Buda, Texas Modern Farmhouse

From the first email that I received from Debbie, I knew this family was special. The Bates of Buda, Texas, reached out to me asking to help them completely remodel the home that they have been in for almost 30 years—what an honor! With the help of an amazing team—architect, Rose Bartush, of Bartush Design & builder, Texas Custom Solutions—we worked together to create the home of Bill & Debbie’s dreams.

Scroll down to read about their experience working with our team at Moore House Interiors.

Please describe your home before working with Moore House Interiors. What was your main problem with your home that caused you to hire a designer/decorator? What did you want or need for the space?

We had a “well-loved” country home built in the early 80's that, for 28 years, had survived us and 2 very busy daughters, all their friends, dogs, cats, turtles, horsey boots, and now 4 grandchildren. Over the 28 years, the house only received cosmetic updates of flooring and paint along the way. As newly retired empty nesters, we were ready to either move to our last dream home, or remodel this place into one. After looking at other homes for about a year, we discovered that we loved our heritage oaks and family memories too much to move away. We wanted a new home that would be easily maintained with two Boxers and frequent visits from the kids and grandkids. We spent so much time around our outdoor kitchen and pool, that we wanted the house to be more connected and seamlessly flow from the interior space to the outside.

Had you worked with a designer prior working with MHI? And what was that experience like?

No - I had always been apprehensive about hiring one.

How did you find Moore House Interiors? And why did you choose to work with us on your project?

When researching kitchens online, I came across some photos of a kitchen Ashley had done—when I saw it, I immediately knew that it was the "feel" I wanted for my dream kitchen. Serene, calm, welcoming and a place of family gathering. After visiting with a few Austin designers and not feeling a connection, I read Ashley's blog post about how important it is to use a designer whose style you liked, rather than asking them to re-invent the wheel (my words, not Ashley's). I thought the likelihood of her helping me since we lived half a state away was slim, but I took a deep breath, sent her an email and received the most wonderful reply! This was followed by a phone call that totally put me at ease about designing our space long distance. Just like with our Architect, Rose Bartush, I instantly knew that this was the right fit for our situation.

What was your favorite part of the design process?

I can't pick one favorite part - but being continually amazed at their ability to read my mind and pick things that I LOVED was really fun. "Fun" wasn't a term I thought I'd use when working with a designer, but it absolutely was. Another plus was the lack of stress and loss of sleep in the designer/building process. There were SO many decisions that my husband and I had to make—and change our minds—and make again for the builder and architect and knowing that we didn't have to second guess even one of Ashley's choices was such a relief. Seeing everything come together in a cohesive layout at the end was so wonderful. I'm still walking around in disbelief that I get to live here! I also love that Ashley welcomed my ideas and contributions. She told me so many times, "This is your home, I want your pieces in it and I want you to love it.” I loved how generous Ashley was in sharing why she chose particular items, sizes, finishes, etc. I learned so much from her and actually, for the first time in my life, have confidence in my ability to choose decor items. She truly valued the selections I made and told me so bunches of times.

What do you see as the major difference in doing the project yourself & hiring a professional?

Doing the project ourselves would’ve resulted in stressing over the many, many decisions, spending a lot of money on the wrong things and ending up with a hodge-podge of looks that I'd want to re-do as soon as possible. With Ashley, I could take deep breaths and relax knowing that she was steering us in the right direction.

What value does a designer bring to the process?

Well, for one thing, my head didn't explode over the decision making process. But seriously, saving me from my own, unwise selections has me not tearing up my floors right now.

Many people say that interior design is a luxury service & it’s too expensive. What do you say to your friends & family who believe that they might not be able to afford it?

You can't afford NOT to use Ashley and her team—she saved my budget so many times! My advice is to find a designer who you click with, who is willing to listen to you, and one that is not stuck on high-end, to-the-trade items only.

Would you hire a designer again?

Only Ashley & crew - yes - again and again and again.

Anything else you’d like to share with our readers about working with Moore House Interiors?

One of the best decisions of my life! Reach out and talk to Moore House Interiors—they may be a fit, may not, but you have NOTHING to lose by emailing/chatting with them. You may GAIN the home of your dreams!