Every year from spring to fall in southern Texas, the Texas olive tree bursts into clusters of blooms to the delight of hummingbirds. But year-round in Smithville, the redesigned and newly named Olive House is alive with pattern, palette and personality. When current owners Tom and Debi Etheredge purchased the property, the plan was for the renovation to result in a wedding venue that would be big on character and photo-ready moments. But once the interiors by Austin-based designer Patrice Nichole began to take shape, the owners decided to make the home their own – big personality intact.
“Believe it or not, there aren’t many venues available to rent in and around Austin,” Patrice explains when discussing the original plans. “We definitely thought about photography throughout the process. Having each room with its own personality was the concept the entire time.” Each space was designed to be a unique experience, from the darker, moodier atmosphere – complete with leather Chesterfield sofas – of what was originally planned as the “groom’s area” to the playful pinkness of what was intended as a bathroom for the bride and her friends. “We figured a lot of selfies would be taken in there,” Patrice recalls. And they surely would have been, had the homeowners not decided to switch gears and move in themselves.
Patrice’s decade-plus of collaboration with the homeowners – Olive House is the sixth residential project she has designed for them, the second in Smithville alone – allowed her to pivot to a residential mindset and assess what changes would need to be made. What was originally planned to be an open stage for a band was closed off and converted into a bedroom, bathroom and closet. The intended “cake room,” with its pink tree and piano, became “the champagne room,” where the homeowners now enjoy time with family and friends. And while the bar was always part of the design, a side window that was going to be added to serve wedding guests from the porch was nixed.
Now a 4,000-square-foot residence, it is living up to its own rich history of enjoyment and entertainment. The home, built in 1891 by the owner of a local saloon, would become the site of an underground speakeasy operation. And some decades later, it would serve as the residence of Mark Younger-Smith, guitarist for Billy Idol, who reportedly visited and recorded there. Today, it plays host to multiple generations of family and friends who enjoy sidling up to the antique bar and gathering in the champagne room. “I think it’s awesome they moved in and can share such as cool space with their children and grandchildren,” Patrice adds.
Located just 20 minutes from Round Top, Texas, and the town’s renowned antiques fair, the home’s essence is defined by locally-sourced furnishings and antique and vintage finds. Patrice notes the owners “have always had their pulse on what the next big thing is. They saw the future of Smithville because they pay attention to the growth of places like Round Top. They are so good at it!”
Over the course of many years and projects together, including a log home and three house remodels in Austin, this designer/client relationship has more than found its flow. Patrice shares that their working relationship has always been a respectable one, where all parties see the value in the collaboration. And while so far their projects have all been the personal homes of the client, she confides the notion of collaborating on something more commercial has not waned. “We do dream about doing a hotel together. Fingers crossed.”
Photography by Avery Nicole Photography.
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