During the pandemic, Glee alum and The LadyGang podcast co-host Becca Tobin and her husband Zach Martin decided to move from the Hollywood Hills to Austin, Texas – in search of space, adventure, and undeniable cool. But they didn’t want to leave their California style behind. When the couple arrived in the South, they sought to infuse their new house with the breezy, effortlessly chic aesthetic they grew to know and love on the West Coast.
Becca and Zach had a blank slate throughout the home to achieve the calm, cozy look. A longtime Havenly client (we designed her original Cali comfy living room back in LA), Becca enlisted Havenly lead designer Kelsey Fischer to tackle their primary bedroom – which was totally empty aside from exposed wood beams and tall windows that usher in all that gorgeous natural light. Leaning into these existing elements, she landed a neutral palette and lots of soft, layered textures that evoke the laid-back Los Angeles vibes the couple needed to feel at home.
Designing for Scale
With high ceilings and generous square footage, the room’s substantial size was the toughest design challenge for Kelsey. She had to focus on scale as she curated furnishings, from a statement McGee & Co upholstered bed and massive Etsy area rug to a set of big, distressed Pottery Barn nightstands and weighty ceramic lamps. “We selected pieces that both suited the scale of the larger room, but also helped solidify that cozy feeling by making sure everything fit naturally,” she explains.
Adding Texture
A variety of textures also contributed to the hominess and depth of the space. Fischer expertly combined the relaxed linen bedding, woven jute rope and acacia bench, sculptural wood side table, and dreamy curtains to diversify the materials throughout. “That effective layering really helped create the cozy and welcoming feel of the room,” she says.
Creating a Vignette
Fischer and Tobin agree on their favorite part of the room: the duo of cb2 ivory bouclé swivel chairs that offer a special window nook moment. “They are such a great way to maximize space and create a cozy place to read or relax,” describes Fischer. “They swivel, so you have a lot of versatility with how you angle them and you can easily enjoy a glass of wine while watching TV at the end of the day.” It doesn’t get any better than that.
Fast Five with Becca Tobin
Three things you can’t live without? My family (dogs included obviously), sunshine, and carbohydrates.
Go-to rest ritual? Netflix and a face mask are a winning combination for me.
What’s hidden in your nightstand? I keep many lotions and potions in my nightstand, including cuticle oil, hand cream, neck cream, CBD cream, all the creams…
What book would you curl up and read all day? I love mostly fiction and Emily Giffin is my favorite.
Best suggestion from your Havenly designer? I never would have been bold enough to add the pops of black into the design on my own, but I really liked it once I saw it all together!
Dreaming of weaving your signature style into your space? Your personal Havenly designer is standing by to offer expert guidance, floor plans, and handpicked shopping lists – all starting with our style quiz.