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.

 

family

 

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.

 

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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.

 

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

 

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Another glimpse into it- Dana Wolter Interiors

 

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Dana Wolter Interiors

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

Birmingham Style

 

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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.

 

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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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Living Well

Inspiring Tablescapes for Thanksgiving Entertaining

Are you ready?

 

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and there’s no time like now to start hammering out the details.

 

If you are like me, you haven’t done the first thing to prepare are determined to make the festive day smooth and stress-free. After all, the holiday is about coming together and giving thanks for all we are grateful.

 

BUT…….. Long before the food is served, your table will make a first impression.

 

Some of the loveliest tables aren’t necessarily about the china or silver, but rather the natural elements that suggest the occasion.  I love fine china and silver as much as the next person, but what really makes the table for me is a thoughtful arrangement, place cards, or special linens.

 

As mentioned in a previous post, unique napkin folds are an simple way to add elegance to your table.  If you haven’t already, watch this video  as I show how easily napkin folding can be done in a unique way.

 

Below we are sharing some of our favorite tablescapes from Pinterest.

 

 

Green and white plethora of pumpkins
Take advantage of what nature provides. The varieties of pumpkins, gourds, and garden plants lend themselves to beautiful arrangements. Image from The Daily Basics.

 

 

I love the mixture of colors, tones and textures at this table. Image from Martha Moments.

 

 

Handmade place cards are such a nice, detailed touch. Image by Cottage and Vine

 

 

Instead of place cards, why not use words that are reminiscent of Thanksgiving such as thankful, grateful, appreciative and fortunate. A wonderful way to bring the Thanksgiving spirit to your table. | The Glamorous Housewife
Instead of place cards, use words that remind you of giving thanks. Image from The Glamorous Housewife.

 

 

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It’s important to remember that you don’t have to break the bank to create a memorable setting. Image from Griffanie.

 

 

Beautiful and simple are the words for the day.   Here’s to getting your table ready to give thanks,

 

dana

 

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Living Well

Two Quick (And Pretty) Ways To Fold The Holiday Napkin

It’s that time already!  Can you believe the holidays are here?!

 

Radio stations are playing Christmas music,  and lights and greenery are hung.

 

We thought it might be nice over the next few weeks to offer a few quick tips on how to simplify this crazy time of year.

 

Homes will soon be filled with festive décor, food, friends and family, and hopefully our tips will help you not stress enjoy this season.

 

Today, I am sharing a TV segment I taped a few years back for  NBC-13  Birmingham with David Lamb on a few easy ways to fold napkins.  David and I had a lot of fun perfecting the art, and I promise, if we can do it, so can you.   Take a look:

 

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Little tricks – from hand-written place cards and unique napkin folds – can help make for memorable meals during the holidays.

 

Watch this video to see how easily you can add elegance to your table and set the scene for a delicious feast.

 

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This is my Thanksgiving table from last year. Notice how the folded napkin is a small detail that makes a beautiful statement. Image from Dana Wolter Interiors.

 

I hope you found this post helpful.  Stay tuned for more holiday entertaining ideas.

 

Ready or not….. Tis the season,

dana

 

We will be announcing the winners of the “Birmingham Style” book giveaway Friday so stayed tuned for that as well. In case you missed the giveaway details, check out my blog post from last Friday. It’s not too late to enter!

 

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Here’s to getting through this joyous (and certainly hectic at moments) time of the year,

Living Well

Guess What?!!

Remember the contest that I  hounded  asked you to vote for me as the Trad Home designer whose style you like the best?

I cannot believe it, because I never win anything, but  I WON!

Yes, I WON!

 

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May 2014

 

 

There is no doubt in my mind YOU are the reason I won.   I am humbled and grateful, and I could not be more flattered.

Thank you.   Thank you for all of your support and for your vote.

Hunter Douglas was giving away $1,000 to a lucky recipient who entered the contest.  I am hoping one of you won, so if you did, please let me know!

As always, thank you for reading and for encouraging my work.  I truly love what I do, and I am grateful for the opportunities and blessings that have come my way.

 

Have a great day, everyone!

dana

 

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