I am so excited to share all of the juicy details of last week’s adventure. I know I hinted at being away and if you follow on Instagram you may have seen a couple of shots from the trip. I am not even sure where to begin. You know when you have those experiences in life that are so completely challenging, exhausting, and exhilarating at the same time. I would consider this a life changing moment for me. Not necessarily because of what I did, but because of the many fears I faced in doing it and for reaching so far out of my comfort zone. It was a week that pushed me far beyond what I thought I was capable of doing. I am so very grateful for the opportunity and look back at it as one of the most exciting things I have done.
I was given the opportunity to travel to Scottsdale, Arizona to film an episode of HomeStretch. It is a design show on She Knows TV {part of sheknows.com} One of the very best parts of this whole experience was getting to meet Rene from Cottage and Vine. While we have long been friends via the blogworld, we had not met in person. Without question I can say that Rene and I were meant to meet. She is an amazing woman and friend. I would not have survived the week without her. Sadly we snapped very few photos so this grainy night photo will have to do. I figure a poor photo is better than no photo at all. We stayed in the same hotel all week and were able to download each night on the patio. Let me tell you. A nice glass of wine at the end of each 12 hour day was a must.
So here is the deal! HomeStretch is a show where two designers have two days to transform a space with two thousand dollars. So I was responsible for meeting my client and designing their living room. The task was to style their living room with items they could enjoy year round while also making it holiday ready. No small task!
MONDAY: I left my kiddos in good hands as my husband agreed to work from home for the week. He was a complete rock star and so supportive of my decision to do this. He knew it was something I would regret if I didn’t jump in. That man knows me very well. He worked overtime to make sure all went smoothly at home. Including the ballet bun, carpool duty, and making sure homework was completed. Upon arriving in Arizona I went directly from the airport to the She Knows office and then straight to meet my client. Sara and her family were completely adorable. Just the cutest family ever. I was able to meet them at their home and see their space just moments after stepping off of the airplane. Whirlwind to say the least! Here is their beautiful home and the before photos. 
TUESDAY: Let the crazy day of shopping commence. I had a personal assistant, Aubreigh, who could hot have been more dear. She helped me navigate Scottsdale as I shopped for the entire makeover in just one day. The two of us had a great time searching for just the right pieces. And we went everywhere!!!! A huge thank you to her for putting up with me and my frenzy as time was dwindling! That night ended with Rene and I making a night time treck to Target for just a couple of more things. Safe to say our hotel shuttle driver had never picked up two women at Target carrying accent décor and furniture. Good times.
WEDNESDAY and THURSDAY: I had no idea what to expect these two days. I knew it would be a ton of work but had no idea of just what goes into filming a production like this. The mornings began at 7:00 am in the hair and make-up chair. Yes, please! Sign me up for that any day! After they made me look somewhat presentable the days were a crazy blur of decorating, on camera interviews and design projects. I was filmed doing every little thing and I am sure they have more than enough footage of me being completely lame. Seriously. The days were long. 12 hours of decorating, camera time, and working. And at the end of each day I was exhausted. But exhausted in such a great way. Does that make sense? I was doing something that I never thought I would have the chance to do. I conquered my fear of the video camera {well not entirely} and pushed my design skills by doing so much so fast and so on the spot. At the end of the day Thursday, we were able to film the reveal. It was so much fun to have Sara and her family see the space in its entirety. While they had seen most pieces throughout the two days, there is nothing like seeing it all come together. And for any of you who love to decorate, you know the vision never fully comes together until the very end. I only had my phone on me but managed to snap a few photos for you. Here it is.
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I really wanted the family to have a neutral space. That way they could infuse any color they want down the road. And the family loves the traditional Christmas colors so I gave them a warm and cozy look. After Christmas, they can remove the red elements and truly add any color into this room. 
And here I am at the end of a long two days. I am surprised I even got off of the couch. We snapped these just before changing clothes for the big reveal. How adorable is the family dog under the tree? Red bow and all! 
The chalkboard was a DIY project and knew the family could enjoy it long after the holidays. It would be fun for writing down their menu when hosting big parties or just for fun inspirational messages throughout the year. Here it sits above a hot cocoa bar. 
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I layered the rugs to add more texture and add to the warm and cozy feel we were going for. The gold basket tray was a HomeGoods find and I sort of wanted to take it with me. Not kidding. 
Backing the cabinets was a way of adding more fabric and opening up the space. I think the ikat was a nice compliment to the chevron drapes. 
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And here is one last look of their new living room. All ready to host a Christmas party! 
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All of these photos show me with such random facial expressions. Deer caught in headlights comes to mind. Ought to be interesting when the show goes live. And you can’t tell that I like to have my hands folded, can you?!!! Oh, dear. 
This last photo is pretty emotional for me. It was the last time the camera was rolling and it was all done. It was such an exciting and exhausting process. I wouldn’t have traded it for the world. I will say that I was thrilled to come home to the sweet faces that support me tirelessly. I missed my family but was so honored to have had this opportunity. When She Knows reached out, I didn’t quite know the journey it would take me on. Always amazing to discover new things about yourself and others. The entire crew was awesome to work with and sharing this experience with Rene has made us life long friends for sure. And that’s a wrap for the big adventure in Arizona. I think the episode will air sometime in December so I will keep you posted. Or not! Depending on how horrible I am on camera. Oh, and if you want to check out a previous episode of the show you can click here.
How exciting for you and I'm sure it/you will be a smash! Keep me posted!
Sue
You made me cry! So glad I could do this with you friend! Your room looks waaay better than mine :).
Courtney – AMAZING. You look gorgeous in every photo – no deer in headlights 🙂 The room looks so great and I think I spy a DIY confetti glass?… What a fun experience.
Love it Court!!! I'm so excited for you!! You look amazing and I can't wait to see the show! Big hugs and kisses! XO
Great job! How exciting! There's no better feeling than conquering some fears too. I'm sure that family was beyond thrilled with results.
Amazing Courtney! So deserved. The space is incredible. Can't wait to watch the show.
So wonderful Courtney, what an incredible experience!!! Congratulations!
Wow, Courtney! So amazing!! So proud of you for facing your fears and delivering such an amazing design. You nailed it! I am sure the show will turn out great. And you looked gorgeous, girl! 🙂
Oh my gosh! I am SO proud of you! a) the room looks incredible b) you look absolutely beautiful and c) you are famous, girlfriend! Seriously, so excited and happy for you for the opportunity. And for conquering your fears! I hope HGTV is watching and they call you up for your own series… : ) xoxoxo
So exciting what an awesome experience!! Love what you did to the room- it looks great!
Wow! Unbelievable opportunity! And the transformation of that space is incredible!
Wow, Courtney!! What a wonderful experience, I have no doubt you'll be as fabulous as the beautiful room you created for them! Congrats, girl!!
What an amazing experience Courtney! The room looks gorgeous and you look beautiful! Love your outlook and how you take on these opportunities challenging yourself…such an inspiration 😉 Can't wait to see it!
WOW!!! What an amazing experience and you did such an AWESOME job AND you look like a total rockstar. Gorgeous as can be!! I cannot WAIT to see the episode! You have to let us know when it airs. So so proud of you C…you inspire me every day!! XO
Your room looks beautiful, as do you! I'm sure you were wonderful on camera. What an exciting experience. Good job Courtney.
Well done!!! This is so awesome and I am so happy for you! You look beautiful and I can't wait to watch!
xo Melissa
http://www.allsortsofricci.blogspot.com
Amazing!!!! The room is gorgeous!
What an amazing opportunity! I can certainly see your touch in their room. Nice job!
WOW! You have had such incredible experiences lately. NYC and now this?! Look at you, superstar!! 🙂 You certainly deserve it all. I think you look so pretty in these pictures. That room is beautiful!! I love the chalkboard, the frame with fabric for the hot cocao bar, and the curtains add so much depth and warmth to the room. Well done!!
Amazing! SO proud of you!
What a wonderful and exciting whirlwind week! I can't believe how amazing the transformation is and that you did it all for $2000, you are a rockstar! Congrats!
Love this room & Love your blog! I have to ask where did you pick up the bamboo blinds. Adore the tone in them, I never thought of putting them with wood blinds, and love the look!! Great job!
Girl…I am absolutely WELLING with pride and awe. You did it, kid! Could not be more proud of you. And I am stealing your ideas for our holiday decor as we speak (unless you want to come and do a show on CubbyTV and do it for me). The only thing that would make your episode more perfect is if Riley made a cameo spitting milk out of her mouth. xoxoxo
The room is gorgeous! I can't wait to watch the show. Next stop for you Courtney is HGTV Design Star.
This is so stinking exciting! Congratulations on a job well done, Courtney!
Exciting doesn't begin to exclaim (firmer than explain–right) it! This is awesome! Cannot wait to see your work and the grand reveal when it airs! Yay for your super supportive family! 😀
You are amazing…I love all these shots! And you did an amazing job on the room!!!! So glad you went and had fun! Now come to my house and sort through all my craft supplies…they are only in about 17 different spots in the house!
Congrats you deserve it! You are a beautiful and talented lady, everything you've done here is amazing! Great shots too! Happy you enjoyed such a fab experience! I'm inspired by the C'mas details too.
FABBY
That is so amazing! I'm sure you were a natural!
Courtney, this. is. incredible. !!!!! If anyone is deserving of this, it's you. Fully capable and so hardworking. I got chills reading about this. I can imagine how big of a deal it was and is…and all the range of emotions that went with it. YOU looked beautiful, regardless of the expressions. 😉 And your design is equally beautiful. I think you nailed the cozy/neutral combo. Really happy for you and OF COURSE we want to see it! So now I can say I "know" someone famous? 😉
You did an amazing job! What a great experience. The room looks great I look forward to seeing the show.
Tammy @ the colored door
Whoa! How amazing! The room, the experience, you, everything! You did such a great job (and looked fabulous doing it). Sounds so fun and exhausting and rewarding all at the same time. Congrats!
I got a tear in my eye reading this! Courtney! Congratulations! This is AMAZING! And no one deserves it more than you! You are such a superstar in the design world, on camera and as a person. Your room looked incredible and so do you. I am sure your clients were over the moon happy with the outcome! Way to go! So so proud of you! It won't be long until you have your very own show!
Oh my goodness, CONGRATULATIONS!!! You looked fabulous in ALL of the pictures, and I for once cannot wait to see the episode.
Congrats, Courtney! You did such a great job! I can't wait to see the show!
WOW!!!! this looks amazing! i am seriously impressed. so impressed in fact that i called my hubby in from the other room to check out your skills. 🙂 congratulations on such a huge accomplishment!
I have been reading you blog for a long time and finally had to comment to tell you congrats! What an awesome adventure and accomplishment!!
I am starting a home staging business and you've honestly given me a "kick in the pants" to put myself out there!
Love it!!!! Would you mind sharing where you found those chevron curtains?
SOOOO Exciting! Congratulations! Can't wait to see it!
This is so exciting, what an amazing opportunity!
What an exciting adventure! Congrats!
What an amazing experience! Thanks for sharing such a beautiful space you created for the family. I am so impressed you did all that in two days! The room is beautiful full of great details.
What an incredible opportunity! The room turned out beautifully (and in just two days?!) and you look gorgeous! I'm sure the show will be great. Definitely keep us posted so we can catch it! Hope you're having a wonderful week! (though I bet it seems boring compared to last week, huh? 😉
~Abby =)
Congratulations! Can't wait to see it , you look gorgeous!
What an incredible opportunity to showcase your talents :-)) I wish we were on the same coast, as I'd love for you to style my house :-)))
Oh my gosh you sound just like me when it comes to doing video!!! I about died doing the LZB videos. Seriously. It kills me and I almost puked. Luckily the videographers are pros at what they do and can somehow make us look and sound half-way intelligent! Haha. So happy you conquered this fear I know you did great. And the room is stunning. Can't wait to see your episode!
BEYOND awesome. I am so super proud of you! How cool to get to do this with Rene- almost like doing it with your sister! I cannot wait to watch- you look gorgeous and the room is unbelievable! You are so talented. Seriously.
I just watched all the episodes. How did you back the bookshelves?
oh my gosh! You did such a great job! And how fun!
Katie @ On the Banks of Squaw Creek
Love your decorating ideas. I have a sideboard very much like the one your hot cocoa bar is on. I would love to know where that piece originated from. I found mine in an antique shop, Thanks for sharing your idea!
Where can I find the chalkboard diy? TIA!