Dwell by Cheryl: 12/01/2012

"2012 Year In Review"

Well, this is it. The last post of 2012. Hard to believe, right?

Thanks for your votes yesterday. It was close but it looks like the Twin's nursery project won out.

What a year! In addition to client projects, I was able to get quite a bit done at home. Here's a brief look back.

In preparation of the Dwell by Cheryl launch, I revamped my kitchen chairs with paint and recovered cushions....

I purchased a $35 Garage Sale 8 X 10 Pottery Barn Rug.....

Which then created a need for a slipcover and updated pillows...

After getting rid of my oversize chair and ottoman, I replaced it with a more classic option, a wingback chair...

I fell in love with (and purchased) a super cool pendant conversion kit for my master bath and updated the shade....

I scored a great set of butterfly prints and added them to my guest bathroom.....

Wow! That's a lot! And I've already got a list for 2013. It's been quite a ride and I want to thank you for sharing it with me. All the best for a Safe and Happy New Year!

Your Favorite 2012 Project: Polls Open

Thanks for the feedback on yesterday's vlog post. Sounds like you guys liked the video. If so, you're in luck because I've got another on the way. But first I thought I'd take a trip down memory lane.

It's been an amazing year. Honestly, I had know idea at the start of 2012 that Dwell by Cheryl would become what it has in just twelve short months. I've managed to assemble a dream team of sources for budget design, I've captured a great audience of super supportive followers, I've helped more people solve design dilemmas than I ever dreamed and I've completed some great projects.

As I reflect on 2012, it's hard to believe all that's been accomplished. Here is a quick look back at a few of my favorite projects.

Click on the word Post below to link to each project reveal, in case you missed the before pictures.

Traditional Dining Room Post

MEG Photography

Nursery Project Post

Blue and Orange Boy's Room Post

Cam Richards Photography

Master Bedroom Retreat Post

Cam Richards Photography

Nautical Bedroom Post

Cam Richards Photography

I'm curious to know which Dwell by Cheryl project was your favorite, so I've created a little poll below. Select your favorite 2012 project below, making sure to scroll down and click done to cast your ballot.

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world's leading questionnaire tool.

Did you click done? Ok, good. One last thing, I've been amazed by impact I have on my readers. I can't tell you how many of you guys have told me that you've done some project, made a purchase or an improvement based on something you've seen on this blog. That makes me both humbled and giddy. I'd love t share some of what you've done. Doesn't need to be fancy, just email me a picture to dwellbycheryl@yahoo.com and tell me what post inspired your project, purchase or improvement.

Thanks and Happy Weekend!

Hack Reveal and My First Vlog!

Hope you all had a great Christmas, I did. It was busy but fun. I had another successful install while I was at home in Mississippi. But before I show you the great before and after photos, I thought I'd share how my Ikea hack turned out. You can read more about Ikea hacking HERE, but basically it's become really popular to take Ikea's (known for being sleek and modern) furniture and make it your own.

I've done just that with this inexpensive set of nesting tables.

Ikea Vittsjo Nesting Tables

I love a DIY project that easy and this was certainly one of those. It required only two things:

The two tables
Gold spray paint

Lately, I've been using Valspar, but there are numerous options. I like this one because it goes on evenly and doesn't require coat after coat after coat. Like I said, I like easy.

I was feeling adventurous so I (along with my assistant, a.k.a. big sister) filmed a little video to give you a glimpse into the process and provide a quick tip. This is my first attempt at a Video Blog (Vlog post), so forgive me if it's super cheesy. Let me know if you like, and I'll try to do more.

Check it out...

Special thanks to Charri Luckett my impromptu videographer

And here's a sneak peek at the result and upcoming reveal....

AFTER

FYI, took this with the new camera!

"Guess What...."

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! I know I did. Actually, I'm just popping in because I couldn't let a day go by without telling you guys...

Guess what I got for Christmas?

Yep, Santa strikes again. So excited. Now if I can just figure out how to work this thing. I have a feeling the photos are about to get a lot better...

Enjoy your time with family and friends and of course the yummy leftovers.

My Holiday House Tour

I had a friend over for a holiday lunch today. We had such a good time catching up. She commented a few times how the photos on my blog just don't do my home justice. Honestly, it's something I've heard before, but have always wondered what that really means. Is there some intangible vibe that photos can't capture? Is it the fact that there is just no capturing a three dimensional space with a one dimensional photo? Whatever the case, it's a huge compliment.

I know we're all scurrying around finishing our holiday to do list, so I thought I'd sign off today until after Christmas. Before I leave however, I'd like to give you one more looks at Dwell by Cheryl headquarters all decked out for Christmas. Enjoy the tour!

Welcome to the Living Room...

Here's a peek into the office....

Love making guests feel at home by giving their spaces a little holiday something, something...

Most of the time is spent in the kitchen so why not dress if for Christmas too?

Nothing says girly like a pink tree, and that's just what I have in my master.

Wishing each and every one of you

all the best for a

very joyful, blessed and safe holiday

Merry Christmas!

"My 2013 To Do List: #2"

Looks like I'm going to be busy this January because that mental list of mine seems to be growing with each day I have off. I'm really excited to finally be updating the drapes in my kitchen. Those ascot valances are driving me mad (and I'm so not showing you them again). I'm not really sure why I ever purchased them. I'm sure I was lured in by a good deal.

I've been contemplating the drapery color for months and that's not at all like me. I'm not sure why I've been so hesitant, nevertheless I'm sold now and that's all that matters.

If you recall, I painted my kitchen chairs this delightful cool blueish green around this time last year. I wrote about it here.

Olympic Blue Shamrock

Well I've decided on a cool coralish color for the drapes. Its very similar to this color.

Olympic Smoked Salmon

I'm hoping the effect will be something like this...

Contemporary Living Room design by Orange County Interior Designer Domicile Interior Design

Love it! Totally wakes up the room, right?

Traditional Living Room design by Los Angeles Photographer Stephanie Wiley Photography

I love the color, and I especially love it paired with the blue.

Eclectic Dining Room design by Milwaukee Interior Designer Mary Best Designs

Eclectic Living Room design by Little Rock Interior Designer Tobi Fairley Interior Design

I'm hoping to drop off the fabric to my seamstress today! Very excited. It doesn't take much. Lol!

Only 5 more days until Christmas!

"My 2013 To Do List: #1"

Being stuck at home sick for the past couple of days has given me lots of time to sit and contemplate what needs to be done around the house. I've developed quite a list, at least mentally anyway. After the holidays are over and the Christmas décor has to come down, I'm always bummed about the lack luster look of things. No more glitter, or twinkle lights, no ribbons or wreaths. You've got to admit it's kind of depressing.

So, I've decided to liven things up with this easy project I've been contemplating. It's also at the top of my.....

2013 To Do List:

#1: I'm painting the interior of my front door.

Contemporary Entry design by Newark General Contractor Michael Robert Construction

I mean what could brighten things up more than a painted door that you actually get to enjoy on the inside?

Emily A Clark

via

I'm thinking I may go with the same red that's on the exterior. Such a great idea, I hate I didn't do it sooner.

Contemporary Bedroom design

It's also not just for front door. A painted interior door works just as well to add a little something extra.

Spaces design by Birmingham Design-build Harris & Doyle Homes

So, what do you think? Would you paint the inside of your door(s)? Just wondering if I'm the only one.

"Ikea Hackers"

It's the first official day of my vacation and I'm convinced that there is some sort of conspiracy going on. How is it that you only seem to get sick when you go on vacation. Seriously. I feel like I was sucka punched by the sick monster this weekend. Hoping to feel better soon.

Before my fever set in, I was able to stop by Ikea and pick up a few things for the Coastal sitting room I'll be putting together over the holidays.

I know, not everyone lives by an Ikea, but it's a great place for getting design essentials. The style is of course very modern so if that's not your style you often need to reimagine the items; enter Ikea hackers.

Ikea hacking is simply coming up with clever ideas to modify, repurpose and customize your IKEA purchases. For example, I purchased this set of Vittsjo nesting tables for $59.00. A pretty good deal for two clean and simple tables.

Ikea

The Vittsjo line comes in a number of different pieces including these eterges

Ikea

I'm amazed by the number of creative ideas people have come up with to alter these simple pieces. Forget modern, this piece could get a cottage makeover with wood inserts.