Holiday Gift Guide for the Man in Your Life

Living Well

Holiday Gift Guide for the Man in Your Life

With the holidays around the corner, we have put together a gift guide for that “hard to buy for” man in your life. We’ve included some of our favorite things and the prices range from $25 to $395.

1. Jack Spade “Norton” Watch $398 You can’t go wrong with a classic watch. This one is perfect for everyday wear and a great staple piece to add to your man’s collection. Buy here.

2. Areaware Geometric Whiskey Rocks $35 The perfect addition to your whiskey drinker’s bar. These cubes keep your drink cold without diluting it and they look good in the glass! Buy here.

3. Filson Twill Duffle Bag $395 Whether he is a weekend vacationer or business traveler, this is the bag for him. American-made from Filson’s water repellant twill, it’s meant to be timeless and long lasting. Buy here.

4. Peter Millar Leather Trim Quarter Zip Pullover $225 Perfect for everyday wear! Made from merino wool, you know this sweater will be comfy, and the leather trim adds a great masculine touch. Buy here.

5. S’well Stainless Steel Water Bottle $35 If he’s always on the go, this is the gift for him. The S’well bottle keeps his water cold for up to 24 hours, or coffee hot for 12! Buy here.

6. Fitbit ‘Alta’ Wireless Fitness Tracker $129.95 A newer take on the ever popular Fitbit, this one wirelessly syncs to your smartphone or computer to track your fitness, sleep, training, and more. Buy here.

7. ‘Food & Beer” Book $49.95 For the foodie in your life, this book features 60 recipes and the beer to pair with them. Buy here.

8. Patagonia Water Repellent Down Jacket $229 A classic jacket that is practical, too. Every man can use a staple like this one in his closet! Buy here.

9. Blundstone Chelsea Boot $174.95 Dress them up or dress them down, they are the perfect boot for everyday wear. With a reputation for comfort and durability, your man will thank you for these! Buy here.

10. Malin + Goetz $25.03-$125.73 Shaving cream that is heavy on the hydrating side! Full of vitamin E, this shaving cream soothes and protects even the most sensitive, dry skin. Buy here.

Hope you find this holiday gift guide helpful! Let me know what you end up selecting..

Dana

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Holiday Gift Guide for the “Hard To Buy” Lady In Your Life

Most of my female friends are the ones doing the shopping for their family, but what’s wrong with purchasing a treat for yourself or giving an idea or two to someone who needs to buy a gift for you?

While some are necessities and others are big splurges, I varied the price points from $17.99 to $950 so there is truly something for everyone.

And yes, I LOVE all of them, so if you are looking for a present for someone like me, take note and make your shopping easy……

1. See by Chloe ‘Janis’ Bootie $450 We all need a go-to bootie in our closet. This one is the perfect combination of casual, with a dressier edge from the gold studs and stacked heel. These will become your favorite little black boot. Buy here.

2. Tata Harper Skincare Resurfacing Mask $58 It seems like everyone is always looking for that one skincare product that will make you glow. This one does exactly that! The easy to use mask gets rid of dull skin cells to leave your face soft and clean. Buy here.

3. Franny E Semiprecious Stone Cuff $224 We love this simple, layering cuff! The abnormal shape gives it a delicate edge, which is on trend now. Buy here.

4. ‘Cravings’ Cookbook $17.99 Is the lady in your life a cook? If so, this gift is for her. Full of user-friendly recipes for the family, parties, and more, the range of recipes are sure to please everyone. Worth getting just to read through–Chrissy’s life (and cooking) tips will having you laughing throughout the whole process. Buy here.

5. Burberry Reversible Merino Wool Cape $950 A splurge worthy gift, this cape will become a new staple in her closet. The timeless Burberry check, that is reversible, makes for an easy outfit to throw on and go. Buy here.

6. UGG ‘Cheyenne’ Cashmere Robe $348 Everyone needs that one perfect robe to cozy up in! This cashmere one is just that and the shawl collar and ribbed trim add a more fashionable touch, too. Buy here.

7. Elizabeth and James ‘Langley’ Pebbled Leather Backpack $296.98 (Was $495!) Whether it’s being used for work, a super chic diaper bag, or just for fun, this backpack is a great grab and go bag for any lifestyle. Buy here.

8. Zestt Organic Cotton Throw $88 A simple throw is an easy way to add warmth and comfort to a room. This one comes in a variety of great colors bound to suit any space. Buy here.

9. Dior ‘Reflected’ 52mm Sunglasses $450 We are still seeing the aviator everywhere, and these glasses are the perfect take on a chicer version of the classic. The matte brown is ideal for everyday wear. Buy here.

10. Stella McCartney ‘Falabella’ Faux Leather Pouch $425 A simple clutch is a great way to simplify your everyday purse. It makes it easy to run around with and will hold just the necessities! We love how this one has some edge with the chain detail, perfect for transitioning from day to night. Buy here.

11. Jo Malone London Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne $65-$130 Finding an everyday scent that is not too overpowering can be a task. Jo Malone is one of the best at creating delicate, elegant scents that can be worn from day to day, and this one is a favorite. It is the perfect combination of fresh and woodsy. Buy here.

12. Beyond Yoga Colorblock Capris $99 Is the lady in your life looking for that one thing to help push her to the gym? Or is she the type of girl who likes to run her errands in workout clothes? If so, these leggings are a versatile option. She won’t be able to resist wearing these adorable color block leggings. Buy here.

Hope you found this list helpful for the women you are shopping for (or yourself)! Let us know what you end up purchasing.

dana

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Holiday Gift Guide for your Teenage/College Girl

Friends ask me all the time for Christmas ideas for my teenage and college girls. It’s difficult, as they are pretty particular. With their gifts costing more -meaning less is under the tree- I have tried to find things I know they and other girls 15 and up can use and enjoy. The price points vary from $14 to $890, so there is truly something for everyone.

1. BLANKNYC ‘Morning’ Suede Moto Jacket $188 Every girl needs a moto jacket in their wardrobe and I love the suede take on this one. The wine color is perfect for the holiday season(and on trend for this season) and the details give it a stylish, edgy look. Buy here.

2. Longchamp ‘Le Pliage’ Expandable Travel Bag $255 The perfect bag for spending the night out or weekend trips! This overnight bag expands to twice it’s size to suit any length of stay. Buy here.

3. BP. Velvet Choker $14 Chokers continue to be a big trend! We love this velvet version because it’s great for layering with other pieces or for wearing alone. Buy here.

4. Cambridge Audio ‘G2’ Mini Portable Bluetooth Speaker $149.99 For the teenage girl that is always listening to music. This bluetooth speaker has a touch of edge with the gold finish, and it’s great for taking with her wherever she goes. Buy here.

5. Bobbi Brown ‘Bobbi’s Beauty Book’ Eye, Cheek, & Lip Palette $76 (Was $95) A palette is a great way to pair down your makeup and makes taking it with you on-the-go so simple! This one includes everything you need with six eye shadows, a bronzer/blush duo, mascara, lip gloss, and brushes. Buy here.

6. Bose SoundSport In-Ear Wireless Headphones $149.95 Whether she uses them for working out, studying, or just listening to music, these headphones are sweat resistant and wireless. A fun and practical way to up her headphone game! Buy here.

7. Tory Burch ‘Robinson’ Slim Saffiano Leather Card Case $85 A card case is an easy solution to keeping the necessities with you wherever you are. Perfect to slide in a backpack or small clutch, it will hold just what you need! Buy here.

8. Chloe ‘Mini Marcie’ Leather Crossbody Bag $890 Crossbody bags continue to be all the rage, and this is a great step up from the standard one. The cute curved shape is a change from the traditional rectangle. This one is a classic, an investment piece she can keep for years! Buy here.

9. Steve Madden ‘Ecntrcv’ Slip-On Sneaker $59.95 A shoe that embodies two of the season’s hottest trends-velvet and sneakers! We love this take on the slip-on sneaker. The velvet adds a chic, lush flare. Buy here.

Hope this helps when shopping for your teenage girls. Let me know what you select for the teenage/young adult girl in your life.

dana

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Update On My Office Space

As I wrote here, I am moving my office to the heart of Mountain Brook Village in Birmingham, AL, in a few weeks, and thought I would give you an update.

Lots of exciting changes have been happening. Hardwood floors have been put down and waxed in the front room, built-ins were added to a hallway and the entire space has been painted.

Fabrics and colors for the front room- Dana Wolter Interiors

I am tweaking the exterior a little, and I thought I would share a peek. My paint color scheme has changed from the picture, but you can see where I am going with this….

The inside consists of basically two rooms connected by a hallway. I see the front room serving as a meeting room, and I want it to feel like you are walking into a warm, inviting living room to visit a friend. Something pretty from the street but functional for my firm’s needs. Here is a “Before” picture of the space:

AFTER of the Hallway. Doors aren’t hung here, but once they are, this space becomes hidden storage.

There is a bar area in the back room. I opened it up and replaced the countertop and faucet. I love this Kallista one given to me as a gift, and it can be purchased from Ferguson in Birmingham, AL.

I am thrilled to be in the heart of Mountain Brook Village. I love being from the South, and I am especially proud to call it home. There are so many positive changes taking place in Mountain Brook and in the city of Birmingham, so stay tuned to some exciting things happening here.

My office project has been a slow process because it has taken a back seat to my client’s projects. It looks like the construction will be finished in the next week or so, and we will be moving shortly after. I will keep you posted on the finished space.

Have a great day-

dana

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A Different Kitchen (AKA- A Nonwhite One)

Recently, I blogged about a kitchen here that I designed that is featured now in the Holiday issue of Traditional Home. I love that not only was it custom designed specifically for my client, but that it is a gray kitchen versus a white one like you are seeing everywhere.

Don’t get me wrong- I love a white kitchen because they are clean, classic, and on trend. I recently painted my own a version of this palette and I am enjoying it.

But when I am able to start from scratch and create a space you won’t see in any other house, I am all over making it unique. After all, that is why clients hire us- to give them a space that is classic enough to stand the test of time, but one that is custom and special and different than their neighbor’s.

I kept the colors soft to suit the owners and their style, so I chose Sherwin Williams “Crushed Ice” for the cabinetry and walls. The kitchen is light and airy without having to be white.

color-swatch — Sherwin William’s Crushed Ice

It’s hard to tell from these photographs but we played with the Crushed Ice color. I watered down the color on the wood walls but used the same color in full formula for the cabinets. This kitchen had many details that added warmth and contrast to the design, while remaining bright and airy.

Even though the cabinetry and walls were light, the countertops were a great place to add warmth. The dark soapstone really stood out in this space and helped marry the darker island base. Soapstone is a forgiving material, so it was perfect for this type of workspace. The island countertop is Mystery White marble, and this “clean” material was fitting for this somewhat formal-feeling kitchen.

dana wolter interior photography by Graham Yelton — dana wolter interiors – photography by Graham Yelton

The French white oak floors from Bois Chamois are not only beautiful, but practical as well. With two dogs in the house, they are scratch resistant and won’t show dog hair. The waxed finish keeps the color light, but its gray tones blend into the rest of the kitchen.

dana wolter interiors - photography by Graham Yelton — dana wolter interiors – photography by Graham Yelton

The warm gray charcoal finish on the white-oak island base added contrast, as well as a touch of formality with it’s soft lines and reeded cabinet doors. It became a grounding piece against the lighter cabinets and wood floor.

Classic details, such as mixing metals in the light fixtures and hardware, softly added more warmth through these layers. Keeping these details refined and purposeful is one of the best ways to create a tasteful space.

And, as always, if we can help turn your home into one you think you can only dream about, reach out to us here. We would love to hear from you-

dana

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Stop Dreaming And Start Designing Your Home For The Holidays

Is your home holiday ready (can you believe I am even asking?!)?

If not, no worries- there is still time! You still have a few months to pull it together.

Are you stuck, knowing your home could look and feel so much better, but you aren’t sure what to do?

Let us take some stress off of you and give you a detailed plan to make dramatic changes to your home.

While we mostly work on full room or turn-key projects, this service is for the client who needs 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, 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.

unnamed — On my way to meet with an out of town client

With this particular client above, she needed guidance on what colors to paint throughout her home, how to use particular spaces efficiently, how to arrange furniture, selection of lighting, etc….

I met her at her home, and we came up with a plan she can implement in stages.

The house has a lot of potential, so I have no doubt the home will be beautiful. The client has great taste but needed guidance to make sure she was investing wisely in her home.

web-kampakishome.jpg4 copy — Dana Wolter Interiors

Here’s how this service works:

You send over to me a list of what you would like to accomplish with your home. This helps me know what is important to you for us to cover during our time together.

We make an appointment, and I will then spend 3.5 hours of uninterrupted time in your home, answering any question you can possible think to ask me. 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, 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 a detailed synopsis of what was discussed and a list of all of the suggestions I make for the entire home. This allows you to maximize your time with me while I take notes and 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. No more buyers remorse as it also allows you the freedom to work on your project as your time and budget allows, all while following professional advice.

If you think this service can help you make your home the place you dream, email us at info@danawolterinteriors.com. I would love to talk with you.

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

dana

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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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Brass Is Back, So Mix Your Metals

In several client appointments lately, I have been asked about what to do when their home is filled with silver finishes, but they are wanting to incorporate the gorgeous brass patina that is so popular right now.

My answer is easy and simple…. Mix the two!

I love a space with mixed metals as it instantly makes the room look like it has evolved over time, rather than everything so matchy matchy like it was bought on the same day in the same showroom.

I am not only talking about a finish here and a different finish there, as I have been doing this all along. I am talking about a bold metal finish that grounds the room, with perhaps another type of finish thrown in.

gallery-1435010626-calyssarosenheck2015-121 — Elle Decor

gallery-1435009553-calyssarosenheck2015-14-1 — Polished nickel, brass and antique bronze finished mixed together- Elle Decor

Below is a picture of a home we worked on several months back. As you can see below, there are brass finishes throughout……..

Client's foyer- Dana Wolter Interiors — Client’s foyer- Dana Wolter Interiors

DanaWolter_Gibbons_001 — Leading into the kitchen- Dana Wolter Interiors

But notice how we mixed the two by adding in polish nickel fixtures in the kitchen:

DanaWolter_Gibbons_035 — Dana Wolter Interiors

DanaWolter_Gibbons_045 — Dana Wolter Interiors

If you like this look of mixing metals and want to see more images, check out my Pinterest account, DWolterinterior. I am also adding info on these other social media sites as well, so be sure to follow along!

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Take care and have a great day,

Dana

Also, if you are needing a design plan for your home that you can implement on your timeframe and budget, check out our new service here. Lots of information in a detailed plan!

Living Well

#BootcampTransformation: Ways To Make Your House A Home- Part Two

I kicked off #BootcampTransformation last week with ways to make your house the home you wish, and today I want to pick up where we left off. If you are just now reading, you can catch up here.

Now that you have chosen a room to tackle, you came up with five words to describe how you want this room to feel, and you’ve cleaned out everything you do not want to keep, it time to move on to the harder steps. This is where it sometimes becomes too much for someone to do on their own. Try these steps first, knowing you can always turn it over to a professional if needed.

Assess the room’s features

Decide what needs to be accentuated and what needs to be hidden.

For instance, if I have a client with a not so pretty stained, wood fireplace surround that cannot be changed- and it’s a feature that doesn’t need to stand out- I would have it painted the wall color to make it disappear.

Based upon how the room needs to work for you, layout a general floor plan.

Begin by measuring out the room, wall by wall, allowing for casing, doors, openings, etc… Assess the location of the doors, how the room needs to work, and decide where you may be able to add some sort of seating.

While some rooms may only have room for a chair (foyer), others may be large enough for a couple of seating areas. Add in where a seating area makes most sense and keep a 34″-36″ walkway throughout. Include in this plan any pieces that need to be placed in here or need to be reworked (such as a console that needs to be painted, etc….).

Choose your color palette

Do you want your home to be a retreat from the crazy world we live in…

lMary McDonald — so serene from Mary McDonald

…or do you want it to reflect your bold personality?

show the world your personality! by Jan Showers

Whichever you decide, make sure each room flows from one to the next. A retreat space will have more muted colors and softer furnishings, while one that is more bold may have pops of color.

Figure out what you need when you are at home. Perhaps you need quiet time, but your home feels loud and busy. Perhaps you need a little more energy in your life, but all your furnishings are heavy and dark-colored. All of these things make a difference!

lighten up and keep it simple… by Thomas Filicia

Accessorize

Add personal items that you LOVE and want to see each day. I have a plaster hand my youngest made several years ago that sits on top of some coffee table books on an ottoman. It doesn’t have to be a fine piece if it speaks to you.

If you have lots of little things, group them together to make them more cohesive. This post here from a few weeks ago gives some good tips on placing these finishing touches.

Your home can make you feel inspired and at peace, or it could possibly be draining you. Stop waiting and start today by applying the above tips and let’s see if you can make a change for the better.

I bet you will be amazed at how cleaning out and determining how a room needs to work for you can make all the difference in your home. As always, feel free to call or email us if you would like for us to turn your house into a home you love.

Here’s to a more peaceful home for all,

dana

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Five Easy Ways To Create A Warm, Inviting Foyer (while setting the tone for the rest of your home)

What does your foyer say about your home? Does it set the tone and catch your visitor’s eye? Or is it a catch all area and a room you want to hurry your guests through?

On any project I am working on, I always look for ways to make a statement and create warmth in the foyer. This is the first impression of your home, and you want to make a good one.

Below is a video I shot with Wendy Garner talking about how to transform this overlooked space. Click here for a few tips.

Here’s a quick recap of a few quick suggestions I make in the video:

1. Add a piece of furniture and or seating (preferably something with fabric) to soften the space.

2. Make the space personal- Add your favorite piece of artwork, or a frame with a sepia photo. etc

3. Make the space useful- Depending on the size, create a place to sit to put on your shoes or at the very least add a tray to catch your keys.

4. Include something fresh such as flowers or a plant.

5. Layer the space with accessories to create dimension and to make it look like it has evolved over time.

Hope you find these tips helpful. If you try them, let me know the difference they make.

Have a great day, everyone, and here’s to making your foyer makes a good first impression.

Dana

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What’s Keeping You From Making Your Home A Haven?

I have been thinking a lot about simplifying lately.

I made “simplifying” my word in January for 2015. Maybe it’s my age, maybe it’s because my children are beginning to leave my nest…. I don’t know what it is, but I do know I want to take off the roller skates, relax and take time to slow down.

This certainly doesn’t mean I want to sit around all day. Not practical and certainly not my personality. It does mean, though, that I want to stay above the chaos of everyday life and say no to things that I don’t have to do or that don’t touch my heart.

I have been doing a lot of simplifying around my house this summer. If you could see the stuff- yes, all the stuff- my girls and I are taking out of my house, you would be amazed. As I have mentioned before, I do not like to let things pile up, but when I do, there is nothing better than cleaning out.

via stay positive | — Image from staypositive.me

Like my own home, I am running into a lot of homes lately where I see rooms that either serve as catch alls or rooms that are completely empty.

Sure, if you just bought a house, I can understand you having one or both of these kinds of rooms. But if you have been living in your home for a few years and you still have an unused room, ask yourself why?

What are you waiting on?

Stop a moment and take a good look as to how this room needs to function for you. Don’t wait- do it now. Life is too short and too stressful for your home to not be a place to retreat.

And while this home that a family of four recently moved into didn’t need simplifying, it needed a plan and a purpose for a few rooms, and we have been working on giving them a plan for each. I am still waiting on a few pieces to come in, but I love where it is going.

Processed with VSCOcam with f2 preset — Image from Dana Wolter Interiors

What do you think?

If you could use help turning your home into a haven, email me. I would love to talk to you about how we may be able to help.

Take time to simplify,

dana

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A Few Of My Finds At Market

If you follow me on social media, you saw some of the pretty pieces I found at the Atlanta market last week.

The marketing team at the Merchandise Mart asked me to be a style spotter for them, and honestly, I had the best time. It was a great way to document my finds and I loved all of the new people I met because of it.

I have been to market in Atlanta quite a bit over the years, but there was something really special about this one. As always, the existing showrooms did not disappoint. The overall energy was incredible, and I loved the addition of more boutique showrooms at the show. I picked up a few new lines, some from showrooms that had never shown at the Atlanta market before, which is always exciting to me.

I also noticed more showrooms are carrying antiques or one of a kinds, which in my opinion, makes a market feel a little more high end and custom. As a designer, this makes our job easier in creating a special room with unique finds. Sure- the staples are always needed in every project, but if you can mix in a couple of crusty, old pieces, it makes the home that much prettier.

Maybe I am a little partial because I am a southerner, but I love seeing the MerchandiseMart thrive and grow. Atlanta is easy to fly or drive into, and word on the street is they are adding a valet service, making it even easier to shop.

But…. Before I close, I have to share a picture of my assistant for my time there.

I always try to bring one of my girls along with me to summer market, and this year it was Ann’s turn. It’s good for them to be exposed to what I do, and selfishly, I treasure the one on one time with each.

Ann has a great eye, and I think I am going to hold on to this picture for the day we are headed to market as design partners versus mom and daughter.

Hope you enjoyed seeing a few of my finds,

Dana

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Recent Magazine Feature

As I have mentioned before, I love a beautiful piece of marble.

Marble is a classic element that never goes out of style, and in my opinion, it only looks better with a little age and wear.

A few months ago, Birmingham Magazine wrote an article on Masonry Arts, a stone fabricator who just bought a marble quarry in Alabama (yes, Alabama White does come out of the ground here).

I was honored when they asked to include me in it. I am a big fan of this stone and have used Masonry for several of my installations.

As you will see by the custom marble vanity I designed, marble can be used in other ways besides countertops. Below is the pic they included in the article.

While marble is becoming more common in the home, I still run across people who are afraid to use it. Don’t be!!! Misinformation about the material is completely overstated. I have it all through my house and believe me, we live in my home. Think about the old, gorgeous buildings with marble floors, stairs, etc… They are even prettier today than when installed years ago.

If you would like to read the full article, click here.

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

A Day In My Life- What Do I Do All Day? Let’s Find Out!

I don’t know about you, but I find the summer heat and going from one activity to the next exhausting.

Don’t get me wrong, I am thankful to be busy and am excited to share with you very soon some things that are happening. With work, on top of family and other commitments, I stay ~~out of trouble~~ on my toes.

While some people only know me because of my design work, there are others who only know me through my children. I always smile when someone, who has known me for a few months, realizes I have another side to me that works and creates and changes the way people live in their homes.

I love that because while I am grateful and proud of all that has come my way professionally, in the end, I want to put my aside my pride and be known for my character versus my accomplishments.

So….. Having said that, I thought it would be fun to let you “spend a day with me” to see how the two mix and are intertwined.

I love what I do, but I’m thrilled to spend more time this summer with my over scheduled girls. Their schedule is more lax when school is out, and with one headed to college in a few months, I am savoring every moment of family time.

Here goes …..Get ready to juggle as I have a lot of balls in the air…..

My day started Wednesday around 6:15 when I woke up, showered and reviewed my notes before filming a segment from ABC 33/40’s “Talk of Alabama”.

I arrived at ABC 33/40 at 8:30 for a live segment on “Five Ways To Update A Room (Without Breaking The Bank)”. I blogged about this last week, so be sure to check it out here if you haven’t seen it.

pillows- abc3340 — Image from Dana Wolter Interiors

After I finished, I ran to the office around 10:45 to meet with the rep for Cotton and Quill to look at the new fabrics. They have lots of great patterns, and I particularly loved the soft colors in these for a bedroom we are beginning.

I hurried to the physical therapist for a lunchtime appointment. I have been battling pain in my hip, and after having about five months of pain, I am grateful to have it finally under control. Thank you, Jesus!!

On the way back, I picked up my youngest who had eaten lunch with a friend.

I came back to the office and met with the homeowner of #projectexpansion. We discussed a few details with the construction of her project such as flooring, doors, hardware and cabinetry.

Next, the homeowner and I were off to Triton to look at slabs that were brought in for her project. We selected a couple of beautiful ones. Holy moly- can’t wait to share.

After we finished, I also met with a producer to film a video on selecting countertops. Stay tuned for more on this.

We finished up around 4:45- 5:00. I headed home and intended to workout, but that didn’t happen. Instead, I enjoyed lounging with the girls in my gym shorts.

Close enough. Wearing gym clothes= working out, right?!

I probably should have spent the downtime cooking dinner but that didn’t happen either, so we enjoyed takeout instead. A meal together is what matters, not who cooked it, right?

My bed was calling my name so I ~~crawled~~ in face planted, and enjoyed reading Jay Abraham’s “The Sticking Point Solution.” It’s a book with a lot of great tips on building your business and brand. I love reading before I go to sleep as it’s the best way for me to unwind.

You’ll find that my life isn’t very exciting, and for the most part, it’s pretty predictable. It’s my hectic life, though, and I am grateful for every single bit of it.

Here’s to making the most of a day,

dana

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Living Well

New Home, New Look

I thought I would share with you a project we began a few months ago.

It is for a cute, fun family of four who purchased a new home earlier this year. Like many who recently move, they had several empty rooms where their existing furniture did not fit nor fill.

I have known them for several years, and they are the best. Their two children are teenagers (one is in college), so they wanted a rooms with edge but that could stand lots of fun and casual entertaining among all ages.

Below is the furniture layout for the family room. It is a large room, and our goal was to make good use of the space while giving lots of seating for football games and movies around the television.

The homeowners love blue and wanted bright colors so we kept these things in mind when selecting fabrics for the room. I love all the textures in these fabrics as they will help create depth and dimension in the room. These colors scream cozy and inviting to me. What about you?

We also created a layout for their dining room.

We pulled darker browns and gray tones for the fabrics in their dining room. The richness in these fabrics will create a more dramatic feel that isn’t too overpowering, with sheers lining two of the walls. Again, lots of edge (an upholstered table ) but a casual, functional space to create memories with friends.

I am excited to see these rooms come to fruition. Stay tuned for more pictures of the finished product as we will be installing next month.

Have a great day-
Dana
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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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Living Well

Southern Living Designer Network is LIVE!

I am excited to share that the Coastal Living / Southern Living Designer Network website has launched.

If you remember, I shared a couple of months ago that I was selected by the editors as a member of this designer network for their readers.

I am honored to be one of the few from Alabama, and as you can see, I am in great company. Check out the live site at http://sldesignernetwork.com/ and let me know what you think.

Have a great day,

dana

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Living Well

Easy Ways To Create An Inviting, Outdoor Living Space

With summer in full swing and warm weather here to stay, I find myself wanting to spend a little more time outdoors.

Maybe it’s the Southerner in me, but I love the idea of grilling, sharing a meal, or even drinking my morning coffee outside.

Every home should have an outdoor area. It doesnt have to be large, just big in style to invite you to sit down and relax.

Processed with VSCOcam with c1 preset — Image from Dana Wolter Interiors

I always try to soften an outdoor area so it feels like an extension of a client’s home. Don’t be afraid to add accents and traditional indoor furnishings to your outdoor room. Outdoor upholstery, throw pillows for furniture, rugs, and other design touches will create a welcoming feel.
Below is a picture of my own outdoor space. As you can see, I have kept a similar color palate to the inside of my house and just added some greenery and pops of color in my throw pillows.

With all of the hard surfaces you find on a terrace, greenery is always a nice way to soften the space as well. I am a big fan of succulents because they are EASY to maintain and a great way to add texture to a table.

outdoor space — Image from Dana Wolter Interiors

I would love to hear how you’ve brought the indoors out at your home.

Happy outdoor living,

dana

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Living Well

Need A Plan For Your Home?

Are you the type of person who likes to work on your home, but you don’t trust yourself to always make the best selections when it comes to the interiors?

As I mentioned a few months back, I have begun offering a one time 3.5 hour consult package. It’s perfect for those who want to do the legwork on their own but need a detailed plan to follow.

After all, your home is one of the biggest investments you will make, and you want to make sure you spend your investment wisely.

How this consult works is simple. Before we meet, I have you send over a detailed list of what you would like to cover in our time together so I have an idea of what YOU want to accomplish. When I am there, we go over your questions as well as any other suggestion I would make if it was my own home. We can discuss design dilemmas, furniture arrangements, fabric swatches, paint colors, to knock down a wall or not– you name it!

After our meeting, you will receive a detailed synopsis from me of what was discussed and a list of all we discussed for your entire home. This allows you to maximize your time with me while I take notes and write down all the specifics for you to implement at a later date.

This service has gone over really well and the feedback I have received is amazing. Here is what a few people have had to say:

“I thoroughly enjoyed our hours together and felt that our time was very productive.”

“I love your style and believe you have a real gift for scale, color, layout and practicality. I have been checking out your website pics, FB, and Pinterest sites for more ideas. Love! Love!”

Another super organized client found the overall plan helpful:

“The plan you created has been incredibly helpful. The biggest benefit was paint colors! The palette you helped us choose for the entire home has proven to be beautiful and very versatile as we continue to buy furniture and get ‘settled’.”

beautiful property — This picture was taken at a consult visit. Isn’t this a gorgeous piece of property?

If you think this is something that might be helpful to you, email us at info@danawolterinteriors.com for more information. I look forward to helping you come up with a plan for your home-

Have a great day-
Dana

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