A Look Back at 2016

Living Well

A Look Back at 2016

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.

mouron-foyer-watermark — FOYER-AFTER Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography

Dana Wolter Interiors Photography by Graham Yelton — FOYER-AFTER

FR Built-in. Still needing glass doors installed — 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.

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 — 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

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:

danaw_tuscaloosa_042 — AFTER- MASTER BEDROOM Dana Wolter Interiors

watermark link — 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.

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.

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.

dana wolter interior photography by Graham Yelton — 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.

fullsizerender — Stylist Buffy Hargett did an amazing job on the flowers and decoration

fullsizerender-3 — 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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Living Well

Friday Favorite

It’s been a while since I’ve posted a Friday Favorite, but I saw this image on Pinterest and I couldn’t resist.

How cool is this piece of bluestone that has been scored to work like a drain? I love the creativity and uniqueness of hiding something that is needed, and I will definitely keep this design in mind for future projects.

Have a good one,

dana

Living Well

2014, Thanks For The Memories

Goodbye 2014, Hello 2015! Do you have plans for the new year? http://mydoubleliving.blogspot.com/2015/01/goodbye-2014-hello-2015.html — Image via mydoubleliving.blogspot.com

It’s hard to believe that 2014 has come and gone. As I reflect on the past 12 months, there are so many moments to celebrate.

First and foremost, THANK YOU for being a part of such an amazing year. Thank you for sharing my work, encouraging my work, keeping up with my work, and more importantly, trusting me to come into your homes and change how your home functions for your family. I love what I do, and am blessed by your encouragement.

At the start of the 2014, my goal was to simplify. For me, that meant eliminating distractions for the essential, trading chaos for peace, and spending time doing what’s important. My favorite moments this year were spent with my family. I simplified best during our vacations together to Mexico, to the beach, and to New York. There is nothing that makes me feel better than when we are all together and away from everyday distractions.

One of my biggest accomplishments this year was being named one of Traditional Home’s Designer’s to Watch in 2014. It was a huge honor and one I am very proud to be included.

NewTradgroupshot — New Trad’s Designers To Watch in 2014

That honor led to me being a part of the Hunter Douglas/ Trad Home contest to vote for the New Trad Designer that best matched their reader’s style.

By creating “real homes for real life”, my goal has always been to blend comfort and elegance through layering textures, making the most of light, and combining modern, antique, and classic elements.

Thank you for choosing my style as the one you liked the best.

Dana_Joelle_04 — The project that won me this incredible honor- Dana Wolter Interiors

Dana_Joelle_06 — Another glimpse into it- Dana Wolter Interiors

In August, I updated my website and that was a huge feat, to say the least. We took my old one, added to it, changed it around, and uploaded a lot of new projects. It was quite a process and if you’ll remember, I compared it to birthing a baby.

Another exciting opportunity I had this fall was serving on a panel at Traditional Home’s “What’s New, What’s Now” event at the New York Design Center. Over 70 showrooms participated in the event that featured product introductions, informative lectures, and book signings. I had the privilege of joining Traditional Home Senior Design and Market Editor Tori Mellot in a panel on mixing traditional and modern design.

panel

There is a lot of talent in the city I call home, and I was honored to be featured in Birmingham Home And Garden’s, Birmingham Style, that was published in October. If you haven’t already purchased this book, do yourself a favor and buy it.

blog pic — Dana Wolter Interiors Photography by Jean Allsopp

The year ended in a wonderful way by me winning the “New Trads at Home” Pinterest Sweepstakes. Inspired by The Vulcan, I used pieces from Alabama artists and Ethan Allen to recreate a recent install.

DanaW_Monica_Oct2014_06-M — Dana Wolter Interiors

As I say goodbye to 2014 and hello to 2015, I am grateful for all the memories, and I am looking forward to what’s to come.

designer bags and dirty diapers: Goodbye 2014, Hello 2015 — Image via Designer Bags and Dirty Diapers

Please let us know if there is anything in particular you would like for us feature on the blog. After all, you are who we write for, and who we hope to inspire.

Have a great day,

Dana

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Friday Favorite- Birmingham Style Giveaway

Happy Friday!

For today’s Friday Favorite, I am sharing the must-have coffee table book, Birmingham Style, produced by Birmingham Home and Garden .

As mentioned in a previous post, this book highlights the best design in Birmingham, Alabama. There is a lot of talent in the city I call home, and I am honored to be included in this publication.

It is a collection of projects offering inspiration, ideas, and resources for readers who want to find their own style through images of beautiful homes and gardens.

Because I love this first-of-its-kind book for my city, and I know you will too, I am giving away two copies.

To enter into the drawing, you must first subscribe to my blog (if you have not already) and share this post on Instagram and/or Facebook. I will give a book away to one new subscriber and one to another person who shares this post.

Note, if you share this post and one of your friends shares it from you, not only will they be entered into the drawing, you will be entered two times. Make sure to tag me so I know the post has been shared by you. The winners will be announced next Wednesday.

Good Luck,

dana

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Living Well

Like A Good Coffee Table Book? If So, Put This One On Your List

If you are like me, you enjoy reading and being inspired by books.

I love to curl up to the latest coffee table book and there are some really good ones out there. They are also a great way to inject personality into a space by stacking and displaying them.

Thanks to Birmingham Home and Garden, Birmingham Style, will soon be at the top of my reading list. It is going to be a must-read for anyone interested in stylish living.

This hardcover coffee table book, which is due out November 1st, highlights the best designs in Birmingham with more than 200 images of architecture, interior design and gardens. Over 30 homes from the area are featured, mine being one of them.

The editors of Birmingham Home and Garden have done a great job of showcasing some really pretty spaces throughout our city, and I love they have decided to cultivate some of their favorites into this book. Below is an image I snapped of my bedroom while they were taking pictures. I cannot wait to see what made the final cut.

The living spaces in this publication range from classical architecture to cozy cottages to lofts with exquisite city views. I feel so lucky to live in a place that has such an array of beautiful homes, along with so many incredible tastemakers and trendsetters!

With all the beautiful images, you are sure to find inspiration, ideas and resources that will have your wheels turning and creative juices flowing.

Be sure to preorder yours here today, and what better way to get your holiday shopping started than by buying a few extras for all the interior stylists on your list.

Happy reading,

Dana

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Real Homes for Real People- Family Room Edition

Like most of you, this is how I spent the past few weeks.

While I loved having my girls home and enjoyed being forced to shut down for a few days, I was ready to get back to work. The warmer temperatures and sunshine have been a nice change.

One of the best parts of my job is when I am called in to make a space more functional for a family, and a good friend of mine asked me to do just that.

She has a great home in Vestavia and needed help making the family room more suitable for her growing teenagers and their friends. You may recognize a few of the other rooms in this home from the pictures below. They were published a few years ago in one of my favorite publications, Birmingham Home and Garden.

Screen shot 2012-04-23 at 1.24.16 PM — living room-courtesy of Jean Allsopp photography

dining area — kitchen banquette- Jean Allsopp photography

While I am keeping the family room a surprise until we add the last few pieces, I thought I might show you a glimpse of what we have installed already…..

I’ll share pictures of the finished room in a few weeks.

Have a great day, everyone-

Dana

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Thanks for the Article, Birmingham Home and Garden

Hi Everyone,

I hope you are having a great week.

I was excited to receive the January/February issue of Birmingham Home and Garden as there is a nice article on Jeff Dungan and me from the Antiques at The Gardens show.

They asked the Tastemakers a few personal and professional questions, and I enjoyed reading everyone’s answers. You can check out the entire edition here.

I hope the interview left you wanting to know more about how I approach each project. If so, here are few more of the questions with my answers that didn’t make it into the article.

BHG: Your work reflects casual, livable, elegance. First and foremost, your work leans towards the way your client’s live, but you do have some signature “Dana” pieces. What are some of your favorite pieces to use and why? Are they custom or purchased?

DW: I incorporate many custom-designed upholstered pieces such as banquettes, sofas, screens, dining tables, and ottomans into my interiors. My interiors are not shiny or trendy, and these type of pieces add uniqueness and subtle detail to a room.

Many designers can create a pretty home. I try to take my work a step further and create a pretty home that can change how a family lives.

BHG: When taking on a new client, what are some clues you look for to help determine their hopes for the project?

DW: A home is most likely the largest investment made in a lifetime, and any improvements should only increase its value.

Communication Is Key.

When taking on a new client, it is important they are as comfortable with me as I am with them. There has to be open dialogue and trust for the end result to be the desired outcome.

Have a Budget in Mind.

I won’t take on a project without knowing a budget. It is extremely important from day one for all to have an understanding of what the budget can buy so the design process can evolve accordingly.

Show Me Anything You Can to Convey Your Taste.

Communication is key, and as they say, pictures are worth a thousand words. I love walking into a client meeting and being handed a notebook full of pictures that inspire them. Pictures, whether of certain rooms or landscapes or colors or artwork, give me great insight into what can sometimes be difficult to communicate.

BHG: You work on a lot of family homes. What are your five family-friendly go-to fabrics/ finishes / furniture?

DW: Leather, velvets, waxed woods, natural stones, and crusty antiques only look better with age and a little wear and tear. When choosing fabrics for upholstery, I emphasize to my clients it isn’t just the color of the fabric that matters, but more importantly, its content.

BHG: What are your favorite two coffee table books and or design books in your collection?

DW: I am constantly reading personally and professionally, so it is hard to say my favorites. I love Kelly Hoppen’s Interiors, Axel Vervoordt’s Timeless Interiors, and John Saladino’s Style by Saladino.

Thanks again, BHG!

dana

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Memorable Monday

Hi Everyone,

For today’s Memorable Monday, I decided to share several pictures from a photo shoot taken a few years ago for Birmingham Home and Garden. If you aren’t familar with this publication, check it out as it is a good one!

These pictures were taken at a home that was featured in the ten year anniversary issue. It graced the cover of the very first issue and they decided to visit it again for this milestone. Thanks to the talented Chris Carter of Christopher Glenn for helping us with the styling of the flowers.

Hope you have a Memorable Monday!

Living Well

One of Birmingham’s Finest

Remember the photo shoot I mentioned a few weeks ago for Birmingham Home & Garden Magazine? Well, the issue is out, and it’s a good one!

The house I am working on is stunning (note the cover above), and its architecture is an incredible piece of Birmingham history. This is why it was chosen for the very first issue of Birmingham Home and Garden ten years ago. It was the magazine’s very first feature.

In the current 10th anniversary issue, readers get a view into the home as it is now. When the photographs were taken (see my blog entitled “Photo Shoot”), we had only been working on the home for three weeks — and, boy, did we install a lot in that time frame! (Check out the custom window treatments, new paint colors, rugs, and L-shaped sofa under the stairwell.) Thank goodness we have such wonderful workrooms who worked so hard to help us to meet the deadline for the shoot!

And if you think the house looks great in the magazine, give us a few months because the design process is still in the works. The home is being transformed! When we are finished, this house is really going to reflect the gracious, young family who calls it home, while still maintaining the integrity of one of Birmingham’s finest.

For a look, buy your copy now!

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