4 Ways To Improve Your Home and Quality Of Life

Living Well

4 Ways To Improve Your Home and Quality Of Life

Now that the dust has settled from the new year and spring is almost here, I want to share a few changes that can make a big difference in your home. Ways that accentuate living well in your own home.

And while my to-do list has grown quite long on things I want to change this next year in mine, I thought I would share a few easy ways to improve a home and hopefully your quality of life.

Four Ways To Improve Your Home and Quality Of Life

1. Paint a room

Nothing reinvigorates a space more than a fresh coat of paint. Paint fades and dulls slowly over time requiring some TLC after numerous years of no attention. I suggest repainting the ceiling and trim at the same time because once the walls are repainted, the ceiling and trim will be noticeably dull.

2. Bring the outdoors in

With all of this cold weather and rain we’ve had lately, an easy way to improve your home (and mood) is to cut a few branches from outside to add some greenery and life into your home.

Winding branches make such a dramatic yet effortless statement that don’t need to be maintained like orchids or other flowers. The texture and scale that branches contribute to a space will add a beautiful layer to your existing design, AND it doesn’t cost a dime. It may not be summer, yet, but we can pretend it is almost here.

Bring the outdoors in, Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography

Dana Wolter Interiors. Photography by Graham Yelton

3. Closet consistency

How often do you stand in your closet thinking you have nothing to wear? The problem may lie in the fact that you can’t see half of what you own.

I recently tossed every single hanger in the house and switched to clear plastic hangers for me and color coordinated ones for my girls (and when they go back to school, the specific hanger goes with them). They come in several colors and the key is to buy each person their own color. Not only do these slim hangers take up less space in your closet, but they look nice and clean.

I pulled out a few things to give away, but the consistency in the hangers and hanging clothes by color and type made all the difference in the world. I’ve found myself spending less time figuring out what to wear because of this simple, esthetically-pleasing change.

4. Make a list of projects you want to accomplish

March is a great time to make a punch list of things you’ve been wanting to do around your home. I try to group alike tasks together and make a goal to complete a few each month.

For example, a client just contacted us here about renovating her Kitchen, Family Room, Dining, Master Bedroom, and Screened-In Porch with the goal of being able to enjoy all before the end of summer. We are jumping right in with the plans and drawings so we can keep the ball rolling.

On a smaller scale, maybe you have been wanting to switch out some of your light fixtures that are beginning to look dated or replace a Living Room sofa that has seen better days – add these to your master punch list and begin putting effort in getting them accomplished.

What will it take for you to live well, or should I say, live better, in your own home? Take a few minutes and think about it. I bet the answer is not far away.

Dana

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Before and After: Home Design with a Deadline

It’s amazing what a little vision, new furnishings, fresh paint, and a great floor plan execution can do for your home and for your psyche. I thought I would share a few homes of clients where we began their home design with a deadline.

Home Design with a Deadline

Each of these families wanted to update their interiors for different reasons, but all had a common goal- to be finished by the holidays.

Believe it or not, if you want to enjoy new furnishings, art and accessories by Christmas, it’s time to call us now . It takes a few months for orders to be processed and constructed.

There is no time like the present to get started, and I hope these projects inspire you to do the same.

Project #1

These clients had recently moved into their home and needed new furnishings, window treatments, art, and accessories for several rooms.

In their breakfast room, we incorporated their table (which they loved), refinished their cane-back chars, and added a showstopping, extra long custom banquette to the wall of windows.

Because we started working on this client’s home during the middle of the summer, and the Christmas deadline was in the forefronts of everyone’s mind, we made sure everything was finalized and ordered by the end of August.

As the holidays approached, we completed minor renovations and cosmetic updates just in time for the furniture to be installed. What a treat for this family to enjoy their first Christmas in their new home.

Before:

After:

Breakfast Room Banquette, Dana Wolter Interiors — Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography

Project #2

This next home had plenty of square footage, but because of the columns and off-center fireplace, a sofa would not fit in their family room. That’s right – there was not enough space for the family to sit comfortably.

As I blogged about here, we completely reworked this room. It transformed into a beautiful, functional space where the entire family (pets included) can enjoy together.

Before:

After:

Family Room Makeover — Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography

While we were working on the home, we decided to rework the foyer as well.

You know me-I love creating a sitting area when possible because it instantly invites guests to come in, sit and visit. Wait until you see the ‘after’ – it is unrecognizable!

Before:

After:

Foyer and Entrance Hall space, Dana Wolter Interiors — Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography

If you are ready to update your home with the goal of enjoying the redesign by Christmas, call 205-938-4848 or email us here. We would love to discuss your project with you.

Have a great day –

Dana

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Living Well- Tips For Making The Most Of Your Space In A Smaller Home

A few recent projects have been for families downsizing to smaller homes. And while moving to a home you are excited about can be a blessing, it can sometimes be difficult to lose square footage.

It’s amazing all of the stuff we accumulate over the years. I feel like I am constantly cleaning out my house and I try to watch what comes in.

How to make the most of small spaces can sometimes be overwhelming , so I thought I would give six helpful tips to #LivingWell in a smaller home.

1. Clean Out and Keep Only What You Love Or Will Use. Simple enough- Do you love it or use it? If not, get rid of it. No more storing things you “might” need in the future or because you feel guilty getting rid of them.

2. Are There Pieces That Can Be Repurposed? If there is a piece you LOVE but don’t have a place for it, can it be reworked for extra storage?

3. Look Above And Below. Look for ways to hide storage, such as using ottomans that open up, raising a bed a few inches to create more space underneath, or adding built-in seating with drawers underneath. I also love adding ottomans under an open console or coffee table- not only to work as a layering piece but as an extra seat that can be pulled out if needed.

An ottoman slides under a coffee table in a client’s Family Room- Dana Wolter Interiors

Drawers pull out for extra storage in this window seat, Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography

4. Simplify- When Looking At Your Stuff, Give Away The Extras Of The Same Items. After all, you might need a few extra sets of sheets, but do you need five sets for the same bed? No- so give away to someone who can use them.

5. Think Long And Hard How Your Home Needs To Work For You and Delegate A Function For Every Room Or Unused Corner. There is something refreshing about simplifying your life and surroundings. But with smaller homes, you need to think long and hard ahead of time to make sure the new home functions like it needs to for you. If you see an extra corner, could you add a chair and floor lamp for an extra place to sit?

Or a custom banquette to create more seating around a breakfast table?

Photography by Jean Allsopp, Dana Wolter Interiors

If working on a new build or renovation, hire a designer before the plans are drawn. An extra set of eyes for how your family will live in the house is invaluable. Every square inch needs to work hard so you can have the pretty with a purpose.

6. Let Go Of The Guilt. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it is hard to get your money out of furniture and rugs (and even some antiques) when selling. Just know this is the case and let go of the pieces…. Do not hold onto stuff for any reason other than you love it.

#LivingWell isn’t necessarily about having the best of everything- It’s about surrounding yourself with a home that brings you joy. A place you love to make memories with family and friends.

Downsizing can be a blessing if you allow it, as it is a way to lighten your connection to material “stuff” and create spaces that are customized and truly special to you.

Hope you find these six tips helpful to #LivingWell in a smaller home. Let me know what you think-

Dana

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#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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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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We Have A New Look!

Guess what?!

I am excited to announce my new website is finally up and running!

We took my old one, added to it, changed it around, and uploaded A LOT of pictures. If you have ever been involved in creating a new site, you can relate to how much work goes into it.

As I tuck my tail between my legs, I hesitantly admit I had projects from over two years ago that were not up on my site. Thankfully, that is not the case anymore as my site is as current as it can be- at least for now.

Click here to see and let me know what you think! We also have a place on our contact page to sign up for our latest newsletter. I promise you won’t want to miss it!

Have a great day, everyone-

Dana

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How To Choose An Exterior Paint Color

Recently we had a few readers share some design questions and ideas they would like to see us address on our blog.

One popular topic mentioned was how to select an exterior paint color. Considering I just painted the exterior of my house, I had to answer this one first.

My house was a combination of taupe brick and a darker trim. While there was nothing wrong with it, after seven years, I was ready for a change.

What color scheme did I choose? A cream on cream that has very little yellow to it. A clean, crisp combination.

exterior2 — Paint transformation in progress with the primer….

Choosing exterior colors for your house can be daunting, but it’s well worth the hassle.

Here are a few tips you should take into account when choosing your exterior paint color.

Do your research. Before you begin painting, drive around or look through magazines, Pinterest, etc…to see what color schemes appeal to you. Try to choose a color palette that will blend in with your surroundings but that’s special in its own way. With well-placed color choices, your home will stand out in a tasteful manner.

Plan around the elements that are hardest to change. Unless you’re doing a complete renovation, surfaces such as roof shingles, stonework, pathways and driveways will remain in place. Use these elements as color resources because there are numerous shades and hues in building materials. Are they warm or cool? Look for paint colors that will tie these fixed elements together in a harmonious way.

exterior3 — The side of my home after it is primed

Examine color samples outdoors, at various angles, and at different times of the day. Consider buying small quantities of desired colors and paint a section of the house where the body, trim and accent colors can be viewed together. Study it at various times of day and under different weather conditions. How do the colors change with the light? Do you see blue or yellow undertones?

exterior1 — Choosing a color for the brick…..

Obviously my house is a work in progress (this is the primer coat) but I am already enjoying the transformation.

Don’t let the wide array of color choices give you a case of chromophobia, a fear of colors. Plan ahead, try colors on your house first, and be confident in your color choices. You’ll be thrilled when your house has a fresh, exciting new look!

Who said watching paint dry is no fun? I certainly have enjoyed watching it dry on mine, and I look forward to sharing the final “after” pics with you soon.

We would love to hear from you. Please comment below and share some topics that you would like to see us address.

Have a good one,

Dana

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Mirror, Mirror, On The Wall

As I was going thru some old photos of my work, I was reminded of something important…..

When hanging a mirror, not only is the placement important, but also be mindful of what it reflects.

See what I mean?!

Have a great day, everyone-

Dana

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Renovating a Kitchen? This Post is for YOU!!

I had the best time in California last week for a Traditional Home/Thermador event. A group of designers, print media, and bloggers across the country came together to discuss design trends. Thermador was a gracious host and no detail was forgotten by them.

If you aren’t familiar with Thermador, check out their line of kitchen appliances here. I have Thermador products throughout my own kitchen, and if you have been reading since day one, I listed my Thermador warming in my very first post as one of my top five favorite things in my home. For a family on the run, it is a necessity.

I thought I knew their product line pretty well, but after an extensive tour, I learned so much more.

Here are a few quick pieces of information that stuck with me, and I hope you find them helpful:

1. If I was building again, I would incorporate a steam/convection oven into my home. This is a super neat appliance that keeps food moist (and vitamins in) while browning and cooking at a faster rate.

Look at this 14lb. turkey they cooked for us in it. Super easy and it was ready to eat after cooking for only 90 minutes.

2. I have a Pro Range in my home, but I had no idea it could do this. Yes, these are chocolate chips melting- on a paper plate– on its XLO setting. I haven’t tried this yet, but when I do (AND I WILL!), let’s hope I don’t burn my house down. YIKES!

3. One of my favorite discoveries was the refrigerator columns in their line. Because of their hinges, the front panel on all of their refrigerators can hold over 200 pounds, and I could not help but brainstorm about what I could cover the doors in. In the right setting, how does antiqued mirror sound?

The trip was a lot of fun and I learned so much, all while making a few new friends.

photo (55) — Karen Williams of St. Charles New York cooking a Cherry Clafoutis with me.

I hope this info was helpful, and let me know your “must-haves” in your next kitchen.

Take care and have a great week, everyone-

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

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A Fun Project Coming To An End

If you follow us on social media, you have seen us post pictures of a new construction project we have been working on this past year. I have been meaning to share them with you, and as this project comes to close, it is time!

This new house, soon to be home to a fun and really nice couple, has been a project I have enjoyed tremendously. We have described it as “snappy casual”- a home not too serious but still maintains a sense of formality, soft lines, classic materials, and eye-catching details. This couple has been open to new ideas, which has in turn produced a much prettier home in the end.

I am going to show you some transgression photos of a few areas and details in this home. Barrett Architecture has done a great job drawing the plans and you can look their site here. The home is going to be gorgeous when all is said and done!!

Let’s start with the family room as Abbey checks the framed dimensions against the plans….

This room will be painted a bone color with a gray undertone. The texture of the wood will appear but the walls will read as painted.

The kitchen and family room were drawn as one really big space. We decided to add an opening to break down the feel of one large room. What do you think? Keep in mind the cased opening will be painted the same color as the walls.

Off of the family room is a gallery. Notice what we added at each end to shorten the long hall.

SC4 — We added this deep opening on each side of the gallery

photo (38) — In the middle of the “x” will be a beautiful gilded sconce.

I have to include some pictures of a few of the cabinetry details in this home. Notice the soft curves included throughout.

Master bath cabinetry

photo (46) — Love this marble backsplash with the soapstone countertops

photo (44) — A few of the kitchen cabinetry details

I couldn’t end this post without mentioning the stairwell. We wanted to do something a little different but that would still blend with the walls in this enclosed area. Here is what the painted stairwell we created will look like:

stair-idea — Drawing by the talented Chad Martin of The G Brand

The panels are going to be made up of laser cut panels overlayed over one another, with all of them will be painted the same color as the walls and trim.

Here is a mock up (not to scale) of what the trim carpenter built so we could have a visual.

What do you think?

This home is about a month away from completion. As I take photos, I will try to be better about posting in a timely manner.

Take care and have a great day-

Dana

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Quick Tips For Creating a Warm, Inviting Foyer

I thought you might enjoy a few tips for creating a foyer in your home that sets the tone for the rest of your house.

It isn’t hard to do, as long as you follow these simple principles. Watch this video here from my latest television segment from NBC-13 Daytime Alabama with Wendy Garner and let me know how your foyer evolves.

Have a great day, everyone.

Dana

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Can Hiring a Designer For Your Home Save You Money?

Have you ever made a large purchase for your home and the moment the piece came through the door, regret set in?

As I was reading what my client wrote for my new testimonial page, it hit me there are probably a lot of you who can relate to what she writes below.

“Dana entered our recently renovated, chaotic, choppy home and listened to our family’s needs, vision, and lifestyle.

Unfortunately I had recently bought some furniture (that our kids loved) which did not necessarily match what I ultimately envisioned, but she was able to transform even expensive mistakes into a balanced, livable, inviting home. While at first I had misgivings that following all the recommendations could be costly, I quickly realized that Dana was spot-on and much less expensive than fixing more mistakes made by me with a loose credit card. ”

homeowner and client

I hesitate to even write a post that focuses on the monetary aspect of my profession, because I believe my value is in my knowledge, my creativity, my service, and my practical ability to create beautiful, functional homes that can change how a family lives.

BUT, I think a big misconception with hiring a designer is that it is costly.

Yes, if you look strictly at the cost of hiring a professional, then you will not see past the dollar signs. After all, it is an investment, and one that can cost several thousands of dollars.

BUT, if you are making that kind of investment in your home, can you afford NOT to hire someone to make sure you are doing it right the first time?

Making the right choices from the beginning saves you time, effort, and money. If you hire someone who is trustworthy, talented, and practical, she will know how and where to invest your money.

How?

By listening to your needs and wants. By creating the RIGHT plan of action tailored to your home and family. A vision without costly mistakes, with pieces you will want to keep. Designed spaces that will stand the test of time.

Just food for thought. Let me know what you think-

Have a great day, everyone-

dana

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Living Well

It’s Like Birthing A Baby……

Have you ever created a website? If so, you know how much time and energy it takes, even if you aren’t the one building it. The end result is worth all of the hard work, but in the beginning it is not always so easy to see.

It’s like birthing a baby….

Not really, but you get the point.

I have been working with the talented Chad Martin of The G Brand on changing my branding materials and redesigning my website pages, and he has nailed my new look. My little business has grown and I needed to adjust my wording and update my pictures on my site. (I haven’t added any of the professional shots I have had taken in the past two to three years- yikes!).

Dataperk in Birmingham created my original site and has worked diligently (or patiently…choose your word) on making these changes in a quick turnaround.

I wish I could show each of you the “work in progress” as I am excited where my site is headed. Just like my design work, I am going for classic but edgy, simple but functional…..

Here is a sneak peek….. Hopefully, it will be live soon and I can share the fruit of all of our efforts.

If you have any helpful hints, let me know. Have a great day, everyone-

Dana

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Living Well

Can’t Hold In My News Any Longer…..

Hi Everyone,

I have some exciting news I have been looking forward to sharing with each of you.

And today I finally can……

I have been named by one of my favorite publications, Traditional Home, as a New Trad up and coming designer for 2014.

The article is hot off the press. So hot that I have not even seen the article in person. A friend text me (she found the issue at the airport) a few pictures of the article from April’s issue of Traditional Home. Here they are:

April's cover features a New Trad designer from last year. — April’s cover features Andrew Howard, a New Trad designer from last year.

The New Trad designers are introduced in this issue of the shelter magazine, and Trad Home, Traditional Home’s online publication, is featuring a project of each of ours in the May issue. I will be sure to let you know when it is online, as the project featured of mine is a good mix of custom and box store items.

A big thanks goes to each of you. 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.

Because of you, Traditional Home noticed me.

I especially want to give a big shout out to Ann Maine, Editor in Chief of Traditional Home, and to Jenny Bradley, Editor of Trad Home. Thank you very much for including me in your incredible publications, as I am honored.

Have a great day, everyone-

Dana

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Living Well

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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Living Well

Looking for a Few Decorating Ideas for the Holidays?

Hi Everyone,

Hope you are enjoying the last few days until Christmas. There are 14 days left (Yikes!), and I am not finished with my decorations. Hopefully my house will be ready in time, and if it isn’t, I know special memories will still be made within my family.

Are you familiar with the blog StyleBlueprint? They are one of my favorite, and they have become a go-to source for me on style, fashion, and great places around the Southeast. They were kind enough to ask my my thoughts on decorating for Christmas, and if you would like to see a few of the ideas I suggest, click here.

Have a great day and enjoy the last few weeks before Christmas. I am posting ideas for the holidays regularly on Facebook and Instagram, so come join us.

Dana

Living Well

A Family of Five- Before and After

Hi Everyone,

I hope you are doing well. I recently switched computers and in going through some old photos, I realized I have a lot of “before” pics on homes I have worked on the past few years. So for fun, I thought it might be nice to show a couple of transformations. Here goes the first of several posts….

Below is the home to a family of five. With a house of three girls ranging from a tween to teens, this busy family needed a home that could keep up with their fast-paced schedule. Real Homes for Real Life. By reworking a few key spaces in the house to make it more functional, family-friendly, and company-ready, we gave this family a home they can truly live in and enjoy.

Here goes the BEFORE…

AFTER

If you would like to see more pictures of this amazing transformation, click here for a feature in the December issue of B-Metro magazine. As always, thanks to Graham Yelton for the amazing photography.

Have a great day, everyone-

Dana

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Living Well

What A Fun Week- Part One

Hi Everyone,

What a great time Jeff, Grant, and I had last week as Tastemakers for the 2013 Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ Antiques at The Gardens show. So much time, preparation, and work went into creating our space that I couldn’t decide if I was sad to see it end or ready to move on.

So how did all of this come to fruition?

After agreeing to serve as Tastemakers for the show, Jeff and I met several months ago and came up with the theme, “Fireside Chat”. During a meeting one afternoon to see how we envisioned the space, Jeff drew this on a random piece of paper as our inspiration…

Sorry for the quality being so bad, but it was copied a few times over the course of the project. Apparently, Jeff is known for sketching out some pretty incredible things on a napkin or two. If you haven’t seen where some of his sketches have turned into reality, you can visit here.

Once we had the dimensions of our space and a vision we wanted to achieve, it didn’t take long to pull it together. We tried to create an authentic space while watching what we spent. Honestly, since this was for a charitable event versus a client, this is where the challenge came in. It is easy to choose what I see in a space for a client-paid project, but to create a high-end look for a charitable event is a little more challenging. Fortunately, several companies, vendors, and friends helped by lending us pieces, giving us special pricing, etc…

Thanks to Grant’s planning, move-in day went surprisingly smooth. It didn’t take us him long to put together the structure of the room.

Jeff and Grant filled the fireboxes ever so perfectly. We had lots of comments about how nicely the wood was stacked, so their attention to detail paid off.

This is how we ended the first day moving in…. Structure is up, curtains are hung, and tomorrow is the installation of the fireplace surround, upholstery, case goods, accessories etc….

Stay tuned for pictures of the final reveal…..

Have a great day, everyone-

dana