Living Well

Living Well: 2017 In Review

 I’ve always been proud of how our designs change how people live- because they do.  I’ve seen time and time again how a beautiful, well-functioning home can add to the quality of a family’s life and save them from costly mistakes.

While the reason we do what we do hasn’t changed, we gave it a name in early 2017.   We added to our Vision Statement “To change people’s lives through the art of Living Well in their home.”

So, in keeping with Living Well in my own life, I thought it would be fun to look back at what 2017 held for me.   Here is a recap- the good and the bad- that took place.   

We began the year opening my new office in Mountain Brook, AL.   I kept my office in my home for several years to stay close to my children, but now that they are older and my team has grown, it was time to move out.  We are now in the heart of Mountain Brook Village, so still close to my own home which I love.

 

BEFORE of the space

 

AFTER:

Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography

 

 

Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography

 

 

Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography

 

Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography

 

January also included installing our #DiamondsOfDesign vignette for the AmericasMart market in Atlanta, GA.   It was their 60th anniversary and to celebrate, they had 10 designers from across the country create spaces based upon a style icon from the past 60 years.

 

Dana Wolter Interiors, photo courtesy of AmericasMart

 

In March, we installed our spaces in the Atlanta Homes & Lifestyle’s  Southeastern Showhouse in Atlanta, GA.

 

davis-analytique-color_150dpi_2017-02-15

 

 

 

Designers from across the Southeast were asked to participate in this showhouse, and we loved being included.  The house is a James Means’ creation where his designs were based upon Classicism and craftsmanship.  The renovation/addition was by Yong Pak of Pak Hyde & Associates.

Here are a few pictures from our Mudroom photographed by Emily Followill:

 

 

March came with a family trip to The Ritz Carlton St. Thomas for spring break.   It was a much needed break, and the fresh air and scenery were exactly what I needed.

 

We were thrilled to learn in early April that we were a Finalist for the 2017  ADAC and Veranda Southeast Residential Designer Of The Year award.

 

Though we didn’t win, it was a fun few days celebrating and catching up with design friends. 

 

Talking with my friend, Arianne Nardo, of The Editor At Large

 

 

Rebecca and me heading to the awards’ ceremony

 

2017 also included publications of our work.   We loved this feature here in Charlotte’s Peachy Magazine featuring one of our designs from years’ past.   It’s an example that good design doesn’t go out of style….

Mountain Brook Magazine featured one of my favorite renovations. The backstory to this project is a feel good story for all, so be sure to read here .

 

 

StyleBlueprint did a wonderful feature on our work.  You can see the article here.

I also visited New York a few times for work and for fun.  I love the city and find inspiration from new sources so easily there.   When I was there in July, I drove over with my friend Vicki to see the Traditional Home Hamptons’ Showhouse in July.  It was filled with amazing talent and every space was gorgeous.

Vicki and I enjoying the Hampton Showhouse with Jill Waage, Traditional Home’s Editor In Chief

 

I can’t leave out moving TWO of my girls to college.   While it is always time for them to go back to school when the time comes (and this is Lucy’s junior year), it is still emotional for me.  Not sure why- because they are doing amazingly well, but I just miss them.  

Mother/Daughter senior trip to the Grand Velas in May

 

 

We took over Traditional Home’s Instagram feed here in October and it was a ton of fun.

 

Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography

 

I enjoyed showing their followers around Birmingham, AL.  People are always pleasantly surprised to see how urbanized our city is and all that it offers in the Deep South.   

 

Graham Yelton photography

 

We had several installations this year, and for our amazing clients, we are always grateful.  Here are some pictures of a few of the homes(photography by Graham Yelton):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you are still reading following me here on Instagram, you know I recently had hip surgery.  It was a big decision for me to go through with it as I have had hip pain for over three years. Quite frankly, I just became tired of being in pain and not being able to walk long distances.   It has been a rough few weeks, but every day I seem to be a little stronger.   I just pray 2018 will be pain free and that I will be able to walk as far as I would like without thinking twice.  I’ve learned it’s the simple things that I take for granted, like bending over to tie my shoes (I can’t do this for six weeks post op).   If you see me walking into my office barefoot, you will know why.:)

 

And while 2017 has been a pretty good year for business and accolades, what I am most grateful for is my family.  Living Well for me is enjoying my family and creating memories with them whenever I can.    I recently turned an extra room in our house into a tv room, and I have loved watching all of the many movies we did over the holidays.

So here’s to Living Well in 2018, whatever your definition may be.   If it includes transforming your home into one that works hard to live up to your definition, give us a shout here.   We’d love to hear from you.

 

Happy New Year-

 

Dana

 

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Living Well

Living Well: Six Tips For Creating A Bedroom You Love

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.

xo- Dana 

 

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Living Well

3.5 Hour Consult- Is This Service A Good Fit For You?

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.

 

 

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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

 

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Living Well

After Pictures- Southern Style At Its Best

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.

 

xo,

 

Dana

 

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Living Well

Living Well- Tips For Making The Most Of Your Home

With the devastation we’ve had lately from floods and Hurricane Irma, I’ve been reminded of the importance of home.  I’ve realized I take for granted having a roof over my head, a place to retreat from life.

 

None of us are promised a perfect tomorrow, so why are we waiting to create a home that makes us feel comfortable, happy, and protected?

 

My heart goes out to all of the people across our country having to start over and rebuild.   Now more than ever, it is important to #Livewell by creating a home you love- one that makes you want to retreat to from the craziness of this world.  

 

It’s deciding what makes you happy and taking the steps to create it.   For instance, is family important to you?  If so, think about creating a gallery wall of your favorite family photos.  

 

I do this all the time- I’ll designate a specific hall, a wall, or both in a home where photos can be displayed.   Here are a few from a couple of my projects:

 

Make a wall in your home personal to you, Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography

 

 

 

Dana Wolter Interiors, Jean Allsopp Photography

 

 

For some, #LivingWell might be having friends over.   Casual impromptu dinners are always great, but don’t be afraid to pull out your china, silver, crystal.  If using these things brings you joy,  pull them out-stop saving them for tomorrow.  Let’s enjoy today.  

 

 

I love to create a spot somewhere in the home that clients can call their own.  A cozy corner that calls their name. 

 

 

An extra-deep loveseat in this bay window creates an inviting spot to sit. Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography

 

 

Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography

 

 

 

A cute couple I helped with a design/build liked to sit at their island for their meals.  If you are going to sit at the counter for a few meals each day, why not make it functional and pretty and unique? 

 

Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography

 

 

Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography

 

 

For today, I hope you are inspired to find ways to turn your home into one you love…….

 

 

Here’s to creating a home you enjoy and can #livewell in

 

 

Dana

 

 

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