How Interior Designer Dana Wolter's Health Journey Birthed "Elegance and Comfort of Home"

In this episode, award-winning interior designer Dana Wolter joins us to share how her battle with cancer reshaped the way she approaches design and life. Dana opens up about her new book, Elegance and Comfort of Home, and how she creates homes that are not only elegant and beautiful but also comfortable and functional for real families. She also shares practical design advice and gives us an inside look at what it’s like to work with her and her outstanding team.

Who Is Dana Wolter?

For Dana Wolter, design is about far more than how we fill our homes. It’s about creating gracious, inviting spaces that reflect the things we cherish most. Known for her chic Southern style and discerning eye for restful, collected, and timeless interiors, Dana is an award-winning designer based in the Mountain Brook suburb of Birmingham, Alabama.

From Alys Beach, Florida, to Lake Forest, Illinois, Dana and her design team create turnkey residential projects across the United States. Growing up in a large, love-filled family, she learned early the importance of living well in a home that offers both comfort and calm. For nearly two decades, Dana has helped clients discover their own personal definition of “living well.”

Through close collaboration with architects, builders, and master craftsmen, Dana and her team ensure every project feels sophisticated, unique, and deeply personal. Her exclusive, organized design process—paired with practical business acumen—has earned her a loyal following of repeat clients and referrals who trust her to bring their vision to life from concept to completion.

Dana’s work has been featured in Traditional Home, Southern Living, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, The Wall Street Journal, and House & Home. She was named to Traditional Home’s prestigious New Trad list in 2014 and was a finalist for the coveted ADAC and Veranda Southeast Designer of the Year Award in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2021.

Questions Answered in This Episode

What inspired Dana to create her stunning coffee table book, Elegance and Comfort of Home?
How did she get her start in interior design?
How did her personal wellness journey and cancer diagnosis shape her perspective on life and design?
What are Dana’s top tips for making your home feel both comfortable and personal to you?
What’s her secret to balancing elegance and functionality, especially in homes with young children?
What design trends is Dana loving?
How can the right lighting transform a space, and what color temperatures for lightbulbs does she recommend for different rooms?
What does Dana’s design process look like when working with clients?
If you’re planning a renovation on a budget, where’s the best place to start?

Links & Resources Mentioned:

Dana Wolter Interiors Website
Elegance and Comfort of Home book
- Order a signed copy on Dana’s website
- Also available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, & Books A Million
Follow @danawolterinterior on Instagram for book tour updates

Where to Listen

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