Just an hour outside the city, Mohon Interiors thoughtfully redesigns a Gulf Coast cottage reminiscent of its seaside surroundings and the spirit of adventure.
“The deck off the main living area is an exceptional space for dining, relaxing, and taking in views of the Gulf,” says Mohon. “The ground floor is designed for more spirited gatherings and offers easy access to the beach.”
While flipping through the pages of Mohon Interiors’ upcoming book, The Romance of Home, published by Rizzoli, you might recognize some familiar Texas favorites. As we anxiously await its March publishing date, husband-wife duo and founders of the Austin-based design firm, Marcus and Autumn Mohon, give us an exclusive look inside their recent project: a Gulf Coast cottage, featuring a wraparound porch, open floor plan and endless ocean views.
THE CLIENT
“I had the unique opportunity to work with two different owners of this home,” shares co-founder and designer Marcus Mohon. “The original couple who built the house wanted a beach home that truly reflected their personal style, diverging from the grand, traditional homes that are common to Galveston,” he explains. “When the second owners, native Houstonians, purchased the property, they liked the house so much that they asked me to work on their primary residence as well. The home’s design is as if a cozy, fishing cabin and a waterfront industrial loft had a baby.”
In the living room, a neutral sofa from Lee Industries mingles with the Matt Cameron rug and chairs from Hickory Chair.
THE PRIORITY
When dreaming of the home’s aesthetic, Mohon shares the clients yearned for a space that exudes dynamite style, major comfort, approachability and a beguiling quality that makes you not want to leave—all while avoiding typical beach house clichés. “We focused on ensuring the architecture, interior details and furnishings spoke the same language—one that reflects the muscular architecture and cabin vibe of the house.” The result? A smorgasbord of unexpected design details, from reclaimed brick around the fireplace and dark cabinetry to vintage structural details that create a layered, textured environment.
“We used distressed finishes on the interior columns that were the color of oatmeal,” shares Mohon. “To ensure the place would not look like a house at an amusement park, the trim and walls were painted very straightforward. The interplay of rough-hewn and refined elements creates a dynamic energy within the space.”
THE CHALLENGE
When diving into the design process, Mohon embraced its oceanic exteriors, while curating a personality-packed space that showcased the family’s unique style. “The main challenge was walking the fine line between creating a layered, collected look and avoiding an overly cluttered space,” he shares. “We aimed for a design that resonates well with a sense of texture and warmth while maintaining an open and simple aesthetic.” While moving from room to room, you’ll spy a mélange of subtle finishes and thoughtfully placed accents that ground the space (think an outdoor Moroccan rug, a hanging chair, vintage furnishings and distressed interior columns). “I let the architecture of the house speak to me, drawing inspiration from its own voice. This approach allowed the design to evolve naturally, ensuring that every element felt authentic and connected to the home’s essence.”
Drawing inspiration from its seaside surroundings, the primary bedroom is serene and whimsical, featuring soft white and blue hues, antique furnishings and brass accents.
THE DESIGN
Framed by ocean views, the home feels organic, airy, sophisticated, and most importantly, inviting. “One of my favorite details in the home is the interior columns and iron tie rods that appear to support the entire structure,” he shares. “These elements add a certain muscular rhythm to the architecture, balancing the simplicity of the design with a rough, industrial edge. Additionally, the furniture was chosen to withstand the beach environment while avoiding the expected. We opted for pieces like a Moroccan rug outdoors, which was more about creating a unique look than prioritizing longevity.”
As seen in the kitchen, Mohon shares, “The interior design was inspired by the bones of the architecture, the beach beyond and the gritty, adventurous spirit of the shark hunter from Jaws.”
THE OUTCOME
While the ever-evolving project has taken a few years to perfect, Mohon shares that the latest renovation has left the house feeling cozy and warm, with an added sense of longevity. “We reflected the ocean in creative ways, using white slipcovers and approachable plaids that work in both beach and cabin settings.” He continues, “We avoided typical beach clichés—no “Gone Fishing” signs or the usual white and blue color schemes. Instead, we kept the walls and trim simple and added vintage touches and structural details to keep the look authentic and not kitschy.” As for his favorite part of the project? “The transformation of this home has been a journey. I particularly love that it continues to be a family gathering place, even as the clients’ children have grown.”
A Dedon hanging chair overlooks the home’s impressive ocean views on the wraparound porch.
