Dwell By Cheryl Photobucket Portfolio Design Services Contact

"Bugs Be Gone: Product Review"

You guys already know I've been loving my patio this year.  Even though it's been a steamy summer, it's been a little more bearable with the addition of two new products I was recently asked to review.
 
 
The first is a lantern insect zapper.  Now, you know I'm all about form and not just function, so first off I appreciate its streamlined design. 
 
 
According to the maker, the Stinger® Insect Zapper Lantern is a portable, cordless and rechargeable bug zapper. It is designed for both indoor and outdoor use and covers up to 625 sq. ft. – approximately the size of a 25x25 sq. ft deck or patio space.  That's pretty much my entire patio.
 
Call me crazy but I sort of like the fact that I can hear the bugs getting zapped.  Perhaps it's the fact that I know it's working.  I think this is great for evenings out on the patio as the UV light seems to lure bugs in.  And when it's not in use, it looks pretty nice too. 
 
 
 
 
The second is a mosquito repellent lantern and trust me I needed this one more than anything. I am a mosquito magnet!  I like to think it's because I'm so sweet.  : )


   Again, what I like most about the mosquito lantern, other than the fact it repels mosquitoes, is its decorative design.  It fits in perfectly in with my décor.   


 
 
According to Stinger®, the mosquito repellent is made with ALL NATURAL active ingredients, the lantern lets you enjoy your time outside with powerful mosquito protection that’s DEET-free and safe around family and pets. The blue lantern can be used hanging or on the tabletop, making it perfect for the patio and deck, or any outdoor space. The lantern uses a fan-dispersion technology to repel mosquitoes within a 15-foot radius.

It's the perfect barrier between me and that fountain I love that seems to like to bread mosquitoes this time of year.  It operates like a citronella fan and I can attest to the fact that this one really works.  I sat outside for an hour and fifteen minutes without a single bite and, trust me, THIS does not happen. 

You can find more info on both products HERE


Don't let bugs stop you from enjoying your outdoor living space.  I know I'm not.  The heat?  Well, that's another story.

Until next time...

"Mood Boards: Concept to Reality"

I just put the final touches on a design plan for my new client's family room. Surprisingly, this is often the most difficult part for me.  I think it's the fact that there are so many options and so many directions you could take things, that it can become a bit overwhelming. 

I make ever effort to listen really closely to what my clients say and get a good feel for their style and lifestyle during the on-site consultation.  Armed with this info, I work to put together a mood board designed to give them a sense of what the space will look like when completed.  Now, for many design bloggers, these boards are more electronic design (e-design) plans, outlining specific items to be utilized in the space. 

I'm always sure to explain that these mood boards are merely conceptual and may not include the exact items that will be used in the project.  Now, I know for some that can be a bit concerning, so I like to show them exactly what I mean.

It's pretty cool to see how a past concept became a reality.  Here are a few great examples...

 
 
 
 
 





 
 
 


If you look closely you'll notice that many of the pieces that appear in the reveal photos aren't the same ones that appeared in the mood board.  However, it's amazing that they still look pretty much the same from concept to reality.  You may have noticed that the one thing that does remain the same is the area rug.  That's because it's typically where I begin and with it usually having such visual impact on the space, I like to make certain we all agree on at least that element of the design.

My goal in sharing these past projects with them is to hopefully get them to put a little bit more trust in me.  Thankfully, it usually works.  I can't wait to share my latest project plan with you guys.  Here's hoping they like it!

Until next time...

ReStore and Reupholstery

Thanks so much for your kind words following the reveal of the nursery.  I'm really pleased at how it turned out and best of all the clients loved it.

You know it's not a Dwell by Cheryl project if  I don't include at least one furniture transformation and this project was no exception.  One of the elements that I knew was essential in this space was a rocker/glider.  Nurseries all have a few must haves; crib, changing table, storage and a chair (preferably a rocker or glider).  I went on the hunt for a vintage chair that would fit the bill.  One of the issues I often face when sourcing vintage furniture pieces is the difference in scale of today's pieces.  Vintage seating has a tendency to be pretty low and that was not going to work here.  Dad-to-be is not a short guy and I knew he would appreciate an appropriately sized chair to lull baby to sleep.  Enter the Our Towns ReStore of Statesville....

On a random Saturday I headed to Statesville in search of a few goodies with a rocker/glidder top of my list.  As you know, I'm not a big fan of having a list to source deals (I blogged about that HERE), but in this case I needed to find something pronto.  Imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon this....



The wing chair is by far one of my favorites.  Its classic lines and large scale make it a comfortable option for use in a variety of styled spaces.  However, I don't know that I'd ever even seen a wingback rocker.  This was indeed perfection!

I shipped it off to the upholster and opted for water resistant green fabric.  I figured that could come in handy in a nursery.  I also added a bit of pizazz with lilac piping. It's amazing what contrasting trim can do.

It never ceases to amaze me how fresh fabric can completely transform a vintage piece.   


Upholstery by Baity's Custom Upholstery
 Pretty amazing to see the before and after side by side. 



 It looks even better in the finished space.

I found this new feather-filled orange velvet lumbar pillow at the Catawba Valley ReStore and had it monogrammed.  I like that the pop of orange used sparsely throughout the room breaks up the predictability of the color scheme.  The hardest part was determining what to stitch on the pillow.
I hadn't intended to add a bench but on that same trip to Catawba Valley, I ran into this precious purple and white ticking stripe bench and couldn't leave it behind.  I love that the Catawba Valley ReStore has great new (mostly high-end) furniture pieces. 
It makes the perfect perch beneath the reading wall.
This project provides another great example of how I use finds from the Metro ReStores to outfit my client's spaces.  In the end, they get way more bang for their buck and I get a gorgeous project to share with you.  I call that a Win-Win!
Missed the full nursery project reveal?  Click HERE!
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...