"A Space All His Own"

We were about halfway through the project when, the man of the house approached us about a question he wanted to ask.  Needless to say, I was a little nervous about whether something had gone wrong in the process or if he was dissatisfied in some way with the progress that we'd already made.  As it would turn out though, he wanted to ask about the possibility of adding a third phase of the project, a space just for him. 

When we originally toured the home, the couple informed us that they'd be handling the second floor loft area, since it would eventually become the "man space" in the house.  I usually chuckle a bit when I hear this (we hear it a lot).  I can always sense that there's this preconceived notion that this super Southern, girly-girl can't possibly tackle a "man space".  Although, I getting pretty good at dispelling this myth.  

After a quick chat about the scope of the project, we got to work pulling together a detailed plan to present.  We knew we wanted something cozy, warm and of course manly, but it also needed to flow with the first floor of the home.  See more of that HERE and HERE.  It was essentially a blank space but the homeowner wanted to be able to kick back, watch the game and maybe do a little work if need be.  The space plan included an area for tv viewing and lounging and a small desk nook.

Here's what it looked like the day we took measurements. 

We worked to pull in a masculine color scheme with touches of leather, wool and plaids to create a mature and elevated vibe.  

The inspiration for the color scheme was drawn from the client's existing art.  

It's important to us that our client's feel at home in the space when the project is completed and utilizing some of their treasures helps us to create a space that speaks to who they are, not just what looks great.  

We couldn't be more pleased with how it came together.  

I love that the space is masculine without being too cave like (it's an open area loft after all).  The color scheme is mature and reserved, just like the retired professional who lives there. 

It's not a man space without a massive television, and since he was kind enough to not make us place the living room one over the mantel, we honored his love of technology with a beautiful Hooker Furniture media console to house the tech goodies.

As per usual, Mark Baity of Baity's Custom Upholstery created an amazing custom ottoman to our specifications that adds modern style with channel tufts, warmth with a heavy wood grain and a comfortable place to prop your feet up.

The art took center stage in what became the "office" nook.  Such a handsome corner to pay a few bill or plan the couple's next vacation. 

 Like kid spaces, man rooms allow for a little fun.  We added a little elevated whimsy with these Scalamandre' fish pillows.  They are the perfect touch to the green herringbone Sylvester Alexander swivel chairs.  The most comfortable chairs EVER!

It's not a Dwell by Cheryl project if there's not Revolution Performance Fabrics in the mix, so I was pleased to be able to add provide some assurance to the homeowners that the sofa chaise would be fine for eating those nachos during the game.  Revolution is such a great option when you don't want to worry about durability, cleanablity or harmful chemicals. 

I pretty sure that the man of the house is glad he added on that third phase to our work.  In fact, I ran into the clients last weekend and they told me they still love it all.  That's the best compliment a designer can receive.  At the end of the day, we design for living.  After all the installs are complete, the photo shoots are wrapped and the reviews are submitted, we want our clients to love coming home.  

So glad to know they do. 

 Photos by: Cam Richards Photography

"Where Do We Go From Here?"

Week before last, we hosted a public launch party for the Belle by Cheryl Luckett furniture collection for Sylvester Alexander Furniture.  Back in October, we launched the product line to the trade at High Point Market and had a great time, not to mention received rave reviews.   The idea was that we'd give the public (essentially family, friends, clients and followers) the same opportunity to see the collection in-person and to celebrate the launch with us.  We were, after all, making it available on the website directly to them (www.dwellbycheryl.com/collection).  

I can't even begin to tell you what an awesome time we had.  There were laughs...

Lots of them, and even a few cries...

But overall a feeling of love that's hard to explain.  Honestly, I wasn't really expecting it, but it was completely different from the pride I felt at the October launch event.  Sure, being surrounded and supported by your colleagues and those you admire was certainly a proud moment but this was different.  These were my people.  

The ones who were there from the very beginning.  The ones who casually confirmed, "You should do this for a living!".  The ones who watched me juggle corporate life and travel, design school and projects on the side.  The ones who were the first to say, "Sure! Start with my home."  

I realized after everyone cleared out, that these were the people who rarely get to see me operating in the space they watched me work so hard to get to.  They don't attend the markets or conferences, they've never been to an event where I was a panelist, so to share with them (IN PERSON) what I've been able to achieve was so very special.  

I'm so very grateful to those who attended and who were able to share in the celebration with us.  2018 was an amazing year, full of new ventures, exciting opportunities and BIG wins.  I couldn't do it alone.  I'm often bolstered by the sideline cheers, prayers and support of so many.  

So what's in store for 2019 and where do we go from here?  Who knows! You never can tell, but I'm predicting UP!  

Thank you to you all!

Photos by: Amanda Schultz

Special thanks to Jenn Skultety, Betron Couch, Bonnie Moody and
Our Sponsors: Revolution Performance Fabrics, Sylvester Alexander and Windy O'Connor

"Leveled Up Living"

There comes a time when you realize it's time to level up and that include your home.  That was exactly the case with my clients.  They'd recently moved to a larger home and were looking to create a space that was more indicative of their style and frankly more...elevated. 

We'd actually worked together in the past on their bedroom and I was very familiar with their aesthetic.  They tend to be drawn to earthtones and while the wife likes a bit of a natural, global feel, the husband prefers a bit of a more polished look.  We set out to give them both.  Using oranges, teal and touches of warm neutrals, we created a plan for their formal dining, living room and eat-in kitchen area.  

The dining room had furnishings but otherwise was a blank slate.  We decided to go bold here with a York Wallcoverings dragon wallpaper.  I'm always amazed by what wallpaper can do.

We're actually going to be switching out the dining table soon, but it's still a pretty dramatic change.  In the living room, we needed to upgrade the furniture and give the entire space a more elevated feel while remaining family-friendly. 

The space is a bit awkward in that it's a long and narrow space.  We addressed this by creating a couple of seating areas and a walkway behind the sofa. 

So much warmer and cozier!  Revolution Performance fabrics were used on the pair of chairs and the sofa and I'm obsessed with these custom swivel chairs by Sylvester Alexander furniture, the manufacturer of the Belle by Cheryl Luckett collection. 

 We didn't want to overlook the entry. So we created a little landing in the small nook, which became the perfect place to drop keys, display photos and get a last look as you head out the door. 

The eat-in area off the kitchen was a bit small and awkward when we arrived.  The current scale of the furniture was tiny and it needed to be a continuation of the living space we'd created.  

The large scale art, appropriately scaled furniture (BTW, the table extends to accommodate additional guests) and patterned drapes completely transform this area.  

I'm so glad my clients recognized the value of creating a home you love.  They've already remarked about the number of times they've entertained family and friends in their new space.  Hearing that makes me so happy.  After all, that's what it's all about.