A Man's Home

Big Style in a Small Space

Big Style in a Small Space

(PHOTOS: Jessica Attie for Texas Monthly)

A Man's Home

Big Style in a Small Space

Big Style in a Small Space

(PHOTOS: Jessica Attie for Texas Monthly)

A Man's Home

Big Style in a Small Space

We've long said that STAG is one of our favorite stores to shop in—as in, literally go inside and walk around. That's due in large part to the expertly curated interiors. To shop in a STAG is to appreciate the table on which a stack of shirts is arranged or the bench on which you try on some shoes. You let your eye wander and ask about a painting perched above on the cash register. For that, you can thank co-owner Steve Shuck, an expert interior and retail designer who brings the same taste to his home in Austin Texas. Texas Monthly recently showcased his house, and while the 1930s-era cottage isn't big, it's definitely big on style. Herewith, three lessons to bring to your own place.

Steve Shuck of STAG's Austin Texas home

Lesson

The Most Important Rule? Break the Rules

You want your rooms to look interesting and the simplest way to accomplish that is by breaking a few rules so your place doesn't look like everyone else's. Instead of a big couch, opt for a smaller (but no less comfortable) love seat so you can add in some other seating options. Place an open bookcase in front of a window or choose a rich, dark shade of paint for the walls. Shuck did all three in his living room and told Texas Monthly that the end result is "warm and layered and a little weird, but comfortable and inviting at the same time."

Steve Shuck of STAG's Austin Texas home
Crate & Barrel Walnut Bookcase

Walnut bookcase,
$1,599 by Crate & Barrel

West Elm Leather and Wood Loveseat

Leather and wood loveseat,
$2,499 / $1,749 at West Elm

Crate & Barrel Walnut Bookcase

Walnut bookcase,
$1,599 by Crate & Barrel

Etsy Vintage Carved Bust

Vintage carved bust, $89.97 at Etsy

Steve Shuck of STAG's Austin Texas home

Lesson

The Perfect Place for a Gallery is Not Above Your Couch

When it comes to outfitting your home with art, the bathroom often gets overlooked. But what better room to fill with interesting and inspiring things to look at—a room where you start and end each day? A place where you sit down and do some thinking. A room many of your guests will utilize. Shuck filled his bathroom with various portraits that he's picked up while scouring flea markets and junk shops. When shown together, the various styles all complement each other.

STAG Oil Portrait Framed in a Shadow Box

Oil portrait framed in a shadow box,
$785 at STAG

Lesson

You Can Make Your Bedroom Appear Larger

Steve Shuck of STAG's Austin Texas home

Lesson

You Can Make Your Bedroom Appear Larger

You can't easily make your bedroom physically larger. But you can make the room appear larger and more grand by adding a wall of drapery to the wall behind your bed. You don't even necessarily need a window behind the bed. Wall to wall fabric adds a luxurious touch and will definitely up the sex appeal of the room. This is also a great way to get some texture or a graphic print on your wall without having to paint or put up wallpaper.

CB2 Ikat Curtain Panels

Ikat curtain panels,
from $49 by CB2

Threshold Light-Blocking Linen Panels

Light-blocking linen panels,
from $39.99 by Threshold

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STAG home section
STAG home section

STAG's home section online is a great resource for vintage art, one-of-kind antiques and masculine mid-century furniture.