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Austin Real Estate Blog

Blog by Ki Gray
Austin Texas, Texas

A general blog about real estate with random tips and observations.

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Austin Real Estate Blog

Home Remodeling: Lavish Bathrooms

Jun. 4, 2009
Nowadays people are spending upwards of $10,000 on a total bathroom remodel. Homeowners are opting for more spacious and ornate bathrooms complete with natural stone floors and multiple showerheads. But, if your budget can't quite handle the expense of a jetted tub or marble shower, there are plenty of options that provide heightened style without a heightened credit card bill.

The best place to start is with paint. Adding a splash of color can do wonders for your bathroom. Start by changing the color of your walls to a light and airy hue. The best options are blues, light purples and neutral colors, all of which convey a calming and soothing feel that is perfect for feeling relaxed in your bathroom. Another option for a quick upgrade that adds color is to change the faucets and fixtures. Adding a splash of class or style can quickly change the entire look and feel of your bathroom. A hot trend right now is brushed brass fixtures, which convey a rich and classy feel that complements neutral colors. Other popular options are faucets that buck the standard look with a unique layout or design.

The primary area of focus in today's lavish bathrooms is the shower. If you prefer to have a bath tub, there are three general types to choose from: standard drop-in tubs, free-standing tubs or walk-in tubs. Many homeowners are opting for air-jet tubs with provide therapeutic and massaging effects while also allowing homeowners to use bath salts or bubbles. If you prefer the shower only layout, the possibilities are endless. Today's showers are virtually human carwashes with the ability to install multiple shower heads with a variety of sprays and angles.
If these options are not for you, try going with a few simple upgrades. Adding a high window near the top of your bath or shower can allow natural light to enter the area, which opens everything up and you feel less like you're crawling into a cave to take a shower. In addition, consider regrouting your current tub and tile. This simple task can go a long way in eliminating any dingy appearances that have accumulated over several years of use. Another option is the installation of a prefabricated tub or shower surround, which can replace or be installed over top of your existing shower depending on the model and type chosen. Finally, consider adding a luxurious shower head, such as a rain-like or massaging shower head for a extra touch.

The final element that distinguishes a luxurious bathroom from a standard bathroom is the lighting and flooring. Lighting, while often overlooked, can be an excellent way to control the feel of your bathroom. A good idea is to install a diverse set of lighting such as overhead can lights near the vanity area and indirect ambient lighting that is ideal for low-key and relaxing baths.
Flooring is also a popular upgrade with natural stone and tile being especially popular in lavish bathrooms. Since these types of flooring can be cold, many homeowners opt to install sub-floor heating systems that warm floors with heated water. A more economical choice is to use low-voltage electric mats, which are smaller in size yet provide just enough of a warm area to stand while getting ready each morning.

In addition to these remodeling ideas, top the bathroom off with accessories that accentuate the look and feel of your bathroom. If you're looking for an elegant appeal, small yet stately glass containers with a stainless steel top to store cotton balls and Q-tips are popular accents. If you looking for a warm and low key feel, a popular choice is baskets to store lotions and towels. Finally, top it off with new drawer pulls or towel rods to match the updated look and to carry the theme throughout your bathroom.


Ki works as a realtor in the Austin real estate market. He developed a search of houses in the Austin MLS on his website. His site also has general information on Austin real estate and Austin condos.

Easy Home Improvement ideas to Add Value to your Home

May. 13, 2009
With spring and summer just around the corner, home owners may want to spruce up their home. Whether you want to add value to your home to sell it or just to update your home for your own pleasure, here are a few low cost ideas that anyone can do.

Custom details can add dollars and character to your home. If you want to do a face life on a room, instead of crown molding, try using wainscoting instead. It is less expensive to use and comes in a variety of styles and you can easily install it yourself!

Ceramic tiles can add color and style to any bathroom, kitchen or fireplace. They are easily available and come in a variety of styles, color and prices. Mix and match tiles to create a special look or choose a color scheme to match existing colors in a room.

Changing light fixtures can change the appearance to a room. You can be as creative as you like. It can be as simple as buying a different lamp cover to changing the fixture over the dining room table. There are many different styles available. Just be sure to turn off all power before changing light fixtures.

Install carpet into a master suite instead of hardwood. You can do it yourself if you have the right tools, or you can have it installed by a professional, it all depends on what you are willing to spend. If this is too extreme, you can opt for an area rug instead. They come in many sizes and styles and they can add style and warmth to any room.

Pay attention to color! Color can be a homeowner's cheapest and most powerful tool. Choosing the right color can change to atmosphere to any room. Choosing the wrong color can be devastating! In this day and age of technology, there are many websites available where you can upload a picture of any room and try different color schemes.

Create multi-functional spaces. Don't just use your washroom for laundry; you can create a multi-functional space by adding something simple like a work-bench or a sewing table. Having open shelves can also keep the room from feeling cramped.

Add a patio to your home. Building a patio not only adds value to your home, but gives the homeowner a place for relaxation. This can be done yourself and is fairly easy. Begin by choosing your location. A small patio can be built in a couple of weekends. There are many ways to build a patio. Choose your brick, or pavers. Once you have decided on a pattern, you can prepare the site. Mark and square up the perimeters with stakes and string. Remove sod and excavate to a depth equaling the thickness of the brick and the sand combined.

You can lay dark plastic or thick asphalt roofing felt over the ground to prevent weeds from growing up through the bricks.

With a little imagination, you can add value and style to your home.


Ki has a comprehensive website focusing on Austin real estate. Buyers can search the Austin MLS for homes as well as searching for Austin commercial real estate.

Color Psychology For Your Home Remodel

Feb. 12, 2009
Ever wonder why so many restaurants paint their walls red? Or why hospitals stereotypically have drab shades of tan or green? Whether we realize it or not, everyone reacts to color in a psychological and physiological way. And while not everyone reacts exactly the same, some generalized understandings of what each color conveys can help you out the next time you're wading through paint swatches at the hardware store.
While only a few basic colors are covered, keep in mind that humans see much more than six simple colors. The hue, saturation and intensity of a color also have an impact on the person's reaction.

Red: Red typically generates the most reaction of any of the basic colors. It makes a powerful statement and is frequently associated with strength, courage, excitement and aggression. It can also increase heart rates and energy levels. Shades of red can also stimulate the appetite, which is why it is such a popular selection for kitchens and restaurants.
Blue: If the color blue entered the Miss America pageant, it would win the Miss Congeniality award. As the color that transcends gender lines, blue is a popular color for bedrooms. It is also known for its relaxing and soothing abilities as well as increasing productivity.

Yellow: Yellow is the happy, cheery color- it is the cheerleader of the bunch. It is often associated with enthusiasm, energy, and optimism. It is also believed to be mentally and creatively stimulating. On the other hand, it has also been associated with fear and anxiety.
Green: Green is most often associated with expressions and symbolic associations. Natural shades of green make people feel refreshed, balanced and alive. It is also a very color and runs a close second to Miss "Blue" Congeniality.

Orange: As a general rule, orange is a classic love or hate tale that sparks the most serious reactions. Orange is often associated with comfort and warmth but can also convey a sense of flamboyance and energy. It is a popular choice among homeowners for making a room feel comfortable.

Violet: Violet is a tricky color to master, particularly given its emotional indications of lush, regal and passion. It is a color in an identity crisis as it straddles the line between warm reds and cool blues. Reactions also have a tendency to be age dependent. Adults tend to dislike purple shades. Children, on the other hand, respond favorably to violet. This, coupled with the fact that purple is known to stimulate the imagination, makes it a favorite for youth bedrooms.

In addition to basic color selection, it is important to remember that all colors also have three basic characteristics: hue, intensity and value. It is these factors working that create the multitude of colors populating our lives. Effective color combinations can amplify your decorating plan and increase the value of your home, particularly if your house in on the market. Today, homeowners are going beyond the basic color schemes to more bold and dramatic color combinations. They are using paint to define the home's style, solidify its mood, make small rooms look larger (and vice versa) and communicate the home's authentic character. When applied thoughtfully, the psychology of color can partner you're a home's existing details to not only build curb appeal, but also create the warm, welcoming environment that looks like its fresh out of the pages of a magazine.


Ki lives, and works, in Austin, Texas. He maintains a website where future owners can search the Austin MLS. It also has general data on Austin real estate and Round Rock real estate