"How to Create the Layered Bedding Look"

First things first, I'd like to begin by congratulating...

 Brittany Lewis

Duncan, SC

Winner of the Dwell by Cheryl

February Giveaway ($75 RugsUSA Voucher)

Brittany, we can't wait to see which rug you select.  Be sure to send us a picture.

Now, back to our regularly scheduled programming....

This week I secured a new client and I'm beginning to put together the plan for their Master Bedroom.  I was able to get a sense of the client's style by creating a bedroom ideabook on Houzz.  I hear you asking, "What is Houzz?".  Houzz is a leading destination site for home design enthusiasts, both professionals and homeowners. The Houzz site and mobile apps feature over 250,000 high quality interior and exterior photos, thousands of highly-engaging articles written by design experts, product recommendations and social tools to manage the remodeling and decorating process. It's like a home decorating magazine on steroids.  Think of your favorite design magazine and now get rid of all the ads for products and take away the expensive cover price and you have Houzz.  I love it because it allows me to show clients what they may not be able to visualize.  Check out my page HERE.

Here are a couple of looks my new client seemed to be drawn to. 



Traditional Home/Tom Stringer Design Partners



Phoebe Howard

While I love this look.  I think I'm a little gun shy on the dark walls.  It always seems so lovely on the pages of a magazine, but in reality I'm always afraid you may end up with a room that feels like a cave.  Notice how much natural light the rooms above have.  However, I think I may be able to achieve a similar look without the dark walls.  More to come...

I think I'm actually going to back into the paint color by starting with bedding.  I've been checking out my options and it recently occurred to me that long gone are the days of the Bed in a Bag.

Brylane Home

Remember those?  Still got one?  I won't tell.  Seriously though, start to notice how beds seem to have a much more neutral layered look.   



Sarah Richardson

Want to create the look? Here's how?

• Start with the sheets and choose a solid color base.  White works well and I like it because you can bleach white for a clean fresh "just like new" look.  The solid sheets also allow a place for the eyes to rest.

Pottery Barn

• Add on a quilt or coverlet for the second layer.  You can choose a solid or a print, but they seem to be widely available at discount retailers like Marshall's, Ross, Target, etc. If possible get matching shams or at least shams that work well with the quilt/coverlet.

• Next you'll fold the sheet and quilt/coverlet down about a quarter of the way.  This creates a nice visual break.

• Then comes the fun part; PILLOWS!  The shams will be the foundation for your layered pillows and will be placed closest to the headboard.  Then you'll layer on your bed (a.k.a. sleeping) pillows dressed with the pillowcases that came with the sheet set next.  Finally add your throw pillows keeping in mind that odd numbers are pleasing to the eye.  TIP:  My go-to spot for pillows is Garden Ridge. 

Photo Source

• Lastly, add a blanket/throw/comforter (depending on the season or climate) to the foot of the bed.  Folding it so that it covers the bottom quarter of the bed.

Gotta love West Elm for putting it all in a video- WATCH IT HERE!

So, I'll keep you posted on my client Master Bedroom project.  I'm really excited.  And in case you're wondering, I haven't forgotten about pictures from the last project.  There's just nothing like having professional ones taken.  

Like this post?  Leave me a comment.  I'd love to hear from you.  NOTE:  Reading via email?  Simply click on the Dwell by Cheryl logo at the top of this email to be redirected to the website and click on the "COMMENTS- CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CONVERSATION" link. 



"See It, Like It, Do It .... Swap Until You Drop"

We all know my first love is decorating but entertaining has to be a close second.  I am from the Hospitality State after all.  This weekend I hosted my annual Swap Event, a shindig that has quickly become a tradition amongst my friends.  It all started a couple of years ago, when I came across an article in Better Homes and Gardens.  It was a feature on how to assemble your friends together to swap personal items for which you no longer have a use.  You know, the whole "one man's trash" philosophy. 

BHG January 2010- READ HERE

It looked like so much fun that I decided to give it a try.  Here's how it works: 

• You select a theme for the swap, at least I do.  I find it makes it much easier if you decided what the focus will be (i.e. housewares, jewelry, handbags, shoes, etc.).
• You get a group of people together with a common affinity to the area you've chosen to focus.  No sense inviting someone who carries the same purse everyday to the handbag swap party.  Be strategic. It's not personal.

Swap Party 2011



Swap Party 2010



• Limit each guest to a specific number of items.  This is very important.  It forces them to have to select the very best items to bring.  If you leave it open, you'll end up with everyone's charity donations.
• Once guests arrive have them tag their items with a description and/or selling feature.  I think this step just helps people get in the mood and provides a retail look since there are not price tag$. 

Swap Party 2010

• Once it's all set up.  It's time to shop!

Swap Party 2010

Swap Party 2012

• Each guest is given cloths pins and markers to put their names on them.  These pins are then used to clip on the items that the guest wants to take home.

Swap Party 2012

• Once the items are "pinned", it's time to draw for it.  A lottery approach creates a little bit of healthy competition.

Swap Party 2010

• And definitely jubilation when your name is called.

Swap Party 2010

• Add in a few refreshments and you're all set.

Swap Party 2012

Swap Party 2011

• I usually try to add a twist each year.  This year I gave a prize to the person who brought the most sought after item to swap.  And guess who won this most sought after item....

Swap Party 2012

You got it!  Yours truly.  

Have you had your own Swap Party?  Thinking about it?  Chime in and leave a comment.

"If Her Outfit Were a Room: Oscar Edition"

It dawned on me as I was enjoying the glitz and glam of the E! Live From the Red Carpet Special, that Hollywood glamour certainly doesn't need to be confined to the red carpet.  I'm certainly one who believes in enjoying a little bling in life everyday, not just on special occasions.

So, to pay homage to the fabulous fashions of the 2012 Academy Awards, I thought I'd share what I envision some of the most striking looks of the evening to look like in a few interior spaces. 


One of the first stars to hit the red caret was Mila Jovovich who was stunning in an all white Elie Saab number. 



Celebrity -Gossip.Net

 And Octavia Spenser also wore a similar beaded gown.  Both were lovely.

I already have an affinity for all white rooms (Check out my Press tab for a view of my past bedroom), so it was no stretch to imagine both ladies outfits as a room. 

Stunning.....



Photography by: Elad Gonen & Zeev Beech 

 Jessica Chastain of The Help choose a risky black and gold embroidered Alexander McQueen strapless dress.

Celebrity-Gossip.net

Not a huge fan of the dress, but the color palette is awesome in this living room ...



Photo Source




Viola Davis, up for Best Actress for her role in The Help, made me want to quit blogging and search online for an emerald green dress.  Hers was Vera Wang.  One word-Wow!



Celebrity-Gossip.net


Also a beautiful accent color in this formal living room.
  

Tobi Fairley

 My favorite dress (and color) of the night was hands down Emma Stone's fuchsia bow halter dress.



Needless to say, she had me at pink.



Finally, always so ladylike, Penelope Cruz never disappoints.  I loved the slate blue color of her chiffon gown.

Ikea

Proof positive that inspiration can be found just about anywhere, even on a red carpet. 

Congrats to all of the winners!

Speaking of winners, you could be one too!  Don't forget about the $75.00 Rugs USA.  Read about how to win HERE. 

Fab 5 Friday "Rug Love" (Giveaway Day!)

One of my latest obsession (there are many) is Rugs USA.  I’m not sure if it’s the massive amount of rug options or the fact that they have such modern rugs to choose from.  Whatever the case, I am in love with this website.  Of course being the bargain shopper that I am, it could also be the large selection of 75% off rugs that has lured me in.  Here's a look at my top 5 picks.

1.  This modern dark teal/ivory leopard print rug retails for $528 in a 4 X 6. At 75% off ($132) is a steal for this plush option.  The reviewers rave about it. 

Link to Item



Added to a black and white scheme = Perfection!

Decor Pad



2. We all know how much I love damask. This brown damask rug regularly priced at $237.00, now $59.25 (still available in a 5 X 7 ½ ft) is no exception.

Link to Item

Better Homes and Gardens  

3.  I can't seem to let this one go either. Black and White zebra rugs are very popular right now.  If only I could find a place to put one.  This is available in a 6' round (very hard to find) for only $144.00 down from $576!



The office maybe?

Decor Pad

4.   I'm loving this 5 X 7 black and white floral for $188!

It has major potential.....

5.  Well, what can I say about Ikat?  Not surprisingly one of the more expensive of the rugs I like but at $188 still not a bad deal for such a popular print. 



Link to Item



Photo Source

The options are limitless!

So, here’s the deal.  It’s giveaway day and I’d like to gift you with a $75.00 voucher to Rugs USA.  As you can see, that can go a long way.  So, I’m sure you’re thinking?  How do I win?  So glad you asked. 

I’m looking to expand my audience and I need your help.  I’ve received some great feedback since launching the site and now I need you to tell ALL of your friends.  Really tell them.  Ok, I need you to get them to sign up.  So, the $75 voucher goes to the reader who can round-up the MOST new Dwell by Cheryl subscribers (not Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and Houzz followers- those are just a bonus). 

Here’s what you’ll need to do.

1.      Tell your friends how great you think the blog is. Provided you do.  : )

2.      Direct them to http://www.dwellbycheryl.com/

3.      Have them go to one of two places:

a.       The subscribe box beneath my photo on the right sidebar of the site

b.      The follower section beneath the blog archives on the right sidebar of the site

4.      Once they’re signed up, they’ll need to leave a comment (beneath the day’s post) where it reads # COMMENTS - CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CONVERSATION (actually click on the words) and select your preferred option (probably Anonymous- last option on list) then type:  

“I just signed up and I was referred by _______________.”

On Monday night, I will total the comment credits and announce the winner next week.   

Did I mention that there was no shipping on Rugs USA and that there is no tax outside of NY?  Check it out and round up your friends.  Good luck!

"Pattern Mixology"

In response to my last blog post, Fanatical about Fabric, I received an interesting message on Facebook from a dear friend of mine.  It read, 

“It was like you were describing me…..Were you?? Haha.  ‘plain couch/plain wall….’ The reason I always end up with plain is because I literally don’t understand how to put patterns together.  I looked at your photos of rooms of different patterns working together and of course it looks lovely, but what do you suggest for someone who is completely design challenged, like me??”

-Dwell by Cheryl Reader

It’s a really great question.  One I’m certain that others would loved to ask.  So, I asked this dear friend if I could use her question as the subject of my next post. She agreed.   So let’s call this one Pattern Mixology.

First you need to understand that using prints in a space is a great way to create a custom designer look.  Think about the difference between the look of a room in a furniture store verses that of a room in your favorite design magazine. 

GENERIC 

Rooms to Go



DESIGNER

Sarah Richardson Design

It’s the difference between having a “Nice” dwelling and having one that evokes a “Wow!”.   

Note: designers don’t typically buy the “set”. 

So, how do you achieve “wow” status?  Well, I have to be honest.  I think some of it is innate.  There are those who buy the outfit off the mannequin and there are others who like to create their own magic.  However the good news is, if you don’t have that innate ability you can certainly learn to fake it.  Here are five steps to get you started, and it's not even FAB 5 FRIDAY. 

Step #1- Pick a jumping off point.  Doesn’t matter what it is, just start somewhere.  A pillow, the couch color, the wall color, etc.  This becomes the linking factor to which all other materials will relate. 

Step #2- Get out of your mind the thinking that every print has to “match”.  It’s not about matching.  They just need to coordinate and work well together.  Easier said than done, I know, I know.

We can probably all agree that this is a beautiful room.  FYI- Sarah Richardson is the master at mixing fabrics.

Sarah Richardson Design

But if you were my client and I came to you and said we were going to use the print on the lumbar pillow along side the print on the ottoman, you’d think I was losing it.  But look at how well it works in the big picture.







Sarah Richardson Design

Note: Trust your decorator/designer/stylist. 

Step #3- Begin with a large scale print, then add a medium scale and a small scale print.  Make certain that at least some of the colors are repeated.  Remember that sometimes even prints read as neutrals in the big scheme of things. 

Example:

Large Scale

Amy Butler Fabrics

Medium Scale

Amy Butler Fabrics

Small Scale



Verona RB Fabrics



Step #4- Don’t go overboard, leave some negative space.  Your eyes really do need a place to rest in the room.  Too much print just becomes distracting.  So, using the example above.  You probably wouldn’t want to put those fabrics on a print sofa. 

See the difference. 

Step #5:  Go for it!  As I’ve said before, what’s the worst that could happen?  Just save your receipts and if something doesn’t quite “go”, take it back. 

Hope this helps.

ANNOUNCEMENT:  Great Giveaway Coming on Next Post!