Dwell by Cheryl: Gallery wall

I don't know that I've ever been more excited to share a completed project than I am today. This is likely my personal favorite since beginning this journey. Not sure if it's the beautiful items my client owned already or the fun we have bringing things together, but this one is definitely a good one.

I'll start by sharing that my client recently moved to the Charlotte area, but actually reached out to me last year about the project. She'd been following the blog for a few years and knew that she wanted to work with me when she moved here. Needless to say I was flattered, but I encouraged her to wait until she'd moved in for us to begin.

The move was a downsize and she needed to incorporate much of what she already had into the new space. Here's a look at where things began....

No doubt there were beautiful pieces to work with, however we were looking to infuse a little life into things with the addition of more modern and fun elements. The plan was to assess the current furnishings and decor and huge collection of art and determine how we could make those items work in new ways.

Let's take a look...

The client had no shortage of beautiful accessories. She also just happened to be a big fan of interior design and the collection of design books rivaled my own. It may styling bookshelves a designer's playground.

In addition to beautiful accessories, there was also a multitude of beautiful original art pieces to display. We created several gallery walls, including this one int he entry hallway. We added a bench for additional seating and to anchor the display.

The client requested a bar area so we utilized the existing console table and created a fun area to entertain guests for cocktails.

One of the benefits of working with someone who loves and keeps up with interior design is that they tend to be a little more willing to try something new. I tossed out the idea of upholstering the doors to the office/ladies lounge and after a little persuading, we went for it.

Once again Mark from Baity's Custom Upholstery worked his magic and we came up with a design utilizing this lush lavender velvet and brushed nickel nails. To Die For!!!

Believe it or not, the sofa wasn't even in the original plan. I stumbled upon this Duralee beauty and pitched the idea of adding a sofa instead of a pair of chairs. It worked!

A few lavender pieces, and a place to display my client's collectibles and this space was quickly turned into the best spot in the house.

Don't you just love the leopard rug? We had it bound from a carpet and it works perfectly.

I love everything about this space.

The challenge in the dining area was that the dining table, although lovely, was extremely traditional. We amped things up with a fun animal print cushion on the chairs (fabric by Duralee) and a bright rug. The mirror and modern lighting helped to completely change the look and feel of the classic dining set.

The client's fabulous art collection became the focal point in the living space. There was nothing to do but display it all in a way that creates so much visual interest that the eye literally dances from piece to piece.

The Windy O'Connor pillows (local Charlotte abstract artist) were just the right touch to punch up the traditional lines of the creamy sofa.

Layers were key in this space. Layered rugs, layered art, layered accessories, layered window treatments...it all works so well.

This space is a great example of using what you love. The client is serious about surrounding herself with beautiful things and doesn't concern herself with what "matches". She buys what she loves and it all works and never goes out of style.

Lastly, we tackled the back porch. The area was screened in so we wanted to create an additional living space. The addition of lighting and a couple of furniture pieces help to bring the indoors out in this cozy outdoor space.

The key here as the addition of color. The black and natural awning stripe lends itself well to the addition of color. We began with the pink, green and yellow Madcap Cottage print pillows and we from there.

Wouldn't you love to enjoy a glass of lemonade here? In fact, I'll probably be back this coming spring to do just that!

I'm so proud of this project, for a number of reasons but mainly because I know how much the client loved it. Believe it or not, this was the first project where I got tears! There is nothing that makes me more excited than when I know the client now loves their home.

Let me know what you think. Do you love this one as much as we do?

Today's the day!

No need to be quiet about it either. I'm shouting it from the rooftops! I love how this sweet nursery turned out.

Here's just a reminder of the plan we initially put together.

I think the purple and green scheme was a winner from the start. However, I'm told by the mom-to-be that several people commented about the use of purple for a boy. I think it's a great color for either sex. I love that it can easily be transformed into something more appropriate for a girl or a boy with the addition of other accent colors.

Surprisingly, it's not often that I actually get the opportunity to decorate nurseries. I think it's the one project that parents like to tackle on their own. However, not only did I get to pull together this precious unisex space for baby, I got to do it for a young lady that grew up in the home next door to me in Mississippi. I can recall her playing with my little sister when I was a teen and now she's all grown up, living in Charlotte and she and her husband are expecting their first child. Time flies!

Let's get to it, shall we? There's really not much to share in terms of a before and after since the room was literally a blank slate. The couple appeared on HGTV's Property Virgins recently where they purchased a new build in the north Charlotte area.

So without further ado....

I'm obsessed with the use of this stunning vintage Drexel credenza as a changing table. I love vintage furniture (you get way more for your money) and this piece can be used in so many ways within a home. I knew it was perfect when I found it, but I had no idea it was a valuable piece until I did a little online research and stumbled upon THIS. Wow! Let's just say I didn't pay nearly that much for it.

We used a budget-friendly trick to create a sophisticated gallery wall using wallpaper samples and inexpensive frames and mats.

Yet another item that can be changed out as the child grows. I can see a handmade art gallery happening here a little later on.

The wall stripe was critical to adding a little visual interest on the large wall. Paint remains one of the most inexpensive ways to add impact to a space. I love the clean look of it.

We also amped up the drapery with a little playful detail. You can't lose with pom-poms in kid spaces.

During the initial consultation, I mentioned the idea of creating a reading wall and they loved it. These acrylic shelves are perfect for displaying books for years to come.

Lastly, I have to say that some of my favorite details in this space are a few last minute additions. There's no secret that I have lots of décor in my home, but every now and again I realize that something I own works even better in a client's home. After picking up another vintage globe for myself a few weeks ago, I decided that it worked much better in this nursery than in my living room. So I ended up selling it to my client. How cute is it!

I also knew that I needed something else to tie in the orange accent I added late in the project. My friend and fellow small business owner Jennifer of Pure and Simple made this custom pom-pom garland and it couldn't be more perfect for the space.