{ 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 :)

{ 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! 

{ Mood Board: Budget, Feminine, Cheery Living Room }

My sister is moving into a new apartment at the end of April, and asked me to put together a little mood board for her. When I shop for my own home, I always tend to look for textures and neutrals and focus less on bright colors. When I was browsing items for Chelsea, I stuck to my basic philosophy of building around neutral basics (like the jute rug and white couch) but felt much more inclined to pick bright, punchy accents. Does that reclaimed wood coffee table look familiar? It was the very first budget find featured on The Everygirl and I think it looks swell in this imaginary room. I also love those yellow wicker side tables (only $56!). They would instantly turn a frown upside down.



What about you guys? Are you inclined to pick neutrals or do you like a more colorful palette to live in? I'm staying with a friend in Baltimore right now whose entire home is full of warm, rich tones and it's making me want to redecorate entirely. Stay tuned for her house tour coming soon :).

Thanks so much for stopping in today! lovelovelove.

-C

P.S. Please pardon my less than stellar photoshop skillz. I'm learning! ;)

{ Perfect Evening }

Ideal Weeknight by cbrown52290 featuring a cable sock

Don't mind if I do! This looks like the perfect way to spend a night (or a rainy, lazy day) alone. 

I've been dying to read Lunch in Paris for months. Has anyone read it?

The rainy weather here has me feeling sleepy and lazy. I love the rain if I get to stay cozy indoors. Unfortunately, there is still much to be done before the weekend so I better stop dreamin' and start movin'.  I've been feeling pretty stressed lately, and I think a cuppa tea and a new book would do me lots of good at some point in the near future.

As per usual, I must head off to class and work. Boo. I am getting all kinds of antsy to graduate and move on to a new chapter. Oh, Caitlin. Slow your roll.

I hope you all have a wonderful day. Thank you very much for stopping by. 

lovelovelove.

-C

His & Hers Living Room

Feminine/Masculine Living room by cbrown52290 on polyvore.com

Jaipur Printed Dhurrie | west elm 5x8
$199 - westelm.com

Bliss Sofa | west elm
£739 - westelm.com

Jazz Pillow Cover | west elm
$34 - westelm.com

Deco Sequin Pillow | west elm
$34 - westelm.com

The Leather Glove Chair in Vintage Brown Seating Modern Accent Living...
$1,295 - claytongrayhome.com

Distressed European Wall Clock | Wall Art | Wisteria
$59 - wisteria.com

Ikea Fejka
$9.99 - ikea.com

Pia Coffee Table in Accent Tables | Crate&Barrel
$449 - crateandbarrel.com

I was playing around on Polyvore and ended up creating a mood board for a feminine and masculine inspired living room. Every time I go furniture browsing with Trevor it becomes clear to me what a divide there is between men and women when it comes to decorating. Even if you both have good taste there is a lot to compromise on! I love that the modern, vintage, leather chair offsets the feminine sequin pillows. This particular chair is obviously way out of most people's budget, but any leather chair with masculine lines would do the trick.  I wouldn't mind living here one bit. No sirry bob.

Is it just me or does West Elm have the best throw pillows ever, lately? I love.

Well, I'm off to get this day started. Thank you all very much for stopping by.

lovelovelove.

-C