Creating Quality Of Life Through Your Home

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

 

As I was going through Pinterest the other day, I came across some rooms of the great design icon Albert Hadley.  I could study his work for hours as his attention to detail captivates me.

And while I love his design, it was this quote by him that captured my attention:

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While Hadley rose to prominence by distilling both classic and contemporary styles, he understood the importance of how the home could impact one’s life.  It wasn’t so much about creating a beautiful, perfect room (though they were), but more importantly about creating a space that improved the lives of those it surrounded.   While Hadley passed away last year at the age of 91, his client list included some of the most powerful American families like Astor,  Rockefeller, Getty, Whitney and Mellon, not to mention Al and Tipper Gore and Diane Sawyer. If you would like to read more about him, click here for a great article from Architectural Digest.

Have a great day, and go find beauty and function in your home.

Dana

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Thanks, StyleBlueprint Birmingham!

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

All of us know what it is like to get bombarded with a 50+ emails every morning suggesting we read this or buy that – it is exhausting.

I want to share with you an online publication that is certainly cut from a different cloth.  StyleBlueprint is a southern style blog that focuses on conversations that inevitably connect women with people and businesses within the Birmingham community.

Every Monday, StyleBlueprint Birmingham showcases someone on “The Faces of Birmingham,” and I was so honored that my friend, Catherine (StyleBlueprint’s Birmingham City Editor), asked to feature me.  In the interview, I really wanted to emphasize your home can be both beautiful AND functional.   Every square inch of your home should have a purpose and it should be designed to withstand the wrath of daily life. 

Here is a link to the interview in StyleBlueprint – Dana Wolter.  Thanks again, StyleBlueprint, for the feature!

Have a good one, everybody-

Dana

Faces of Birmingham – Dana Wolter

Image Credits: Beth Hontzas Photography/ StyleBlueprint Birmingham

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Putting On My Rollerskates

Friday, May 3, 2013

Whew!  April has been busy….. Between work and my children’s schedule, I am ready for summer.   It is time for life to slow down a bit.

Remember in a few previous posts I mentioned you can have a pretty AND functional home?   If you ever question if my family lives in ours, these pictures will clear up any confusion.

My craziness started with an install for a client and her family.  We have worked on this home the past year, taking a few rooms at a time.  I must say, this home is looking pretty amazing!  Here is a sneak peek:

A few days later, we held a cast party for over 70 kids at my house for the high school production of Kiss Me Kate.  I am always amazed at the talent of  kids these days.

I was out of town later that week seeing a client, followed by the taping on Friday of two television segments for Alabama’s 13 Daytime Alabama.

Camerman Wes from Daytime Al letting me know what he really thinks of me

That night, I helped my youngest set up a tent with her friends to raise money for Relay for Life, a fundraiser through the high schools.   Our school system raised over $250,000 for the fight against cancer.   Talking about some kids who know how to come together for a cause.

Luminaries being released in honor of those who have fought or are fighting cancer

On Saturday, my daughter was being presented in a ball for all of the Sophomores at her school, and not only did we take pictures beforehand……

Yes, she reluctantly had one made with her mom

Pictures can’t all be serious…..

The girls look like perfect accessories in the room, don’t you think?! Thanks, Jennifer, for the picture.

But we also held a breakfast afterwards for approximately 60 kids.  Thanks goodness I didn’t have to cook, as that is not my strength.  Great group of kids, and they could have stayed longer if it wasn’t 1:00 in the morning.

Kept finding clusters of bobby pins around the house. Guess the girls were ready to take down their hair.

I put on my skates the next day and kept on going as my assistant and I left for Highpoint Market.  After an eight-hour drive, we arrived there at 12:00am.   It was an exciting few days seeing some new lines and new pieces, and I cannot wait to share a few trends I saw with you.

I came home to my daughter’s 16th- yes, 16th- birthday the next day.

Happy birthday to my sweet baby!

It was a great day, but no one told me I would be a little sad……  While her mom was on the verge of tears (and maybe it was due to exhaustion), she was on cloud nine as the band Parachute sang happy birthday to her during their concert that night.  What else could a girl ask for these days?

Will, the lead singer, rocking out. Even an old lady like me thought he was cute-

While I have had a busy few weeks and have a daughter a year older, I hope the start of your spring has been as good for you as it has been for me.  Take care and have a great day-

Dana

PS. Excuse the quality of the photos, as all were shot with my phone.

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My New Favorite Read

Thursday, April 18, 2013

 

Do you ever walk into a room, or look at a picture of a room, and become invigorated by what you see?   That’s exactly how I feel when I look at the work of Cindy Smith and Jane Schwab.   Jane and Cindy are the talent behind Circa Design Firm based in Charlotte, NC, and the renowned retail collaboration – Circa Interiors (the retail store has locations in Charlotte and Birmingham).  Something in their interiors or in their store always catches my eye.   Every time.

Imagine my excitement when I learned this talented design duo had written a book, The Welcoming House.   I couldn’t make it to Circa fast enough for their book signing.

Cindy, Jane, and myself at Circa in Mountain Brook Village. Note: Notice all of the pretty things in the background? See I told you; Something always catches my eye.

While I have met Cindy several times and think so much of she and her daughter, Whitney, who lives and runs the store here in Birmingham, I was thrilled to finally meet Jane.  Jane was just as warm and gracious as I pictured her to be.  Warm and gracious.  Two good words….  Not only to describe these two ladies, but their work as well.  I also discovered Jane was staying the night with my next door neighbor, a dear friend of hers from college (small world).

Why do their interiors resonate with me and make me want to study every little detail that never seems to be forgotten?

There are a lot of reasons.  I love how they mix old and new, formal and informal, and while a room may have been installed in one day, their homes always look like they have evolved over time.  I also think this quote in their book sums it up just fine:

“In design and decoration, pretty is wonderful, but it’s far from everything.  Practicality and function always come first, because if a room doesn’t work, who will use it?”

 Not only are their interiors gorgeous and inviting, but their rooms are useful.   Yes, they are pretty AND functional.  You want to sit down and stay awhile.   Real Homes For Real Life.   Remember?   My new mantra that I think every homeowner should be able to claim.

This homeowner for sure claims it.

 

Don't you want to curl up in the chair and read a book?

 

What a beautiful patio!

 

The perfect master suite!

Be sure to visit Circa Interiors or Amazon.com to buy your copy of The Welcoming House, as it is filled with great advice for all.  In the meantime, I will leave you with a few pictures of my favorite things in their Birmingham store right now.    Have a great day, everyone!

Dana

 

 

This little man needs a new home in my house.

 

Photo Credits: (1) The Welcoming House (2) Dana Wolter Interiors (3,4,5,) The Welcoming House (6,7,8) Dana Wolter Interiors

 

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Let The Light Shine In

Sunday, April 14, 2013

I don’t know if I am just tired of the cold, wet weather, but I am noticing more and more as I go into homes the importance of window placement and size in relation to the sun.  To me, there is nothing better than a  room with natural light filtering in.   I came across both of these pictures on Pinterest and thought I would share-

  Not sure what I love more about the window above:  The size or the shape.   What a beautiful detail it is to this room.

  I am also loving the look of steel windows, and though when I look at them I see a lot of windows that will need cleaning (call me neurotic- I get it), you better believe if I build again I am going to incorporate a few into the architecture of the home.  I guess I will need to have my Windex ready.

  What do you think?  What’s inspiring you lately?   Follow us on Pinterest to see what is catching our attention-

Hope you have a good one!

Dana

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Real Homes for Real Life

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

It’s been a while since I last blogged (September, but who is counting?!).   By the time I work,  take care of my family, complete my volunteer commitments, keep up with social media, and other things that pop up with everyday living,  blogging just seems to fall the wayside.   No excuse, I know, as I am really going to try and do better.

My business has grown quite rapidly over the past few years, and to be honest, I am experiencing a few growing pains.   As I am setting new goals and looking toward the future, I am trying to be honest with myself as to where my strengths- and weaknesses- lie.  Maybe it is because I have a dog and a revolving door with three active, busy children who constantly have friends coming and going, or maybe it is because I grew up one of five children so I am pretty practical, but I think one of the ways my work stands apart is I design for real living.  Yes, that’s right….you can actually live in the pretty homes I design.  Real homes for real life.

Take this home in the Liberty Park section of Vestavia that was recently featured in B-Metro magazine.   With two boys and a dog (a second pup just joined this family btw), the mother was adamant for a home they could entertain AND live in.

Come on in and see for yourself how we gave them just that:

 What began as a builder spec home quickly became their own through new paint and new furnishings.  Custom upholstery, done in lush but forgiving fabrics, can be wiped up with a dishrag.   No worries about spilled milk in this home.

With the exception of the foyer loveseat and the kitchen banquette, notice how all of the fabrics are light?  I tell my clients all the time the durability of a fabric is so much more important than the color of a fabric.  Even with active children and  K9 friends, you can live in a beautiful home with light upholstery.   The key is to choose durable fabrics and finishes, and with today’s options, they are not hard to find.

For more on this home, you can read the article here.   Have a good day, everyone.

 

Dana

 

Note: Photography courtesy of Graham Yelton

Looking for more from Dana Wolter Interiors?  Follow us on FB, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

Posted in accessories, B-Metro Magazine, banquettes, built-ins, dana wolter, design, design blog, family home with children, Home design tips, interiors, Real Homes for Real Life, Real Homes for Real Living, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

A Coffee Table Book Worth Reading

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Want a great way to add some warmth and personality to a room?   Place a few stacks of coffee tables books around.  I am always looking to add to my collection and recently bought a new one I am enjoying.  

I am sure you have seen Phoebe Howard’s new book,  The Joy Of Decorating, but if not, find it at your local bookstore.  Earlier this year, Phoebe had a book signing in Birmingham and I hate I missed it.  I love her work-and her Atlanta stores Mrs Howard and Max & Co- as she does a beautiful job creating spaces that are classic yet fresh.  Her rooms are well-designed and always seem to invite you to sit down and enjoy them. 

You can see more of Phoebe’s work here, and let me know what you think of her new book.  I think you will be glad you bought it.

Have a great day, everyone-

Dana

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The Colors of Summer with Megan LaRussa

Monday, August 6, 2012

With hot summer days in full throttle, I thought it might be nice to venture from home decor and look towards stylish ways to look great AND stay cool this season.    I have invited style coach Megan LaRussa of the blog http://www.southernfemme.com/about/ to give us a few tips on what is chic this time of year.   Hope you enjoy this post as much as I did, as I am loving a little pastel thrown into a neutral palette.  Have a great day and let me know what you think-

Dana

As a Style Coach, I often hear the age-old belief that every woman must stick to one
color palette based on a season and never venture outside of that ‘color box’. I’m
here to debunk that theory and show you a wide array of hues that are not only on
trend for this season, but will also look good on YOU.

There are 3 main color palettes that are très chic this summer. The first one is
PASTEL PERFECTION.

Designers are having fun with colors reminiscent of both icy sorbet and powdery
chalk. Think mint green, peachy coral, sun-kissed yellow, and pale blue. And
despite your ‘coloring’, these colors can be worn by anyone! Simply wear them with
neutral pieces, or allow this color to be an accent piece through a necklace, shoes or
purse.

STATEMENT-MAKING BRIGHTS are for the bold trendsetters out there! Designers
and stylists are showing these colors worn together in a color block manner to give
new life to these familiar colors. Try mixing cobalt blue with neon yellow, or maybe
tangerine and magenta! If this appears too much for your taste, opt for a neon green
skinny belt with your neutral ensemble, or a bright tangerine lipstick.

DUSTY HUES are for the classic loving prepsters out there. Washed Nantucket red,
muted mustard and faded forest green are the colors to look for ladies. And for
those that live and breath by the ‘Preppy Handbook’, try playing with these colors
by sporting a Nantucket red blazer + muted mustard blouse + navy pencil skirt for
an updated yet classic professional look.

So take a leap of faith, and have fun with an array of colors this summer!

Yours in Style,

Megan

Megan created Southern Femme as a way to share her fashion
adventures, inspirations and her most coveted style tips with
Southern women. She is a Style Coach, Wardrobe Stylist and
Fashion Show Producer. For more information and endless
style advice check out southernfemme.com, or contact Megan at
megan@southernfemme.com.

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What Would Your Perfect Day Look Like?

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Whew!  Where has the summer gone?!  I know I have been slack on blogging as time has gotten away from me.   Now that summer is coming to an end and life will soon become a little more structured, I promise to be more consistent with my posts. 

 A fun thing happened to me this summer…… I was featured on Birmingham’s new daily online magazine, Haute Pink.  Are you familar with it?   Haute Pink is the new quintessential southern lifestyle guide, and it is THE site to visit on styles, trends, events, and entertainment.   

It was a fun interview as they asked me about design trends, balancing work and family, and even what my perfect day would look like.  Ha!  Maybe I can plan one of those for myself very soon. 

Hope you enjoy the article as much as I enjoyed giving the interview.  You can read it here on Haute Pink.

Have a great day, everyone!

Dana

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Cozy Spaces

Tuesday, June 12, 2012
I came across a few cozy spaces that made me think of summer.    Not sure why, but lately I have been craving a spot of my own to read a good book, drink a cup of tea, or even to take a nap.
I love how each of these spaces is warm and inviting in its own way.  This comes through the layering of rugs, pillows, blankets, and accessories in each of these rooms.
 What kind of space in your home have you been craving lately?  
Image 2 pinned via Houzz
Image 4 pinned via Elle Decor photographed by Brandon Barre
Posted in children's rooms, cozy spaces, dana wolter, design blog, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment