Claire Zinnecker

Claire Zinnecker Design is a boutique interior design firm based in Austin, Texas. Specialising in both residential and commercial design, Zinnecker believes that every space tells a story. Her unique style combined with her passion for clean, affordable design has become her main aesthetic.

In 2019, Zinnecker bought an antique home in east Austin that was set to be demolished. Since then, she has been working to relocate the house and restore it on a piece of land outside the city. Below, she shares some of the tips she’s learnt along the way.


Check the plumbing and electric systems
‘Replace as needed, test for lead, and make sure the house is safe before you begin any sort of work on it.’

Remove old layers before adding new ones
‘One of my favorite things about an old home is the history it holds. Most of the time the design is in the discovery of the past – by removing old drop ceilings to reveal original 11-inch wood ceilings, demolishing Sheetrock off walls to uncover aged wallpaper, and removing linoleum floors to find the original pine floors.

Replace old with old
‘Even if there are materials in the house that need to be replaced, don’t automatically buy new. I love scouring antiques stores, estate sales and architectural salvage spots to find pieces I can rework into something “new” for me. I’m letting the house speak to me as we slowly remodel.’

Lean into the quirks
‘Most people would walk in and think we actually hadn’t done anything if they hadn’t seen the “before” pictures. I love this about the design process. I’m trying to make the house feel like it aged this way, that it collected the odd furniture pieces I’ve started to fill it with. I want it to feel like it’s always been this way.’

Have patience with yourself (and the house)
‘This is definitely a tip for any remodel/ reno project. It’s a huge task and very emotional (it should be, it’s your home). Give yourself some grace as you plow through the endless decisions. It will all get done, and in the end you’ll have a space you can call home. You’ll also most likely have learnt many lessons and a lot about yourself.’

To keep up with Zinnecker’s restoration journey, follow @savingidahouse on Instagram.