In the heart of Texas, where historic charm meets contemporary comfort, Project House Austin has come to life as a collaborative show home created by Engaged Media’s Cottages & Bungalows Magazine and American Farmhouse Style Magazine. Led by the brother-sister design duo of Brent Green and Melissa Olson from Cottage & Key, the home was brought together through thoughtful collaboration with leading brands in the home space. This from-the-ground-up home-building endeavor is a celebration of intentional design, thoughtful craftsmanship, and the elite brands that bring vision to reality. The result? A fully furnished, expertly styled, and move-in-ready home that radiates charm, functionality, and character.
Photos courtesy of Cate Black Photography
A Vision Rooted in Story and Style
Project House Austin isn’t just a design experiment—it’s a narrative brought to life, a cottage-meets-modern masterpiece curated and crafted by a talented design/build team. With an emphasis on storytelling through design, the home blends rustic warmth with elevated architectural details. From cozy cottage influences to sleek farmhouse finishes, the space showcases how layered, livable design can still feel luxurious.
At Grandeur Hardware, we believe in the transformative power of details, and Project House Austin is a testament to just how impactful those details can be. As the exclusive hardware sponsor, Grandeur Hardware was honored to provide all the door hardware, hinges, cabinet knobs, and pulls throughout this distinctive home. Our inclusion in this project underscores our reputation as a go-to for designers and homeowners seeking statement-making details.
Photos courtesy of Cate Black Photography
A Statement from the Start
Designer Melissa Olson emphasized the importance of character, craftsmanship, and materials that feel collected over time—a perfect match for Grandeur Hardware’s stately designs. For the front door of this cottage-style home, Melissa selected our Carré One-Piece Handleset with C-Grip in a bold Timeless Bronze finish for the exterior. In a custom twist, she opted for a Vintage Brass finish on the interior to seamlessly coordinate with the home’s interior palette.
“A well-chosen front door, especially one with a striking door handle, can make a big impression and instantly elevate your home’s curb appeal,” Melissa says.
Photos courtesy of Cate Black Photography
Sophisticated Continuity Indoors
Inside the home, Melissa maintained a consistent vintage-inspired aesthetic using our Carre Short Plate with Georgetown Knob, all in Vintage Brass. This pairing created a cohesive and elegant look that bridges traditional charm with modern livability.
Grandeur Hardware’s pieces also brought polish and purpose to help the kitchen and bathrooms shine. The guest bathroom features ornate door hardware and streamlined, Vintage Brass Anneau Cabinet Knobs that strike a balance between elegance and functionality. The room was designed around a rich green vanity, which highlights Melissa’s creative flair. “That gave me the pop of color I wanted to build from by incorporating some natural stone elements in the vanity countertop and tiles, and brass hardware to add warmth from some of those cooler tones,” she explains. “A guest bath is a great place to play a little with color.”
Meanwhile, in the pantry, the luminous Polished Brass Fifth Avenue Cabinet Knobs and 6” Geneva Handle Pulls elevated the simple cabinetry with traditional charm, tying the space to the home’s larger narrative of comfort and refinement. Grandeur’s hardware didn’t just serve a functional role—it became part of the architectural language of the house. The pieces helped bridge the gap between old-world craftsmanship and modern lifestyle, enhancing the overall aesthetic vision of the designer. View more of Melissa’s design vision in the Pantry & Guest Bath article.
Photos courtesy of Cate Black Photography
Built with Heart, Styled with Purpose
Now complete, Project House Austin is not just a beautiful dwelling—it’s a story of collaboration, vision, and craftsmanship. From bricks and shutters to tile, cabinetry, and of course, our hand-finished brass hardware, every element reflects careful thought and creativity. Each piece installed in the home reflects Grandeur’s commitment to detail, durability, and design integrity. From ornate rosettes to stately levers, the hardware contributes to the home's ambiance, quietly luxurious and timelessly styled — a testament to the power of the finishing touch.
Melissa shares more of the journey on Instagram (@cottageandkey), and stunning photography of the completed home will be featured in the upcoming August/September issues of Cottages & Bungalows and American Farmhouse Style. You can also explore the behind-the-scenes story at cottagesandbungalowsmag.com and americanfarmhousestyle.com.
Our Thanks
Grandeur Hardware is thrilled and deeply grateful to have been part of such a beautiful, thoughtful project. We extend our warmest thanks to Engaged Media, Cottage & Key, and all the sponsors who helped bring Project House Austin to life. We look forward to seeing where Melissa and Brad’s creativity takes them next and hope our hardware will continue to be part of the stories their homes tell.













