Austin Modern Home Tour, Part 1

Hello, friends! I had so much fun this weekend. My girlfriend and I went on the Modern Home Tour Austin and it was amazing. You know those houses you drive by and just wish you could see the inside? Well, these are those houses and I got to snoop around!!

Want to snoop with me?

Ahhh, minimalism...isn't it refreshing? This teen's room had no clutter! It was fabulous, just like that great chandelier.

Love the hanging mirror. Lots of variations of white tile seen in every house. 

 Eco-friendly and green were key words seen/used throughout all the homes on tour. Check out these stools. Funky, fun design and made of...

Cardboard! So cool.

Beautiful floors were not lacking. And, this wall 'o bookshelves did not disappoint either.

Windows, windows, windows. The angle of this one had me at hello! I'd be so happy living in the trees.

Did my brain go straight to a DIY project when I spied this awesomeness? Of course!

Once again, beautiful floors. I tell my clients all the time...no more square tiles, it's all about the rectangle now. 

Freestanding tubs were all the rage, as well as, frameless surrounds.

 BIG impact with walls of tile. Isn't it clever how they brought the outside in and used small mirrors to accommodate?

This tile had a fun iridescent quality.

One more tub. Notice the lack of art/accessories. Modernism is all about letting the hard finishes speak for themselves and be the star. Are you a fan or do you need the fluff?

Stay tuned for Part 2. I took way too many pictures to fit into one post!

I don't take baths...

but I might start if I had something like this to soak in. Okay, let's set the record straight. I don't take baths but I do shower often. Aren't you relieved to know that?

I've had freestanding tubs on my mind recently. I like to watch Sarah Richardson's design shows and I've noticed a trend in her bathroom remodels. She typically uses gorgeous tubs.

I've not had the pleasure of using one of these beauties in a remodel just yet but I decided to do the research so I'll be prepared when the time comes. 

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Know what research showed me? There's a reason I haven't had the pleasure of using a freestanding tub just yet. Yeah, something to the tune of over a thousand dollars each reason! And that's on the low end of the spectrum. Doesn't quite fit into my budget-friendly decorating philosophy.

But they sure are pretty...

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They also make a huge statement. Take a minute to check out those legs and appreciate the custom color.

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Full length mirror next to the tub? Are you brave enough? It's a fantastic magazine picture, but is it realistic?

Same tub, different setting...

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Freestanding tubs don't have to be fancy and ornate, you can also find sleek and modern options. Isn't this mix of rustic and modern great?

Okay, okay, so if I had a view like this I may be persuaded to splurge and stretch the pocketbook.

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Ahhh, becoming one with nature!

What do you think? Are you a tub lover that sees the value in paying thousands for a soak? If it's your refuge, it's totally a place to splurge, right? If the bathroom's "just a place to get things done," what other area would you prefer to stretch your budget?

Enjoy the weekend, friends.