Grace Farris’s Austin Home Is Full of Books, Games, and Family Paintings
Grace Farris, our favorite illustrator and physician, lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband, Arthur, and their sons, 14-year-old George and 10-year-old Russ. “My husband started measuring the boys’ heights when we first moved in and seeing the difference between the marks is shocking,” says Grace. “George is now taller than all of us.” Here’s a peek into their home, full of family paintings and board games…
FOYER / DINING AREA / KITCHEN
On buying a house sight unseen: When my younger sister had a baby, my husband and I decided to move from New York to Austin to live closer to family. Then Covid happened. My work at the hospital in New York got very intense, and we were in a shut down, so we couldn’t travel to look at houses. So, my sister picked out this house for us. She said, ‘If you want a cool house in Austin, this is the one you should live in. There’s a creek at the end of the street, and the boys will have fun playing in the yard.’ And we said, ‘All right!’
Armchairs: thrifted.
On first impressions: Our 1950s house isn’t huge, but it does have three bedrooms. The week after moving in, I asked George, ‘Can you believe it? A few weeks ago we lived in apartment!’ He said, ‘Now we live in a mansion.’
Dresser: Article.
On family board games: We all love to play chess, Sushi Go, and Don’t Break the Ice. But the boys are really into Monopoly. The games are very competitive and there are lots of opportunities to cheat — especially if one sibling is three years older than the other sibling…
Chess set: U.S. Chess Federation.
On art dealings: One day, George came home from school with this painting of purple tulips (above). It reminds me of the tulips by artist Hugo Guinness. For a while after that, I would beg George to watercolor more flowers for me, promising candy or extra iPad time. Many of the flowers on this wall are from his art era.
Dining table: thrifted from Uptown Modern. Benches: EQ3. Rug: World Market, similar. Counter stools: Target.
On that cute dog: We’ve had Putnam for three years, and he’s very cool. He likes to sit right near you and watch TV. He’s also very handsome and he knows it.
On homemade recipes: I cook pasta a la gala for my picky eater. It’s my own recipe. First, cook plain pasta. Next, serve it on a plate, next to a Gala apple.
LIVING ROOM
Leather armchair: Lulu & Georgia, similar. Coffee table: World Market. Sofa: “a Restoration Hardware hand-me-down from my sister.” Striped throw pillows: Garza Marfa. Floral throw pillow: Lisa Corti. Bookshelf: thrifted. Horse and bull painting: by Grace’s aunt Janet Eager Krueger.
On family heirlooms: Many of the western-themed paintings were made by my aunt, Janet Eager Krueger. She’s a professional artist with her own studio in San Antonio. She lives on a ranch in South Texas, and lots of her work is inspired by the landscapes and imagery out there.
On romance novels: I just finished The Starter Ex by Mia Sosa. She writes really fun, contemporary romances. My all-time favorite is The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory because it has a lovely doctor character. There are lots of doctor villains in romance which is understandable — they are often the arrogant ex. But it’s nice to see a positive rendering once in awhile.
On graphic novels: I love La Perdida by Jessica Abel. It’s the story of a woman who never met her father, so she travels to Mexico City to learn more about his life. I found it in a comic store when I was in college, and it was the first graphic novel I’d seen that didn’t center around superheroes or sci-fi monsters. I also love the work of Malaka Gharib — I Was Their American Dream, and It Won’t Always Be Like This. We’re definitely in a golden era of graphic novels.
On writing a graphic memoir: A couple years ago, my writer friend Austin Kleon encouraged me to write a novel about being a doctor. At first, I was like, ‘Hahaha, that feels impossible.’ Yet I kept coming back to it, like whenever medical students asked me why I’d never gone into surgery. It was a hellish rotation for me, and I have SO much to say about it. Plus, I often feel that things are easier to explain with comics.
On opening the book with a birth scene: One of the most surreal parts of my medical career was getting pregnant right after I’d officially become a doctor. Giving birth and being on the receiving end of medical treatment made me reassess everything I’d learned in school. So, my book editor suggested I open the book with my birth story. I loved the idea of showing the physical vulnerability I felt — I literally walked down the halls of my workplace naked!
BOYS’ BEDROOM
Bunkbeds: Ikea. Rug: Safavieh.
On a Texas core memory: Since moving here, I’ve introduced the kids to very specific Austin traditions. We have a flower here called Texas Mountain Laurel. It’s purple and smells like grape soda and has very poisonous beads. And if you rub them together in your hand, they become really hot.
Bookshelves: The Container Store.
On the differences between siblings: George is the kid who likes traveling and going to new restaurants. Russ is not interested in any of that. He’s into sports, hanging out with his friends at home, and not going anywhere.
Dresser: Wayfair.
On parenting tweens: My kids are extra fun right now. George is like having this nice guy friend around. He has interesting opinions and always wants to try new recipes. And I like watching Russ play all different sports. Growing up, I never played or followed sports. But, because of him, I got totally wrapped up in the 2022 World Cup — so much so that I ended up coaching an indoor soccer team! Falling in love with what my kids love has been one of the best parts of parenting.
GUEST BEDROOM
Bed: Thuma. Red side-table: HomeGoods. Blue striped stool: thrifted. Desk: old Pottery Barn. Chair: Target, similar. ‘You Are Good’ print: Katie Kimmel + Lorien Stern.
On treats for overnight guests: Whenever friends or relatives visit, they have to share a bathroom with the kids. So, I like to put out soaps and lotions from Le Labo. I hope to make their stay feel more luxurious and less like a dorm.
On teasing in-laws: The painting of the woman who has red lips over the bed is a portrait of my mother-in-law’s mother-in-law. I thought it would be hilarious to have her mother-in-law staring at her whenever she spends the night. She doesn’t find it quite as funny.
PRIMARY BEDROOM
Bed frame: Article. Bench: Article.
On thrifting in Austin: My mom found this quilt at a thrift store. She goes to a triangle of thrift stores on Burnet Road, including The Next-to-New Shop and Assistance League of Austin. There’s also a Goodwill near there that she calls ‘my J. Crew.’
Painting: “by my aunt Janet Eager Krueger.” Sofa: Robin Bruce, similar.
On an Austin childhood: When I was growing up here in the 1990s, Austin felt like a small town. I still feel the effects of that small-town life at work. Every couple months, a new patient will say, ‘Grace? I was your economics teacher in high school,’ or ‘Oh, I’m friends with your dad. I haven’t seen you since you were five.’
PATIO
On a doctor’s daily life: I’m a hospitalist, so I see people who need to stay in the hospital after being seen in the emergency room. I treat patients from ages 17 to 110, and I also spend a lot of time working with residents and medical students — the atmosphere is a lot like The Pitt.
On a rewarding career: I find it very moving when I meet people who still want to go into healthcare post-pandemic, especially after seeing how health care workers were treated almost as disposable. They’re part of the reason I wrote See One, Do One, Teach One, because I want to share my experience, warts and all. The medical field has big issues, like major burnout, astronomical student loan burdens, and administrative pressures to see more patients in less time. But it’s been a very wonderful career. I have so many opportunities to help people feel better, and I feel very privileged to do so.
Thank you so much, Grace. You’re the best! And congratulations on your graphic memoir. xo
P.S. Many more house tours, including a Brooklyn apartment for book lovers and a farmhouse built for Black joy.
(Photos by Amber Vickery for Cup of Jo.)
Tags: house tours
Comments
102 commentsI was expecting Grace to have dark hair because the woman in her illustrations does!
The detail about bribing George with candy and iPad time for more watercolor flowers completely got me. There’s something about a child’s art phase that feels urgent in real time, you instinctively know you need to capture it before it’s over. The fact that those paintings now live on an actual wall in this home is the best possible ending to that story.
I love her blue shirt in the first picture! Any idea where she got it from? It’s perfect!
I am not affiliated with CoJ in any way, but I believe the shirt to be the Everlane notch shirt in silk. Looks to be quite sold out on their site, but I know you can find this on resale sites like Poshmark and they used to carry loads of colors https://www.everlane.com/products/womens-clean-silk-short-sleeve-notch-shirt-off-white?pr_prod_strat=jac&pr_rec_id=c37736d86&pr_rec_pid=7539356991574&pr_ref_pid=7539356893270&pr_seq=uniform
Beautiful house! But, my practical eye couldn’t help notice two things: No curtains or blinds in the kids’ room? How do they sleep, especially in the summer when it stays bright out for so long? I’m also marveling at those stacks of books in the kids’ room – how do those stacks not constantly fall over?? Especially if a book is pulled out from the bottom of the stack?
I’m glad you pointed out the lack of curtains! I grew up in bright neighborhood – a train track and a speedway very close by – so light was what I fell asleep to, and what comforted me. I had to get used to darkness later in life, since I know that’s what most people prefer. I wonder if they aren’t terribly fond of darkness either, or if there’s another reason!
I love the description of your son as this “nice guy friend” to have around. I feel that way about my 10 year old. He’s so interesting AND interested – he can rattle off every country flag now AND tell me about each soccer team’s star player. We hold mini book clubs and discuss who Lord Voldemort reminds us of (spoiler: they’re the leaders of Russia and the U.S.). He is obsessed with the American Revolutionary War, which has taken us to Philly and to Boston to retrace its arc. He alternates between calling me “bro” and snuggling into me at bedtime, and still reaches for my hand – but doesn’t want to be kissed goodbye in front of is friends. Lately, he wants to know all about the first time his dad and I caught “mushy” feelings. I miss my fresh newborn, my toothy baby, my giggly toddler, my earnest early elementary kid…but this cool, nice kid may be one of my favorite versions of him (so far).
I LOVE seeing the Half Price Books sticker on that graphic novel. HPB is one of Texas’s great treasures. I grew up going in Houston, and then when I went to SMU for college I lived at their massive warehouse store/headquarters there. I would fly straight to Dallas for a day trip at that store, if I could. Yay!
My favourite part of the tour was the (presumably teenage boys’) dresser, overflowing with clothes. And some on the floor. YES to the realness!
Same! :)
Such a cozy, colorful home! I love that nothing feels overly styled. It has so much personality, warmth, and creativity. I especially loved seeing all the original artwork and books everywhere 🥰
This was such a breath of fresh air–Grace, you are hilarious. In a subtle, soothing way! Thank you for this peek inside your home and life, and for taking care of us all.
I’ve worked with a lot of people in academia and love that Grace seems to be so grounded and unapologetic about her priorities. I’m sure that is hard earned – I remember reading about her time on service during COVID. Thanks for sharing this peek into her house and life!
I love your home, Grace!! My two boys also share the bathroom we use for guests. I’ve dreamt about updating it (it is super dated) but that’s not in the financial cards. I love the idea about making it a little better with nice soaps and shampoos! Also, is anyone else reading Whistler? And falling in love with Jonathan? When he talks about being a hospitalist, my first thought was, oh! Like Grace Farris! Had a major book hangover after sobbing my way through the end of the book. SO GOOD.
Well I’m for sure going to now! Whistler just moved to the top of my audiobook list; thanks Fay 💜
This is so lovely! I have boys of similar ages who sound a lot like Grace’s sons. I feel that healthcare workers and those in education (and I’m sure others as well), never got the recognition they deserved after dealing with the nightmare of Covid and how they’ve had to deal with the aftermath of it. I wish we all would really appreciate the truly “essential” workers and what they have been through! Thank you, Grace, for the good you bring to this world!!
Oooh, but Grace, does it have funky 1950s tile in the bathrooms? That’s my favorite thing about my Austin 1950s home.
Love these home tours! (Grace’s gallery walls are *chef’s kiss*.) As an interior designer, I would LOVE to see floor plans/layouts of each home! It’s hard to picture how the spaces all relate to each other. Even if hand-drawn and imperfect, they would be an awesome addition.
I second this. Like this, the home comes would get alive much more in my mind.
What a delightful home tour and I had no idea Grace is also a doctor as well as such a talented illustrator!! This post brought a smile to my face and was a much needed respite on a crappy, stressful day :)
What a lovely, real home. So much to like. Grace’s recipe for pasta al a gala reminded me of my daughter’s favourite childhood dish. When Anna was 3 or 4 she would ask for Big Girl Pasta, which was her invention of plain pasta with olive oil, salt and pepper and a tomato salad. She’s 30 this year and it’s still her go-to comfort meal.
Absolutely love everything Grace creates, and it’s such a treat to see her beautiful, warm, witty home! Especially love the portrait of the mother-in-law’s mother-in-law. Thank you for all you do, Grace—both in and out of the hospital. You truly embody what your name is! Plus you’re very funny!
Absolutely delightful!
I really enjoyed this – maybe my favourite house tour ever <3 So effortlessly cool, yet so 'normal' and relatable. She seems amazing and her illustrations, esp. Weekend Mom, always make me feel so seen, haha. Thank you :)
I’m not a doctor but I do work in a hospital, and also got to have the humbling experience of showing up to our ED for admission after hours in very active labor in nothing but a bathrobe and running shoes. I had been screaming in pain during every contraction and for a hot second as we pulled up I thought, I’m gonna have to tamp that down once I get inside, and then I absolutely could not.
Random, incohesive thoughts I had while reading: Had no idea Grace was a dr.! I was really interested in the pasta a la gala for my picky eater hahahah. I think she’ll like that just fine. Love the idea of a quilt as a tapestry behind a bed! This makes me miss having a southern home. Currently renting in the UK and am looking forward to the day when we can put down real roots again.
Grace – Have your boys heard of Monopoly Deal card game? Great for travel. My ‘boys’ in their 30’s LOVE this game
There was a brief second when i got excited for a “pasta a la gala” recipe! haha. also, am i Russ? (i also want to stay home).
You and I think alike!
I loved that she had a baby at her work! I had my fourth baby at my ex-husband’s job/hospital and showed up just screaming my absolute lungs out (start to finish labor in less than an hour) he was like “hi everyone, meet my wife” Also, obsessed with all her art! I need an artist aunt.
I love that she doesn’t flex at all. Everything in her home and her life are meaningful and quietly beautiful
It was fun to “meet her!” Love the red shoes and all the artwork.
What a beautiful home, and absolutely love Grace’s art!
I really love that the kids are reading The Power Broker. Truly great. Thank you, Grace for all of your illustrations and work.
I noticed that, too! Gave me a chuckle!
Sometimes I struggle with how much “content” — home tours, fashion advice, parenting advice, etc — is generated by people whose full time job is content. There are certain tradeoffs made when you are working full time in a job that is not interior design or fashion but want to have a welcoming home or a decent outfit. Anyway, I loved this house tour and much of the Cup of Jo house tours for that reason. Grace’s home is warm and colorful and welcoming and also very, very real — the product of someone with an eye but also a full time job and two children. Thank you so much for letting us see inside!
With a full time job I don’t know how she does any of this. Since I’ve had to return to work in retirement I can’t do anything. It’s exhausting. I’m older though. Is that the difference ? Seems like people covet the 8 to 5 which is rare in nursing but it’s where this new job landed. I find it soul killing. And I even have off 3 days per week, not 2. Nice to see people have the energy to do it plus have a life. It eludes me. I’m cutting back soon so maybe it will be better. I’m amazed at what people can do while working full-time.
I was just thinking that PNW Grateful. I wonder sometimes if some people just have more energy. 2 kids, work full time, late 40s, and I can barely get the dishes and laundry done much less give any attention to my hobbies or side creative work that I love. I want to figure out how to shift this. Feels like I can barely keep up.
I know someone who naturally produces (way) less cortisol than normal and is very productive because she feels far less stress. We should all be so lucky!
She has money and family nearby. I think if you have both, you can find time to have fulfilling hobbies while working, parenting and adulting.
I can only speak for myself but, at least for me, the answer is giving myself a whole lot of grace and patience and time. I love my home not because it is ready for the pages of any magazine but rather because I have slowly accumulated items that fit or are meaningful over time. Tactically, two things that help are (1) keep measurements for needed furniture or art in a Google doc on your phone so you have it when inspiration strikes and (2) if you can get a day off with your girlfriends, go to vintage malls! It has become a habit with girlfriends of mine who I see for a long weekend once a year — it’s a lovely pace to catch up and chat and is absolutely not an activity you can do with young children. All of that said, I am also very tired a lot of the time.
What a beautiful, serene home. One thing I really love is the color of the walls and the use of the same paint color throughout the home. It lends a cohesion and calm backdrop. Could you find out what this wall paint color is? Thanks in advance!
Hi Johanna! Grace says her paint is Sherwin-Williams Simple White :)
“Pasta à la gala” – literally had me laughing out loud. Grace, you have a magical way of coming across as so nonchalantly relatable, your work makes my mi d and soul chuckle!
Grace- I love your relaxed and stylish home, and love even more that you seem so grateful and content where you are. As a primary care pediatrician, mom to three boys, and someone still traumatized by her OB rotation over twenty years ago, I feel like we could be friends. Even though healthcare has its issues, I remain grateful that I get paid to see lovely families, adorable kids, and work with inspiring med students. It’s so great that your kids get to see you have a job you love AND have a life outside of that job. I’ve taken up pottery and sourdough bread baking, and they both bring such joy and make me feel more fully human
Can confirm: that goodwill is a GEM! Austin guide from Grace next?
I second this!
Are y’all talking about the N Lamar Goodwill?
What a great house. And I love the way she hangs art! I also hang my kids’ art and I’m going to use this as inspo as I hang the next batch!
Love this, especially as a doctor myself! Q about the boys’ bedroom — did they want to share? I feel like kids sharing a room is more rare than it used to be!
Hi! I asked Grace that same question during our interview, and she said they grew up sharing a room when they lived in their NYC apartment, so they just stuck with it once they moved to Austin :)
Love the house tour. For some absolutely lovely doctor characters in romances, Abby Jimenez has them! Especially in Yours Truly – a romance between two doctors!
Yes! Was going to suggest the same book (and Abby Jimenez is just great!)
I see that Half-Price Books sticker. (I worked at a location in Houston for four years and put a *lot* of those on used books…) What a cool house! I love her kid’s artwork mixed in with all the other pieces.
Grace – I’ve been a long time fan and your Mom’s Family Calendar has been a central fixture in our kitchen for years organizing our busy life. I love the ritual of taking it down each month and carefully filling in our schedule and enjoying all your illustrations!
Grace, you’re a delight and I love the warmth of your home. Also, I love the shirt you’re wearing and am looking for a similar vibe. Grace or readers, any thoughts on where to find something similar?
It’s an Everlane, I have the same one! It’s so easy to wear.
Quince or Eileen Fisher.
I LOVE Grace! This was such a treat to see inside her very cute and cozy home.
I absolutely love the mother-in-law portrait for the mother-in-law. This is SO funny! Also …. my home country’s national flag (New Zealand) in one of the bedrooms!? :-)
Grace, I love your house! I’m very impressed with the prioritization, time management, and organization that you must have to be a doctor and artist (and have a personal life). I would love to hear about your art-making schedule, where you do your work, and how you organize your projects. (I’m a disorganized aspiring artist.)
Amanda, I feel this! I work as a full-time creative person and have some very time-consuming, unpaid creative hobbies (and two kids, sigh)! The demands on my attention are many. I find it tricky to keep a consistent “artmarking schedule” and try to fit it in however I can. And I’m working on being happy with a few more dustbunnies than I’d like at any given moment, bc the tradeoff is often house chores!
Oh, the lovely Grace. Each time her face or her work pops up, I always think, “we could be pals.” She seems effortlessly genuine, talented, curious and good.
I live in Austin and I was at a friend’s party a few years ago that Grace attended. Y’all I was SO starstruck. It was all I could do not to just be like “iloveyourcomicsletsbefriends!” Reading this I wish I had! Pasta a la gala! :D Love the gallery walls; how unified and colorful and also somehow uncurated they feel. Thanks for sharing your house Grace! It’s dreamy.
Adorable family! Adorable decor. To have all that original artwork is so special. Moving near family was good call!
Oh my gosh, what a wonderful space! My favorite thing about parenting my two kids is seeing them develop interests (like basketball or Tim Burton movies) that I never had as a child. It is so cool to see who they are becoming and I love how Grace put that so eloquently.
A modern day renaissance woman!! Love Grace, and her home is gorgeous and delightful and true, just like her and her work!
What a lovely house! Who is the artist of the two colorful illustrations above the container store bookshelves?
Her aunt made those! x
I loved this home tour! I used to live in Austin and I can picture just this kind of ‘50s house. It’s so stylish! And I really appreciate that many things come from places I can afford to shop – Homegoods, Article, the Container Store!
Grace, please read Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez…both main characters are doctors. I listened twice in a row I loved it so much. There’s also a character who needs a kidney transplant…it’s truly for the nerds who like romance. Love your comics!
Ah ha! I see my framed nyc subway poster there!
Grace is so funny! I want to be her friend! And we could be, because I live near Austin, and I also have two kids, a handsome dog, and an affinity for ballet flats. Unfortunately for me and Grace, we are about to move to France. I will be sure to leave her some grackles.
Have now *got* to get hold of a picture of my MIL’s MIL to replicate this fiendishly brilliant move – just need to work out which one of the 3 she’s had will be most “funny”…
ha ha ha – brilliant!
I think Grace’s aunt should have an etsy store. I need that painting above the sofa!
Thank you for sharing your home Grace! It’s beautiful, and simple, and colorful, and cool. I can relate to so much of this too – we moved site-unseen during Covid from Brooklyn to Florida and could not believe how GIANT our rental apartment was when we arrived. ‘Pasta a la Gala’ is on our weekly rotation for my picky eater too – thank you for bringing some levity to what can sometimes be pretty frustrating. And finally, I immediately recognized your throw pillows from Garza Marfa. Marfa is one of my absolute favorite places in the U.S. – the art, the dessert landscape, the quirkiness, and most of all it is part of the Big Bend Dark Sky Reserve and has some of the best stargazing in the world!
The quilt over the bed is gorgeous. I love seeing all the books. What a wonderful, comfortable home.
Thanks for all your fun artwork grace! It fun to get a peek behind the inspirations. Keep doing what you’re doing! — unless you’re tired… then take a break! ;)
Now that I know Grace is a doctor, her also being an illustrator (and an author, and a soccer coach) blows my mind! Also, could we please please have a style uniform from Grace? She looks effortlessly elegant and laidback.
Agreed!!!
yes to a style uniform! I love how simple and classic she looks.
Umm i had the exact same thought! would love to a style uniform…those red shoes.
Lovely! I was a rn care manager and discharge planner for several years and loved our hospitalists. We were a team working to get the patients treated and safely home in a timely manner. We had such chemistry with our nurses, social workers and docs that it actually felt fun. Health care can be best and the hardest job in the world! ❤
I just think it’s so cool that Grace can pursue both passions, art and medicine, at the same time.
Beautiful! What a cool, interesting, colorful home–I love it so much! I’m also a big fan of Grace’s work and am so thankful for this blog for introducing me to it. She always gets it. I give her Mom’s Milestones as a gift to all the new mothers I know. Looking forward to giving See One, Do One, Teach One to my friends starting med school.
I live in New Zealand, so far from Austin, Texas – and wow – there is a New Zealand flag on the wall of the boys bedroom! I wondered why- maybe they travelled here. A lovely person and a lovely home.
I’m also desperate to know the story behind the NZ flag!
I thought the same! Wonder why they have the NZ flag on the wall? Maybe they’re supporting the NZ Football team in the world cup? Was funny seeing something of home so far away
My grandmother was from NZ and moved to San Antonio TX as a war bride. The flag is from a trip we took to meet distant cousins. Love NZ!
Me too, came here to find out what the story is with the NZ Flag. Always makes me homesick seeing it on the wall of somewhere so far away (plot twist, I am in NZ so not exactly sure what I am homesick for!)
Same!
Exciting to finally ‘meet’ Grace! How do I not know the term “hospitalist”?! Y’all are an integral part of the healthcare system, and we appreciate you!
Grace – Thank you for the work you do! And, I love everything about your home. It feels like a true home where lots of life happens! Thank you for sharing it!
Love her home!
What an absolute treasure Grace is! If I ever find myself in a hospital in Austin, I hope Grace is my doctor. Love how cozy her home is (and clothes on the floor! my kid’s bedroom is a disaster most of the time). Thank you for your work in heath care and on the page.
Grace, I love your attitude! You seem so down to earth <3 Also, your aunt's paintings are beautiful! So full of light….
“I cook pasta a la gala for my picky eater. It’s my own recipe. First, cook plain pasta. Next, serve it on a plate, next to a Gala apple.“ 😂😂 Grace, you are such a real one for this, thank you. 💖
The Power Broker on the kids’ bookshelf! HECK YEAH!
Her “recipe”-reality, people! I also spotted Robert Caro’s book The Power Broker in with the kids’ books…?
hey, shelf space is shelf space!
I think my husband was trying to convince George to read this!