Loading... Why This Designer Says Accent Walls Are Totally Over—Plus Her Main Design Inspiration

Why This Designer Says Accent Walls Are Totally Over—Plus Her Main Design Inspiration

Cheryl Luckett, the creative force behind Dwell by Cheryl, shares insights into her journey as an interior designer, her signature design style, and the inspirations that fuel her work. Hailing from Gulfport, Mississippi, Luckett grew up in a traditional Christian home with educator parents, fostering an environment where creativity became her personal refuge. This upbringing, steeped in Southern charm and hospitality, significantly influences her design philosophy. Luckett's path to becoming a designer wasn't direct. Although she always possessed a creative flair, evident in her college dorm room being a showcase for prospective students, it wasn't until later that she recognized design as her true calling. After her first home was featured in a local paper, she began to consider design as more than a hobby. In January 2012, she launched her blog and business as a side venture while working in corporate America. The desire for greater fulfillment led her to devise a 36-month exit strategy, dubbed "Project 36," which involved taking design classes and building her business financially before ultimately leaving her corporate job. Her personal design style is described as "new school traditional," characterized by classic forms infused with vibrant colors and personality. Luckett emphasizes that color and pattern are consistent elements in all her designs, regardless of the specific style. A significant source of her design inspiration comes from textiles, often serving as the starting point for her projects. She believes that layering patterns through textiles inherently creates warm and inviting spaces. Among her most memorable projects, Luckett highlights her participation in the Julian Price Showhouse in Greensboro. This project, featured in Southern Home magazine, was a pivotal moment in her career. She was assigned the principal closet and dressing room in a historic home, transforming it with rich blue walls and upholstered walls with nailhead details, which garnered significant attention. As a Black woman in the design industry, Luckett acknowledges the increasing racial diversity over the past decade and views her cultural background as a strength, allowing her to connect with clients on a deeper level. Regarding her own home, Luckett recently completed a renovation of her principal bathroom, a project she had postponed for over a decade. She describes it as an absolute dream, particularly appreciating having a beautiful and well-appointed space for relaxation. A consistent element she strives to incorporate into every space she designs is original art, believing that unique pieces add significant personality and visual interest. When seeking decor, she prefers shopping vintage at antique malls and dealer locations, enjoying the "thrill of the hunt" for unique treasures. However, Luckett expresses her weariness of the accent wall trend, particularly the addition of millwork to a single wall in an otherwise uninspired space.

12 months ago

Read Full Article

No comments yet