Who else loves living like a local whenever they visit a new city?

Short-term, non-hotel rentals are becoming increasingly popular as we realize the benefits of immersing ourselves in the neighborhoods and communities locals frequent. In my opinion, it’s the best way to learn and explore a new place!

And companies like, my client, Locale are working to create this opportunity for visitors and vacationers in Austin… and beyond.

Locale prides itself on providing renters with the luxury of a boutique hotel, alongside all the comforts of home. I was ecstatic when they reached out to ask if I would work with them to re-design and style their newest Austin rentals in the AMLI 300 complex off South Lamar.

The icing on the cake was getting to work alongside my friends Alex & Reese, over at Impressive Spaces, who were selected to photograph the final spaces. I’ve worked with them before on a few of my home staging and interior design projects and their work is beyond stunning. I’m always in awe of how beautifully they’re able to capture each space—and this project was no exception.

Take a look behind the scenes!

For this project, Locale wanted four unique designs that they could utilize across all of their properties at this Austin location. This included an overall design for a studio space, two 1-bedroom floor plans, and a 2-bedroom suite.

In a lot of ways, this commercial design project resembled the process of my Spruce Kit since my client wanted detailed “blueprints” on how to style additional rooms in the future.

It was important for each room to feel unique in its own identity, but still lend itself to Locale’s overall clean and modern style. So, you’ll notice that I paired mid-century modern pieces with bold geometric rugs and pillows to add texture and warmth. And most all of the pieces were chosen with attention to the quality and durability of materials, given that these spaces will be high-traffic and cleaned often.

You may notice that a few of the items in each design differ from the original design. Since this project was on such a short timeline (only 2 weeks from start to finish!), we weren’t able to wait on any backordered items. It was important for me to adapt my designs based on the availability of each piece I selected for each room.

For the studio space, this meant choosing an alternate tv stand and coffee table that still incorporated the wood tones without feeling too heavy. And, for the 2-bedroom dining space, I ended up scoring this fun and colorful Austin print from Society6.

My favorite part of this project was the challenge of creating a universally beautiful space that would make all Locale guests feel at home during their visit, while still ringing true to that unique Austin vibe.

If you’re looking for a great vacation or short-term rental for your next trip, I highly recommend checking out the properties Locale has to offer. They just opened new rentals in Houston & Nashville, and are planning to launch other apartment-style hotels in Denver and Miami by the end of this year!

Which Locale “aparthotel” room would you pick for your stay in Austin? I’d love to hear your favorite design!

professional photography by Impressive Spaces

Interested in working with me on your next custom interior design project?

Let me know a little more about your project in the form below. I’ll reach out shortly with more information and we can get started planning a functional space that fits your or your company’s unique style.

Love, Ding