This Rainbow-Hued Austin Home Is the Perfect Artists' Retreat

Well-landscaped and unassuming from the street, the Central Austin home of Noah and Laura Lit is a wonderland of '70s-inspired, boldly crafted art, furniture, and lighting. Designed by Joel Mozersky, who happened to already be friends with the couple, said that it was the perfect opportunity to make the home their own and give it the edginess they were after.

“He’s a musician, she’s an artist, and they own a craft brewery as well,” adds the designer. 

The Lits, who purchased the five-bedroom, six-bathroom property after selling their 1892-built historic home on Austin’s east side after the birth of their daughter, were excited to work with Mozersky and knew he would be able to fulfill their vision for the space. Designed by architect Ryan Street & Associates and built by Michael Deane Homes, their new Tarrytown abode set on .78 acres with amazing hillside views has a charming California modern aesthetic. 

“We loved the house and didn’t want to change any of the finishes,” Mozersky says. “It had beautiful plaster walls and great flooring choices, so our role was more about decorating to fit their style and taste. When I take on residential jobs, I want the home to actually look like the people that live there.”

Mozersky, alongside his associate, Scott Martin, tackled the design for the large home and took buying trips to Los Angeles for funky finds that the Lits love, stopping at their favorite stores such as Lawson Fenning and Apparatus. One of the couple’s most cherished pieces, the Federico Amijo Snail Table from Blackman Cruz was particularly special as Noah Lit once worked at the shop.

They also found the uber comfortable vintage De Sede Terrazza sofas. “I love a sense of discovery when designing,” Mozersky says. “I don’t like to design all in one day but instead go to incredible vintage stores and find pieces I may not have otherwise found.” 

Also in the living room is a colorful painting by Chapman Kelley once owned by Laura Lit’s grandmother, a B Zippy side table, mirror from Ben and Aja Blanc, and Apparatus Studio’s Cloud Chandelier, an elegant choice. 

Art and lighting once again make a statement in the dining room, which features a custom-designed Joel Mozersky dining table and rainbow 3D work from Yoko Haru from Houston’s Reeves Antiques. “It pushed everything to the next level,” Noah Lit says.

Plus, there’s the kinetic light fixture, the Palindrome 6 by Rich Brilliant and Willing. “You can change the shape of it in many ways,” Mozersky says. “It’s one of my favorite lights I’ve ever used.” 

The kitchen, which the designers loved due to its sophisticated neutral finish-outs, includes a sketch from Laura Lit herself. “She’s an incredible artist and can really do anything,” Mozersky remarks.

The kitchen table, the Rough Dining Table from Collection Particuliere, was originally picked for the dining room but is now the piece that the family uses most. “It’s the ultimate multifunctional table and so great to have a table that is so big in there,” Noah Lit says. 

Finally, the primary bedroom, which is both glam and playful, has a custom blue bed, Hallie Rae Ward fiber art, Pinch London chandelier, vintage Soriana chair by Tobia Afra Scarpa, and Entler lamp. Originally hired in September 2018, Mozersky and Martin are still adding accessories to the Lit’s home, recently placing an outdoor sculpture in their yard. 

The home, which marries boundary-pushing design, color, and whimsy, is the perfect mix for the couple. “It’s a little rock n' and roll, and that reflects us,” Noah Lit says. “Joel did an incredible job.”