Living Well

Inspiration For A Few Projects

I am working on three projects right now where I was pulled in during the schematic phase.  One is an addition/renovation, and the other two are new construction.  I am excited about each of them and the teams involved.

I love being hired for a project early on, as there is a synergistic effect that takes place among creative minds that results in a more beautiful home.   It’s important to hire all members of your team early on, as this makes changes occur sooner rather than once ground has been broken (which saves you $$$).

Working on a home from ground up is like birthing a baby-  I become vested more and more each day  and I grow to love each of them for different reasons.
As I am discussing interior details on each of these projects, I have been looking to Pinterest for inspiration.    Here are a few I have pinned for certain reasons…..

 

I love this hardware. We have spent some time picking out hardware for #ProjectExpansion, and this is very similar to what we selected for their home.

 

unlacquered brass
Image from vingettedesign.net

 

#ProjectExpansion has a door at the end of a hallway, and we are going to create something like this for uniqueness and detail.  I love how a simple wall here has become a beautiful focal point. We are creating a jib door to a linen closet that will be hidden by nails and leather.  With it being a focal point, leaving it as an ordinary door just wouldn’t cut it.

 

Love this nailhead detail in the entry...clean and sophisticated
Image from lucyandcompanyblog.blogspot.com

 

This bathroom is beautiful. The waterfall countertops and cabinets create a more modern and clean look, and you will see something similar in style for the master.

 

modern
Image from rsassoc.com

 

These floors remind me we are going to create a pattern out of wood on one of the floors in our #LakeTuscaloosa project.  While the pattern will be different than this one and the color of the wood tweaked (we haven’t even broken ground), it’s going to be just-if not more-beautiful.

 

bleached chevron flooring
Image from blog.ethnicchic.com

 

As mentioned in a previous post, your bedroom should be a place to retreat, and this window seat screams that to me. The #LakeTuscaloosa home is home to girls and we are working on incorporating a cozy niche/window seat in at least one of the bedrooms.

Don’t you want to curl up with a good book?!  I do!

 

Nick Olsen children's bedroom in AD, photo by Pieter Estersohn
Image from Architectural Digest

 

The placement of this powder room under the stairs is exactly what we are creating in  #ProjectVestavia.  I love how it is tucked away, not only by being under the stairs, but by being hidden within the woodwork.

 

Image from Pinterest

 

As you can see, Pinterest is one of my “go-to’s” when I am looking to be inspired.  There is nothing better than crawling in bed with my Ipad at the end of a long day and pinning a few images to make my creative juices flow.

 

If you’d like to see more pretty pins I have found, come follow me.    I’d love to hear from you.

 

Take care,

dana

 

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Living Well

Friday Favorite

Good Morning and Happy Friday,

 

I came upon this outfit as I was doing a little online shopping and while I love the outfit, I love the colors for an interior even more.

 

enno-top-cameo-pink
Image from Piperlime

 

Lilac, pink, and gray are big colors right now and I think this color palette would be beautiful in a bedroom. I love how peaceful and serene these colors read together, but the pop of color can really make a room come alive.

 

What colors are you into these days? I would love to hear from you.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

Dana_Joelle_03
Dana Wolter Interiors

 

Dana_Joelle_02
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.

 

photo (64)

 

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

 

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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Living Well

Don’t Forget To Vote- Pinterest Sweepstakes

To those of you who have voted in the Traditional Home/ Ethan Allen Pinterest sweepstakes I posted last week, thank you.

As you recall, I based my board on the room below that I designed for a family.

DanaW_Monica_Oct2014_06-M

 

 

 

TradHome_Final_Pinterest

 

Please continue to vote thru December 20th, and you can do so at  http://newtradsweeps.com/.

Each vote enters you in for a chance to win a $2,500 gift certificate from Ethan Allen.   The more you vote, the better your chances to win, and nothing would make me happier than for one of my supporters to win a nice gift card!

 

Ethan Allen Sweeps_Wolter

Thank you for your support and let me know if you are the lucky winner!
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.

 

 

DSC_0763
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

Wednesday Wisdom- Classic Materials Are The Way To Go

Happy Wednesday!

 

I came across this quote from Billy Baldwin and I love it.

 

honest room quote

 

 

I have always been a believer in using classic materials and finishes throughout a home.  Mother Nature knows best, as a room filled with classic materials is always up to date.

 

 

Karlavagen76 6
Image from nicety.livejournal.com

 

 

The finishes you choose for your next project can make or break certain design elements. Floor and wall coverings can greatly influence the style of a room.

 

Nothing is prettier to me than an old piece of marble. Marble is wonderfully rich and can turn any room into a dramatic showcase. The more it is used, the prettier it becomes.

 

 

02 testimonailpicfor2nd one
The old marble brought this fireplace back to life while creating a timeless look. Image from Dana Wolter Interiors

 

 

Wood is also a classic material that I love. I have been embracing it in an even bigger way this year with it appearing in all forms of interior objects from furniture to lighting to flooring.

 

 

webclark3
I love the classic look of the dark wooden staircase against the white walls. The wood is original to the house. Image from Dana Wolter Interiors

 

 

Natural stones and materials are the way to go. By investing is these practical and gorgeous elements, you are sure to have a timeless room that you love!

 

 

Enjoy your day,

Dana

 

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Living Well

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 .

 

Birmingham Style

 

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

Friday Favorite: Go Pink

In case you live under a rock did not realize, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

 

 

 

 

While most people are aware of breast cancer,  many forget to take the necessary steps to detect the disease in its early stages.

 

Early detection saves thousands of lives every year, and what better time than now to schedule a mammogram.

 

 

For today’s Friday Favorite, I want to share some pink images that caught my eye.

 

 

Image from Happily Grey

 

 

Cynthia Brooks Design :: chair detail
Image from Cynthia Brooks Design

 

 

kate long stevenson
Image from Kate Long Stevenson

 

 

Dana_Francis_03
Teen room we installed a few years back- Dana Wolter Interiors

 

 

pink2
Image from Dana Wolter Interiors

 

Have a good one,

 

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.

 

Birmingham Style

 

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.

 

blog pic

 

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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Living Well

A Few Favorite Pins Off Pinterest

Who doesn’t need some inspiration from time to time?

 

I am always looking for a new color palette or a subtle detail to add into my interiors, and Pinterest has become one of my favorite tools lately.

 

Not only does it inspire me, but it is a great way to share photos back and forth with my clients.

 

I encourage all of my clients to join Pinterest so we can collaborate on a board and pin together.  This is a great way to kick off a project and help me find the look that is best for their home.

 

Here are a few of my favorite pins of late….

 

This first interior speaks to me.   It could be a room that was installed yesterday, yet it looks like it has evolved over time.   What a great balance between old and new, shiny and matte, smooth and textural.

 

Eleanor Cummings
Love the mix of elements here. Wood, stone, and mirror against lush fabrics and old, crusty pieces. Beautiful!

 

The objects in the room below look like they could be pieces from the homeowner’s collection (instead of off a showroom floor), pulled together to form a seating area.  Again, notice the mixture of elements- stained wood, marble, metal, and painted wood.   Very little duplication of pieces of furniture, but enough to allow your eyes to rest.

This seating area blends beautifully together.  I also love how the fabric panels soften that big, gorgeous window without obstructing the view.

 

Feminine Alabama Home - Susan Ferrier Design - Veranda
Interiors by Susan Ferrier

 

 

Are you familiar with Ruard Veltman?  If not, look at his work here.  He is extremely creative and I bet you will find his work as inspiring as I do.   The kitchen below is from one of the homes he designed.

Ruard Veltman Architecture ~ Dutch Colonial ~ sleek

 

{ knits }
Casual yet chic

 

Kathleen Clements Design

 

If you aren’t using Pinterest to organize and collect your thoughts, sign up here. Follow our boards, create your own boards, and discover great things.  After all, can’t we all appreciate a little “eye candy” every once in a while?!

 

Happy pinning,

Dana

 

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Photo creds:

Pic One: Eleanor Cummings Interior Design

Pic Two: Design by Susan Ferrier

Pic Three: Ruard Veltman Architecture

Pic Four: Emerson Fry

Pic Five: Kathleen Clements Design

 

Living Well

Enjoying Coffee with Amanda Carol

A couple months ago Amanda, of Amanda Carol Interiors, asked me to take part in her blog series, “Coffee With…”.

 

Coffee With Dana Wolter

 

 

 

In this post, Amanda features a different designer and asks them a few questions.

 

I am honored  to share coffee with her and chat about my passion and  inspiration.

 

Check out our conversation here and make sure you take the time to browse Amanda’s website as she is super talented.     You will see we share the belief  the space you call home should be beautiful, and Amanda certainly knows how to make homes just that.

 

Thanks again for featuring me, Amanda, and have a great day, everyone-.

 

 

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Living Well

An Ongoing Conversation

Social media is an ongoing conversation, shaped through the topics we share on our walls and feeds, through our likes, comments, shares, invites, tweets, and more. If you’re looking for design trends and inspiration, follow me.

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Please comment below and share your usernames so we can converse with each other.

Have a great day, everyone!

Dana