Boucle On A Budget

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Ever since my big couch delivery from Kardiel, I have been getting questions about all things boucle. What is boucle you may ask? It’s the beautifully textured woven fabric that results from different sized looped fibers, usually wool. Does it clean up well? Oh yeah. Does the texture help hide stains? Thank god it does. Is it so soft and comfortable? You bet! Our family loves our boucle couch. However, it is not always the cheapest option so the cost can add up quick when purchasing large pieces of furniture. Thankfully you don’t need an entire boucle sectional or lounge chair to add this texture to your home. Just adding small accents here and there can give your space a little extra something. And did I mention, you can WEAR this cozy fabric too?!

  1. AE Boucle Turtleneck Sweater - I love the cozy, slightly cropped look to this boucle sweater. Throw it on with a favorite pair of jeans, booties, and maybe a little front-tuck action. And under $20? Yes please.

  2. Euro Boucle Decorative Throw Pillow Caramel - Threshold™ - These Euro size throw pillows from Target are the perfect size to spruce up a bedroom or living room sofa. They have a thicker boucle texture and deep caramel color.

  3. 20"x12" Lyon Boucle White Outdoor PIllow - The black and white boucle on this CB2 pillow is so fun. It can be used outdoors too, so perfect for adding some variation to your patio set up.

  4. Boucle Scarf - This olive green scarf from Anthropologie is perfect for those cold winter months. Get it while its on sale now and you’ll thank yourself next winter!

  5. Cozy Boucle Pillows - Another Anthropologie find, these boucle pillows come in several colors rather than just your traditional off white. They have multiple sizes too!

  6. Boucle Ivory Pouf - The priciest item on our budget-friendly line up, but also one of the most beautiful and still under $150! This would be great for pulling up an extra seat at a coffee table for a game night or kicking up your feet after a long day.

  7. Boucle with Plush Reverse Throw Blanket - Threshold™ - Another classic Target find, this boucle throw is just begging to be curled up in on the couch!

  8. NOLITA Boucle Knot Pillow - Last but certainly not least, these fun boucle knot throw pillows from Etsy! These could be a great accent pillow on a chair to add some shape and texture.

If you are looking to step the boucle up a notch further, I’ve gathered the most affordable chairs I could find without sacrificing quality. Check out these boucle beauties, all under $500.

  1. Elroy Accent Chair with Wood Legs - You’ve probably seen some version of this chair at Target and for good reason. The wood base and legs are a nice natural contrast to the tan boucle fabric. So cute!

  2. Deshaune Swivel Barrel Chair - Similar cream boucle swivel chairs typically soar above $900, but this one from Wayfair is such a great dupe! Great reviews and under $500.

  3. Inesse Boucle Ivory Dining Chair - I love the black metal contrast to these white boucle chairs. Although technically a dining chair, this could also be a great little accent chair in a bedroom or in front of a vanity to sit while you get ready!

  4. Boucle Hagen Dining Chair - The modern shape and all-over boucle is so unique! Gives it an extra cozy look.

  5. Latitude Run® Boucle Accent Chair Upholstered - A plush, comfortable barrel chair with pretty black legs!

  6. Boucle Dining Chair - The clean lines and shape of this dining chair are too good not to share. I love that it has a padded boucle seat for a little extra comfort!

Checkmate, Checkerboard is Back

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In the wise words of Justin Timberlake, “What goes around, goes around, goes around, comes all the way back around…yeah.” While I don’t think he was referring to the cyclical nature of design trends, he does describe it perfectly. From high fashion to interior design, what once was stylish and new eventually fades to outdated, only to become cool again decades later. With all of that said, I am here to happily report the return of: checkerboard. Ever since I first saw that glorious pattern in the twin’s London home in The Parent Trap, I have been obsessed. Whether it’s traditional black and white, toned down with neutrals, or spiced up with pops of color, this trend is back and I am ALL about it. But before you are haunted with flashbacks of grandma’s black and white peeling linoleum (which is now more like black and yellow), let me show you some fresh ways to add this pattern into your home and wardrobe. Depending on how you style it, checkers can be polished and sophisticated or more casual and fun. Shop these pieces and give this design trend a try!

To shop more checkerboard looks, find more ideas on my LTK page here!

How To Love Your Home Right Now

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If you’re reading this then you’re probably one that is into home décor, which also means that you are one who likes to change things up from time to time. Sometimes finding your style is half the battle when it comes to decorating your spaces and it can be a process that takes time and as it should. We don’t all have the budget to purchase the whole collection from Studio McGee every time is drops at Target. And sources like Instagram and Pinterest can often leave you feeling defeated rather than inspired because these influencer’s homes are styling and profiling. The thing you need to remember is that these homes are styled for a photo  - go ahead, look up at your living space. Now if you remove all the real life, add items to inconspicuous places to hide outlets, pull out all your favorite, most trending home décor, and then slap a filter on that scene – you too can have a photo worthy home. However, if your goal is not to be an influencer, and you also don’t wish to belly up your budget on throw pillows and bead garlands, then here are a few ideas to help you feel content and invigorated in your home right now.

  • One of my favorite things to do in my own home is to rearrange. A serial rearranger if you will. I love to see how things work in new spots and how one bowl looks next to another basket. A lot of the time people will get caught up feeling the need to decorate one room at a time and to buy items specifically for one spot. And while that may be a start, what if you told yourself that nothing in your home had a “home.” One of the biggest compliments I can receive and something that really gives me no more satisfaction is when I am told that my home flows from room to room and when I can take something from the kitchen shelf and go stick it on my nightstand. I’d say that when you can do this, you have really curated your true style because it can be carried throughout your entire home. The days of your grandma’s beach themed bathroom and wall to wall green bedroom are over. Ok, I do love a monochromatic room, but think of the possibilities in styling if you know that you can move your decorations all around your home from shelf to table and they always “go.” 1. No item has a specific spot. Let them move and play!

The brown vase on top shelf can currently be found on my coffee table.

The brown vase on top shelf can currently be found on my coffee table.

Every item on this table moves around my home! With the exception of the coasters.

Every item on this table moves around my home! With the exception of the coasters.

  • We all have those items that are placeholders. “I’ll get rid of this when…”, “It’s not my favorite, but…”. Rather than holding onto these items that are constant reminders of your inadequacy in interior decorating, donate it! Now I am not saying to throw out the couch because it’s not your favorite, but what about that vase, that rug, those pillow covers, that Live Laugh Love sign from your MIL? Those are all things that don’t bring you happiness and, in these times, who needs any more baggage in their life? Get rid of it! Sometimes less is more. And once those pieces are gone you may be inspired to treat yourself or stroll on into that Goodwill after you’ve dropped off your goods to find another man’s treasures. You’ve heard that advice about if you haven’t worn something is x number of months, (pre-Covid) throw it out – this is like that. If you haven’t loved that piece in awhile then move on. Sure, maybe you could repurpose it, but if you aren’t prioritizing that then chances are you won’t any time soon. Let that wall be blank. You’ll feel lighter, I promise. 2. If you don’t love it, pass it along. One man’s trash is another decorator’s treasure.

  • I may be shooting myself in the foot with this one, but have you ever wondered how you would decorate your home, or how you would feel about it if you didn’t look at these Instagram homes every day? I gain a lot of inspo from my time spent in that app, but I also find myself in the comparison game from time to time. The saying, ‘there’s no place like home’ resonates with so many because at the end of the day, is there any place you feel more comfortable or can be any more yourself? If you answered yes, then you better dive in to that deeper. But if you answered no, you know where I am going with this. Home is a feeling. I can wish that I could afford a new bedroom set, or to tile my bathroom, those wooden ceiling beams, the list goes on! But even if we had those wishes in our homes, would that really be what satisfied us? I am the first to admit that I think, “I would be happy if I just had xyz…” But how unfair is that to ourselves? Happiness should not be based on the way our homes look or the items we fill them with. It’s the feeling you have when you’re curled up on the couch watching Netflix. It’s the moments you enjoy with the life inside those walls; your family, pets, plants. If you are feeling overwhelmed by all these rooms that you see on the internet, then put that ish away! Who cares what color your walls are, about those wrinkles in your couch, your outdated cabinets, - if when you are at home you feel a sense of calm and contentment then you are doing it right. Let the decorating and styling come in phases. Let it bring you peace, not pressure. Enjoy living in the right now, not for what’s in the future and the must-have item on everyone’s feeds. 3. Homes take time. Put away your phone and enjoy the feeling you have when you’re just living in it. Decorate for you, not for anyone else and for any other trend.

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xoxo, Meegan

Everything in this image makes me happy! A thrifted marble bowl, brass candle holders, vase and chair. DIY bench, canvas and riser. A towel acting as a throw, and pillows I move around my home continuously!

Everything in this image makes me happy! A thrifted marble bowl, brass candle holders, vase and chair. DIY bench, canvas and riser. A towel acting as a throw, and pillows I move around my home continuously!

5 Vintage Pieces You Need and How to Get Them Now

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We know that vintage is trending which is funny because it’s been around forever…hence, vintage. This “grandma’s house” style that Curtis has endearingly called it has overcome my home as I’ve found a new passion for thrifting. Maybe it’s the thrill of finding something unique or the fact that I never know what I’m going to suddenly fall in love with, but I seriously prefer treasure hunting as opposed to box store shopping.

Ok, ok, so you’ve seen my thrifted hauls in my stories, you may even love them as much as I do, but how can you have them too? It’s not like I have a swipe up to share with you. And where do you even begin with these trending antique goods? Well I have rounded up the must-have list to get you started on that collected, oh so sophisticated look. And if you can’t make it to the thrift shop, or maybe even buying used grosses you out - I’ve got you covered. Here are some vintage dupes you can shop instantly.

1.Vintage Rugs: You’ll see them layered or making their own understated statement in any room. They really just seem to “go” just about anywhere with any decor and I love the subtle command they take on any space.

2. Brass Candle Holders: These are a staple when it comes to pulling off a vintage vignette. They elude cozy, a touch of charm, and they are super easy to find. My Goodwill is always stocked with them and are usually priced under $5.

3. Wooden Bowls: Fill them with fruit, moss, or just leave them empty. These bowls double as decor and can even look pretty hung on your walls. Both light and dark woods go and feel free to mix types! The best price you’ll find for one of these is here.

4. Oil Paintings: I’m not going to pretend that I am an art snob, most of the art in my home are Meegan originals, but oil paintings are a beautiful way to incorporate personality, color, and interest to any wall or shelfie. Real oil paintings can run hundreds of dollars, but I have had the luck of snagging a few under $30. If you don’t mind having the same print and love the $20 price tag, snag this little guy.

5. Pottery: I’ll be the first to admit that I rub my vases in dirt. It gives it the perfect worn, old world look. But, it’s dirt…so for those of you who aren’t keen on this DIY trend, I’ll give you the dirt, pun intended, on what to buy new. I have found that buying new can be just as expensive as actually buying these pieces in their true vintage form. Here are some examples with varying price points.

My fav is the black hyrax, but you can’t go wrong with weathered terra cotta.

My fav is the black vase, but you can’t go wrong with weathered terra cotta.

A vintage rug, brass candlesticks, pottery, & painted canvas are all items I found thrifting. Mixing this old with new gives my shelfies a sense of lived in style.

A vintage rug, brass candlesticks, pottery, & painted canvas are all items I found thrifting. Mixing this old with new gives my shelfies a sense of lived in style.