Austinites find their forever wall

Lindsay Nicol laughs when people call her the “wallpaper queen of Austin” but she doesn’t exactly deny it. The founder of The Wallpaper Concierge has built a niche helping people bring personality back into their homes. “We’re finally healing from sad beige,” she says. “People want spaces that feel uniquely like them again.”

For Nicol, wallpaper is less about trends and more about mood. She sees it as art, a way to set tone when you enter a room.

“Nothing else creates an environment like wallpaper does,” she explains. “You can walk into a space and instantly feel different, hopefully in a good way.”

Before wallpaper, Nicol worked in tech. She calls herself a “tech refugee” who wants to connect with real people and build something tactile. The idea for the business came from her own frustrations. “I spent a fortune on samples, couldn’t see anything in person, didn’t know how to measure, and had no idea what type to order. I realized I

couldn’t be the only one with this problem,” she says.

Her process is intentionally hands-on: in-home visits, stacks of samples from over 35 different brands, and a lot of conversation about how clients want to feel in their homes. Friends describe her as bubbly and enthusiastic, the type of person who gets genuinely excited when a pattern lands. Clients notice it too; the way she lights up when someone finds a print they’re head over heels for.

This year, Nicol partnered with luxury real estate agent Chloe Chiang on her Canterbury home, affectionately known as “Chateau Chloe” which was featured on the Tribeza Interiors Tour and the Austin Modern Homes Tour. The collaboration gave Nicol a chance to showcase bold prints and playful storytelling. Nicol remembers Chiang texting her, “I’m so excited about this wallpaper, it feels like Christmas Eve 1996.” She adds with a laugh, “I suppose that makes me Santa?”

And for Nicol, that feeling is the whole point.

ROOTS.VET • 512.717.8696 • <7601 S CONGRESS AVE, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78745 • V @ROOTS VET

Browse, select & install wallpaper right from your home The Wallpaper Concierge

thewallpaperconcierge.com wallpaperconcierge@gmail.com thewallpaperconcierge

A TRADITIONAL TWIST

Ashby Collective Gives this Classic Brykerwoods Home a Fresh Makeover with a Full Remodel

Ashby Collective’s Senior Designer Cori Pfaff helped a young family update their longtime home by balancing tradition with playfulness. The classic house had been the backdrop for years of family memories, but no longer fit their evolving lifestyle. The team at Ashby Collective preserved original details like crown moldings and wood floors while introducing lively wallpaper, bold fabrics, and unexpected hues to make the interiors more

vibrant and personal. The result is a home that honors its timeless charm while reflecting the family’s modern, colorful spirit.

Senior Designer Pfaff said, “Every time we opened up a wall, we found another issue that forced us to rethink the plan. Instead of rushing the remodel, we focused on fixing the home the right way. The end result is a house that’s not just beautiful, but solid, safe, and built to last.”

ARTICLE BY LAURA CRADDICK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LINDSEY BROWN

The foyer is wrapped in embroidered grass cloth and anchored by a stair runner by Roger Oats, setting a rich, atmospheric tone. Variations of blue, drawn from House of Hackney wallpaper, are paired with Jim Thompson’s “Men’s Tie” stripe dining chairs for a nuanced balance of feminine and masculine.

A subtle shift occurs as you move toward the back of the house, beginning with a barely pink kitchen that gently lightens the home’s palette. The lightfilled family room is anchored by a circular sofa draped in a soft floral velvet.

The compact powder bath is drenched in House of Hackney’s, Autumn Holly Hocks wallpaper, creating a jewel box for guests. The floating marble sink and alabaster sconces add a sculptural touch.

In the primary bedroom, grass cloth-clad walls and ceilings create a comfortable retreat.

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