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.
Pinterest
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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Your house is one of the biggest purchases you will make and there are three rooms you should invest in when designing your home.
That’s not to say the other rooms or areas should be ignored; it just means these three add more value to the quality of your life and for resale.
So….Here goes-…
The top three rooms in your home to invest in and why
1. Kitchen–
Not only will a beautiful, functional kitchen make your life easier when cooking and feeding your family, it also gives you a great return on your investment if you ever decide to sell your home.
Invest in quality cabinets (believe me, not all cabinetry is the same. Buy the best you can afford and select a cabinet maker/company who truly pays attention to the details), classic finishes, and quality plumbing.
A kitchen of ours as featured in Traditional Home. Photography by Jean Allsopp
It’s the room that gets the most use, so make yours one you love and one that functions well for cooking, prep, and entertaining.
2.Master Bedroom–
My bed is my FAVORITE place in my house. Yep – I admit it. Great linens, comfortable pillows, soft, soothing colors….. I love to curl up in my bed and relax, and if a book in involved, even better. It’s like wearing a comfy pair of pjs to me.
Dana Wolter Interiors, Photography by Graham Yelton
A cocoon-like feel for this teen’s bedroom. Dana Wolter Interiors, LLC, Photography by Graham Yelton
3. Family Room–
I included the Family Room since it’s where you relax, watch tv and LIVE. It needs to draw you in with comfortable seating that makes you want to kick back and visit with family and friends.
Be sure to include comfortable upholstery (the best you can afford), and soften the room with drapes, a rug that fits the space well, etc… Think of layering this room with things you love to create a collected, personal feel.
I have always admired the layered look of this room created by interior designer Ray Booth
Invest in these three rooms first to create a retreat and a home that feels good to you and your family. If we can ever help you turn your home into one you love, contact us here.
Dana
P.S. Follow along to see what we are doing on a day to day basis….
With as many homes I am in and out of, I see recurring problems that come from everyday life and living.
I love seeing a home transform from one that’s cluttered, dark, and doesn’t work for a family to one that allows them to Live Well in their home.
And while your definition of Living Well may be different than mine or your neighbors’, I’m giving a few tips to solve some common problem areas.
Clutter: Organize your home so everything has a place. Incorporate hidden storage where you can create a visual calm and remember to store alike things together.
If organizing overwhelms you, start by cleaning out a small space, such as the towel drawer in your kitchen.
The hidden door under my stairs allows for all kinds of hidden storage for my family, Dana Wolter Interiors
2. A room that is a catch-all for stuff because it isn’t being used
Find a Purpose for every room in your home. No room should serve as a “walk-through” or a one that is used once or twice a year. Once you give the room a function, take a step back and assess the items in it. Do they bring you joy or are they useful? If neither, it is time to give them away or throw them out.
This may also mean switching rooms around, or changing how the furniture is arranged in a room.
Take this home below that we worked on recently. The living room was never used, the family room wasn’t working for the family, so we flipped the two.
Looking Into The New Family Room, Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
Because of where these two rooms are placed in the house, the family now finds themselves using both spaces on a regular basis.
3. Dark, cramped spaces that don’t function well.
Find a Balance with how your home flows and functions. To Live Well in your home, it should work hard for everyday living while easily transitioning to host a party when needed.
Does the kitchen allow for quality work space? Is there a place for guests to sit and linger? If not, it may be time to renovate your kitchen.
We took this outdated, dark, cramped kitchen and made it accommodate today’s living. By raising the ceiling, taking the sunroom into the kitchen space and adding a wall of hidden storage, we created a kitchen that is functional, bright and works hard for this family.
BEFORE
BEFORE
AFTER:
Dana Wolter Interiors. Photography by Graham Yelton
I also love adding a banquette when I can in a kitchen. It allows for more seating AND it adds a layer of softness to a room filled with many hard surfaces.
Recent Breakfast Room completed, Dana Wolter Interiors. Graham Yelton Photography
4. Spaces in your house that don’t feel like home
What makes you smile and brings you joy? Whether it is a sparse room, layered objects, bright colors, or a wall filled with books, use discernment in adding these touches to your space. Find ways to add what makes you smile to bring you Warmth and Joy in your house.
Sentimental family photos are added into this new, casual space, Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
I hope these tips help you make an honest assessment about your home so you can find ways to add to your quality of life.
If you need help turning your house into one you love, reach out to us here. We would love to hear from you!
Here’s to Living Well in your home, whatever your definition may be.
Dana
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Pets Are Family, Too- Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
Pets are part of the family, and #LivingWell with a pet means creating durable, pretty interiors that can withstand the wear and tear that comes from them. Interiors you can enjoy with your pets, family and friends.
Ask my dog, Bitsy, as she is sure to show you how she has free rein in my home.
If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve probably seen on my Instagram stories how I refer to her as Waldo- you never know where she may appear- but it’s always in a comfortable spot.
Bitsy always finds a comfy chair
Pets need to be taken in consideration when designing your home. Yes, you can have a gorgeous, jaw dropping home the entire family can actually live in, including them.
Here are a few tips for worry-free living with your best friend:
1. God-made materials, such as natural stone, only become prettier with a little wear and tear. Scratches, etching- it’s called patina.
2. When selecting fabrics, choose ones that have a high durability rating. If it doesn’t have one, have the fabric treated.
I use this trick- a lot. Let me show you a few examples…
Chaises with a treated fabric, Dana Wolter InteriorsDana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
3. Incorporate antique and semi-antique rugs. Needless to say, if it has lasted a hundred years or close to it, it can stand the wear from a pup.
Maggie was quite the model when shooting this home. She loved to be where the action was (and on the rugs).
Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton PhotographyDana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
What can I say? Some can easily claim a favorite spot of their very own. Isn’t he the sweetest?
Where’s your pet’s favorite spot to perch, or is he even allowed on the furniture?
Here’s to #LivingWell with pets. After all, they are part of the family, and a home should be enjoyed by all.
Have a great day-
dana
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It’s always fun to go back to a finished project and see how a client is LIVING in the home.
I am always amazed at how your surroundings can completely revamp how you feel and live.
After all, #LivingWell in your home is about making your home work for you and your family. Making it special to you.
We made a two day visit to professionally photograph this home, and I loved seeing the hustle and bustle of everyday life for them. This family of five stays on the go, and their home needs to work hard for them.
Southern style at its best- spaces that invite guests in to visit, spaces that are workhorses for their needs, and in the end are just really pretty rooms.
I think we succeeded in making it just that….
It is their forever home, but when they bought it a year ago, there wasn’t much to it that made it feel like it was their own.
While I can’t show you the full room pictures, I can give you a glimpse….
You might have seen this picture of the foyer on My Instagram that I posted last week, or this one today……
Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
And here are a few more……..
Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
Kitchen Banquette Detail-Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
Details on the loveseat in the bay window, Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
If you feel like your home isn’t helping you make the most of your life and your family’s, email us here. Let us help you #LiveWell in your home, too.
A few recent projects have been for families downsizing to smaller homes. And while moving to a home you are excited about can be a blessing, it can sometimes be difficult to lose square footage.
It’s amazing all of the stuff we accumulate over the years. I feel like I am constantly cleaning out my house and I try to watch what comes in.
How to make the most of small spaces can sometimes be overwhelming , so I thought I would give six helpful tips to #LivingWell in a smaller home.
1. Clean Out and Keep Only What You Love Or Will Use. Simple enough- Do you love it or use it? If not, get rid of it. No more storing things you “might” need in the future or because you feel guilty getting rid of them.
2. Are There Pieces That Can Be Repurposed? If there is a piece you LOVE but don’t have a place for it, can it be reworked for extra storage?
3. Look Above And Below. Look for ways to hide storage, such as using ottomans that open up, raising a bed a few inches to create more space underneath, or adding built-in seating with drawers underneath. I also love adding ottomans under an open console or coffee table- not only to work as a layering piece but as an extra seat that can be pulled out if needed.
An ottoman slides under a coffee table in a client’s Family Room- Dana Wolter Interiors
Drawers pull out for extra storage in this window seat, Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
4. Simplify- When Looking At Your Stuff, Give Away The Extras Of The Same Items.After all, you might need a few extra sets of sheets, but do you need five sets for the same bed? No- so give away to someone who can use them.
5. Think Long And Hard How Your Home Needs To Work For You and Delegate A Function For Every Room Or Unused Corner. There is something refreshing about simplifying your life and surroundings. But with smaller homes, you need to think long and hard ahead of time to make sure the new home functions like it needs to for you. If you see an extra corner, could you add a chair and floor lamp for an extra place to sit?
Or a custom banquette to create more seating around a breakfast table?
Photography by Jean Allsopp, Dana Wolter Interiors
If working on a new build or renovation, hire a designer before the plans are drawn. An extra set of eyes for how your family will live in the house is invaluable. Every square inch needs to work hard so you can have the pretty with a purpose.
6. Let Go Of The Guilt. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it is hard to get your money out of furniture and rugs (and even some antiques) when selling. Just know this is the case and let go of the pieces…. Do not hold onto stuff for any reason other than you love it.
#LivingWell isn’t necessarily about having the best of everything- It’s about surrounding yourself with a home that brings you joy. A place you love to make memories with family and friends.
Downsizing can be a blessing if you allow it, as it is a way to lighten your connection to material “stuff” and create spaces that are customized and truly special to you.
Hope you find these six tips helpful to #LivingWell in a smaller home. Let me know what you think-
Dana
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As I was going thru some photos of my work recently, I was reminded of something important…..
When hanging a mirror, not only is the placement important, but also be mindful of what it reflects.
See what I mean?
Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Elton Photography
Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Elton Photography
I also love incorporating a mirror in an entrance way when possible. The picture of this foyer is from several years back, but I still love how it adds reflection and softness to the space.
Dana Wolter Interiors, Jean Allsopp Photography
Hope these tips help when you are deciding where to hang a mirror in your home. Have a great day, everyone-
Dana
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I am the one who used to blog, but then suddenly disappeared for a few weeks….
It’s never intentional. Life gets busy- my mother has been sick again, I’ve been trying to spend more time with my family, and we’ve started a few new projects.
When I haven’t been with my family or working, I have been traveling quite a bit. One of the places I visited last month was New York City.
As I made a stop into the Saks on Fifth Avenue, a transformation on their second floor knocked my socks offcaught my attention.
Saks- Justin Bridges Photography
Gone are the racks and racks of clothes on this floor- though they still have some active wear and accessories for sale.
It has become a Wellness Floor called The Wellery, and I loved what Saks has done with it.
In a world where I feel like I am trying to find a balance because I am being pulled in 10 different directions, I actually felt my blood pressure drop as I walked around.
If it wasn’t for my girls urging me onto the escalator, I probably would have circled the space a few more times.
I don’t claim to be the most healthy, but I do love the thought of trying.
With the exception of a juice bar, this floor has Everything. From a nail salon, to bikes, to exercise classes, to salt rooms, to dermatology services, to gym bags and activewear, it’s all there.
And it SPOKE to me.
I’ll take a green bike, please…. The Wellery, Saks Fifth Avenue, NY
JUST BREATHE……..
The Wellery offers Salt Rooms. Has anyone tried this before?
The Wellery, Saks Fifth Avenue
It is such a new, innovative way to position a clothing store, but it got me thinking…..
Health and wellness are not just what you eat and if you exercise. Living Well is a way of life-
I have talked here how a healthy lifestyle is one that encompasses all facets of your life, not just a few areas.
It carries over to how your home makes you feel when you walk through the door. Does your home stress you out or make you feel at peace when you walk through the door?
Living well is taking all of the chaos life throws at us and keeping it all in perspective.
Keeping perspective when life doesn’t give much of one.
I understand- with a sick mom, children, and quite frankly, hip and female issues, life is not always rosy…
But I am going to continue working hard to be the best version of myself that I can be. Warts and all.
So how can you live well? Does it involve tweaking your home so it works and functions better for you and your family?
If you need help creating a customized space, email us at info@danawolterinteriors.com. We would love to hear from you.
Here’s to a well-lived life, despite all the chaos life may bring-
Dana
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Are you stuck, knowing your home could look and feel so much better, but you aren’t sure what to do?
Or you can’t seem to find the motivation or the direction to pull your home together?
Life is busy, and hectic, and stressful.
I get it, as I sometimes feel the same way, too.
A Kitchen Completed Last Year, Dana Wolter Interiors. Photography by Graham Yelton
But I am constantly reminded how a well-functioning home, one that reflects you and allows you to breathe deeply and relax, 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 well-designed, high-functioning home, can change how you live and enjoy life.
If you are ready for a change for you and your family, now is the time to do it.
Let us help turn your home into one that works well for your needs. And, quite frankly, makes you feel good to be in your own home.
Who knew you can have pretty AND durable fabrics? Dana Wolter Interiors, Photography by Graham Yelton
The majority of our projects are full room or turnkey projects, where we devise a detailed plan according to your needs and budget, and we implement it for you.
We specialize in new construction, beginning with the schematics (many times I am hired before an architect has put pen to paper) to hanging the last picture on the wall. We work closely with the builder and architect to make sure every detail is thought through, from the beginning to the very end.
Your project becomes our project.
We also offer another service for clients who need direction and help making decisions for their home, but they like to do the legwork themselves according to their timeframe and budget. Our one-time, 3.5 hour consult service, is the perfect way to devise a plan tailored specifically for your home.
It has gone over really well, and the clients who have invested in it have been surprised over the amount of detail and information that comes from our meeting. Matter of fact, I have even gone on the road -and in the air- to offer this consult.
If you think we can help make your home the place you dream, why are you waiting?
Email us at info@danawolterinteriors.com . 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 detail at a time-
Dana
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I am working on a new project where the house is a beautiful shell but the interiors are a little tired.
The house was furnished over 15 years ago and it is time to freshen things up a bit. Things have changed-a lot-in the last decade. Children have left the nest in this family and grandbabies are now on the way.
They have hired us to update the furnishings in several of the rooms, and I see this home beautiful and functional for the couple who can easily throw together on a whim a casual dinner party for 20. One that has quality finishes, materials, and details but where the future grandparents don’t have to worry about sippy cups and Goldfish Crackers ruining their pretty things.
I have been asking lots of questions on how they live, what they want this house to give to them.
The answers always seem to keep coming back to the same things- a placing to make really good memories. A place that feels like home.
While we are incorporating their great artwork collection and several pieces that are special to them, I have turned to Pinterest for a little inspiration.
I love the warmth of the old wood with the charcoal doors and clean, crisp walls.
Pinterest
The house is going to have a “collected” feel- a mix of new pieces in with a few new antiques and existing pieces they love.
Susan Ferrier
A cocoon-like feel with draped walls and custom upholstery pieces.
Bobby McAlpine
Stay tuned as I will keep you posted on how this home progresses. Have a great day-
Dana
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There is a color out there that I am loving right now, and it isn’t one I normally use.
#Blush has caught my attention and I have found myself using it in the fabrics and art in a few of my current projects, including my office. I did a #FacebookLive video here about it the other day, and apparently, I am not the only one who is loving this color…..
Pinterest via Tumblr
via Bloglovin’
Becki Owens, Bloglovin’
Jean Louis Denoit
As I shared with you here, I pulled several fabrics for a recent living room install that included this color.
The room turned out soft, chic, and beautiful. I can’t share much just yet, but here is a sneak peek…..
Dana Wolter Interiors
And while I have paired blush with silver and gray, the room below with it against taupe caught my eye.
I am betting blush paired with taupe is going to be a big design trend before too long…..
Pinterest
What colors are you loving right now? Has blush crossed your radar yet? Let me know – I would love to hear…
Dana
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I sense a change is taking place… People are tired, tired of feeling exhausted and stressed.
It is time to slow down and enjoy life more. Find a balance.
Because life is short, embracing the good and surrounding yourself with positive, healthy ways of living are more important than ever.
Don’t get me wrong. I am the first to get caught up in everyday life. Little things, that in the big scheme, don’t mean much.
But if we can make healthy changes in our home that have a positive impact on our quality of life, isnt this a good thing?
Here are five, easy, design ideas to create a healthy home, and therefore, a happy life. Here goes:
1. If you don’t love something in your home or aren’t using it, get rid of it. Clean out, pair down, and keep only what speaks to you and brings you joy.
2. Assign a purpose for every room in your home. Every single room, even the little “catch-all” closet. What exactly is the closet going to store?
3. LIVE in your home and ENJOY. No more off-limit rooms or saving your china just for special occasions… Use the dishes one night for dinner, just because…..
4. Make your home a reflection of you. Do you like a little edge but your home doesnt quite capture who you are or how you want to reflect your style? Reach out to a designer and hire someone who can turn your vision into reality. Ask around and check with their references to make sure their style, type of budget they work with, and their personality are a good fit for you.
5. Create a space somewhere in your home that makes you feel calm and relaxed. It doesn’t have to be big space- maybe it is a corner in a room with a chair, a blanket, and a table to place your morning coffee. Do a little self care and create a spot to call your own.
Dana Wolter Interiors. Photo by Jean Allsopp
Hope these five design ideas help you create a healthy home, and therefore bring a little happiness into your life. Let me know what you think-
dana
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Are you ready to leave behind the stress you find in your surroundings and create a healthy, happy life that begins before you walk out your front door?
Your environment is one of the seven top causes of stress, and your surroundings attribute to your health just as much as what you eat, who you surround yourself with, how much you exercise, etc…
Think about it… If you try to eat healthy, exercise, get good sleep, does it make sense to spend the majority of your time in a a space that is cluttered, dark and disorganized?
A healthy lifestyle is one that encompasses all facets of your life, not just a few areas.
Don’t get me wrong…..There are days when your house is going to be a mess. I have had people in and out of my home quite a bit lately, and with the holidays, mine is now. Too many children pulling things out and not putting them up.
But the difference is that when you have a mess in a healthy home, it is because things are out of their specific place versus having things randomly lying around and piling up.
Take a step back from your home and make an honest assessment about how your home makes you feel. Does it bring your joy and peace?
If you find your house a place of uneasiness, apply these few tips to your home and see if you can figure out why :
Organize your home so everything has a place. Incorporate hidden storage where you can create a visual calm and store alike things together.
You would never know it, but the hidden door under my stairs allows for all kinds of storage for my family.
Dana Wolter Interiors
2. Find a Purpose for every room in your home as no room should serve as a “walk-through” or a room used once or twice a year. Then take a step back and assess the items in each room. Do they bring your joy or are they useful? If neither, it is time to give them away or throw them out.
This may also mean switching rooms around, or changing how the furniture is arranged in a room.
Take this room in this cottage below that we worked on a few years back. It was a walk-through room, a catch-all, and the it was the largest room in the house.
By changing the type of furniture placed in this room, we were able to create a place to sit and relax, play on your phone, read a good book, etc… The chaises draw you in to sit and stay for awhile.
BEFORE
Dana Wolter Interiors
You can see more Before and After of this house from this previous post here.
We did the same thing with this home. The biggest room in their house was the “walk-through’ room. It was rarely used while this family of seven used a small sitting room off the kitchen to watch tv.
BEFORE
What you can’t see in this picture is that we tucked a television on a side wall that can be pulled out when needed. Our goal was to create a family-friendly space for this family to enjoy while keeping it formal enough to serve as a living room if needed. Mission accomplished!
3. Find a Balance with how your home flows and functions. Your home should work well for everyday living and be able to transition to host a party when needed.
4. What makes you smile and bring your joy? Whether it is a sparse room, layered objects, bright colors, or a wall filled with books, use discernment in adding these touches to your space. Find ways to add what makes you smile to bring you Warmth and Joy in your house.
Chad James Interior Design, Elle Decor, Photography by Alyssa Rosenheck
If you need help into turning your house into one you love, reach out to us here. We would love to hear from you.
Here’s to a healthy, happy life-
Dana
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With the new year just a couple of days away, I thought it would be fun to look back at 2016. This year has been a good one for us in so many ways, and here is a recap of a few things that took place:
We started the new year finishing up #ProjectExpansion for some favorite clients. They have a cute story as to why they needed more space. You can read about it here and here.
FOYER-BEFORE
FOYER-AFTER Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
FOYER-AFTER
FOYER-AFTER
FAMILY ROOM BUILT-IN -BEFORE
FR Built-in before the glass doors were installed
The kitchen in this home has been shared so many times on the web, yet very few people have seen the “before” pictures. It was quite the transformation.
BEFORE- KITCHEN
BEFORE- KITCHEN
This is the photo that has been shared numberous times on social media. It’s even been referred to as the “poltergist” picture with stylist Monica Stewart making an appearance. Dana Wolter Interiors
Dana Wolter Interiors
Dana Wolter Interiors
January began with a feature in Birmingham Home and Garden magazine. This home was approximately 12 years old and it needed an update. We took several of the rooms and dramatically changed them. Here are a few of the before and after pictures:
BEFORE- MASTER
AFTER- MASTER BEDROOM Dana Wolter Interiors
BEFORE- LIVING ROOM
AFTER- LIVING ROOM, Dana Wolter Interiors
You can read more on the transformation of a few of the rooms here, here, and here.
In February, I hosted a party for Southern Living‘s Design Conference that took place in Birmingham, AL. There’s nothing like a party to make you do a few things around your own house, and it was just the kick in the pants that I needed.
Dana Wolter Interiors
Dana Wolter Interiors
Dana Wolter Interiors
It was a lot of fun as designers across the country came together for a few days, and I was glad they were able to see all that Birmingham, Al, has to offer.
Southern Living also included me in their April issue with a feature on using lavender in your home.
In October, Flower Magazine used my home as a backdrop for a Fall feature.
Flower Magazine
I was also asked by Coastal Living‘s Ellen McGauley and Southern Living’s Zoe Gowen to take part in a panel for ADAC on how to use social media and technology to grow a design business. Designer Cortney Bishop from Charleston, SC, joined in on the fun with us.
While there, the Editor-At-Large followed up by asking my thoughts on how ADAC is a great resource for designers.
Editor At Large Interview with Arianne Nardo
The last quarter of 2016 did not disappoint, either. We announced we are moving our office into the heart of Mountain Brook Village in Birmingham, AL. We are finishing up a few details now and will be in by the first of the year.
I was THRILLED to have one of our favorite kitchens for amazing clients in the Holiday Issue of Traditional Home. This was such a fun project for clients who trusted my vision, and the detail and customization in this home truly paid off.
November/December 2016
Dana Wolter Interiors
Dana Wolter Interiors
Dana Wolter Interiors
Dana Wolter Interiors, Photography by Graham Yelton
You can read my blog post here to learn more about this project or click here to see the actual feature in Traditional Home.
The feature of my house in the November/December issue of Southern Living was a ton of fun. We photographed my home for Christmas in the summer and with the Southern Living elves setting everything up, it was as easy as it could be.
They spoiled me and I was missing their help when December rolled around and it was time to decorate again. You can read the 10 page feature here.
Stylist Buffy Hargett did an amazing job on the flowers and decoration
The Southern Living team
As I look back at 2016, I cannot forget the online mentions and other amazing projects we have been part of this year that I did not highlight. I am having several projects photographed in a few weeks we have designed this year, and I cannot wait to share.
Thanks to all of you for following along on this journey. I have met some amazing people because of my job and am grateful to those who have trusted us with the investment of their home.
But more importantly, watching how an organized, functional, healthy home changes how a family lives is truly the best part of my job.
Here’s to a happy, healthy, blessed 2017 for all-
Dana
If you are looking to transform your home or looking to start anew, reach out to us here. I would love to discuss your project and see how we can help you.
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When it comes to designing and decorating your home, you want to do it right the first time, and there is some advice given out often that, in my opinion, needs to be ignored.
It usually comes from a builder, a worker on your home, or a well-intentioned friend. Trust your gut, or better yet, hire a designer you can trust with one of the largest investments (your home) you will ever make.
So here goes…. A few pieces of friendly advice you should IGNORE:
1. Don’t paint your brick – Painted brick is so pretty to me and it is a great way to give your home a beautiful, cohesive look. See how gorgeous this home is below?
Photo from Better Homes and Garden
2. Using 6″ recess cans throughout a space- Heard of a swiss cheese ceiling? Yep, this is exactly what I mean.
If you must incorporate recess, use the smaller ones that provide lots of light from a small bulb. Yes, the smaller led recess cost more than the typical 5″-6″ builder cans often speced, but the look far outweighs the cost. Use dimmers to soften the lighting, and use a variety of different types of lighting to create warmth and layering. Table and floor lamps that direct light in the living areas is best. It allows you to see things better, puts a nicer light on your face, and illuminates the colors and textures in your furnishings better.
Image from Barry Dixon
3. Selecting granite over marble because you do not think marble is durable- This one is a BIG one and I am constantly having to educate my clients about this stone.
I can only hope I am aging as well as marble does, because to me, there is nothing prettier than a well worn piece of marble after several years have passed. I have had it in my house for over nine years, and trust me, we live hard inuse my kitchen and bathrooms. And guess what? Do not tell my dirty little secret, but we are not the neatest group either.
Dana Wolter Interiors. Graham Yelton Photography
Dana Wolter Interiors
The key is to choose a honed marble so etching wont take place if something hot is placed on it, and if you like red wine, don’t leave it spilled on the counter for days on end. If something does happen and the stain bothers you (which it shouldn’t- it’s called patina), the material can always be resurfaced.
4. Hanging artwork too high– Keep the center of your artwork at eye level or a little lower to create intimacy in a space. In a room where people will mostly be sitting, artwork should be hung a little lower.
Image from Dana Wolter Interiors
5. Arranging all of your furniture against the walls– You never want to create a furniture arrangement that makes conversation difficult. If you have a room that is big enough, be creative and float your sofa and add a couple of sitting ares to the space. A sofa can look great off of the wall, so use open spaces to be creative and create intimacy.
Image from Georgiana Design
What advice have you been given when it comes to your house that you wish you’d ignored? I’d love to hear from you so please share!
Are you stuck, knowing your home could look and feel so much better, but you aren’t sure what to do?
Or you can’t seem to find the motivation to pull your home together?
Dana Wolter Interiors
Dana Wolter Interiors
Life is busy, and hectic, and stressful. I get it as I sometimes feel the same way, too.
But I am constantly reminded how a well-functioning home, a healthy home, one that allows you to breathe deeply and de stress, can truly 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 well-designed, high functioning home, I call it a healthy home, can changehow you live and enjoy life.
If you are ready for a change for you and your family, now is the time. Let us help in a way that best fits your needs.
Who would know this family room is filled with durable fabrics for family and pets? Dana Wolter Interiors
The majority of our projects are full room or turnkey projects, where we are involved in the beginning so we can devise a detailed plan according to your budget and implement it for you.
We specialize in new construction, beginning with the schematics (many times I am hired before an architect has put pen to paper) to hanging the last picture on the wall. We work closely with the builder and architect to make sure every detail is thought through from the beginning to the very end. Your project becomes our project.
We also offer other services for clients who need direction and help making decisions for their home, but they like to do the legwork themselves. Our one-time consult service, which I have previously mentioned before, and it is the perfect way to devise a plan tailored specifically for your home.
It has gone over really well, and the clients who have invested in this 3.5 hour meeting with me have been surprised over the amount of detail and information that comes with it. Matter of fact, I have even gone on the road -and in the air- to offer this service.
The last service we offer is Design Online. You fill out a questionnaire and send measurements of your space with “before” photos taken from each angle. We come up with a detailed plan for the particular room- from furniture layout to furniture selections to paint to fabrics to accessories- all within the budget you give and without us ever stepping into your home. You can order one or ten rooms at a time from us.
If you think we can help make your home the place you dream, why are you waiting? Email us at info@danawolterinteriors.com. Let’s talk now so we can have a plan of action in place for you by the new year.
Here’s to making your house a home, one detail at a time-
dana
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I love to write- I am a former journalism major/English minor, so writing has always been therapeutic and a way for me to share my feelings. At times in my life- especially when I was younger- it was much easier for me to express my feelings on paper than face to face.
It seems when my life speeds up, my blogging/journaling is one thing that is pushed aside. That and my upkeep- ha!
You didn’t hear from me much this summer, but I am back on track. We have lots going on at DWI that’s keeping us busy and I am most grateful for it these days.
Lots of fun, new projects in the mix I am excited to share soon, a few magazine features out in the next few months, new additions to our team, and some exciting opportunities that have come along for our firm.
Not to mention my college girl was home this summer, so to have my entire family under one roof again, was such a special treat.
My girls- Dana Wolter Interiors
Yet, out of all that is going on, one of the things I am most excited about is signing a lease on a new office space. It is in the heart of Mountain Brook Village in Birmingham, AL.
BEFORE of the space
I have resisted moving my office out of my house in recent years because I wanted to be close by for my girls. Now they are older and my business has grown to include other designers and projects across the country, it’s time to move my firm into its own space.
As my designer friend, Kriste Michelini, once told me, sometimes you have to put a plant in a bigger pot for it to grow.
Let’s hope this plant grows like crazy as I am excited to see what the future holds.
I love Birmingham, and particularly my home of Mountain Brook, so it seemed the most logical and perfect fit when this opportunity presented itself.
Stay tuned as I share more on the progress of my new space. The proposed outside passed Design Review a few weeks ago and I am still working on what minor changes I want to make to the interior. With all that has been going on, including my mother who has been very sick this summer, I am not going to stress over hurrying into the space.
Here’s to blooming where each of us is planted-
Dana
If you have a project in your home you would like to discuss with us, email us at info@danawolterinteriors.com. We would love to hear from you.
I love all of my design projects, but one in particular hits close to home- a collaboration with my daughter on her bedroom.
StyleBlueprint recently asked if they could run a story on Ann’s bedroom that she and I created together.
Sure- I guided the process in creating the space, but this girl has great style and played a huge role in how this room came together. Ann listened to my direction and with her discerning eye, we created a room that fits her well.
Dana Wolter Interiors Graham Yelton Photography
Dana Wolter Interiors Graham Yelton Photogrpahy
Since Ann was little, she has been my shadow. She would run errands with me and anywhere I needed to go after school for work, she was along for the ride. I tell her all the time that she needs to go in business with me one day so we can work together. She has great taste, is such a hard worker, and quite frankly, I just love being with her.
I need to be careful, though, because I may just end up one day working for her. And like any other parent, I want my children to outshine me and achieve even more than I can even dream, so that would be okay, too.
Fingers crossed and dream big. Dana Wolter Interiors. Photography by Graham Yelton
Thanks to Lisa Mowry and StyleBlueprint for putting into words how I feel about my girl. Hope you enjoy reading here about the room as much as I loved collaborating on it with her.
Homes are an investment, so spend your money wisely by following these design tips.
Whether you are a building, renovating, or updating a space, there are several common mistakes I often see. They can be costly ones- either causing buyer’s remorse or worse, decisions that lower the value of your home when it is time to sell.
1. Choosing quality over quantity. Remember, it is always better to build or buy a smaller home with nicer finishes than a large one with generic ones. McMansions are a thing of the past, and as people focus on enjoying their homes, they want to enjoy some of the luxuries that can come with it. Not to mention quality lasts, where subpar has to be replaced in a few years.
2. When building or renovating, leave enough money to furnish it. Your surroundings play an important part in how you live and enjoy life, and the last thing you want to do is build an incredible home, only to live with empty rooms. I get it- you are mentally/physically exhausted, tired of spending money, and you think you will go back and finish at a later date. Life happens, bills come up, and it’s always easier (and better) to do it when you are in that mindset.
3.Buy a rug that is proportional to the room. A rug that is proportional to a room is one of the most important things you can do to ground the space, especially if it is a large room. If you don’t have the basic pieces correct in a space, the room will never feel right. It is a layer, and the layer needs to be in relation to the size of the room.
4. Before you buy, have a furniture layout in mind. This is where a professional can really make a difference, because we know what scale pieces fit a room, how much of a walkway will be left with a certain size sofa and chair, etc…. Furnishing your home is an investment, one you should enjoy for many years, so spend your money wisely the first time.
Dana Wolter Interiors Photography by Graham Yelton
5. Be patient until you can afford to purchase the right piece. A room should be enjoyed for a long time, and it is an investment. Wait until you can buy the rug you really want, or the table that speaks to you. Over many years, a few hundred dollar savings or even a thousand will not mean much over the long span of time of enjoying the piece you really want.
6. Mix up the furniture lines used throughout your home. This goes with upholstery, too. Mix old and new, etc… I am beginning to see the same upholstery line used throughout a home, and your home should never look like an ad for a showroom floor or furniture line.
Dana Wolter Interiors
Graham Yelton Photography Dana Wolter Interiors
Hope these home design tips (and mistakes to avoid) help you create a home you love. Let me know what resonates with you and what other suggestions come to mind.
Have a great day-
Dana
If you are interested in discussing how we can help with your design project, email us here. We would love to talk with you.
P.S. I often post pictures on other social media formats that are not seen on my blog. To follow along, click below:
We’ve been working on a new project for a cute couple with school-aged children. This is their forever home, but right now this recently purchased property doesn’t feel very special to them.
They’ve hired us to completely redo the furnishings in the foyer, living room, family room, dining room, breakfast room, and playroom. We are adding in a new front door and tongue and groove planking in the foyer. My goal is to make this house their HOME and a place to watch their children grow and make memories. It sits on a wonderful piece of property, and is perfect for a family with growing children.
When we first sat down, my client had a stack of pictures for me to see. I loved hearing what she liked about each and what grabbed her attention. She likes a collection of antiques mixed with new pieces. A collected, layer look, which is what I love to create.
My client is drawn to the look of Steve and Brooke Gianetti’s Patina Farm, which you can also see in more detail from a feature in Veranda several months back. The rooms we are creating need to carry them through for many years, but that doesn’t mean they will be boring or predictable.
We are creating some edge through a layering of fabric textures, custom furniture, and a few upholstered pieces I am designing for specific spaces.
Dana Wolter Interiors
Everyday elegance is our goal- practical and durable for life with a busy family, but sophisticated enough to enjoy with adult friends and family.
Purposeful living that is pretty, simple and sophisticated. Neutral fabrics with touches of tan and soft blues and grays.
Fabrics selected for the upholstery and drapes in the living room. Dana Wolter Interiors
Close up of an alpaca fabric going on an occasional chair in the living room
This house is going to transform- and in a big way. We presented all of the spaces last week so we begin ordering very soon.
It is going to be beautiful and I look forward to installing in a few months. We will keep you posted on its progress.
Have a great day, everyone-
Dana
If you have a project in your home you would like to discuss with us, email us at info@danawolterinteriors.com. We would love to hear from you.
