A Mountain Brook interior designer has been named one of the nation’s 10 up-and-coming designers by Traditional Home magazine.
Dana Wolter of Dana Wolter Interiors was named by the editors of the magazine as one of this year’s “New Traditionalists.”
Each year, 10 designers are chosen nationwide as rising stars, with a focus on one design project from each. Selected partly for their expert skills and distinct styles, each finalist brings a renewed point of view and approach to interior design.
Among other characteristics describing the “New Traditionalists,” the magazine’s May print issue points to the belief of gracious living yet with attitude, and the theory that traditional design should not be stodgy. Wolter is no exception.
“When I think of TRADhome and Traditional Home, I think of classic designs with a fresh, present-day approach,” Wolter said. “I am honored the editors believe my design aesthetic fits well with their philosophy.”
Wolter said her method of design stems from a desire to bring a sense of purpose to each room, omitting clutter and creating a place for every item. She said she believes transforming a chaotic space into a cohesive retreat can have a positive effect on quality of life.
Whether she’s designing for career-oriented couples or empty nesters, Wolter said she hones in on her clients’ lifestyles to ensure their interiors are aligned with their personalities.
The design project that secured Wolter’s inclusion as a “New Traditionalist” was installed with a layered approach, combining family mementos collected over time with wood, metal and linen accents that reshaped the home’s cottage-style charm.
Wolter’s clients, a family in Mountain Brook, enlisted her expertise to enrich the home’s interior.
“I had great fun working with the family to redesign their home,” Wolter said. “My clients stepped out of their comfort zone, and it resulted in a kinetic synergy of old and new.”
With Wolter guiding the process from start to finish, the redesign included the foyer, living room, family room, dining room, breakfast area, downstairs hallway, study and master bedroom suite.
Functional yet stylish, the home is a true reflection of new traditionalism. Beginning with a color palette of linen white in the kitchen, Wolter continued with similar neutral hues throughout the house. This action alone eliminated the home’s original discordant use of color, bringing a more cohesive feel.
Throughout each of the rooms, Wolter incorporated neutral-colored upholstery, featuring shades of gray, taupe and cream. She added bursts of color and pattern to unify the rooms through carefully chosen pillows, artwork, wallpaper and accessories.
In addition, Wolter integrated prized possessions of the homeowners. Her juxtaposition of new home furnishings and treasured keepsakes resulted in a seamlessly blended design.
“This project is a perfect example, when done correctly, of how home furnishings and accessories from a range of price points as well as modern and antique elements can easily meld in a space,” Wolter said.
In the kitchen, the homeowners wanted a place for the family to casually dine together. With this goal at the forefront, Wolter reworked a wall of cabinetry to allow for a new banquette, which is one of her signature design concepts.
She said her objective was to soften the room, offering plush seating around the table, while sleek, clear acrylic chairs provide a more modern feel.
Wolter started anew with the living room, as the previous furniture afforded little comfort and limited functionality. Incorporating paintings and antiques from the homeowner’s collection, Wolter said she selected new furnishings that graciously granted relaxation and elegance.
The room now has two seating vignettes. One includes two velvet chaise lounges, while the other features a sofa and two chairs.
“Previously, the room was unused; now it caters to both leisure and entertaining,” Wolter said.
With a busy work and social life, the homeowners asked Wolter for a redesigned master suite that exudes calmness and a sense of tranquility. She set to work by wrapping the walls in taupe linen drapes, providing a warm cocoon-like feel. Wolter designed a custom headboard for the bed and added fine Egyptian cotton linens to achieve a unified look and feel of serenity.
The suite’s sitting room framed with custom artwork completes the peaceful atmosphere.
“The overall design of the home’s interior now pairs well with the homeowners’ personal taste,” Wolter said. “In the end, the space offers a sophisticated and chic yet classic appeal.”
Traditional Home is letting readers vote for the designer whose style they like the best. Visit traditionalhome.com/HunterDouglas to browse profiles of Wolter and the other designers and to vote.
For more information about Dana Wolter Interiors, visit the company’s website and blog at www.danawolterinteriors.com and www.danawolterinteriors.com/blog.