Dana Wolter"s Fresh, Natural Approach to Holiday Decor

Dana Wolter has a beautiful organic design aesthetic that is largely textural.

I was honoured to interview her here.

I was chatting with Dana recently on twitter and 

remarked that I would love to see how she decorates for Christmas.

She was kind enough to provide me with photos of her home,

 featured in Birmingham Homes and Gardens November issue.

Now I can share her gorgeous home tour with you.

This home is stunning right from the moment you approach.

The banister is simply wrapped in greenery, and white tulips are a breath of fresh air.

A eucalyptus leaf garland frames the mantle, 

while an angel watches over the tree and it's softly toned ornaments.

Looking at the details here:

presents receive the same chic treatment as Dana's home - simple beauty...

antlers and pinecones add interest without shouting holiday.

In another room, a single white tulip and some branches make for sculptural display.

Calla lilies dance down the dining table..

Dana's kitchen is incredible, isn't it?

Birch bark and that fresh green complement her muted palette.

Graceful lilies also adorn the powder room, the one with THAT sink. Love!

A rather talented woman, wouldn't you say?

Dana's take on holiday decorating:

"I use very simple, natural, textured materials mixed in with white and lime colored flowers to decorate for Christmas. I think some of the simplest decorations are the prettiest."

Couldn't agree more :)

Wishing you and your family the happiest of holidays, Dana!

til next time...

How The Rug Company Does Art

We all love the Rug Company for, well, rugs!

They consistently stock beautiful product that is ahead of the current trends.

The home of proprietors Christopher and Suzanne Sharp dazzled in vogue last winter..

source

So how do two rugophiles combine their love of textiles and art?

  Banners of Persuasion.

Artist created tapestries were the focus of

 the arts commissioning organization the Sharps set up in 2008,

Here artists were asked to explore the art of tapestry creation..

Caroioca, Beatriz Milhazes

Mappa del Mundo, Gavin Turk

Trump, Francesca Lowe

Incredible, non?

Two of these are on display in the first and last pics of the Sharps home..

These were not available to the public.

But now the Rug Company  has begun offering wallhangings, 

part of a brilliant collaboration with some creative geniuses...

William Yeoard

Rob Ryan

Vivienne Westwood

Those rock my socks :)

This one is my favourite..

Have you ever used a wallhanging?

I've always considered them a traditional element, reminders of a faded glory,

 but these are so fresh and modern..

I think I may be about to :)

til next time..

Roman and Williams: Perfectly Unique and Personal Spaces

Day two of Roman and Williams love.

Yesterday I posted about their commercial work, 

but today the real gems - residential.

Anyone remember this incredible space from Instyle?

Kate Hudson, in her posh hippy haven, designed for comfortable lounging.  

Thank you to Shayna (The Ruffled Snob) for taking me back to this..

No pretentious entry here, but sophisticated choices bring a dose of drama to the laid back vibe.

Warmed hues welcome while the lush textiles invite lounging..

The most spectacular chandelier..

Kid and popcorn friendly style.

Sunday afternonns, here I come..

After all the color and pattern - a dreamy white bedroom..

Really. If I could cut an paste that entire space into my own I would!

So that's Roman and Williams in Cali,

check out how they do Montauk:

In every direction this room offers gorgeous vignettes

The Main living space continues the industrial/organic feel..

Not your usual white beach kitchen :) I love this! 

With all the light here, it's the perfect opportunity to venture into the dark side..

Bedrooms kept simple, with the emphasis on comfort.

note the bureau - how clever is that?

Lastly, the designers set free in a loft.. this is a more typical setting for their design style,

but they rock it!

I think that these pics may eat up the majority of space on my inspiration boards.

I love design that celebrates the occupants of the home,

instead of bowing to what is trendy at the moment, or design "rules".

I hope that we see more people claiming their space as their own, 

and creating spaces that bring them joy!

til next time..