The foyer is the first impression of your home when someone walks in, so I thought it would be fun to give you 5 ideas to create an inviting one. After all, whether family or a visitor, you want your guests to feel welcome.
We recently began working on a new project and the entryway is one of the rooms that is part of the design. It is a beautiful home and we are also making sure this home has the one thing I mention here.
As I was assessing the best way to soften the entryway and make it look like the family has lived there for some time, here are some tips I incorporated.
5 tips to making a great first impression in your foyer:
1. Add some sort of seating to soften the space.
When there is room, I always try to add some sort of seating to a foyer. It is a great way to soften a space while allowing a place to put on your shoes as you walk out the door.
Foyer Ideas, Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
A gorgeous entryway by McAlpine Booth and Ferrier
2. Personalize the space
Add a favorite piece of artwork, a frame with a family photo- anything that makes the foyer special to you.
Artwork by my daughter (that I love) personalizes the entrance into my office, Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
Foyer decor personalizes the home, Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
3. Make the space functional
Make the space useful with hidden storage or a tray to catch your keys.
Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
4. Include something green such as flowers or a plant.
5. Layer the space with accessories to create dimension and to make it look like it has been collected over time.
An inviting entrance sets the tone for your home, Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
So, what does your foyer say about your home? Does it set the tone and catch your eye, or is it a “catch-all” area you want to hurry your guests through? If we can help you create a home you love, email us HERE.
Have a great day, and cheers to your foyer making a great, first impression.
Dana
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I’ve always been proud of how our designs change how people live- because they do. I’ve seen time and time again how a beautiful, well-functioning home can add to the quality of a family’s life and save them from costly mistakes.
While the reason we do what we do hasn’t changed, we gave it a name in early 2017. We added to our Vision Statement “To change people’s lives through the art of Living Well in their home.”
So, in keeping with Living Well in my own life, I thought it would be fun to look back at what 2017 held for me. Here is a recap- the good and the bad- that took place.
We began the year opening my new office in Mountain Brook, AL. I kept my office in my home for several years to stay close to my children, but now that they are older and my team has grown, it was time to move out. We are now in the heart of Mountain Brook Village, so still close to my own home which I love.
BEFORE of the space
AFTER:
Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
January also included installing our #DiamondsOfDesign vignette for the AmericasMart market in Atlanta, GA. It was their 60th anniversary and to celebrate, they had 10 designers from across the country create spaces based upon a style icon from the past 60 years.
Dana Wolter Interiors, photo courtesy of AmericasMart
Designers from across the Southeast were asked to participate in this showhouse, and we loved being included. The house is a James Means’ creation where his designs were based upon Classicism and craftsmanship. The renovation/addition was by Yong Pak of Pak Hyde & Associates.
Here are a few pictures from our Mudroom photographed by Emily Followill:
March came with a family trip to The Ritz Carlton St. Thomas for spring break. It was a much needed break, and the fresh air and scenery were exactly what I needed.
We were thrilled to learn in early April that we were a Finalist for the 2017 ADAC and Veranda Southeast Residential Designer Of The Year award.
Though we didn’t win, it was a fun few days celebrating and catching up with design friends.
Talking with my friend, Arianne Nardo, of The Editor At Large
Rebecca and me heading to the awards’ ceremony
2017 also included publications of our work. We loved this feature here in Charlotte’s Peachy Magazine featuring one of our designs from years’ past. It’s an example that good design doesn’t go out of style….
Mountain Brook Magazine featured one of my favorite renovations. The backstory to this project is a feel good story for all, so be sure to read here .
StyleBlueprint did a wonderful feature on our work. You can see the article here.
I also visited New York a few times for work and for fun. I love the city and find inspiration from new sources so easily there. When I was there in July, I drove over with my friend Vicki to see the Traditional Home Hamptons’ Showhouse in July. It was filled with amazing talent and every space was gorgeous.
Vicki and I enjoying the Hampton Showhouse with Jill Waage, Traditional Home’s Editor In Chief
I can’t leave out moving TWO of my girls to college. While it is always time for them to go back to school when the time comes (and this is Lucy’s junior year), it is still emotional for me. Not sure why- because they are doing amazingly well, but I just miss them.
Mother/Daughter senior trip to the Grand Velas in May
I enjoyed showing their followers around Birmingham, AL. People are always pleasantly surprised to see how urbanized our city is and all that it offers in the Deep South.
Graham Yelton photography
We had several installations this year, and for our amazing clients, we are always grateful. Here are some pictures of a few of the homes(photography by Graham Yelton):
If you are still reading following me here on Instagram, you know I recently had hip surgery. It was a big decision for me to go through with it as I have had hip pain for over three years. Quite frankly, I just became tired of being in pain and not being able to walk long distances. It has been a rough few weeks, but every day I seem to be a little stronger. I just pray 2018 will be pain free and that I will be able to walk as far as I would like without thinking twice. I’ve learned it’s the simple things that I take for granted, like bending over to tie my shoes (I can’t do this for six weeks post op). If you see me walking into my office barefoot, you will know why.:)
And while 2017 has been a pretty good year for business and accolades, what I am most grateful for is my family. Living Well for me is enjoying my family and creating memories with them whenever I can. I recently turned an extra room in our house into a tv room, and I have loved watching all of the many movies we did over the holidays.
So here’s to Living Well in 2018, whatever your definition may be. If it includes transforming your home into one that works hard to live up to your definition, give us a shout here. We’d love to hear from you.
Fall is here and with the holidays around the corner, people are ready to make changes to their home.
If this includes you, I want to remind you about the 3.5 hour consult I offer.
While we mostly work on full room or turn-key projects, this one-time service is for the client who needs direction and help making decisions, but likes to take that information and do the legwork themselves.
It has gone over really well, and the clients who have invested in this consult with me have been surprised over the amount of detail and information that comes with it.
Matter of fact, I have helped people not only rework rooms and the types of furniture to buy for the spaces, but others have used this service to select the finishes and paint colors for homes not yet under construction.
Whatever your needs may be, you have my undivided attention to accomplish all we need to do during our time together.
Dana Wolter Interiors
Here’s how the 3.5 hour consult works:
You send a list to me of all you would like to discuss and accomplish during our time together. We make an appointment, and I will then spend 3.5 hours of uninterrupted time discussing your project. We can discuss design dilemmas, furniture arrangements, fabric swatches, paint colors, to knock down a wall or not– you name it.
The more legwork you do before our meeting in knowing what you want to accomplish, 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 detailed measurements so you won’t have to worry about coming home with the wrong size sofa, ever again.
After our meeting, you will receive notes on what was discussed and a list of the suggestions from me. This allows you to maximize your time with me while I write down all the specifics for you to implement at a later date.
This service is a great way to invest in your home by making sure what you are changing and buying is right for the space. It also allows you the freedom to work on your project as your time and budget allow, all while following professional advice.
I had one last week and the client sent me this email afterwards. She said it was fine for me to share, so here goes:
Hi Dana, I just wanted to thank you again for yesterday! As I drove home, I literally felt less stress in my body having so many decisions made that I am excited about! You offer a wonderful service and it fit my needs perfectly. I look forward to really seeing the transformation take place! Thank you again and have a great upcoming weekend!
If you think this service can help you, email us here. I would love to talk with you.
Have a great day,
dana
P.S. I post pictures on social media that don’t always make it onto my blog, so please follow along.
