My Weekend at the 11th Annual TRIBEZA Interiors Tour
This past weekend, I traded my usual routine for a self-guided journey through some of Austin’s most inspiring private spaces. The 11th Annual TRIBEZA Interiors Tour is more than just a home tour; it’s a community event that brings together design enthusiasts, local makers, and curious neighbors for a shared appreciation of the "Austin look."
Whether you’re a minimalist or a maximalist, there was something about seeing these homes in person that a glossy magazine page just can’t replicate.
One of my favorite aspects of the tour was the pace. Because it’s self-guided, the format encourages coffee breaks and neighborhood exploration. I found myself wandering through pockets of the city I hadn’t visited in months.
I’ll admit, I loved filling up my camera roll with beautiful shots of wallpaper and light fixtures. But photography only captures a fraction of the story. Standing in these rooms, the detail-oriented design really came alive:
Texture Inventory: Feeling the grain of custom millwork and the cool touch of forest-green Zellige tile.
Built-ins: Seeing the clever ways designers maximized space—like rolling ladders and secret storage.
Color Play: Watching how the light dances off a countertop or a moody, plastered wall.
While the architecture was breathtaking, the highlight of my weekend wasn't a specific piece of furniture—it was the conversations.
With each home I visited, I was delighted to connect directly with the homeowners and designers. There is something incredibly special about standing in a beautiful kitchen and hearing the story behind the stone, or chatting with a designer about the specific challenge of a historic remodel.
Hearing their personal stories was inspirational. It turned "decor" into "narrative." You begin to understand that a home isn't just a collection of trends; it's a series of thoughtful decisions, memories, and creative solutions. Meeting the people behind the mood boards added a layer of warmth and humanity to the tour that I didn't expect.
Leaving the tour, I felt a renewed sense of creativity for my own space. It wasn’t just about the "stuff" inside the houses, but the way these designers used Austin’s landscape and history to tell a story. If you missed it this year, I highly recommend grabbing a two-day pass next time—your camera roll (and your design-loving heart) will thank you.
Pro Tip: If you're inspired to start your own project, don't just look at the colors—look at the hardware. The little details are what truly make a house feel like a home.
