{ Office Space Dreaming }

I've been doing a lot of work on my computer lately. Between working with Jess LC, The Everygirl, handling social media for a restaurant and a cafe, my design work, and blogging, me and my Mac are practically siblings.

So, between giving my little fingers a break from type type typing away, I started daydreaming about what it would be like to have a legit office one day. An office space to call alllll my own. Although, in the interest of full disclosure, I semi-had one in my home in Cincinnati, but I never used it. I'm blaming that on the fact that I never really got to finish designing it, though. ;).

So as I was saying. I was daydreaming about my office space and decided to whip up a little mood board of inspiration. I'd start with greys and whites to keep things soothing (I dont want to be over stimulated) and then jazz it up with some fun corals and yellows, to keep me inspired and energized. I'm tempted to throw in some really baller wallpaper, too. oooo. yes. wallpaper, indeed.

 One day, my friends. One day.

Also, I've wanted that Cb2 coffee table since oh I don't know, forever. Le sigh.

Hope you all have the most wonderful evening! I'm so sorry for the skimpy posts this week. As I mentioned before, I'm a busy bee over here!

Thanks so much for stopping in. lovelovelove.

-C

{ Words for Your Week }

Dwell in the possibility of love, career, happiness, travel, friendship, adventure, peace and relaxation. This week I'm striving to see the possibilities and to grow them where they need a little more fulfillment. 

Wish me luck.

What are you striving for this week?

Thank you all so much for stopping in today!

lovelovelove

-C

image 1 // image 2

{ Happy Weekend! }

My to-list has somehow become a mile long in the last 24 hours, so I'm hoping this weekend is a blend of productivity and relaxation. If I have it my way, I'll spend just a smidgeon of time on the beach,  enjoying the beautiful scenery of Chicago. Today, I'm off to work with The Everygirl and run a few errands! I hope you all have a wonderful day and a marvelous weekend. Sending love your way.

-C

image via

{ Life Lately }

Sometimes life is especially amazing. Celebrated The Everygirl being named one of the Top Ten Sites for Millennial Women on FORBES last night. Enough said.

Happy Thursday! lovelovelove.

-C

*thank you to Alaina and Danielle for the instagram photos!

{ Make It Work: One Couch, Two Ways }

Let's be honest. When you're decorating on a budget, sometimes you've gotta do as Tim Gunn would and "make it work." A couple of years ago my roommates and I were generously gifted a large, brown leather sofa for our new apartment by one of our moms. We were thrilled to have such a huge expense taken off our plate, but were originally a little bit stumped on how to make the piece feel like "us." If you can relate to a similar challenge, don't fret. There are endless possibilities to furniture pieces even if they aren't what you would originally envision.

Here we have two opposite looks that you can achieve with a basic, brown leather sofa. Note that I didn't use a brown leather sofa from Restoration Hardware with gorgeous tufting and lines. We're talkin' the basics here, because I'm not tryin' to pull the wool over your eyes! This is truly about making what you have work without sacrificing your taste or vision for your space.

Option One: Soften the space with cool, subtle tones and mix glam, shiny materials with worn wood to keep things well rounded. A pop of fresh flowers and a soft, fluffy throw pillow will balance the harsher dark leather.

Option Two: If a dark leather couch seems too traditional and serious for you, there are plenty of ways to insert personality. Bright accessories, a graphic rug, modern shapes and plants will make your living room come alive in no time. 

You don't have to pigeon hole yourself with the pieces you have to work with. Have fun, try things out, and see what works. Throw pillows aren't permanent, and experimenting is half the fun!

Need a little extra help? Email me your design dilemma and receive a custom mood board and breakdown for only $30***. See here for more details.

Thanks so much for stopping in, guys! Have a wonderful day. lovelovelove.

-C

***Because of demand, my services and price list have expanded and changed! See here for more details  about how we can work together :)

{ All You Need }

 

I know that neon is all the rage, but sometimes...I still can't help but believe that all you need are neutrals.

Anyone else?

lovelovelove

-C

P.S. Do you need some help with sprucing up your home? I'm now open for business! 

image 1, (unknown), 3

{ Open for Business! }

Good Morning, friends! Happy Monday!

My new schedule has left me still trying to find my rhythm here in the Windy City, but I think this week I'm gonna nail it :). Fingers crossed.

Since my Home Tour was featured on The Everygirl in April, I've gotten emails here and there asking for some decorating/design advice. So, I got to thinking and decided it was time to finally pull the trigger on something I've been wanting to do for a while now!

Whether you've got a specific design dilemma, or just moved into a new home and need help getting a room or two together, I would be delighted to help by creating a custom mood board just for you!

Your custom mood board will help with furniture selection, color scheme, layout, etc. 

Here is what I need from you:

*2-4 photos of your space

*3-5 inspiration photos of rooms that you love (check out Pinterest, House Beautiful, Better Home and Gardens, blogs, etc.)

*a budget for all of the changes you'd like to make

*a brief letter explaining what your current issues with the space are

In addition to the mood board including a selection of furniture, accessories, ideas for a color scheme, I'll also include a breakdown of the chosen products, and layout and budgeting suggestions. I'll help you figure out which pieces you should splurge on and can even help scour Craigslist for options in your area.

Whether you need help selecting some furniture pieces, or choosing new accessories to revamp the pieces that you already have, just email me and we can figure something out for you. The main purpose of the mood board is to get you inspired to reinvent your space and narrow your direction and focus! Don't let your budget stop you. Being thrifty is my jam.

Seeing as I'm away from my beloved apartment all summer, I'm itching for projects. So do us both a favor and don't hesitate to reach out ;).

{photo by Arielle Elise Photography for The Everygirl}

For now, mood boards will start at $30, ** so get 'em while they're hot! Email me at reverie2realityblog@gmail.com for more information or to sign up today for your custom mood board! You know you wanna. 

Hope to hear from you soon! I hope you have a wonderful week. Thanks so much for stopping in! lovelovelove.

-C

**because of demand, my decorating services have expanded! See the "Hire Me" page for more details! 

{ Play Dress Up }

I've been seriously missing date nights (seeing as my boy is currently in another state) so let me live vicariously through all of you. Which dress would wear you like to wear to date night?

One // Two // Three

I'm partial to number one, myself. Though I love number three. And number two is precious. Okay...so I want them all :)

Thanks for stopping in! lovelovelove.

-C

Interiors that Inspire: A Trio of Rooms

Blush pink walls and a yellow clawfoot tub. Sold.

This is an almost perfect bedroom, in my eyes.  I love the crisp linens, patterned and textured pillows, soft touch of gold, and cool tones of light grey throughout the space.

This compact kitchen gets some extra visual space through accentuating height. Take the eye UP in your miniature spaces.

All this inspiration just can't go to waste! I need a project, people.

Thanks for stopping in! lovelovelove.

-C

Image 1, 2, 3

{ A Cottage By the Sea... }

Chicago in the summer has turned a beach gal outta me. I take Lakeshore Drive whenever possible just so I can glance over at the pretty blue water at every chance I get. Suddenly I can't stop imagining a little home smack dab in front of the water...perhaps somewhere on the coast. The first place that popped into my mind for seaside decor inspiration? The Beach Cottage, of course.

See what I mean? How dreamy is that home? This new love of seaside living may just be a dream for now, because let's be honest, realistically I know that I could never abandon my love of city life for the beach altogether, but maybe that's why Chicago seems like the perfect city to call home. You get the best of both worlds.

Or Barcelona. Barcelona would do, too :).

-C

p.s. I'm also over on Maggie Rose Interiors today sharing my favorite budget-friendly decor options! Go take a peek! lovelovelove.

{ Get Gussied Up: Ponytail Style }

I'm not gonna lie...I'm often the gal who dilly dallys all morning (despite the fact that I'm an early riser) and then 10 minutes before it's time to leave realizes that she's still in her jammies. Woops. Needless to say, I don't always have time to do my hair.

But then I came across all these adorable pony tail options and realized that this can be just as cute as spending hours  with the blow dryer and curling iron. Don't you agree? Granted, my hair is wavy so it would still require some attention to get it to look as stylish as these ladies, but it's nice to see a girl has options.

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{ Life Lately: Summer in Chicago }

{my old apartment building}

My first weekend in Chicago was just splendid. 

I spent Friday going to lunch with The Everygirl Team, and hanging out at night with the wonderful family that I'm staying with this summer (seriously, they are the best). Saturday I did a bit of wandering around Southport, getting lost in Rogers Park, which led to me to stumbling upon this lovely beach (not bad at all!), and spent the night hanging in with Taylor, the sweet daughter of the family that I used to babysit for when I lived in Chicago a few years ago (the same family I'm staying with)!

 Sunday was spent downtown with Alaina and Danielle, catching up on work and indulging in french fries and girl talk. All in all, a wonderful weekend in Chicago, with many more to come. :)

All photos taken via my Iphone. Follow me on Instagram @caitpbrown.

Thanks so much for stopping in! lovelovelove.

-C

{ Off I Go! }

The car is packed and the gas tank is full. It's time for me to head off to Chicago!

I'm nervous, a little sad to leave Trevor and my friends, but mostly thrilled to spend the next three months in an amazing, inspiring city while working with amazing, inspiring women.

Let the games begin!

lovelovelove

-C

photo via