I have been talking a lot lately about the importance of making your home one you love, and your bedroom is the perfect spot to begin.
Your bedroom should be a room that allows you to #livewell by surrounding yourself with things that help you relax and rejuvenate.
Here are six must-follow bedroom design ideas for creating a room you love
1. Use colors that SPEAK to you
I normally keep colors in the bedroom soft because I need tranquility in my life (Ha!), but if a bright color speaks to you, then certainly use it.
Bedroom created a few years back for a favorite client; Dana Wolter Interiors, Jean Allsopp Photography
2. Mix your Furniture Pieces for a Collected Look
Gone are the days of matching bedroom sets, so mix your finishes. This means strategically including stained woods, painted finishes, iron and metals that blend with your color palette.
Vicente Wolf
3. Layer
Bedrooms can have quite a few hard surfaces, so it is important to add softness through a rug, window treatments, pillows, bedding, etc…
I love this upholstered niche by Circa Interiors
4. Add in the personal
Incorporate touches that are personal to you, such as your favorite photographs and artwork.
5. Keep it simple…
Don’t clutter or overcrowd your bedroom with too much stuff. Make sure the room can breathe, so you can as well.
Pinterest
6. Incorporate seating
While you don’t want to overcrowd, I always try to add some sort of seating in a bedroom. A place to lounge is ideal if you aren’t quite ready to curl up in bed.
A leather or upholstered chair are pieces that can enhance a bedroom space and make it feel like your very own private suite. #Livewell in your home by making it your own.
My daughter’s bedroom, Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
Bedrooms should have all of the things in it that you love. It should be the place you cannot wait to get to at the end of your day or sneak off to when you just need a moment to yourself.
If you want help or need guidance on how to make your bedroom feel like its very own getaway, call us at 205-938-4848 or email us here.
Here’s to creating a bedroom you love and #livingwell in your home.
It’s hard to believe summer is in full force AND 2018 is half way over.
And while my blogging has taken a nosedive the past three months (so sorry!!), it’s been for good reason. We’ve had lots of EXCITING things going on and I thought it would be fun to share a few highlights.
We installed the last two rooms of a home recently built. It’s hard to believe this is a new home as the interiors are beautiful and classic and timeless. I can’t share too much, but warm weather is here and it’s time open up that pass-through window to the pool…..
We’ve also been on the road quite a bit….
Projects in and outside of Alabama have put some miles on our cars. Lots of wood shavings and dust are flying around with renovations and new builds, and some are being updated with new furnishings and decoration…
My one-time 3.5 hour consults are going strong as it is a great way to have a plan for your home that you can implement as your time and money allow.
Robert Brown Interior Design of Atlanta, GA, walked away as the winner of the award. If you aren’t familiar with his work, look him up. He’s a super nice guy and his work is beautiful.
As mentioned here, we designed a lounge and bath in the Southeastern Showhouse in Atlanta, GA. The Showhouse did not disappoint so be on the lookout for pictures this fall in Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles.
Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
I just came back from visiting my daughter in Charleston and then drove to Asheville with my husband for a few days. We slept too much, ate too much, and might have had a drink or two every night. I think God meant for life to be just like this- slow, easy and stress free.
View from the Biltmore Estate
In the meantime, I am headed back to reality Birmingham with my roller skates on and my eyes to the ground.
XO,
Dana
If you are curious what we are doing on a day to day basis, follow us on social media.
Your home is one of the biggest investments you will make, and you want to make sure you are investing your time and money wisely.
Our goal for any project is to create a home that adds value to your life and will hopefully increase in investment if you ever decide to sell.
HERE ARE FIVE WAYS TO WISELY INVEST IN YOUR HOME:
1. Use classic materials in the shell of your home:
By sticking with classic materials such as natural stones and architectural elements that are in keeping with the type of home you have, you will create a home with a timeless feel that will support any style of furnishings you layer in.
Look at the gorgeous doors, and the dogs are pretty cute, too. Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
2. Be strategic with the types of fabrics you select:
Are you contemplating purchasing a new sofa or reupholstering one you already own? Opt for a higher quality fabric with a high double-rub count and have it professionally treated. Taking these factors into consideration will pay off down the road when your furniture still looks fresh.
The following pictures are projects of high-traffic spaces where we strategically selected fabrics based on how the room functions.
Recent installation of a client’s foyer. The loveseat and chair are ready for an active family. Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
3. Utilize every space in your home:
From large and spacious to small and quaint, maximizing your square footage is imperative.
As I wrote in a previous blog post here, we helped this large family transform their garage into a second family room to create some needed extra space.
Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
4. Neat and tidy landscaping:
Your landscaping is the first impression people see as they approach your home. Allow the appearance of your home’s exterior to catch your guests at the door with a few simple and effective ways.
For example, keep your sidewalks and porches cleanly swept so leaves and cobwebs don’t accumulate.
I also like to have the mulch in our yard freshened up twice a year (in the fall and spring). You will be shocked with how this truly makes your shrubs and trees pop.
Lastly, keep the edging of your grass clean and crisp so its not encroaching in areas it shouldn’t.
Dolores Del Rio House, Arturo Jimenez Photography
5. Customize your kitchen and bathrooms:
Updating your kitchen or an out-dated bathroom are both places where you can add value to your home. Not only for re-sale purposes, but also in terms of function for you and your family.
We designed this client’s kitchen to suit their needs in a new build. As empty-nesters, they didn’t want a large breakfast room because they enjoy eating everyday meals around an island. With emphasis on the island design and function, we added counter stools and a table-like feel as a perfect solution for ‘island dining’.
Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
Another great way to maximize space in a kitchen is to incorporate banquette-style seating with your breakfast room table.
Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
I hope you find these five ways to invest in your home helpful and that they guide you to wisely invest in the space you call home. Let me know what you think.
Have a great day,
Dana
To see more of what we do on a day to day basis, follow along…
Since the new year, a few people have reached out to me about the 3.5 hour consult I offer.
While my firm works mostly on full room or turn-key projects, this one-time service is for the client who needs direction and help making decisions with their home but wants to implement the detailed plan as their budget and time allows.
It has gone over really well, and I have even flown across the country a few times to offer this service.
People who have invested in this consult have been surprised over the amount of detail and information that comes from it.
I recently saw a client who hired me several months ago to help her with the finishes, colors, materials, furniture layout, etc for a family lakehouse under construction.
I couldn’t help but smile as she proudly showed me pictures of the finished product. They don’t have furniture yet, but the house turned out so pretty. She did a great job implementing my suggestions when building their second home.
Dana Wolter Interiors
Dana Wolter Interiors
Here’s how the 3.5 hour consult works:
You send a list of all you would like to discuss and accomplish during our time together. During our appointment, I will then spend 3.5 hours of uninterrupted time giving you my opinion and 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!
I’ve also had people use this service to select the all of the finishes down to the cabinet hardware for a new build.
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 detailed notes of what we discussed. 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. It also allows you the freedom to work on your project as your time and budget allow, all while following professional advice.
If you think this service can help you transform your home, email us here. I would love to talk with you.
Have a great day-
dana
P.S. To see more of what we do on a day to day basis, click to follow along…
There is nothing I love more than when friends and family stop by at a moment’s notice.
Whether it’s catching up with a neighbor or an impromptu girls’ night, I savor these moments. The key to being prepared for unexpected company is to have a few easy tricks.
It’s not about stressing over how clean your house is or the fact that you may still be in your workout clothes from the morning. It’s about enjoying friends and family and the time you spend with them.
Your guests will only be as relaxed as you are, so don’t fret over the things you can’t control.
Here are five of my tried and true tricks to keep on hand for last-minute entertaining:
1. Keep a delicious dip in your freezer and crackers in the pantry. This way, all you have to do is pull out of the freezer and heat in the oven. Not only will your home smell amazing, but you don’t have to fuss with any dishes or prep work.
Here is my family’s favorite dip recipe, courtesy of the Junior League of Birmingham’s Food For Thought cookbook. FYI- it freezes wonderfully, too.
Hot Bacon and Swiss Dip
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, soften
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 cup grated Swiss cheese
2 tablespoons chopped green onions
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled,
1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers
Soften cream cheese in a mixing bowl. Add mayonnaise, Swiss chases, and green onions; mix well. Transfer to a baking dish. Top with bacon and crackers. Bake at 350° for 15 to 20 minutes or until bubbly and serve with crackers or Fritos.
2. Have cloth napkins pressed and ready. No thought or effort required – It is as simple as pulling them out and displaying with your hors d’oeuvre of choice and wine.
Or setting a table for a more formal, sit down dinner
3. Light a nice candle– I love a good candle and am constantly changing out the one in my kitchen. Find one that speaks to you and enjoy it.
4. Keep a good supply of simple, clear vases of different sizes tucked away for entertaining. These are great for filling with grocery store flowers or branches from your yard for a last minute arrangement. Sprawling branches make such a beautiful, effortless statement, and according to my youngest, flowers make your house look cleaner. Who knew!
Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
5. Slow down and give your guests your undivided attention. Put down the cell phones, send the children off to play or to do homework, and make your guests feel like you have time for them (no matter what fire you might be in the middle of putting out). Be present and enjoy your visit!
With the holidays approaching, I hope some of these tips will help ease the stress of the season. I’d love to hear your tried and true hospitality tricks.
Cheers to living (and entertaining) well,
Dana
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Do you ever wonder how we use so many beautiful, neutral fabrics in our projects and question how they look after a busy family lives in the space?
Many times when we are in the furniture and fabric phase of a project, clients immediately want to steer clear of anything that remotely looks too ‘light’ in color because of children, dogs, and just life.
They have valid reasoning for being concerned; I’ve raised three daughters and know how that goes. But like everything else, technology with fabrics and their durability have come leaps and bounds from where they used to be.
Here are four ways to make neutral upholstery more durable in your home:
1. Treat the neutral fabric with a stain resistant
In this Living Room, we had all of the upholstery treated with a stain resistant formula before being upholstered. It’s important to look at each fabric’s durability when creating a room so it can work hard for your family if needed.
Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
2. Include commercial grade fabrics in strategic places
Another trick we use is to find contract-grade fabrics that do not look or feel commercial. We have found fabulous looking velvets and linens that go through rigorous testing to guarantee they are stain resistant, durable, and have a high rub count.
Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
3. Add a blanket or quilt as an extra layer of protection
Often times, we have quilted throws made to perfectly fit a piece of upholstery. This allows the throw take the brunt of the activity and it can easily be removed or dry cleaned.
This Schumacher velvet and Jerry Pair leather add to the durability in this room. Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
4. Incorporate a leather or faux leather into the room
This buttery faux leather that resembles some of the attributes of leather can look stunning and function perfectly in a kitchen or breakfast room.
The technology makes it easy to wipe down without stains or harsh chemicals, so no worries about fingerprints or stains on this custom banquette we designed, either.
Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
Next time you are faced with the fear of choosing new fabrics for your home, don’t immediately shy away from light upholstery. Remember, the key is to look at its makeup so it can stand up to everyday life.
The foyer is the first impression of your home when someone walks in, so it needs to make a good one.
After all, whether family or a visitor, you want guests to feel welcome.
We recently began working on the foyer of a current project. It is a beautiful home and while we have finished up several rooms in the house, we are now focusing in on this space. As I was assessing the best way to soften this room and make it look like the family has lived there for some time, I thought I would share some tricks with you.
Here are five tips to making a great first impression in your foyer:
1. Add a piece of furniture and or seating (preferably something with fabric) to soften the space.
Foyer, Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
McAlpine Booth and Ferrier
2. Make the space personal- Add your favorite piece of artwork, a frame with a family photo, etc….
Artwork by my daughter (that I love) personalizes the entrance into my office, Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
Dana Wolter Interiors
3. Make the space useful- Depending on the size, create a place to sit to put your shoes on, or at the very least, add a tray to catch your keys.
Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
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 been collected over time.
Below is a video I shot a few years back with Wendy Garner talking about how to transform this overlooked space. Click here to watch for a few more tips for your foyer.
Dana Wolters’ TV Segment on “Ways To Create An Inviting Foyer”
So, what does your foyer say about your home? Does it set the tone and catch your eye, or is it a “catch-all” area you want to hurry your guests through?
Have a great day, everyone, and here’s to your foyer making a good first impression.
Dana
Come see what we have to say on a day to day basis at DWI-
If you love Instagram as much as I do, be sure to follow along with us this weekend as I take over Traditional Home’s Instagram feed later today.
Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
I am excited to share pictures of my weekend and show you around my hometown of Birmingham, AL. People are always pleasantly surprised to see how urbanized our city is and all that it offers in the Deep South.
Birmingham, AL, the “Magic City.” Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
I am going to share a few of my favorite places to eat, shop, and relax around town. You can see my Instagram account here and can follow along on Traditional Home’s account here.
Stop by and say hello. I’d love to hear from you-
Dana
Like what you see? Connect with us on a regular basis….
Not to show my age, but who remembers the bulky televisions with the rabbit ears? There was no hiding those big ‘ole things.
Thankfully, tvs have become a little more discreet over the years.
On many projects, I have clients ask where should they place the tv in a room and how it should be treated within it.
I try to tuck them away when possible or make sure they are not a big focal point. If they are placed on a main wall, it usually calls for me to try and soften around it.
TV is placed on a side wall, Dana Wolter Interiors
The picture below is from a client’s living room. Yes, I said living room, and that is a tv near the piano. This large room with incredible light was – get this- pretty much a walk-through room. They have a large family with a revolving door to family and friends, so it made sense that when we redesigned this room to incorporate a tv in here. We tucked it into a side wall where it can be pulled out if needed.
We reworked the furniture layout to add more seating. The room is casual enough to feel comfortable lounging on the sofa with your feet propped up with a bowl of popcorn, or it can be a little more formal when having a dinner party. Either way, it works, and MORE IMPORTANTLY, the space is used by their family.
Dana Wolter Interiors
Make no doubt about it, sometimes a tv needs to stand proudly in a room, ready to serve its purpose, but a little softness never hurts.
Dana Wolter Interiors
What are your thoughts concerning the tv? Are you a “let it hang on out there” and serve its purpose or do you like to tuck it away? Let me know what you think-
I have been talking a lot lately about the importance of making your home your own. #Livingwell and creating a home around what is important to you.
A bedroom is the perfect room to create a spot to call your own – a place that allows you to relax and surround yourself with things you love.
I’ve come up with six tips for creating a bedroom special to you. Here goes:
1. Use colors that SPEAK to you: I normally keep colors in the bedroom soft because I need tranquility in my life (Ha!), but if a bright color speaks to you, then certainly use it.
Bedroom created a few years back for a favorite client; Dana Wolter Interiors, Jean Allsopp Photography
2. Mix your Furniture Pieces for a Collected Look. Gone are the days of matching bedroom sets, so mix your finishes.
Vincent Wolf
3. Layer- Bedrooms can have quite a few hard surfaces, so it is important to add softness through a rug, window treatments, pillows, bedding, etc…
I love this upholstered niche by Circa Interiors
4. Incorporate things that you love, such as favorite photographs and artwork.
5. Keep it simple… Don’t clutter or overcrowd your bedroom with too much stuff. Make sure the room can breathe, so you can as well.
Pinterest
6. Find a place to sit. While you don’t want to overcrowd, I always try to add some sort of sitting in a bedroom. A place to lounge if you aren’t quite ready to curl up in bed.
A leather or upholstered chair to cozy up in to finish that book you started are pieces that can enhance a bedroom space and make it feel like your very own private suite. #Livingwell in your home by making it your own.
Bedrooms should have all things in it that you love. It should be the place you cannot wait to get to at the end of your day or sneak off to when you just need a moment to yourself.
If you want help or need guidance on how to make your bedroom feel like its very own getaway, email us here.
Here’s to creating a bedroom you love and #livingwell in your home.
Pets Are Family, Too- Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
Pets are part of the family, and #LivingWell with a pet means creating durable, pretty interiors that can withstand the wear and tear that comes from them. Interiors you can enjoy with your pets, family and friends.
Ask my dog, Bitsy, as she is sure to show you how she has free rein in my home.
If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve probably seen on my Instagram stories how I refer to her as Waldo- you never know where she may appear- but it’s always in a comfortable spot.
Bitsy always finds a comfy chair
Pets need to be taken in consideration when designing your home. Yes, you can have a gorgeous, jaw dropping home the entire family can actually live in, including them.
Here are a few tips for worry-free living with your best friend:
1. God-made materials, such as natural stone, only become prettier with a little wear and tear. Scratches, etching- it’s called patina.
2. When selecting fabrics, choose ones that have a high durability rating. If it doesn’t have one, have the fabric treated.
I use this trick- a lot. Let me show you a few examples…
Chaises with a treated fabric, Dana Wolter InteriorsDana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
3. Incorporate antique and semi-antique rugs. Needless to say, if it has lasted a hundred years or close to it, it can stand the wear from a pup.
Maggie was quite the model when shooting this home. She loved to be where the action was (and on the rugs).
Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton PhotographyDana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
What can I say? Some can easily claim a favorite spot of their very own. Isn’t he the sweetest?
Where’s your pet’s favorite spot to perch, or is he even allowed on the furniture?
Here’s to #LivingWell with pets. After all, they are part of the family, and a home should be enjoyed by all.
Have a great day-
dana
To see what we are doing on a daily basis, follow along-
Fall is here and with the holidays around the corner, people are ready to make changes to their home.
If this includes you, I want to remind you about the 3.5 hour consult I offer.
While we mostly work on full room or turn-key projects, this one-time service is for the client who needs direction and help making decisions, but likes to take that information and do the legwork themselves.
It has gone over really well, and the clients who have invested in this consult with me have been surprised over the amount of detail and information that comes with it.
Matter of fact, I have helped people not only rework rooms and the types of furniture to buy for the spaces, but others have used this service to select the finishes and paint colors for homes not yet under construction.
Whatever your needs may be, you have my undivided attention to accomplish all we need to do during our time together.
Dana Wolter Interiors
Here’s how the 3.5 hour consult works:
You send a list to me of all you would like to discuss and accomplish during our time together. We make an appointment, and I will then spend 3.5 hours of uninterrupted time discussing your project. 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 in knowing what you want to accomplish, 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 notes on what was discussed and a list of the suggestions from me. This allows you to maximize your time with me while I 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. It also allows you the freedom to work on your project as your time and budget allow, all while following professional advice.
I had one last week and the client sent me this email afterwards. She said it was fine for me to share, so here goes:
Hi Dana, I just wanted to thank you again for yesterday! As I drove home, I literally felt less stress in my body having so many decisions made that I am excited about! You offer a wonderful service and it fit my needs perfectly. I look forward to really seeing the transformation take place! Thank you again and have a great upcoming weekend!
If you think this service can help you, email us here. I would love to talk with you.
Have a great day,
dana
P.S. I post pictures on social media that don’t always make it onto my blog, so please follow along.
It’s always fun to go back to a finished project and see how a client is LIVING in the home.
I am always amazed at how your surroundings can completely revamp how you feel and live.
After all, #LivingWell in your home is about making your home work for you and your family. Making it special to you.
We made a two day visit to professionally photograph this home, and I loved seeing the hustle and bustle of everyday life for them. This family of five stays on the go, and their home needs to work hard for them.
Southern style at its best- spaces that invite guests in to visit, spaces that are workhorses for their needs, and in the end are just really pretty rooms.
I think we succeeded in making it just that….
It is their forever home, but when they bought it a year ago, there wasn’t much to it that made it feel like it was their own.
While I can’t show you the full room pictures, I can give you a glimpse….
You might have seen this picture of the foyer on My Instagram that I posted last week, or this one today……
Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
And here are a few more……..
Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
Kitchen Banquette Detail-Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
Details on the loveseat in the bay window, Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
If you feel like your home isn’t helping you make the most of your life and your family’s, email us here. Let us help you #LiveWell in your home, too.
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
Like what you see? Connect with us on a daily basis…. Facebook- Dana Wolter Interiors
I posted this picture Here on Instagram a few months ago, and I had someone comment they couldn’t believe this beautiful, functional room once served as a Garage. Me neither…..
I realized that I should share some progress pictures so you can see the transformation. Who knew a garage could look so good……
Before:
What do you see? I see a future family room. Dana Wolter Interiors
After:
Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
Dana Wolter Interiors
Dana Wolter Interiors
I love how this family took their home and made this room work for them. The home functions for a large family, and they needed extra space to spread out and watch television.
The Garage made the most sense, and with its doors turned into French doors and a back entrance reworked, the room quietly transformed.
We added an extra-long sleeper sofa, so it is perfect for the times they need an extra bed, too.
So here’s to making the most of your home, one room at a time.
Dana
Follow along to see what we are doing on a daily basis……
As I was going thru some photos of my work recently, 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?
Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Elton Photography
Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Elton Photography
I also love incorporating a mirror in an entrance way when possible. The picture of this foyer is from several years back, but I still love how it adds reflection and softness to the space.
Dana Wolter Interiors, Jean Allsopp Photography
Hope these tips help when you are deciding where to hang a mirror in your home. Have a great day, everyone-
Dana
If you would like to see more on a day to day basis of what we do at DWI, join us! We would love to meet you!!
I am the one who used to blog, but then suddenly disappeared for a few weeks….
It’s never intentional. Life gets busy- my mother has been sick again, I’ve been trying to spend more time with my family, and we’ve started a few new projects.
When I haven’t been with my family or working, I have been traveling quite a bit. One of the places I visited last month was New York City.
As I made a stop into the Saks on Fifth Avenue, a transformation on their second floor knocked my socks offcaught my attention.
Saks- Justin Bridges Photography
Gone are the racks and racks of clothes on this floor- though they still have some active wear and accessories for sale.
It has become a Wellness Floor called The Wellery, and I loved what Saks has done with it.
In a world where I feel like I am trying to find a balance because I am being pulled in 10 different directions, I actually felt my blood pressure drop as I walked around.
If it wasn’t for my girls urging me onto the escalator, I probably would have circled the space a few more times.
I don’t claim to be the most healthy, but I do love the thought of trying.
With the exception of a juice bar, this floor has Everything. From a nail salon, to bikes, to exercise classes, to salt rooms, to dermatology services, to gym bags and activewear, it’s all there.
And it SPOKE to me.
I’ll take a green bike, please…. The Wellery, Saks Fifth Avenue, NY
JUST BREATHE……..
The Wellery offers Salt Rooms. Has anyone tried this before?
The Wellery, Saks Fifth Avenue
It is such a new, innovative way to position a clothing store, but it got me thinking…..
Health and wellness are not just what you eat and if you exercise. Living Well is a way of life-
I have talked here how a healthy lifestyle is one that encompasses all facets of your life, not just a few areas.
It carries over to how your home makes you feel when you walk through the door. Does your home stress you out or make you feel at peace when you walk through the door?
Living well is taking all of the chaos life throws at us and keeping it all in perspective.
Keeping perspective when life doesn’t give much of one.
I understand- with a sick mom, children, and quite frankly, hip and female issues, life is not always rosy…
But I am going to continue working hard to be the best version of myself that I can be. Warts and all.
So how can you live well? Does it involve tweaking your home so it works and functions better for you and your family?
If you need help creating a customized space, email us at info@danawolterinteriors.com. We would love to hear from you.
Here’s to a well-lived life, despite all the chaos life may bring-
Dana
Follow along for a look at what we are doing on a daily basis……
I fell off the blog post train the past few weeks, as I have been living on the road and out of a suitcase.
We have been pretty busy with current projects, and with being out of town, my blog writing, the dog grooming appointments, and the cleanliness of my own house have fallen by the wayside.
Here is a glimpse into what has been going on with us…….
As I wrote here a few weeks ago, I was asked to participate in the Atlanta Home’s and Lifestyle’s Southeastern Showhouse in Atlanta, GA.
We spent two days in Atlanta installing the Mudroom, Mudroom Powder, and the Butler’s Pantry. Though it poured as we moved in, we had a blast.
Abbey at odds with the umbrella, and I think the umbrella may have won….
Monica and Abbey taking inventory
My goal was to make these small, but important rooms, feel true to the home. The house is beautiful and extremely traditional. Our rooms needed to blend into the architecture, but not at the cost of being boring.
I wanted to create spaces that are functional- a place to catch your keys, use the desk behind the cabinet doors, etc.
Layered, collected, timeless.
Here are a few pictures of our spaces for you to see.
Gorgeous console and lamp are from Parc Monceau. The Louis Philippe mirror is from Huff Harrington and the sculptural hands are from Travis and Co
Drapery panel covering a nondescript closet door. It also adds softness to the room while balancing the opposite wall.
I love the Tantalus and oil painting below from Parc Monceau. If you haven’t been to their shop in Buckhead, you need to stop by.
The Plateau is an architectural fragment I found at an antique store, and I had my marble guy cut a piece of Alabama White for the top. It’s one of my favorite serving pieces in my own home.
Royal Standard china and Baccarat crystal
The Showhouse closes May 14th so be sure to catch it.
After we installed our rooms, I vacationed in Miami for a few days with two of my girls. It was Lucy’s Spring Break, so we took a few days to get away. Feeling the sun on your back, and your toes in the sand, does a person good.
We loved DIRT in Miami- a fresh and healthy take on food
I came back Tuesday from Miami and left Wednesday for the opening of the show. Abbey went with me and we had a blast.
It was back to work for a day while I was back in Birmingham, AL. We had a site visit to select hardwood floor color, and we also began working on a living room design for a new client.
I then headed back to Atlanta for Design ADAC and for the Southeastern Designer & Architect Awards.
The Design ADAC panels were awesome as expected. I especially loved the one with the Editors of Veranda moderated by Carolyn Englefield. I think I could have listened to Lisa Newsom’s stories from the past all day long.
As I wrote here, I was thrilled to learn we were a finalist for the ADAC & Veranda 2017 Southeast Designers & Architect Of The Year awards.
2017 Southeast Designers & Architect Of The Year Award
Rebecca and I before the party
The Editor At Large interviewing me at the party
Phoebe Howard took home the Residential Designer Of The Year award, and my Birmingham, AL, friend, Jeff Dungan, took home the Architect Of The Year Award.
I have to give my team a huge shoutout. They held down the fort while I was in and out of town, and I truly could not do all of this without them. They are the BEST, and I am grateful for each of their gifts that they bring to our firm.
I loved being in Atlanta this past month, and always said that if I didn’t live in Birmingham, Atlanta is where I would hang my hat. Not sure my husband would comply, but I can work on him…..
And while I have worked on projects in Atlanta in the past, I would love to do more work there. If you have a project and you like our style, reach out to us.
I am back in Birmingham for a few weeks before I head out of town again. I plan on catching up on work and cleaning my house :). If I am lucky, my hands will end up in the dirt planting a few things this weekend.
Stay tuned as we keep you filled in on some more exciting news….
Have a great day-
Dana
If you would like to see what we are doing on a daily basis, reach out to us. We’d love to hear from you-
We just learned we are a finalist for the 2017 Southeast Residential Designer Of The Year award.
I try not to get too caught up in awards and accolades, but I do have to admit, I am thrilled. It’s an honor to be included in this esteemed group of designer friends and by judges I admire and respect.
2017 Southeast Designers & Architect Of The Year Award
I’ve listed the other finalists in the Residential category and have included their websites so you can learn more about those you may not know.
If interested, you can read more about it here. This award ceremony is sponsored by Veranda and ADAC and is Thursday, April 27th, at the Southeastern Showhouse in Atlanta, GA.
This is the Atlanta Homes and Lifestyle’sShowhouse I have been working on the past few weeks, and if you have a chance to tour it between April 20th and May14th, GO! The home is beautiful and it is for a great cause.
Take care and thanks for reading. Have a great day, everyone.
Dana
If you would like to see what we are doing on a daily basis, reach out to us. We’d love to hear from you-
Are you ready to leave behind the stress you find in your surroundings and create a healthy, happy life that begins before you walk out your front door?
Your environment is one of the seven top causes of stress, and your surroundings attribute to your health just as much as what you eat, who you surround yourself with, how much you exercise, etc…
Think about it… If you try to eat healthy, exercise, get good sleep, does it make sense to spend the majority of your time in a a space that is cluttered, dark and disorganized?
A healthy lifestyle is one that encompasses all facets of your life, not just a few areas.
Don’t get me wrong…..There are days when your house is going to be a mess. I have had people in and out of my home quite a bit lately, and with the holidays, mine is now. Too many children pulling things out and not putting them up.
But the difference is that when you have a mess in a healthy home, it is because things are out of their specific place versus having things randomly lying around and piling up.
Take a step back from your home and make an honest assessment about how your home makes you feel. Does it bring your joy and peace?
If you find your house a place of uneasiness, apply these few tips to your home and see if you can figure out why :
Organize your home so everything has a place. Incorporate hidden storage where you can create a visual calm and store alike things together.
You would never know it, but the hidden door under my stairs allows for all kinds of storage for my family.
Dana Wolter Interiors
2. Find a Purpose for every room in your home as no room should serve as a “walk-through” or a room used once or twice a year. Then take a step back and assess the items in each room. Do they bring your joy or are they useful? If neither, it is time to give them away or throw them out.
This may also mean switching rooms around, or changing how the furniture is arranged in a room.
Take this room in this cottage below that we worked on a few years back. It was a walk-through room, a catch-all, and the it was the largest room in the house.
By changing the type of furniture placed in this room, we were able to create a place to sit and relax, play on your phone, read a good book, etc… The chaises draw you in to sit and stay for awhile.
BEFORE
Dana Wolter Interiors
You can see more Before and After of this house from this previous post here.
We did the same thing with this home. The biggest room in their house was the “walk-through’ room. It was rarely used while this family of seven used a small sitting room off the kitchen to watch tv.
BEFORE
What you can’t see in this picture is that we tucked a television on a side wall that can be pulled out when needed. Our goal was to create a family-friendly space for this family to enjoy while keeping it formal enough to serve as a living room if needed. Mission accomplished!
3. Find a Balance with how your home flows and functions. Your home should work well for everyday living and be able to transition to host a party when needed.
4. What makes you smile and bring your joy? Whether it is a sparse room, layered objects, bright colors, or a wall filled with books, use discernment in adding these touches to your space. Find ways to add what makes you smile to bring you Warmth and Joy in your house.
Chad James Interior Design, Elle Decor, Photography by Alyssa Rosenheck
If you need help into turning your house into one you love, reach out to us here. We would love to hear from you.
Here’s to a healthy, happy life-
Dana
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