Cheryl Luckett Shares the One Space She Waited Over a Decade to Renovate

Meet Cheryl Luckett, the visionary behind Dwell by Cheryl. Growing up in the coastal town of Gulfport, Mississippi, Cheryl’s upbringing was steeped in southern charm and strong educational values, thanks to her parents, both dedicated educators.

As the second of three sisters, creativity was always her refuge. Cheryl’s design ethos blends vibrant colors and patterns with a deep-rooted appreciation for hospitality and grandeur, drawing inspiration from her southern roots.

Her work at Dwell by Cheryl emphasizes the significance of textiles and original art, creating spaces that are both beautiful and welcoming.

Where are you from and what was it like growing up there? 

I grew up in Gulfport, Mississippi, a coastal town in the deep south.  My parents were secondary school educators, and my dad was my middle school principal.  Education and structure were pretty important in our household. 

I had a traditional Christian home environment and grew up in a close-knit family with extended family nearby.  I am the second of three sisters and the creative one by far. 

Want more design inspiration? Sign up for our free daily newsletter for the latest decor ideas, designer tips, and more!

What made you decide that being a designer was your calling? 

I’ve always been a creative.  My room growing up was my pride and joy.  In college, my room was the dorm room used to tour prospective students through.  However, it wasn’t until later that I recognized my true gift for the discipline. 

After purchasing my first home and having it featured in the local paper, I began to realize that this could potentially be more than a hobby. In January 2012, I launched my blog and business as a creative outlet.  It was my side hustle as I worked full-time in Corporate America. 

However, it wasn’t long before I started to ask myself if I could see myself staying in the Fortune 500 company I’d been at for the past decade.  The answer was no, and I set out on a course to pursue what I knew would provide greater fulfillment. 

I took a job within the company that required less travel and afforded me the time to explore new interests.  I signed up for a design class at the local community college.  My little blog quickly started to attract clients and the rest is history. 

Two years into it all, I realized that I needed an exit strategy and I instituted what I called “Project 36”.  It was my 36-month exit strategy out of corporate.  I took one class a semester and six years later I completed the program just as I was working the final 3 months before exiting my previous career.

During this time, I built my business, created a financial plan and got the education needed to make it happen.  I left my job 36 months (to the day) later.

How would you describe your personal style and approach to designing spaces? 

I lean pretty “new school” traditional.  My aesthetic includes classic forms with a punch of color and personality. My signature is color and pattern, it comes in different styles but those two elements are always there. 

Do you have any design inspiration, whether it be from your culture, other cultures, or anything else in between?

I’m definitely a designer who’s inspired by textiles.  Most of my designs are inspired by the textiles used in the space.  It’s often where I begin my process. I find that often, it’s the textiles that give me cozy spaces. The layering of patterns naturally makes a room warm and inviting.

What design project have you done that’s stuck with you throughout your career?

One of my most memorable and impactful projects was the very first showhouse I participated in, the Julian Price Showhouse in Greensboro. 

The project was featured in Southern Home magazine and it became a pivotal moment in my career journey.  We were assigned the principal closet and dressing room in a historic home that was previously featured on A&E’s Hoarders. 

We leaned into a different look with rich blue walls in the dressing room and upholstered walls with a nailhead detail in the closet area.  The closet garnered lots of attention and remains one of my all-time favorites. 

What does it mean to you to be a Black woman in your industry?

While I’m still very much in the minority, racial diversity within the design industry has increased over the last decade.  It’s encouraging to see so many new black designers emerging. 

Many of my clients are also from a similar background and I view it as a selling point to be able to relate to them from a cultural perspective.  

What’s your favorite part of your own home?

I recently renovated my principal bath.  It had been on my list to tackle for over a decade. I’m a big bathtaker and having a beautiful, well-appointed space to unwind at the end of every day has been an absolute dream.  Worth every penny!

What’s one thing you try to incorporate in every space you design?

Original art. Whether large or small, one-of-a-kind art pieces can add so much personality and visual interest to a space.  

What’s your go-to shop when you want nice decor? 

I love shopping vintage, so my go-to locations tend to be antique malls and vintage dealer locations. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of the hunt for a unique treasure.  

What design trend are you tired of?

I’ve never been a big fan of accent walls and it’s fair to say I’m over millwork being added to a singular wall for “visual interest” in an otherwise not descript space.