Is Our One-Time 3.5 Hour Consult For You?

Living Well

Is Our One-Time 3.5 Hour Consult For You?

While my firm works mostly on full room or full home interior design projects, we will periodically offer a few spots for a one time 3.5 hour consult.

This service is for the client who needs direction and help making decisions with their home but wants to implement the suggestions on their own as their budget and time allow.

It has gone over really well in the past, as I have had several people fly in, drive over or even Facetime with me for this consult.

Dana Wolter Interior Design — Dana Wolter Interiors

Here’s how the 3.5 hour consult works:

We will have you send a list of what you would like to discuss and accomplish during our time together. During our appointment, I will then spend 3.5 hours of uninterrupted time going through your list and answering questions.

We can discuss design dilemmas, furniture arrangements, fabric direction, paint colors, to knock down a wall or not– you name it!

I’ve also had people use this service to select the all of the finishes for a new build.

The more legwork you do before our meeting in knowing what you would like to cover, the more productive our time will be together. We will make a Pinterest board with specifics of what to look for when shopping for your home, and I will take measurements so you won’t have to worry about coming home with the wrong size sofa, ever again.

People who have invested in this consult have been surprised over the amount of detail and information that comes from it.

Matter of fact, I recently saw a client who hired me a few years ago to help her with the finishes, colors, materials, furniture layout, etc for a family lakehouse under construction.

I couldn’t help but smile as she proudly showed me pictures of the finished product. They don’t have furniture yet, but the house turned out so pretty. She did a great job implementing my suggestions for building their vacation home.

Traditional Home Kitchen, Dana Wolter Interiors — A beautiful kitchen project as seen in Traditional Home, Dana Wolter Interiors

If you think this service can help you transform your home, inquire about it here. I would love to talk with you.

Have a great day-

dana

P.S. To see more of what we do on a day to day basis, click to follow along…

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Living Well

DWI Named Finalist For The Southeast Residential Designer Of The Year

2019 Southeast Designer of The Year Nominees Announced

We are thrilled to share the exciting news that DWI is a finalist in the Southeast Residential Designer Of The Year award.

Sponsored by ADAC and Veranda magazine, this award spans a 10-state region, and we are honored to be included for the third year in a row.

Birmingham, Alabama Interior Design Office of Dana Wolter Interiors — Dana Wolter Interiors, Birmingham, AL, Graham Yelton Photography

Not only are we humbled to be among such a distinguished group, we are proud to be a vessel to spotlight our fabulous city of Birmingham, AL. If you need a few recommendations of my favorite places to eat and shop in town, contact me here.

Dana Wolter Interior Design, Located in Birmingham, AL. Photo by Graham Yelton

“The South is an epicenter for stylish design, and this year’s Southeast Designers and Architect of the Year Awards’ entrants prove the region’s influence on architecture and interior design is not to be overlooked,” said Steele Marcoux, Editor in Chief of VERANDA magazine. “I feel honored – and inspired – to have been a part of this process!”

Our sincere thanks to the judges, Steele Marcoux, Bunny Williams, and Roger Seifter, for noticing our work. These esteemed judges are well-known in the design community and for their discerning eyes to highlight our work is an honor.

Stay tuned as we will keep you posted on social media. The award ceremony is April 25th and our entire team will be together to celebrate.

Have a great day-

Dana

To see what we are doing on a regular basis, click here…

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Living Well

Welcome to Birmingham-Traditional Home Instagram Takeover

If you love Instagram as much as I do, be sure to follow along with us this weekend as I take over Traditional Home’s Instagram feed later today.

Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography

I am excited to share pictures of my weekend and show you around my hometown of Birmingham, AL. People are always pleasantly surprised to see how urbanized our city is and all that it offers in the Deep South.

Birmingham, AL, the “Magic City.” Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography

I am going to share a few of my favorite places to eat, shop, and relax around town. You can see my Instagram account here and can follow along on Traditional Home’s account here.

Stop by and say hello. I’d love to hear from you-

Dana

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Living Well

Progress With #ProjectExpansion

We’ve made lots of progress with #ProjectExpansion, and in more ways than one.

The babies are here, and they are gorgeous. And perfect. And big!

As you recall, I have been busy working on a home renovation/addition here in Mountain Brook, Al, for a couple that recently gave birth to two babies within five weeks of one another.

Yes, this is possible, and if you aren’t familiar with their story, it is a good one. If you are needing to smile, be sure to read the entire story here.

We began working on this project in June. The house was gutted and a master suite, laundry room, and screened-in porch have been added onto it. Pete Pritchard was the architect and we worked closely deciding the layout, details and finishes throughout the home.

I was grateful for the trust this couple put in me, as they took some risks that were hard to visualize AND added to the budget. These additions paid off, with an incredible end result.

They are moving this week, so our office has been busy ordering bathroom mirrors, marking cabinet hardware, checking on furniture shipments, etc….It has been a lot of fun working on this project, and I kind of feel like I am birthing a baby as well.

So much of myself goes into my projects, and I can’t wait to see this family of four begin to make memories in their new home.

Here is a glimpse of some of the cabinetry and hardware.

Cabinets are gorgeous and what a difference true custom cabinets make in a home. No filler pieces- they are truly made to fit the space like a glove. I love it!

Here is a sneak peek of how my cabinet guy took my vision for a few areas and turned them into reality:

Kitchen Before:

Kitchen After:

Family Room Before:

Family Room After:

FR Built-in. Still needing glass doors installed on the sides Dana Wolter Interiors

Stay tuned as I share more of the “after” pictures over the next few weeks. As always, if you are planning on building a new home -or doing a major renovation to your current one- email us at info@danawolterinteriors.com. We would love to discuss helping you turn your dream home into a reality.

Have a great day, everyone-

Dana

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Give Away What You Don’t Love Or Use, But If We MUST Keep, How To Display Your Clutter

Summer is here and I find myself cleaning. Cleaning out drawers, wiping down drawers, etc… Makes me happy!

And while I preach to throw away or give away things that you don’t love or are not using, I know there are times when you want to keep certain things just to keep.

I thought I would rerun this post from a few years ago on how to display your ~~clutter~~ stuff ……. Here goes….

Dana

The holidays are over, and who isn’t looking for a few ways to declutter their home? It’s easy to discard the items you don’t use, but what about the knick knacks you love and want to display?

Do your “special” items look like a pile of mess to others? If so, what should you do?

Create a few vignettes in your home.

Start with your big items, such as the painting, sconces, lamps, and urn in this picture. Next, stagger your accessories throughout, making sure you balance out each side. Notice how they did not forget the space under the console.

vignette katiedid — http://katie-d-i-d.blogspot.com/

What a great job they did of taking family keepsakes, which, after all, make a house a home, and displaying them in a beautiful way.

How about adding in a few of your personal items when entertaining? At this client’s home, instead of just setting out her china and everyday, we decided to mix it up a bit.

Speaking of entertaining……

What do you do for all of the silver and crystal you have crammed into your cabinets?

Display it as we did in this client’s home. Here, we mixed in some of her silver pieces with her crystal and pottery. Everything has its place, and it is beautiful!

jean allsopp kinnet kitchen 017 — photo courtesy of jean allsopp

When creating a focal point, whether it is a vignette or glass cabinet, don’t forget to layer and add different textures.

MonicaStewart24 — from dana wolter interiors

So, the key is to make the space your own by displaying your items in a neat, organized way.

Even when there is a family pet involved- such as the frog for this family- can you display it in a clever way.

Living Well

Five Ways To Update A Room (Without Breaking The Bank)

Last week, I had the opportunity to do live segment for ABC3340’s “Talk of Alabama“. It’s been several months since I have taped a design segment, and I forgot how much I enjoy it. It was a lot of fun!

In case some of you are wanting a quick overview of what I discussed, here are a few of the tips I shared.

And guess what?! The first two suggestions are won’t cost you a dime!

1. Clean out. I am a big believer that if you are not using or don’t love something, get rid of it. Life is too short to surround yourself with things that you don’t love or enjoy. You’ll be amazed at how much better a space looks when clutter is contained.

2. Arrange a new floor plan. After you clean out, access how your room flows. If it doesn’t seem right, move your furniture around and create a new arrangement. Your room will feel like a new one when you do this, and hopefully the space will function better for you and your family (which is always the goal!!).

3. Paint. This seems so simple but it’s truly the best and most economical way to make a big impact. Color is hot right now, so consider going bold in a small room or space.

4. Add sheers. I love sheers because of the texture they provide, and Iuse them in quite a few of my projects. Regardless of the price point of the fabric, you’ll save money by not having to line them, and usually the labor is much less, too. Sheers are perfect for the window with a gorgeous view, but just needs some softness around it.

5. Accessorize. Buy new pillows, artwork or a throw. These tend to be easy ways to completely change the look of a room.

Watch the segment below as there are a few more specifics not listed above (make sure you notice the beautiful pillows Suite Dreams in Mountain Brook let us borrow!).

Let me know what you think as I would love to hear from you!

Have a good one-

Dana

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Don’t Forget To Vote- Pinterest Sweepstakes

To those of you who have voted in the Traditional Home/ Ethan Allen Pinterest sweepstakes I posted last week, thank you.

As you recall, I based my board on the room below that I designed for a family.

Please continue to vote thru December 20th, and you can do so at http://newtradsweeps.com/.

Each vote enters you in for a chance to win a $2,500 gift certificate from Ethan Allen. The more you vote, the better your chances to win, and nothing would make me happier than for one of my supporters to win a nice gift card!

Thank you for your support and let me know if you are the lucky winner!

dana

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A New Project Is Beginning!

I am excited to be working on a renovation in Mountain Brook, AL, and the talented Louis Nequette of Dungan Nequette has drawn the plans for the couple. Louis is a well-known architect across the country, but if you haven’t seen his work, click here. I am honored to be partnering with him and look forward to seeing this project progress.

The house is French in style and was built about 10 years ago. There are some exciting changes in store for this home, and one of my favorite transformations is in the kitchen.

Here is a sneak peek of Louis’ vision for it.

Kuester-kitchen-02-07-14 copy — Drawing by Louis Nequette

Who doesn’t love a great sketch- and a great kitchen, right?!

Originally, the kitchen was very modern in design and you can see from Louis’ drawing that he is bringing it more in line with the architecture of the home. It reminds me a little of a French bistro with the marble countertops and walls, custom marble/iron shelving, glass cabinetry, and the incredible view into a quaint courtyard.

This house will be filled with beautiful finishes and details throughout, and I am excited to begin sharing this project with you.

Stay tuned as I keep you informed on the progress….

Dana

Also, please take a second and vote here for the New Trad designer’s style you like best. It is quick and easy, only takes a second, and I hope you will vote for us. Every time you cast a vote, you enter a chance to win $1,000 from Hunter Douglas. $1,000!! Voting ends soon- July 17th.

If you would like to see more on a day to day basis of what we do at DWI, join us! We would love to meet you!!

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Living Well

Remodel of a Bungalow

For the past year and a half, I have been working on an addition/remodel of a bungalow in Homewood, a quaint suburb of Birmingham. Yes, good planning takes time! The homeowner, architect, and myself have tried to think of every detail in creating a custom home in this renovation. Here are a few before photos:

We have customized this home by incorporating natural materials and by using wood in unique ways (such as planking on the walls). Classic finishes- such as marble, limestone, waxed wood- stand the test of time….

Here are a few pictures of how the home is progressing…..

These are just a few of the materials we have incorporated into this project. The big slab of limestone is for the kitchen island and the other palette makes up the master bath. My favorite though may be the jib door in the kitchen that leads to the pantry. Seeing a vision come to life is quite gratifying, and I can’t wait for the final product!

{photos taken with my iPhone, a photographer I am not}

Have a great day, everyone!

Dana

Living Well

Decorating For The Holidays

I think I am finally ready for Christmas as my house is decorated and my to-do list is ALMOST complete. I guess that is a good thing since Christmas is only two days away!

While I love all of the pretty things you see this time of year, I am really trying to simplify my life to remember why I am celebrating. Less is more in my book these days.

Here are some pictures of a few of the decorations found around my home:

christmas2011-5 — ann is busy making a moss wreath

christmas2011tree1-1024x764 — this year's christmas tree after it fell over TWICE!

DSC_0417-1024x682 — boxwood wreaths decorate the front door

And for my three favorite decorations of all……

Merry Christmas from our family to yours

I am taking a few days off after Christmas, so this will be my last post until 2012. Have a wonderful holiday and enjoy your family.

Dana

Living Well

Lunch With A Friend

I had the nicest lunch on Friday with Paula Coldiron from the lifestyle blog, Two Ellie.

If you have not read it, check Two Ellie out as it is a good one! Paula is a stay at home mom and has made quite a name for herself in the blog world. I am honored to call her a friend as she is as kind and genuine as she comes across in her writing. Here are a few pictures from her recent posts:

pcwreat2pic — collage from a recent Christmas post

vest_side — i ADORE this piece she posted from jarbo wear

When you have a minute, look at Paula’s blog and let me know what you think. Have a good one-

Dana

Living Well

Fun Fall Trends

My segment on fall trends for the home is airing TODAY, October 19th, on NBC-13 Daytime Alabama at 11:30 AM. I have to say, I adore this season’s looks! If I had to sum it up in one word, I’d say — lush!

Here’s a preview for what’s in for fall 2011:

1. Brass — It’s back! Whether it’s lacquered or unlacquered, this is not your 70s flashback. The shapes are uber-modern, and the color is rich and refined. I’m also loving bronze right now — see the large handle below.

2. Driftwood — The gorgeous shape and color of wood touched by the sea is showing up in homes all over. It acts almost like a piece of sculpture, and I’ve found some amazing accessories made out of it. What better way to bring a bit of nature into your home, while still keeping it chic? Check out the chandelier below to see what I mean…

dana fall trends — unhung chandelier made from driftwood

The wall below makes a bold statement, but check out the crafty yet chic driftwood lamp next to it. Driftwood in the home is definitely a trend, so a little goes a long way.

3. Colors — We saw a lot of turquoise last spring and summer, but as it cools off, the deeper hue, teal, is popping up in its place, and it is beautiful! I especially love it as an accent with warmer neutrals and even grays…. Other colors to pair with gray are the softer purples that I’ve been talking about, as well as eggplant.

Here is a great example of grays and purples by Susan Ferrier:

Another color that is a must for 2011 — saffron!

4. Wool — As far as materials go for fall, wool cannot be beat. Softer wool is making its way into homes and fashion this season. The look is draping, feminine, and sophisticated. In homes, it is being used as upholstery as well as on pillows, rugs, and throws.

Tune in tomorrow to NBC-13 — that’s Friday, October 7th– for more on these amazing fall trends!

Living Well

Falling for Gourds

Summer is to flowers as fall is to…gourds! Take inspiration from the colors and shapes of the season’s harvest to add that extra something to your home.

I love the grays, blues, and creamy white color of the season’s mix. Here are a few arrangements I’ve been playing with recently:

For a few tips on how to create these arrangements, watch my segment on NBC – 13 Daytime Alabama:

Dana Wolter, Floral Arrangements….

Living Well

Floral Arrangements for the Shoot

One thing that made the photo shoot I mentioned in my previous post so much fun — and the rooms that much more exquisite — were the beautiful flower arrangements created by Chris Carter of Christopher Glenn. Take a look…

Living Well

Photo Shoot

I have been working hard the past three weeks on an exciting new project!

It’s an incredible, historical house in Birmingham — home to a fun, young family — and they hired me to work on the interiors of a few rooms. Interestingly, as we began the project, Cathy Johnson, editor of Birmingham Home and Garden Magazine, called. It turns out this house appeared in the magazine’s first issue, and she wanted to feature it again for the upcoming 10th anniversary issue!

While the rooms are not complete due to the quick deadline, I was pleased with how it looked for the shoot. If it looks this beautiful with a few pieces we plan on replacing, imagine how it will look when everything is installed! While I cannot share the final photos until the article is published, I do want to give you a little preview.

me with the girls who live there -- aren't they cute?!

cathy helping with placement for the angle of the shot

Thanks, as always, to Cathy and Jean Allsopp Photography!

Living Well

Portfolio Peek!

Below is the home of my client and dear friend. I am pleased to announce some of these photos recently appeared, much to my delight, in the March 2011 issue of Birmingham Home and Garden. A big thanks to Jean Allsopp Photography for allowing me to post!

I had so much fun designing this house, and I think it shows — enjoy the peek!

: breakfast nook

MonicaStewart11 — child-friendly family room

living space — does it get any cozier than this?

Living Well

What If a Tornado Hit Your Town?

As you’ve seen on the news – or perhaps firsthand – many areas of Alabama and surrounding states were devastated by tornadoes on April 27, 2011. One of the places most devastated was my hometown of Tuscaloosa. Some areas are barely recognizable; pictures of the damage do not do it justice.

Thankfully, thousands of people have literally come to the rescue, and the design world is not an exception. Candy Silvasy of the website, Art of the Spa (@theartofthespa), and Leslie Carothers, at The Kaleidoscope Parnership (@tkpleslie), joined together to host a tweet-a-thon fundraiser. For every retweet of the Tornado Aid Magazine, $5 was donated to the Salvation Army, who is doing a wonderful job helping victims in the affected states. I am honored to say that I, along with Schumacher fabrics (@Schumacher1889) and The Century House (@TheCenturyHouse), sponsored this event.

Below are a few pictures I took of the destruction. It is an odd feeling to drive down a road I have driven all of my life and unsure where a landmark used to be.

Candy and Leslie were also kind enough to ask me for my personal account of the tragedy for the online magazine, as they knew I have family in Tuscaloosa, and my hometown is dear to my heart. After you go to www.twitter.com and RT the link to the Resource Guide (Tornado Aid Magazine) with the #TornadoAid tag, click here to read what I had to say about my account of this horrible day (page 6): ISSUU

Thanks for doing your part to help those in need!