Tag: waxed wood

Living Well

Inspiration For A New Project

I am working on a new project where the house is a beautiful shell but the interiors are a little tired.

 

The house was furnished over 15 years ago and it is time to freshen things up a bit.  Things have changed-a lot-in the last decade.  Children have left the nest in this family and grandbabies are now on the way.

 

They have hired us to update the furnishings in several of the rooms, and I see this home beautiful and functional for the couple who can easily throw together on a whim a casual dinner party for 20.   One that has quality finishes, materials, and details but where the future grandparents don’t have to worry about sippy cups and Goldfish Crackers ruining their pretty things.

 

I have been asking lots of questions on how they live, what they want this house to give to them.

 

The answers always seem to keep coming back to the same things- a placing to make really good memories.  A place that feels like home.

 

 

 

While we are incorporating their great artwork collection and several pieces that are special to them, I have turned to Pinterest for a little inspiration.

 

I love the warmth of the old wood with the charcoal doors and clean, crisp walls.

 

Pinterest

 

 

 

 

 The house is going to have a “collected” feel- a mix of new pieces in with a few new antiques and existing pieces they love.

 

 

Susan Ferrier

 

 

A cocoon-like feel with draped walls and custom upholstery pieces.

 

Bobby McAlpine

 

 

Stay tuned as I will keep you posted on how this home progresses.  Have a great day-

 

Dana

 

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Living Well

Thanks for the Article, Birmingham Home and Garden

Hi Everyone,

I hope you are having a great week.

I was excited to receive the January/February issue of  Birmingham Home and Garden  as there is a nice article on Jeff Dungan and me from the Antiques at The Gardens show.

 

They asked the Tastemakers a few personal and professional questions, and I enjoyed reading everyone’s answers.   You can check out the entire edition here.

BHG

 fireside

 

I hope the interview left you wanting to know more about how I approach each project.   If so, here are few more of the questions with my answers that didn’t make it into the article.

 

BHG: Your work reflects casual, livable, elegance.  First and foremost, your work leans towards the way your client’s live, but you do have some signature “Dana” pieces. What are some of your favorite pieces to use and why? Are they custom or purchased?

DW: I incorporate many custom-designed upholstered pieces such as banquettes, sofas, screens, dining tables, and ottomans into my interiors.  My interiors are not shiny or trendy, and these type of pieces add uniqueness and subtle detail to a room.

Many designers can create a pretty home.  I try to take my work a step further and create a pretty home that can change how a family lives.

GYC_BMetro_Dec030

 

BHG: When taking on a new client, what are some clues you look for to help determine their hopes for the project?

DW: A home is most likely the largest investment made in a lifetime, and any improvements should only increase its value.

Communication Is Key.

When taking on a new client, it is important they are as comfortable with me as I am with them. There has to be open dialogue and trust for the end result to be the desired outcome.

Have a Budget in Mind.

I won’t take on a project without knowing a budget.   It is extremely important from day one for all to have an understanding of what the budget can buy so the design process can evolve accordingly.

Show Me Anything You Can to Convey Your Taste.

Communication is key, and as they say, pictures are worth a thousand words.  I love walking into a client meeting and being handed a notebook full of pictures that inspire them.  Pictures, whether of certain rooms or landscapes or colors or artwork, give me great insight into what can sometimes be difficult to communicate.

BHG: You work on a lot of family homes. What are your five family-friendly go-to fabrics/ finishes / furniture?

DW: Leather, velvets, waxed woods, natural stones, and crusty antiques only look better with age and a little wear and tear.  When choosing fabrics for upholstery, I emphasize to my clients it isn’t just the color of the fabric that matters, but more importantly, its content.

BHG: What are your favorite two coffee table books and or design books in your collection?

DW: I am constantly reading personally and professionally, so it is hard to say my favorites.   I love Kelly Hoppen’s Interiors, Axel Vervoordt’s Timeless Interiors, and John Saladino’s Style by Saladino.

Thanks again, BHG!

dana

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