With Covid keeping all of us at home, it is more important now than ever to have a bedroom you love.

Your bedroom should be a room that you look forward to retreating to at the end of the day.   It should allow you to #livewell by surrounding yourself with things that help you relax and rejuvenate.

If yours isn’t ideal…

Here are 6 must-follow design ideas for creating a bedroom you love:

1.Splurge on your bed linens 

Buy the best you can afford for your bed linens and sheets.  There is nothing better than crawling into a bed with beautiful linens and soft, clean sheets that feel better the more they are laundered. 

2.Incorporate seating  

While you don’t want to overcrowd, I always try to add some sort of seating in a bedroom.  A place to lounge is ideal if you aren’t quite ready to curl up in bed.

A leather or upholstered chair are pieces that can enhance a bedroom space and make it feel like your very own private suite.  #Livewell in your home by making it your own.

A sitting area in a client’s bedroom, Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography

3. Incorporate colors that speak to you

I normally keep colors in the bedroom soft because I need tranquility in my life (ha!), but if bright colors speak to you, then certainly use them.

Bedroom created a few years back for a favorite client; Dana Wolter Interiors, Jean Allsopp Photography

4. Put your bedside lamps on a dimmable switch

If you are like my husband and me, he likes to go to bed early while I like to read before I go to sleep.  A dimmable switch on your bedside table lamps allows you to enjoy nighttime light without disturbing your partner.  

5. Add in personal touches

Incorporate touches that are personal to you such as your favorite photographs and artwork.

A teenager’s bedroom , Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography

6. Keep it simple…

Don’t clutter or overcrowd your bedroom with too much stuff.  Make sure the room can breathe, so you can as well.  

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Bedrooms should have all of the things in it that you love. It should be the place you cannot wait to get to at the end of your day or sneak off to when you just need a moment to yourself.  

If you want help designing a home with a bedroom that feel like its very own getaway, call 205-938-4848 or email us here.We’d love to hear from you. 

Here’s to creating a bedroom you love and #livingwell in your home.

Dana 

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Home Sweet Home – an old adage that I’m taking to heart more and more these days.

As I mentioned here, I’ve found a few simple ways that have made me fall back in love with my home again now that I have been staying in. Isn’t it funny what you notice about your home when you spend all day some time in it? 

With how heavy the news and life have been, I’m finding peace and comfort in having my family all under the same roof.  I’m so appreciative and fortunate to have a safe place to be quarantined and thought I would share 4 Ways I’m falling back in love with the place I’ve called home for 13 years.

Ways I’m Falling Back In Love With My House 

1. Getting Back In The Kitchen

Growing up with Italian roots, I love a home cooked meal. But, because of long work days, our empty nest, and the pure convenience of takeout, cooking has taken a back burner the past year.

It’s been fun being back in the kitchen with my girls and husband during the quarantine.   My refrigerator has a revolving door and the dishwasher runs constantly, but I have loved every moment of it.   Cooking has been a nice escape and having my kitchen where all my girls gather has been a wonderful blessing.

Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography

2. Sleeping In

While we are thankfully still very busy with client projects, I have embraced the stillness of the mornings . With no need to rush out the door, I’m trying to learn to sleep in a bit later and enjoy new morning rituals.

I’ve found myself sitting and actually enjoying my morning coffee and watering all the springtime flowers that are emerging.  This is my favorite time of year for my garden so learning to see it in a new light has been refreshing.

Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography

3. In-Home Spa

I’ve quickly been reminded that it is the little things that bring great joy. A nightly mask and occasional bubble bath have been a treat and a way I can practice self-care without the need or ability to leave the house.

A client’s master bathroom, Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography

4. Al Fresco Dining

One of the several silver linings I’ve thought about during this quarantine is that it’s springtime and a fabulous time of year to spend outside. On days the weather is nice, we try and take advantage of eating a meal outside when possible.  We’ve also set the dining room table a few times and it was fun to linger afterwards with casual conversation.   

Dana Wolter Interiors, Jean Allsopp Photography

I hope you are staying healthy and enjoying your time in your home.   Cheers to falling back in love with your home again.  Take care,

Dana

Is being quarantined at home giving you the urge to paint a room or two?  If so, here are a few tips for selecting the perfect paint color.  

Choosing the right color can be overwhelming, but if you follow this process, it will ensure the color on your walls is what you thought you selected.

Top tips to selecting the perfect paint color:

1. The most important first step in choosing a paint color is to take the sample out of the store.  Choose a handful of hues or borrow the fan deck of colors and bring the paint samples home.

Trying out a few gray paint samples for a client’s library.

This image shows the difference between one and two coats.

 

After the perfect gray paint color selection, Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography.  To see more of this home featured in Traditional Home, click here.

 

A few Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore paint colors we tested for a recent project.

 

Good luck choosing your next paint color as I feel confident these tips will help.  Let me know how it goes.

When life hands you lemons, make lemonade.

As I’ve spent more time at home the past few days, I wanted to share some of the easy ways I’m breathing new life in some of our rooms- all without leaving the house.

4 Ways To Refresh Your Interiors Without Leaving Home

As a homebody, the thought of needing to stay home as much as possible isn’t hard for me. With all of the uncertainty going on in this world, home is exactly where I want to be-regardless of my nature.

I’m taking this time to work from home on some wonderful client projects we have going on,  soak up some unexpected family time while my girls are here, and to spiff up my own home.  

Our homes are refuge from so much and keeping it light and fresh during these heavier times is more important than ever before.

#1 – Bring The Outside In

Thank goodness its officially spring and flowers are blooming (and birds are singing. They seem so much louder and happier this year…they must know we need it!).

Snip some flowers or beautiful budding branches to make a simple, effortless arrangement. Flowers always give me a little more pep in my step – and according to my youngest, they make our house look cleaner.

Dana Wolter Interiors

#2 – Go Shopping In Your House

This is such a fun exercise to give your home new life.  Pull all your accessories in a central location (like on your Dining Room table) to create an ‘accessories shop’. Live with everything bare for a day or two…this is also a great time to do some spring cleaning :).

As you begin to see your spaces empty, go ‘shopping’ and replace the empty spots with new pieces. As you continue this practice, start a donate pile of things you just don’t love anymore.

Once complete, your interiors will feel fresh AND you will have purged a few things in the process. I’d love to see some of your before and after pictures so do share.

Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography

#3 – Spring Cleaning

Speaking of spring cleaning and purging, now is a better time than any to really tackle the clutter.

Don’t let this stress you out – start small. For example, what is actually hiding in your kitchen junk drawer? If it’s anything like mine, I found everything from random batteries and pens to gift cards and notepads.

The pantry is another great space to organize (and it helps us see what we have in hopes of limiting trips to the grocery).

Starting small encourages us to tackle other organizational projects that are looming (but we haven’t had time to do anything about them).

#4 – Switch Out Framed Photographs

One thing that I forget to do is switch out photos in my picture frames. There are certainly ones that hold my favorite pictures that won’t ever change but others I like to keep current.

Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography

Find the frames that you wish to replace the pictures and then go through you camera roll to send to your local printer. Before going through this practice, I couldn’t remember the last time I had personal pictures printed. It was also such fun to go through and reminisce on all the travels and fun our family has had over the past year.

Above all else during this strange time, just enjoy the time you have with your loved ones. From longer family dinners around the table to slower mornings, soak in what really matters.

Stay Well,
Dana

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Now that the dust has settled from the new year and spring is almost here,  I want to share a few changes that can make a big difference in your home.  Ways that accentuate living well in your own home.

And while my to-do list has grown quite long on things I want to change this next year in mine, I thought I would share a few easy ways to improve a home and hopefully your quality of life.

Four Ways To Improve Your Home and Quality Of Life

 1.  Paint a room

Nothing reinvigorates a space more than a fresh coat of paint. Paint fades and dulls slowly over time requiring some TLC after numerous years of no attention.  I suggest repainting the ceiling and trim at the same time because once the walls are repainted, the ceiling and trim will be noticeably dull.

2. Bring the outdoors in

With all of this cold weather and rain we’ve had lately, an easy way to improve your home (and mood) is to cut a few branches from outside to add some greenery and life into your home.

Winding branches make such a dramatic yet effortless statement that don’t need to be maintained like orchids or other flowers. The texture and scale that branches contribute to a space will add a beautiful layer to your existing design, AND it doesn’t cost a dime.  It may not be summer, yet, but we can pretend it is almost here.

Bring the outdoors in, Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography

Dana Wolter Interiors. Photography by Graham Yelton

3. Closet consistency

 How often do you stand in your closet thinking you have nothing to wear? The problem may lie in the fact that you can’t see half of what you own.

I recently tossed every single hanger in the house and switched to clear plastic hangers for me and color coordinated ones for my girls (and when they go back to school, the specific hanger goes with them). They come in several colors and the key is to buy each person their own color. Not only do these slim hangers take up less space in your closet, but they look nice and clean.

I pulled out a few things to give away, but the consistency in the hangers and hanging clothes by color and type made all the difference in the world.   I’ve found myself spending less time figuring out what to wear because of this simple, esthetically-pleasing change.

4. Make a list of projects you want to accomplish  

March is a great time to make a punch list of things you’ve been wanting to do around your home.  I try to group alike tasks together and make a goal to complete a few each month.

For example, a client just contacted us here about renovating her Kitchen, Family Room, Dining, Master Bedroom, and Screened-In Porch with the goal of being able to enjoy all before the end of summer. We are jumping right in with the plans and drawings so we can keep the ball rolling.

On a smaller scale, maybe you have been wanting to switch out some of your light fixtures that are beginning to look dated or replace a Living Room sofa that has seen better days – add these to your master punch list and begin putting effort in getting them accomplished.

What will it take for you to live well, or should I say, live better, in your own home?   Take a few minutes and think about it.   I bet the answer is not far away.

Dana

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I’m thrilled to share with you a few behind the scenes pictures from last week’s post of our client’s livable luxe home in Traditional Home.   I have been waiting for it to be published before I could show you the beautiful pictures, and the issue hit newsstands last Friday.  

As I stated on Instagram, it was hard to keep this home a secret as it was a great project in so many ways.  

Our clients initially contacted us about the selection of the interior and exterior finishes of the new construction and as time went on, the scope evolved to include the furnishings, too.  They were building their forever home and it needed to function and grow with their family.

After two years of building, they moved into a house that was pretty much done.  Pictures were hung, accessories were in place and draperies covered the windows (and walls). Now is time to enjoy it with family and friends for many years to come.

Livable, Luxe Home

Dana Wolter Interiors, as seen in Traditional Home. Photography by Graham Yelton

They trusted our design vision and let us flex our creativity with the project.  The one thing our clients asked for was a white and bright home.  And while the home has a couple of  dark and moody rooms as way to create their own drama, the majority of the home has a light and airy feel.  

Kitchen

My cute client makes my design work look even better, Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography

How many people can you fit around the banquette?  Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography

From the Family Room Looking Into the Kitchen, Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography

Master Suite

I wanted the master suite to be a retreat from the craziness of life the moment you walked through its door.   We kept the colors soft and soothing with shades of gray, cream and plum as an accent.

Master Bedroom, Dana Wolter Interiors

What started out on the plans as a screened-in porch off of the bedroom evolved into a master sitting room once the framing begun.  I imagine a little one when sick sleeping on the sofa or perhaps mom or dad taking a nap on a lazy Sunday afternoon.  It’s like a cocoon.

Just close the draperies and see what I mean.  I love a cozy bedroom and if it was mine, I may not come out for days.

Master Sitting Room, Dana Wolter Interiors

I hope you enjoyed seeing a few more behind-the-scene pictures of this beautiful, livable home designed specifically for this family and their lifestyle.  It’s luxe and function rolled into one.

Let me hear from you and know what you think here.   Have a great day.

Dana

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I am thrilled to show you some never before seen “After” photos of our livable luxe project in this month’s Traditional Home.  

As I mentioned on Instagram, it was all I could do to keep this home a secret.   We have been waiting for a few years to share the photos, and it’s a great testament that all good things are certainly worth the wait. 

This project was a turnkey project filled with beauty and function for the cutest family with small children. They contacted us here about their project and I am grateful to now call them friends.

Our clients moved into this home completely furnished with pictures hanging on the wall and accessories in their place.  It’s like the magic fairies came in overnight and made it happen.  

After Pictures As Seen In Traditional Home

I love that the home feels pulled together and approachable despite its high ceilings and vast size. Livable luxe at its best.

Its classic materials and detail make it hard to quite pinpoint how old the house might be, just as a new build should be. 

My clients were wonderful in that they trusted my vision and took a leap of faith – even when I suggested an upholstered screen that was almost 15′ tall.   I was looking for a way to ground the large space and this is what I envisioned.  

Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography

Dana Wolter Interiors, as seen in Traditional Home. Photography by Graham Yelton

If it looks like no big deal, keep scrolling  Achieving this much detail 21′ in the air is not always easy.  

I truly could not have done it without a detailed plan, my amazing team, the builder and my craftsmen.   Oh, and a lift truck.  I am so grateful.

Truly a collaborative effort between us, the builders and my amazing craftsmen. Look at how the beautiful pleats, banding and upholstered screen detail line up. Dana Wolter Interiors

Study:

While my clients requested a home that mostly felt light and airy, we pushed the envelope in a few rooms to create some unexpected drama.

We did so in the study by painting the walls a charcoal gray.  

Study with charcoal gray walls, Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography

See the cabinetry to the far right? This was originally drawn as a door to a media closet.  We wrapped the cabinetry around two walls and you can open the end bookcase to access this small room.

I hope you have enjoyed seeing a glimpse into this home, and I will share more after photos of this livable luxe home over the next few weeks.

The issue hits newsstands this Friday so be on the lookout.  I am thankful to my clients who trusted us with such a big part of their lives and to the Traditional Home team who allowed us to share it with their readers.

Dana

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A past client reached out recently; we helped she and her husband build a beautiful home a few years ago and she emailed saying they are looking to build a second home.

I couldn’t help but smile knowing she enjoyed the process and wants to do it again.

They put together a great team who worked hard to build their dream home, and I thought it might be helpful to share some must-read tips when building a house.

Tips for making the building process successful: 

1. Put together a talented team 

I can’t stress enough how important it is to hire a builder, designer and architect that are known for what you are trying to achieve.  It isn’t enough to hire someone because they are a neighbor or because your friend hired them.  Look at their past work, their processes, their staff, and check their references. 

Your team should increase the value of your project while making the process enjoyable.  Again- they should make your life easier and be good stewards of your money.

 2. Make sure the aesthetic of  your designer and architect appeal to you  

Even creatives with a well-versed portfolio still have a certain look and tendencies (including me).  In the end, your home should feel like you.

Just as important, make sure you like their personality and can trust them.  They are going to be dealing with your money and you need to be okay sharing details about how you live.

3.  Wait to break ground on your home until your plans are finished 

Wait to start the building process until the plans are finished.  If you don’t, I can promise the demo will go fast but it will come to a screeching halt.  Be prepared as it takes time to draw detailed plans, but it will pay off in the end. 

A recent project as it was being built, Dana Wolter Interiors

Project in completion, Dana Wolter Interiors. Photography by Graham Yelton

4.  Quality takes time  

Quality takes time- there is a reason the room with custom cabinetry, draperies and millwork looks so good.   Details customize a home, but they don’t happen overnight or through the internet.   

Cabinet detail in a master bath renovation, Dana Wolter Interiors

Prepare yourself now- there will be a setback somewhere in the building process that will delay the project.  The weather won’t cooperate, you will hit rock when excavating, etc…  

5.  Talk budget early on 

No one enjoys sharing their personal business, but it is important to have a budget in mind or a realistic expectation of what your project will cost.  

Know your building budget (and furnishings’ budget) at the beginning and be realistic about what it can afford you.  

Talk to your builder about the exact finishes the allowances will buy you, and see what is realistic for what you are building.   Also, the more finishes and specifics you can finalize during the bidding process (such as knowing the exact type of countertop material, what line of plumbing fixtures, etc…), the more it will save you with add-ons at the end.

6. Details make a home  

Not all architects, builders and designers have the same experience and there is a reason everyone doesn’t charge the same.   If detail is important to you, make sure you hire a team where it is important to them.

7. Let your home building team do their job  

You hired your team for a reason, so let them do their job.  If you can’t visualize a detail, trust they can. This means trusting their judgment over your friend’s, your mom’s, etc….

8. Save enough money to furnish the home and be realistic as to how far that furnishing budget will go  

The last thing you want to do is build a beautiful, brand new home and for it to echo because you are not able to furnish it properly. 

Dana Wolter Interiors as seen in Traditional Home

I hope these eight must-read tips when building a home are helpful and make the building process more enjoyable.  And fun!   

If you are interested in learning about the design services we can offer you when building, email us at here.  We want to hear more about your project.

Dana

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We’ve had a lot of new and exciting things going on this fall with Dana Wolter Interiors.  From international travels, the beginning of some exciting projects, and a new addition to our work family, we wanted to give you a ….

Fall Update From Dana Wolter Interiors

 Cheerio, Birmingham

Two weeks ago, I was in London for the Design Leadership Network’s London Summit.  There were some amazing tours, lectures, and inspiration to incorporate into my work and business.  

Fabulous sunset as I started my travels across the pond.

 Some Say Football Is King Of The South

We have been working on a fabulous gameday condo at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa since early August.  It’s been a fun departure from the residential and vacation homes we are accustomed to designing. Because we’ve worked with these clients many times prior, it’s been a great project to really stretch our creativity and color palette. 

This isn’t your typical condo; with its four bedrooms and amazing view overlooking the stadium, it’s luxury living at its best. It also has a sprawling outdoor living space, creating the perfect spot to soak up the bustling atmosphere on game days in Tuscaloosa.

Pretty palette of creams and grays with the perfect amount of crimson touches.

 Renovations And New Builds Underway

The building market is as hot as ever. We currently have several renovation and new build projects going on in different cities and states. 

I am excited about all of them as each is unique in its own way.  What inspires us and how do we make each one feel special?

Every design creation is based upon the potential of the home and how the client lives.  At the end of the day, their home needs to work hard for them and be a true reflection of their family.

One of the projects we have going on is an adorable cottage for a couple to stay when visiting their daughter and her family in Birmingham.   I would share pictures, but since they haven’t seen the presentation yet, I want it to be a surprise to them first.

Most recently, we completed a renovation of a client’s childhood home a few weeks ago. The transformation was amazing to watch. While the bones of the home were good, we updated the house with classic, timeless materials and details. As a result, these renovations will carry the home into the next generation of family members. 

Home Renovation In Progress, Dana Wolter Interiors

Custom Island Detail, Dana Wolter Interiors

We’ve also started a few renovation projects this fall that involve new kitchen and bath designs.  It’s been fun to personalize each of these spaces to how the family lives with new paint, furnishings, lighting, and art. Be sure to follow long as we share the progress of our ongoing work on Instagram.

What do you see? I see a future music room, Dana Wolter Interiors

 Our DWI Family Has Grown By One

A few weeks ago, our firm family grew by one with Abbey welcoming a sweet baby girl. Mae Elizabeth is already so loved by all in the office and we wish Abbey and her family only the best as she takes some time to fully focus on being a mom. 

Monica and I could not wait to hold her

Speaking of family, I am going to have all three of my girls home for Thanksgiving.  I am so excited as it has been since May that we were all together.  With each of them in different parts of the country, it’s the best present a mom could ask for and I am grateful.

Now that the holidays are upon us, I wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving.  May all of us take a little time to stop and enjoy our blessings.  

Have a great day,

Dana

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Are you stuck knowing your home could look and feel so much better, but you aren’t sure what’s keeping you from turning it into one you love?

Or you can’t seem to find the motivation -or the direction- to make some much needed changes?

Life is busy and hectic and stressful.   I get it, as I sometimes feel the same way.

A Kitchen Completed A Few Years Back, Dana Wolter Interiors. Photography by Graham Yelton

Here Are A Few Tips To Turn Your Home Into One You Love:

1. Function-

With what I do day in and out, I am constantly reminded how a beautiful, well-functioning home- one that reflects you and allows you to breathe deeply- can change your life.

And your family’s.

I see it happen all the time, and it is one of the most rewarding aspects about what I do.

A client’s breakfast room was designed to seat family and many friends around the table, Dana Wolter Interiors

2. Personalization-

What makes you happy?  Are there specific colors that speak to you or photographs that make you smile every time you see them?

If you are ready for a house that looks and feels like home to you, now is the time to take action. Make the changes now that will allow you to feel good in your own home, such as your bedroom.

Dana Wolter Interiors

 
3. Hire A Professional-

If you are overwhelmed and drastically changing your home is more than your skillset can cover, hire someone who can help you.

We work closely with builders, architects, and the landscape designers to make sure every detail is thought through from the beginning to the very end.

Your project becomes our project. The majority of our projects are turnkey where we devise a detailed plan according to your needs and budget, and we implement it for you until the very last picture is hung.

Email us here  if you think we can help you create a home you love.  Let’s have a conversation about your goals so we can have a plan of action in place for you in the next few months.

Here’s to making your house a home, one step at a time-

Dana

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