Interior designer Dana Wolter’s goal is to create beautiful, cohesive and functional homes that reflect each client’s singular personality. Dana and her team at Dana Wolter Interiors thoughtfully curate an arresting mix of homeowner’s 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 clients’ lifestyles. 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 client’s home?
Our goal is to make a client’s 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 client’s 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 you’re 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 clients’ 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 — something unique! People seem more comfortable making their house their own versus keeping up with their neighbors’ 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 Birmingham’s 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 “that ugly building,” 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 don’t have to match exactly — 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 designer’s 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 Dana’s spaces.
Thank you, Dana, for sharing your insights, inspirations and impressively diverse design portfolio. To contact Dana, visit danawolterinteriors.com.
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