Interior Designer Crush: Dana Wolter of Dana Wolter Interiors
Dana Wolter creates spaces that balance beauty and function with effortless style and personality. Meet our latest interior designer crush!
Interior designer Dana Wolterβs goal is to create beautiful, cohesive and functional homes that reflect each clientβs singular personality. Dana and her team at Dana Wolter Interiors thoughtfully curate an arresting mix of homeownerβs pieces with chic, complementary furniture, antiques, natural touches, custom-designed pieces and textured fabrics for an inviting and timeless look. She is fearless in not following trends and carving out exquisite spaces that not only complement, but enhance, her clientsβ lifestyles.Β We asked Dana to describe her design aesthetic, let us in on some tricks of the trade and give us a glimpse of her stunning portfolio. We hope you enjoy!
What is your design aesthetic and how do you translate that to a clientβs home?
Our goal is to make a clientβs home a place where they rest and relax to make memories with family and friends. We believe in living well, which means living the best version of your life. We work to discover what is important to each family.
Where are your favorite local spots to source decor for a clientβs home?
Birmingham is home to some of the most unique stores in the Southeast. Gallery 1930 and SCENE are some of our favorite art galleries. Circa and Paige Albright Orientals in Mountain Brook Village and Architectural Heritage downtown are some other local hot spots for us.
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Are there any trends youβre loving at the moment, and, alternately, any timeless aspects of design that you cling to?
I am not a big trend follower. I want my clientsβ homes to be beautiful and special. I like to have one special focal point in a room, whether it is an upholstered wall, custom art or a sculpture β something unique! People seem more comfortable making their house their own versus keeping up with their neighborsβ design choices.
What brings you the most professional joy?
I find the most joy professionally when a high-functioning, well thought-out house truly changes how a family lives in their home.
How does Birminghamβs design scene differ from the rest of the country?
Birmingham has traditional design principles that are executed in unique, fresh ways.
Where do you get your inspiration?
I get my inspiration from travels, a color, my surroundings, a shape. I was in a cab with my daughters in New York this summer and was taking a picture of an old building, and my girls asked me why I was taking the picture of βthat ugly building,β but an iron grate had caught my eye.
Who have been your industry mentors and role models and why?
Vicente Wolf, because each of his rooms tells a story; Axel Vervoordt for his clean, organic lines; and John Saladino, because each of his spaces looks as though you could just sit down and relax.
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Share one designer secret with us regular folk.
Relax! Things donβt have to match exactly β blending is the key.
What are your predictions for interior design in the next 10 to 15 years?
Business as we know it will change because of the internet. A designerβs intellectual property will become much more important as product becomes easier to access for the general public.
If you could squeeze your design philosophy into five words, what would they be?
Living well in your home.
Thank you to Graham Yelton of Graham Yelton Creative for the beautiful photography of Danaβs spaces.
Thank you, Dana, for sharing your insights, inspirations and impressively diverse design portfolio. To contact Dana, visit danawolterinteriors.com.
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See who else weβre crushing on in our interior design archives.Β Click hereΒ and enjoy a look around!
Lauren Helmer
Lauren Helmer is a writer, editor, and artist with a passion for food, the arts, interiors, and the people who create them.