Real Estate Stalking: Austin

Yesterday morning, Mark and I said "Let's go to Austin!" Without any prior preparation we took off. It was a great time and I came back with treats. I happened upon this Artful cottage. when I took a wrong turn. (Sometimes mistakes are wonderful, eh?)

I only saw the exterior, but I knew the interior would have to be just as fantastic and it is. Hooray! Look at this place. At less than 1000sqft. its tiny, but who wouldn't be willing to make the sacrifice? Of course, the price tag is for you to make a decision about. Sorry, I can't help you there:(

Whoever photographed this house, I would like to say, bravo! These shots are amazing. I'm imagining framing the photo above and hanging it as art. Love it. (P.S. if you're wondering why I didn't take photos myself as I usually do. We left so suddenly, I didn't get to pack up my camera. I felt naked all day)

How many fantastic parties, could happen out here, I wonder?

The second treat is this little yellow house. Another mini house with lots of personality. I don't think this photo shows it so well, but the pretty color scheme really pops. Especially, that fantastic red door. I love driving around Austin neighborhoods because the houses are so unique and imaginative. I always feel inspired when I return home.

Another thing I love about the little yellow house is that it faces Sparky Park. I had never heard of it until yesterday, but I'm smitten with it now. It was built by converting a former substation into a piece of public art. I recommend stopping by if you are in the neighborhood.

Feeling Tipsy

Hello, all! I had to share this video of an unbelievable house that is now on the market. It is space-age fabulous!!! Designed by Richard T. Foster in 1968, the Rotating House is ingenious. Once inside, you can rotate the house to face any view of the beautiful property it sits on. Love it! 

P.S.  Monday's post didn't appear here because of problems with Blogger. I did post a link on my Twitter and Facebook sites. Be sure and check out another amazing home there. As for the explanation of where I've been...still to come, I promise.

A Woman's Home Is Her Castle

Now THIS is real estate shopping! Last week Remodelista mentioned this home only in passing but I had to investigate it further. Wow! As it turns out there is a CASTLE for sale here in Texas. I can say I've never heard of a Texas castle, but now I know there is one in where else but Austin

The living room/lodge blows me away. I guess this is enough space for dining parties, no?

Finally, I could rule over my own little kingdom...even if I'm the only person who believes in it:)

What Would You Do?

Hypothetical situation...Lets say one day someone walked up to you and said, "Hello, I'm going to give you your dream home. Just tell me what you want." Would you know what to say? I mean we often think we know what we want, but do we really know? (Yes, I do believe this might happen to me someday; so I think about it a lot). Well, I think I found a very good blueprint for what I would like to have. Check out this gorgeous Dallas home!

They say a kitchen is the most important room in a house, but I find its usually my least favorite. For one, I'm not much of a cook but also because kitchens are usually too fussy or too frumpy. This kitchen on the other hand...nice! Its so chic and clean.

Perhaps, I would not want my house to be this White! I like more color. So, do you know what you want. Another question, can we really get what we want if we're not even clear what that is?! Hmmm, sorry to be so philosophical the day after the Super Bowl:)
P.S. Some of you long time readers may remember my "Dream Home" series, but newer readers may not. Click here for some more inspiration.

Friday Favorite: The Stagers

Have you watched The Stagers on HGTV? I really love this show! Unfortunately, since I like it, it must mean that its not a very popular show. I'm not sure why any time I like an HGTV show, it always seems to bomb. Perhaps I need to move to Canada. My favorite shows are Canadian and they do well there. Oh well!
I'm addicted to this show, because I think their designs are great and its just fun to watch. Home staging is different than interior design, because of its unique approach. In order to stage a home must be attractive w/out being too personal. I think it can be a challenge for homeowners to separate themselves from their own homes, so I agree w/ bringing in professionals to help. Also, with the current market being what it is, making your home as attractive as possible has to be a good thing!

(From the Dekora website)

The stagers are part of a Canadian company called Dekora. It looks like an amazing place that stores a massive amount of furniture, art and accessories available for staging. Personally, I have never run across a place quite like this, but would kill to do so!

Yikes!!!
If I were walking through this house, I would be tempted to runaway as fast as I could.

Ahhh! When can I move in?
P.S.
I would love to get opinions of any designers reading this article about your feelings on staging.
Worthy cause, or passing fad?

A Must-See Open House

You're probably thinking I'm going to say this is some far off tropical island or something, right? Actually, this home is right in the middle of good ole' Houston. I had to do a double take and make sure that was right. Its so serene looking, who knew? If you are here in H-town, you can go see this beautiful place tomorrow (Sunday).

All the wonderful white is so alluring. Oh, I only need a little more than 1 mill and it can be all mine:)

Green With Envy

Happy Monday, everyone! Mine was brightened by an early morning email from Joni. A quick glimpse into a fantastic home that makes me feel, oh so envious. Especially this kitchen! I can honestly say, this is the first time I've seen a kitchen so perfect for me, that I would not want to change a detail. I LOVE it! Sadly, some other lucky person will be enjoying it, since it recently sold. Whoever you are, if you are reading this; please don't change that kitchen!

The rest of the house's color scheme is beautiful too! I love the earthy neautrals with an occasional bright, bright color. So exciting:) Also, check out the black stained concrete floors. Ahhh, I'm so smitten.

This house is located behind one of our favorite family restaurants, so I have been admiring it's exterior for a couple of years now. Mark and I always said we would want a house that looks just like this, who knew I would feel the same way about the interior too!

The Cottage Life

Yes? No? I never know how I feel about cottages. I love their character but many feel too restrictive. Small choppy floor plans. This house on the other hand, I do love. It was obviously remodeled and opened up. Now it has a great loft feel! It also helps that at over 1700 sqft. It isn't tiny.
OH, I WANT A NEW HOUSE SOOOO BAD!!!!!

(Found via The Houstonist)

SoCal Modern

I could scroll through your site for hours:) And yes I will take this house...as long as the car is included.

You can find more photos of this modern ranch here.