8 modern house updates

I work in home building so I am always interested in the latest and greatest home improvements.  I have a huge folder saved with ideas for our next house but really, most of these can be done to the place you live now to give you some modern updates.  Check 'em out

I have pull out drawers now and LOVE them.  They are really handy and a great investment.

I have a stand alone jewelry case with a mirror now but love this idea.

This is a definite DIY.  Our washer/dryer are on the floor and this would eliminate bending over grabbing those little socks and washcloths stuck in the top corners of the washer.  

I have pull outs in my cabinets but definitely not organized like this.  I love this. 

This is a 2-in-1.  We have a big dining room and have considered adding a wet bar for several years.  This is a great option and I love the pull-out drawers.

Ahhhh....a pocket door with mirror.  Love it.  

I love the idea of storage in the form of a pantry style cabinet about the countertop.  I have a KitchenAid mixer and it is SO heavy!  This would be perfect.

Another easy DIY.  It's simple and would eliminate all the chargers plugged in plus, give extra outlets. These are definitely on my to-do list.  Maybe my nesting is still in effect?  :)

Hope you're off to a great week.  Our little one turns a month old tomorrow and we almost can't believe it.  I am headed back to work next week so I am squeezing in all the moments I can these next few days.  Cheers! 

Preparing for Baby - Travel Essentials

Oh my goodness....the time is almost here for this first-time mom.  I hit 37 weeks a few days ago and it finally set in, we are at the finish line.  I have been reading every.single.review for every product and wanted to share what we have so far.

My husband assembled the stroller and was amazed at how quickly he had it done.  He can tend to be impatient on projects like this but had it put together in no time.  We are trying to stick with just essentials, versus every possible item so for taking the new little one out and about, here's what we ended up getting.

Preparing for Baby - Travel Essentials by eporter-217 featuring handbags totes

Tory Burch handbags tote
tradesy.com

UPPAbaby MESA Infant Car Seat in Pascal
buybuybaby.com

High Road Gray TissuePockets™ Car Backseat Organizer
zulily.com

Favorite pins of the moment: Around the house

I was hoping to share a couple style pins but I haven't got any new ones....boooo!

I am in real estate for work so I often keep an eye on new trends and ways to decorate model homes.
This pin is almost unreal that such a transformation can be achieved in such a small space.  Wouldn't you agree?

This idea is so simple and just as awesome.  These style lights were on trend for many years and it can be frightful to take them down and replace.  Mainly due to the uncertainty of the drywall and paint behind it.  This makes an update beyond easy.

OMG...is this the best or what?!  Perfection for an old TV cabinet.

Another major small space reno....gorg!

Our return air is in the ceiling BUT if it was on a wall and visible, this would be ideal.

I am overdue for a family room update.  I can easily find stuff I love but it can be tricky to have them work in my space.  Here is a happy medium.  Grays are all the trends this year and this is on point.

What are your Spring projects?  I found my online motivation, just need to get to work and put these into action!  :)

Guest room update

Fall has me the in mood for decorating.  I have been working to declutter and organize as much as possible.  I moved my efforts to our guest bedroom this week.  I still have some work to do but I am chipping away at updates.

We have a new HomeGoods store nearby.  While I have only been there a few times, I have managed to find something fresh each time.  I got some new lamps a month or so ago.  They are a slate blue/gray color with linen colored shades.  I really wanted to go for the coordinated but not matched look but I am almost convinced you can't plan for it...it has to just happen.

My newest update was a new headboard.  Have you heard of Joss & Main?  It has some super deals and really fast shipping.  I had been to Pier One and found some nice headboards and I cruised thru Ikea but didn't really see much that I liked.

I looked at Joss & Main, actually looking for rugs and found a simple headboard that I decided would work for my guest room.  I have been b-e-g-g-i-n-g Simon to change the one in our room but he is a creature of habit and takes a little while to sell.

So, here goes.....my before and after.

Nothing too crazy, but a nice little freshen up.  There were lots of headboard styles but I decided on an oatmeal colored headboard with a little shape and nailheads to finish it off.  Finding ANYTHING less than $300 is a challenge (queen bed) and I scored this for $168.00!  

So exciting.  It has finished legs that only need three screws each to assemble (and the holes were pre-drilled).  Whatcha think?  

Check out the headboard on their website here.

Deals and Steals from West Elm

The season is changing and I am back in the mood for sprucing up my closet and my home.  I got an email from West Elm and did a little browsing.  They have some super deals right now and at nearly 70% off, they are worth a look.

This pretty mocha bedding looks super luxe and would be so pretty with some soft white pillows.  

Looking for a feminine option?  This is so pretty.  Maybe for a teenage young lady or single gal.  I have dogs so I could just see them digging around and pulling the pleats.  

Can you use some new throw pillows?  These are a steal at $15.

This rug is such a pretty pattern.  Lots of sizes available too.

Who couldn't use some bedside seats.  These would be good for slipping on shoes or extra seating with a full house of guests.

These frames are so pretty with delicate touches of gold.  

Oh what I would do with this gorg pendant.  I would buy this in a second if I had a spot for it.

This serving board + dip bowl is perfect for football season and is less than $20.  

What have you been spying as we transition into fall?  Unfortunately, we won't have cool temps for a while but with the time change coming, we will get a little taste of the season change.

Setup the bar + Set the table

So, I am loving all the adorable options available for home entertaining.  We often have parties at our home and I love to splurge for the extra touches to make the events memorable.  I recently took a stroll through my local C.Wonder and there are so many great accessories, you can get nearly everything you want and need all in one spot.  Here are some of my favorites.  they also have some cute white & gold dishes, wine chiller and cocktail shaker {shown here}.  Looking for a few easy drink ideas?  {Check these out}

Setup the bar + Set the table by eporter-217 featuring C. Wonder

Wednesday Wishlist: A new home!

I am dreaming of a new place to call home.  Working in real estate and specifically new homes, after about two years I am ready to pack up and build again.  We built the home we are in now in 2007 so needless to say I am crawling the walls.  Here are some of my favorite recent pins:

A fancy exterior

A dreamy kitchen

Neat storage ideas

Home Office Decor Ideas for the New Year

I am pushing myself to get into the organizing feeling the new year typically brings.  I decided to start in the smallest room of my home, my office.  I don't use the room too often and I noticed that it has somewhat become a spot for storage.  I am headed to IKEA to freshen up this space in hopes that the feeling becomes contagious and I continue throughout the house.
I am going to start my decorating by moving items around that I already have and then add new pieces as I come across them.  Here's a look at a few things I found to give me a starting point for shopping.  I actually have an antique desk that I inherited that is in my office now so I will be keeping that and doing a little updating to the accessories around it.
Have you starting any new projects?

Home Office Decor Ideas by eporter-217 featuring a black desk chair