With all of us spending more time at home, it’s making many of us realize the things we love about our house and things we would like to change. I have been using this time to assess and tackle areas in my own home that feel dated, stale and old. Here are a few tips if you would like to do the same.
1. Does your home make you breathe a little deeper?
When you walk into your home, what feelings and emotions are evoked? Are they feelings of contentment and relaxation or anxiousness and dread?
If you answered the latter, it’s time for some change. Your home should be a restful retreat where you can make memories and host gatherings with family and friends.
Sometimes, you just need a calming, neutral palette with layers of texture.
A calming palette in a mudroom, Dana Wolter Interiors, Emily Followill Photography
Other times, it is time to renovate and update your home and it’s amenities.
For this client, we moved walls and gave them a beautiful new kitchen and bar area. They now have a walk-in pantry behind the new hidden doors.
Kitchen Before
Updated Kitchen, Dana Wolter Interiors
2. Does your home function for you and your family?
What stage of life are you in? Life transitions usually equate to transitions needing to take place in the home.
Have your children moved out and you are a new empty nester (if so, I can relate), or are your kids older and what worked a few years ago no longer does?
A house once full of active children and their friends can now feel lost. It’s time to reinvent your home so it functions for you in this new phase of life.
Beautiful master suite to relax at the end of the day, Dana Wolter Interiors
Master Bedroom, Dana Wolter Interiors
Clients who hire us for these specific needs want to re-do their bedrooms, tackle the guest bedroom, and make the famous ‘playroom’ more of a mature den for casual lounging.
Ladies’ Cozy Lounge, Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
3. Does your home reflect your personal style and lifestyle?
Whether you have more formal or casual taste, your home should follow suit. Below are examples of both formal and casual interiors – which one speaks to you?
Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
If you can relate to any of these three signs, give us a call (205.938.4848) or email us here. We would love to hear from you.
Have a great day,
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 so excited to be included in a recent Traditional Home magazine story on lighting and thought I’d share four tips on selecting lighting for your home.
As Seen In Traditional Home, Dana Wolter Interiors
Selecting the perfect light fixture is a great way to marry function and beauty while adding a custom touch to your house.
In many interiors, lighting isn’t given the attention it deserves. It’s often an afterthought, but well-chosen light fixtures—from chandeliers and pendants to wall sconces and lanterns—can be the element that adds that final hint of drama to a beautiful room.
Here are four tips we often implement when selecting lighting for our clients whom reach out to us here.
Four tips for selecting lighting for your home:
1. Include Lighting As A Statement Piece
In this soft gray corridor, we incorporated unlacquered brass lanterns to draw the eye upward and act as the perfect punctuation mark to tame a long hallway.
They not only make a statement but they provide needed light for the space.
Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
2. Incorporate Sconces For Dimension and Soft Lighting
Sconces are often the jewelry that completes the little black dress of an interior—offering soft, sculptural light that can break up a long wall and add dimension. These gorgeous accent pieces act not only as accent lighting but also as artwork that personalizes the space.
Ornamented brass sconces with white shades act as delicate accents and balance artwork across the way.
Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
3. Create Drama In A Small Space
Dramatic lighting used in small spaces can offer high impact in a diminutive package. It’s the ideal place for sculptural lighting that catches your eye.
Dana Wolter Interiors
We selected sconces in the same patina in the home’s powder room for consistency and to act as counterpoints to a gorgeous gilt mirror.
Paired with a gray grasscloth wallpaper and gray-flecked marble, the fixtures take on a new life.
4. Include Task lighting Where Needed
Another tip for selecting lighting for your home is that decorative fixtures need to be paired with task lighting in high-use areas like a kitchen. Recessed lighting, mixed with the more decorative ambient light from the lanterns, ensures that every surface is illuminated.
In the kitchen, we chose lanterns with a patina finish to hang over the island. While the kitchen has varying shades of gray, the patinated lighting acts as a casual counterpoint to the dark waxed island while popping against soft gray cabinetry.
Decorative Lighting Ideas, Dana Wolter Interiors
Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
I hope you found these four tips for selecting lighting for your home useful as the options for lighting are limitless.
Have fun and experiment with your own by mixing finishes and scale, along with new and antique, for a look special to you. The layering is half the fun.
xo,
Dana
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I am thrilled to show you some never before seen “After” photos of our livable luxe project in this month’s Traditional Home.
As I mentioned on Instagram, it was all I could do to keep this home a secret. We have been waiting for a few years to share the photos, and it’s a great testament that all good things are certainly worth the wait.
This project was a turnkey project filled with beauty and function for the cutest family with small children. They contacted us here about their project and I am grateful to now call them friends.
Our clients moved into this home completely furnished with pictures hanging on the wall and accessories in their place. It’s like the magic fairies came in overnight and made it happen.
After Pictures As Seen In Traditional Home
I love that the home feels pulled together and approachable despite its high ceilings and vast size. Livable luxe at its best.
Its classic materials and detail make it hard to quite pinpoint how old the house might be, just as a new build should be.
My clients were wonderful in that they trusted my vision and took a leap of faith – even when I suggested an upholstered screen that was almost 15′ tall. I was looking for a way to ground the large space and this is what I envisioned.
Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
Dana Wolter Interiors, as seen in Traditional Home. Photography by Graham Yelton
If it looks like no big deal, keep scrolling Achieving this much detail 21′ in the air is not always easy.
I truly could not have done it without a detailed plan, my amazing team, the builder and my craftsmen. Oh, and a lift truck. I am so grateful.
Truly a collaborative effort between us, the builders and my amazing craftsmen. Look at how the beautiful pleats, banding and upholstered screen detail line up. Dana Wolter Interiors
Study:
While my clients requested a home that mostly felt light and airy, we pushed the envelope in a few rooms to create some unexpected drama.
We did so in the study by painting the walls a charcoal gray.
Study with charcoal gray walls, Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
See the cabinetry to the far right? This was originally drawn as a door to a media closet. We wrapped the cabinetry around two walls and you can open the end bookcase to access this small room.
I hope you have enjoyed seeing a glimpse into this home, and I will share more after photos of this livable luxe home over the next few weeks.
The issue hits newsstands this Friday so be on the lookout. I am thankful to my clients who trusted us with such a big part of their lives and to the Traditional Home team who allowed us to share it with their readers.
Dana
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One of my favorite clients reach out recently; we helped she and her husband build a beautiful home a few years ago and she emailed saying they are looking to build a second home.
I couldn’t help but smile knowing she enjoyed the process and wants to do it again. They put together a great team who worked hard to build a beautiful home, and I thought it might be helpful to share a few pieces of advice so you can do the same.
Tips for making the building process successful:
1. Put together a talented team
I can’t stress enough how important it is to hire a builder, designer and architect that are known for what you are trying to achieve. It isn’t enough to hire who your neighbor used- look at their past work, check their references, and search them online.
Your team should increase the value of your project while saving your sanity. Again- they should make your life easier and be good stewards of your money.
2. Make sure the aesthetic of your designer and architect appeal to you
Even creatives with a well-versed portfolio still have a certain look and tendencies (including me). In the end, you have to feel comfortable in the home.
Just as important, make sure you like their personality and can trust them. They are going to be dealing with your money and you need to be okay sharing details about how you live.
3. Wait to break ground on your home until your plans are finished
Do Not start the building process until the plans are finished. If you don’t wait, I can promise the demo will go fast but it will come to a screeching halt. Be prepared as it takes time to draw detailed plans.
A recent project as it was being built, Dana Wolter Interiors
4.Quality takes time
Quality takes time- there is a reason the room with custom cabinetry, draperies and millwork looks so good. Details customize a home, but they don’t happen overnight or through the internet.
Cabinet detail in a master bath renovation, Dana Wolter Interiors
Prepare yourself now- there will be a setback somewhere in the building process that will delay the project. The weather won’t cooperate, you will hit rock when excavating, etc…
5. Talk budget early on
No one enjoys sharing their personal business, but it is important to have a budget in mind or a realistic expectation of what your project will cost.
Know your building budget (and furnishings’ budget) at the beginning and be realistic about what it can afford you.
Talk to your builder about the exact finishes the allowances will buy you, and see what is realistic for what you are building. Also, the more finishes and specifics you can finalize during the bidding process (know exactly the type of countertop you want to use, what line of plumbing fixtures, etc…), the more it will save you with add-ons at the end.
6. Details make a home
Not all architects, builders and designers are equal and there is a reason everyone doesn’t charge the same. If detail is important to you, make sure you hire a team where it is important to them.
7. Let your home building team do their job
You hired your team for a reason, so let them do their job. If you can’t visualize a detail, trust that they can. This means trusting their judgment over your friend’s, your mom’s, etc….
8. Save enough money to furnish the home and be realistic as to how far that furnishing budget will go
The last thing you want to do is build a beautiful, brand new home and for it to echo because you are not able to furnish it properly.
I hope these eight tips are helpful and make the building process more enjoyable and fun.
If you are interested in learning about the design services we can offer you when building, email us at info@danawolterinteriors.com. We’d love to hear more about your project.
Dana
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Your house is one of the biggest purchases you will make and there are three rooms you should invest in when designing your home.
That’s not to say the other rooms or areas should be ignored; it just means these three add more value to the quality of your life and for resale.
So….Here goes-…
The top three rooms in your home to invest in and why
1. Kitchen–
Not only will a beautiful, functional kitchen make your life easier when cooking and feeding your family, it also gives you a great return on your investment if you ever decide to sell your home.
Invest in quality cabinets (believe me, not all cabinetry is the same. Buy the best you can afford and select a cabinet maker/company who truly pays attention to the details), classic finishes, and quality plumbing.
A kitchen of ours as featured in Traditional Home. Photography by Jean Allsopp
It’s the room that gets the most use, so make yours one you love and one that functions well for cooking, prep, and entertaining.
2.Master Bedroom–
My bed is my FAVORITE place in my house. Yep – I admit it. Great linens, comfortable pillows, soft, soothing colors….. I love to curl up in my bed and relax, and if a book in involved, even better. It’s like wearing a comfy pair of pjs to me.
Dana Wolter Interiors, Photography by Graham Yelton
A cocoon-like feel for this teen’s bedroom. Dana Wolter Interiors, LLC, Photography by Graham Yelton
3. Family Room–
I included the Family Room since it’s where you relax, watch tv and LIVE. It needs to draw you in with comfortable seating that makes you want to kick back and visit with family and friends.
Be sure to include comfortable upholstery (the best you can afford), and soften the room with drapes, a rug that fits the space well, etc… Think of layering this room with things you love to create a collected, personal feel.
I have always admired the layered look of this room created by interior designer Ray Booth
Invest in these three rooms first to create a retreat and a home that feels good to you and your family. If we can ever help you turn your home into one you love, contact us here.
Dana
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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
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
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.
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
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I’ve been little sporadic blogging this summer, but that doesn’t mean lots of exciting things- personally and professionally- haven’t been going on. I don”t know where to start, so I thought I would give a few highlights.
I have been super focused right now on packing up my middle daughter, Ellie, and moving her into college TOMORROW. Lots of mixed emotions as I don’t think a move with my second child will be any easier than it was with my first.
We are doing a mix of custom and store bought finds for her dorm room. I’ve tried to spend a little more on the items that can be reused and go more for “look” on the basic items.
The girls want to be surprised, so they haven’t seen anything yet. I am a little nervous about not having feedback from them but I’ve had a hip, college intern this summer who approved. Hopefully, they will feel the love that has gone into creating their room by this old, not so cool (at least in my daughter’s eyes) mom.
I will try to share some picture on social media so you can see how it turned out. Be sure to follow along here on Instagram……
Our office closed the week of the Fourth of July and I headed to the beach. My oldest, Lucy, is working in New York this summer and Ellie was at the lake, so Danny and I took Ann and friends to Watercolor in Santa Rosa, FL, for the week.
I loved having some time (well, as much as they would give us) with these girls, and the rest was good for all. The one on one time with my hubby was icing on the cake.
Girls celebrating the Fourth
Am I not like an old person? Sitting in the sun all covered up :). How times have changed…..
It’s a good thing we rested as my team and I came back to a huge install. This is a new construction we have been working on for over two years, and the cute couple, who built their forever home, were moving in that week.
The scope of the project covered all of the finishes/ details in the house, and the beginning of the summer included lots of attention to making sure all went seamlessly. We selected all of the upholstery, furnishing, accessories, window treatments, etc…, for the entire downstairs and a few things in the media room. The home is stunning with custom touches throughout.
It’s these custom touches that make a house go from pretty to pretty incredible. Lots of fabric cuttings going back and forth, creating a “catch your eye” focal point in each room, blending of finishes, making sure everything works with the piece next to it without being too perfectly matched….. You get the point. It’s custom what we do and attention to detail is our specialty.
Window treatment coming next week……
Upholstered doors against the slab of Calcutta Gold marble turned out beautifully in the bar, Dana Wolter Interiors
Custom banquette fits JUST right in the breakfast area, Dana Wolter Interiors
Dana Wolter Interiors
It’s been a fun project as we’ve blogged about it here if you’d like to read more.
I headed to the Hamptons at the end of July to celebrate the opening of the Traditional Home Showhouse in Southampton. It was a lot of fun and the two homes are gorgeous. Lots of stunning details shown on Traditional Home’s Instagram here. Be sure to look for more pictures of the homes in next summer’s issue.
Pictured here with Jill Waage, Editor In Chief, and Vicki Carra of Traditional Home
We’ve also been diligently working on a few new rooms that have been added to the scope of a current project. It is a stately house with great bones with a cute, active family that lives in it. Lots of beautiful stone throughout- but it needed some softness and layers and unique details added into the mix. We’ve brought in an architect to make the rooms flow better. It doesn’t matter how pretty a space is if it doesn’t function well for your family. Right??!
Curating a few fabrics for the foyer, Dana Wolter Interiors
Stay tuned as we are sharing some exciting news soon. In the meantime, wish me luck moving in my girl.
I am going to miss her infectious laugh and the relaxed feel she adds to the house. Wondering if crying when dropping off college kids is embarrassing to them. I am only asking for a friend 🙂
Graham Yelton Photography
Fly high, my sweet girl…… Dana Wolter Interiors
Have a great day and thanks for reading,
Dana
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With the new year just a couple of days away, I thought it would be fun to look back at 2016. This year has been a good one for us in so many ways, and here is a recap of a few things that took place:
We started the new year finishing up #ProjectExpansion for some favorite clients. They have a cute story as to why they needed more space. You can read about it here and here.
FOYER-BEFORE
FOYER-AFTER Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography
FOYER-AFTER
FOYER-AFTER
FAMILY ROOM BUILT-IN -BEFORE
FR Built-in before the glass doors were installed
The kitchen in this home has been shared so many times on the web, yet very few people have seen the “before” pictures. It was quite the transformation.
BEFORE- KITCHEN
BEFORE- KITCHEN
This is the photo that has been shared numberous times on social media. It’s even been referred to as the “poltergist” picture with stylist Monica Stewart making an appearance. Dana Wolter Interiors
Dana Wolter Interiors
Dana Wolter Interiors
January began with a feature in Birmingham Home and Garden magazine. This home was approximately 12 years old and it needed an update. We took several of the rooms and dramatically changed them. Here are a few of the before and after pictures:
BEFORE- MASTER
AFTER- MASTER BEDROOM Dana Wolter Interiors
BEFORE- LIVING ROOM
AFTER- LIVING ROOM, Dana Wolter Interiors
You can read more on the transformation of a few of the rooms here, here, and here.
In February, I hosted a party for Southern Living‘s Design Conference that took place in Birmingham, AL. There’s nothing like a party to make you do a few things around your own house, and it was just the kick in the pants that I needed.
Dana Wolter Interiors
Dana Wolter Interiors
Dana Wolter Interiors
It was a lot of fun as designers across the country came together for a few days, and I was glad they were able to see all that Birmingham, Al, has to offer.
Southern Living also included me in their April issue with a feature on using lavender in your home.
In October, Flower Magazine used my home as a backdrop for a Fall feature.
Flower Magazine
I was also asked by Coastal Living‘s Ellen McGauley and Southern Living’s Zoe Gowen to take part in a panel for ADAC on how to use social media and technology to grow a design business. Designer Cortney Bishop from Charleston, SC, joined in on the fun with us.
While there, the Editor-At-Large followed up by asking my thoughts on how ADAC is a great resource for designers.
Editor At Large Interview with Arianne Nardo
The last quarter of 2016 did not disappoint, either. We announced we are moving our office into the heart of Mountain Brook Village in Birmingham, AL. We are finishing up a few details now and will be in by the first of the year.
I was THRILLED to have one of our favorite kitchens for amazing clients in the Holiday Issue of Traditional Home. This was such a fun project for clients who trusted my vision, and the detail and customization in this home truly paid off.
November/December 2016
Dana Wolter Interiors
Dana Wolter Interiors
Dana Wolter Interiors
Dana Wolter Interiors, Photography by Graham Yelton
You can read my blog post here to learn more about this project or click here to see the actual feature in Traditional Home.
The feature of my house in the November/December issue of Southern Living was a ton of fun. We photographed my home for Christmas in the summer and with the Southern Living elves setting everything up, it was as easy as it could be.
They spoiled me and I was missing their help when December rolled around and it was time to decorate again. You can read the 10 page feature here.
Stylist Buffy Hargett did an amazing job on the flowers and decoration
The Southern Living team
As I look back at 2016, I cannot forget the online mentions and other amazing projects we have been part of this year that I did not highlight. I am having several projects photographed in a few weeks we have designed this year, and I cannot wait to share.
Thanks to all of you for following along on this journey. I have met some amazing people because of my job and am grateful to those who have trusted us with the investment of their home.
But more importantly, watching how an organized, functional, healthy home changes how a family lives is truly the best part of my job.
Here’s to a happy, healthy, blessed 2017 for all-
Dana
If you are looking to transform your home or looking to start anew, reach out to us here. I would love to discuss your project and see how we can help you.
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Recently, I blogged about a kitchen here that I designed that is featured now in the Holiday issue of Traditional Home. I love that not only was it custom designed specifically for my client, but that it is a gray kitchen versus a white one like you are seeing everywhere.
Don’t get me wrong- I love a white kitchen because they are clean, classic, and on trend. I recently painted my own a version of this palette and I am enjoying it.
But when I am able to start from scratch and create a space you won’t see in any other house, I am all over making it unique. After all, that is why clients hire us- to give them a space that is classic enough to stand the test of time, but one that is custom and special and different than their neighbor’s.
I kept the colors soft to suit the owners and their style, so I chose Sherwin Williams “Crushed Ice” for the cabinetry and walls. The kitchen is light and airy without having to be white.
Sherwin William’s Crushed Ice
It’s hard to tell from these photographs but we played with the Crushed Ice color. I watered down the color on the wood walls but used the same color in full formula for the cabinets. This kitchen had many details that added warmth and contrast to the design, while remaining bright and airy.
Even though the cabinetry and walls were light, the countertops were a great place to add warmth. The dark soapstone really stood out in this space and helped marry the darker island base. Soapstone is a forgiving material, so it was perfect for this type of workspace. The island countertop is Mystery White marble, and this “clean” material was fitting for this somewhat formal-feeling kitchen.
dana wolter interiors – photography by Graham Yelton
The French white oak floors from Bois Chamois are not only beautiful, but practical as well. With two dogs in the house, they are scratch resistant and won’t show dog hair. The waxed finish keeps the color light, but its gray tones blend into the rest of the kitchen.
dana wolter interiors – photography by Graham Yelton
The warm gray charcoal finish on the white-oak island base added contrast, as well as a touch of formality with it’s soft lines and reeded cabinet doors. It became a grounding piece against the lighter cabinets and wood floor.
Classic details, such as mixing metals in the light fixtures and hardware, softly added more warmth through these layers. Keeping these details refined and purposeful is one of the best ways to create a tasteful space.
And, as always, if we can help turn your home into one you think you can only dream about, reach out to us here. We would love to hear from you-
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.
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.
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.
The project that won me this incredible honor- Dana Wolter Interiors
Another glimpse into it- Dana Wolter Interiors
Dana Wolter Interiors
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Thank you for your support and let me know if you are the lucky winner!
Have you heard of Randy Newman’s song called “Birmingham”?
In it, he sings:
Birmingham, Birmingham The greatest city in Alabam’ You can travel ‘cross this entire land There ain’t no place like Birmingham
We think Randy must be a pretty wise guy as we totally agree with his lyrics.
There are so many wonderful sites in Birmingham and we need your help in deciding a front runner .
We have been asked by Traditional Home to choose an inspiration from Birmingham and create a virtual mood board based upon it that will be featured on their website.
Share with us, please! What is your favorite landmark in Birmingham, AL?
I just came back from the sixth annual “What’s New, What’s Next” event at the New York Design Center. What a great time I had!
Louisa and Allyson joined me for a fun night in the city!
The energy in the building was amazing….. Over 70 showrooms participated in the event that featured product introductions, informative lectures, and book signings all day long.
As mentioned before, I had the privilege of joining Traditional Home Senior Design and Market Editor Tori Mellot in a panel on mixing traditional and modern design.
Chad Graci of Graci Interiors and Katie Lydon of Katie Lydon Interiors discussed with us how incorporating modern touches into spaces can push- but not overstep- the boundaries of traditional design.
All of us before the panel.
We were given ten items ahead of time that were a mix of modern and traditional, and we were asked to distinguish how we would balance the modern with more traditional pieces and the traditional pieces with more modern ones.
Below are a few of the images given to us and my interpretations for each.
I could see placing this modern chandelier into a similar breakfast area. The scale of the piece would obviously need to be smaller and I would balance the hard lines of it with some sort of upholstery and wooden dining table like below.
I love this piece and would not hesitate to place it in one of my interiors. I would soften the piece by placing something upholstered under it, such as the style of the two stools in the picture below.
Dana Wolter Interiors
As for the top of the console, I would create a layered vignette, with a piece of artwork or a mirror as my starting point, such as below.
Dana Wolter Interiors
A final image I would like to share are these Bolier nesting tables.
I love these tables as they are very versatile and could be used in many different interiors. I could have easily replaced the Baker tables in the picture below with one set of these.
Dana Wolter Interiors
I would also have used the tables near upholstery that is skirted, as shown in the image below.
Dana Wolter Interiors
“What’s New, What’s Next” continues to unite the industry and become a benchmark for introducing new products and celebrating the very best in design. Thank you, Traditional Home, for including me in the discussion. I was extremely honored.
Here’s to finding the perfect balance in your home,
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 applianceshere. 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.
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
Like what you see? Visit us for more information on a day to day basis. We would love to meet you!!
I thought I would give you a quick update on the stairwell in my client’s new home.
If you recall, Dungan Nequette’s talented Chad Martin of The G Brand helped us with designing the pattern. This home has a French feel, and I knew I wanted a design with soft lines and one that would blend in with the walls in this enclosed space.
If you follow us on social media, you have probably seen this drawing.
Drawing by Chad Martin
The majority of it was installed today, and it turned out beautifully! We are still missing a few transition trim pieces, but look how gorgeous it is, and it’s not even painted.
I can visualize how this area is going to look with some artwork and a gorgeous runner, and I am pleased!
Have a great day, everyone!
Dana
Also, please take a second and vote here for the New Trad designer’s style you like best. It is quick and easy, only takes a second, and I hope you will vote for us. Every time you cast a vote, you enter a chance to win $1,000 from Hunter Douglas. Voting ends soon-July 17th.
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 thought it might be fun to look at a few BEFORE and AFTER pictures of the home featured in TradHome (click here to see the full article) to see why I took the design approach I did for this project. This is going to be in two posts, so here goes part one….
When the homeowner first contacted me, she was frustrated. She had purchased a few pieces that did not fit in her home and she wanted to unify her choppy, cluttered, mismatched home. She wanted it to reflect their fun personality, but she also wanted it to feel calm, cohesive, and be a place to retreat from their hectic lifestyle.
Below is the foyer, which sets the tone for the home. As you can see, there wasn’t much to the existing space, other than a rug too big for the space.
BEFORE
BEFORE- the foyer
AFTER
AFTER- the foyer
The space is tiny, but you can see we added quite a bit of warmth without overcrowding the area.
We painted her existing console table because the size was good for the space. Everything else was added. What was once a cold, mismatched space now feels warm and pulled together.
Know what my favorite thing is in there? The cast baby foot of one of her now teenage girls… How sweet is that touch?!
The foyer opens up into the living room, which was a walk-through space for the family. Imagine an 18 x 24 room of basically wasted space they never used.
Here is the BEFORE of the living room:
BEFORE- the living room
AFTER
AFTER- the living room
I wish I had a picture to the right of the sofa in the bay window. Not only did we create a great place to lounge, we also included a second seating area with the sofa and two chairs.
AFTER- the living room
The homeowners have several collections- from crosses from oncology patients, to tons of family photos, to baseballs from their favorite major league teams. They had them spread throughout several rooms with no order to them at all.
I incorporated their momentos in a way that is cohesive and tidy.
BEFORE
BEFORE- the study
Before- the study
AFTER
AFTER-the study
AFTER- the study
AFTER- the study
After- gallery of family pictures
Notice the grouping of family photos and the shadow box of the baseballs? Now they hold special meaning and are focal points in this home.
Stay tuned for part two as I will talk about the master, family room, and kitchen. This transformation is amazing- not only aesthetically, but how this home functions for this busy family of five.
Also, please remember to take a second and vote here for the NewTrad designer’s style you like best. It is quick and easy, only takes a second, and I hope you will vote for us. Every time you cast a vote, you enter a chance to win $1,000 from Hunter Douglas.
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.
As I mentioned a few weeks ago, I am very excited about being named by Traditional Home a New Trad designer to watch in 2014.
It’s a HUGE honor and one I am proud to be included.
Have you seen the April issue? I was in great company, and I look forward to showing you my project in more detail when in the Tradhome digital issue comes out May 15th.
I hope you noticed in the shelter magazine you have a chance to vote for the designer that matches your style.
I would be honored if you would vote for me.
It’s quick- and EASY! When you vote, you are entered for a chance to win $1,000 from Hunter Douglas, a window treatment company.
Visit HunterDouglas/TraditionalHome to cast your vote. You can vote once a day per email, so the more you vote, the more chances you have to win. The contest will run through July 17th.
Happy Voting,
Dana
If you would like to see more on a day to day basis of what we do at DWI, join us.
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 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
If you would like to see more on a day to day basis of what we do at DWI, join us for conversation.
