Interior designer Ali Michel and her father have successfully transformed a cottage in Austin, Texas, into a charming home, completing the renovation with a budget of $80,000. The project took just three months, showcasing an impressive blend of high-end and budget-friendly design choices.
Ali Michel, who took on the renovation in 2024, had always been passionate about homes and interior spaces. After initially pursuing a degree in chemical engineering, she realized her true calling lay in interior design. This revelation came after renovating her first home at the age of 22, which inspired her to change career paths. Now a lead designer at Living Oak Interior Design, Michel combined her professional insights with personal vision in the cottage renovation.
When Michel discovered the 1930s cottage, it was listed as a teardown, meaning it was suggested that buyers might demolish it. However, Michel saw potential, stating, “I was like, ‘This is not a teardown. It just really needs to be renovated.'” The two-bedroom, one-bath property spans approximately 1,150 square feet and features a separate guesthouse, which could serve as a rental space.
Upon purchasing the home in October 2024, Michel and her father set a strict budget of $80,000, a significant reduction from what Michel typically spends for clients’ projects. “That was a really tight budget,” she noted. The father-daughter duo aimed to complete as much of the work themselves as possible, given their financial constraints.
As they began the renovations, Michel utilized her expertise in design to visualize the outcome. “I started with the design,” she explained, “We do renderings in our design firm, so I could visualize it all before we started.” This preparation allowed them to hit the ground running, with demolition commencing on closing day.
One of the significant changes involved merging the kitchen and dining areas, which were originally separated by a wall. Michel believed the existing layout underutilized the space. By removing the wall and closing off a built-in pantry and closet, they created a more open and functional kitchen.
For cabinetry, Michel opted for Ikea products, spending about $4,000 on the cabinets and an additional $8,000 on custom doors. The olive green spray-painted doors and brass hardware provided a high-end appearance at a fraction of the cost of custom cabinetry. “They’re just really customizable and probably saved us $60,000,” she stated.
The kitchen also features built-in storage with a bench seat and a distinctive dining table that Michel crafted herself. She aimed for a design that could accommodate large gatherings, reflecting her love for hosting. The table’s unique scalloped detailing ties into the overall aesthetic of the home.
The renovation included a focus on the living room and bathroom as well. Michel created a curved archway between the kitchen and living room, inspired by existing architectural features. In the bathroom, she preserved the original cast-iron tub while adding shiplap walls and a mosaic tile floor to enhance the vintage charm.
Despite the challenges of working within a tight budget and timeline, the renovation was completed in just three months. Michel and her father dedicated their weekends to the project, while a general contractor handled plumbing and electrical work during the week.
Michel has expressed excitement for the next phase of their project: renovating the guesthouse. She plans to incorporate light blue cabinetry and a mauve banquette, allowing her to explore more whimsical design elements.
Through her experience, Michel offers valuable advice for others considering renovations. She emphasizes the importance of research and gathering inspiration that aligns with the home’s original era. “You can really customize anything,” she said, encouraging homeowners to explore unique options rather than settling for cookie-cutter designs.
This ambitious renovation not only reflects Michel’s design capabilities but also showcases the strong bond between her and her father as they crafted a beautiful, functional space together.
