Emerging interior designer Dana Angelucci lets down her hair and shares her personal insights on helping clients elevate their residential and commercial spaces.

1. Elevated
Spaces…
One
of
the
biggest
thrills
for
interior
designers,
is
watching
different
décor
elements
come
together
to
create
just
the
look
they,
and
their
clients,
had
envisioned—a
process
that
involves
more
than
one
viewpoint
and
a
lot
of
details.
For
Dana
Angelucci,
founder
of
Dalucci
Design,
based
in
Philadelphia,
the
excitement
also
extends
to
the
improved
lifestyles
a
fresh,
“more
organized”
space
can
provide
to
her
clients.
Nothing
gets
her
going
more
than
the
knowledge
that
something
as
benign
as
closets
and
extra
sinks
in
a
bathroom,
or
“found
space”
for
a
kitchen
pantry,
can
have
such
a
huge
impact
on
a
homeowner’s
state
of
mind.
No
matter
what
a
project’s
scope
is,
says
Angelucci,
it’s
the
little
things
that
make
a
difference.
But
to
get
to
the
“little
things,”
as
she
often
reminds
her
clients,
you
have
to
see
the
big
picture.
Then
you
worry
about
the
details.
“Tell
me
how
you
live,
and
then
tell
me
what
you
want.
It’s
that
simple.”
TWE:
How
long
have
you
been
in
the
interior
design
business?
DA:
Officially,
about
three
years.
But,
my
childhood
exposure
to
the
architect,
construction
and
design
industries
pretty
much
makes
me
a
“lifer.”
I
can
still
remember
watching
my
grandfather,
father
and
uncles
as
they
dissected
building
and
remodeling
projects
on
paper
and
on-­‐site.
Their
conversations
fascinated
me.
Many
of
the
projects
I
saw
from
start
to
finish—from
footers
being
poured,
to
studs
and
drywall,
to
paint
and
then
the
final
touches—sparkling
chandeliers,
plush
carpets
and
artwork.
All
of
it
enticed
me.
TWE:
Where
does
the
Dalucci
philosophy
fall
in
relation
to
the
industry,
and
also
to
other
designers
in
the
area?
DA:
One
of
my
core
strengths
is
the
comfort
level
I
have
in
blending—old
and
new,
funky
with
functional,
“glam”
with
livability—and
an
ability
to
draw
out
and

2. refine
a
client's
true
style.
Empowering
my
clients
to
trust
their
instincts
creates
a
unique
bond
that
enables
me
to
build
lasting
relationships.
I
also
tend
to
use
trends
cautiously
and
strategically,
and
to
keep
my
design/décor
preferences
in
check.
I
prefer
to
enhance
rather
than
bulldoze.
And
when
it
comes
to
resolving
space
and
budget
constraints,
I
am
always
up
for
a
challenge.
It’s
the
ultimate
jigsaw
puzzle.
When
you
find
the
right
piece,
or
design
detail
that
fits,
it’s
exhilarating.
TWE:
How
do
you
infuse
your
personal
style
into
the
Dalucci
brand?
What
are
some
of
your
signature
touches
on-­‐
and
off-­‐site?
DA:
While
I
promote
my
clients'
style
first,
I
do
have
a
few
cardinal
rules
and
design
pet
peeves.
First,
is
organization:
My
clients
learn
right
away,
that
this
is
the
key
to
working
with
me—and
to
enjoying
their
space
long
after
I
leave.
I
take
the
time
to
not
only
design
the
new
organizational
system,
but
also
to
teach
them
how
and
why
I
did
it
that
way,
and
tailor
it
to
their
own
habits
so
it's
not
such
a
hard
new
habit
for
them
to
pick
up.
“Clutter-­‐clearing”
(re-­‐arranging
books,
picture
frames,
etc.)
and
organization
both
offer
instant
gratification;
I’ve
never
had
a
client
that
didn’t
thank
me
for
persuading
them
to
toss
or
file.
And
again,
my
affinity
for
blending
old
and
new
permeates
every
project.
I
love
getting
clients
into
their
attics
for
a
shopping
trip.
Usually
there
is
something
great
up
there
just
gathering
dust.
But
through
sharing
it
with
me
and
with
guests,
a
deeper
insight
is
gained
into
into
their
personal
style,
as
well
as
their
cultural/familial
history.
Incorporating
this
into
an
updated,
beautiful
and
functional
space
minimizes
any
chance
that
the
space
will
feel
rigid
or
cold
because
everything
is
new.
I
often
use
earthy
tones
on
the
walls
for
the
same
reason.
TWE:
What
are
some
of
the
challenges
facing
both
designers
and
their
clients
in
the
current
economy?
DA:
The
current
economy
has
made
designers
more
resourceful
and
creative
in
their
sourcing.
Salvage
is
very
hot
right
now,
and
everyone
is
shopping
around
more,
which
is
actually
good
for
all.
Buying
local
has
become
even
more
popular,
not
just
because
of
the
product,
but
because
of
the
quality
of
customer
service
and
strong
relationships
—
traditional
business
values
that
never
go
out
of
style.

3. TWE:
What
are
some
of
your
favorite
interiors
in
the
city?
DA:
That’s
a
hard
question
a
space
is
more
than
just
what
it
looks
like…
I
think
of
what
it
feels
like
when
I’m
in
there.
Like
was
it
a
comfortable
dining
experience,
shopping
experience,
etc.
Could
I
see
or
grab
the
item
easily?
My
favorite
building
(inside
and
out)
is
the
Bellevue
Stratford.
It’s
just
so
rich
in
history
and
so
beautiful.
I
have
a
deep
appreciation
for
revivals,
especially
when
the
integrity
of
the
period
style
is
preserved
and
the
amenities
of
today
are
properly
integrated
TWE:
What
are
some
of
your
favorite
design
blogs,
locally
and
nationally?
DA:
Remodelista,
Padstyle,
3Rings,
Houzz.com–
just
to
name
a
few.
Sometimes
I
stumble
upon
a
great
one,
read
it,
tab
it,
keep
it
up
a
while
and
then
forget
–
so
I
am
always
wandering
to
see
what
everyone
is
doing.
I
am
still
a
fan
of
glossy
magazines.
It’s
my
nightcap
buddy
on
the
weekends…
TWE:
What
was
your
room
like
as
a
kid?
How
much
say
did
you
have
in
the
way
it
was
decorated?
DA:
I
have
been
rearranging
the
furniture
in
my
bedroom
since
I
was
strong
enough
to
push
a
bed
from
one
end
of
the
room
the
other.
My
mom
never
got
involved
or
pushed
for
certain
window
treatments
or
anything,
so
I
was
always
in
charge
of
my
space.
Thus,
I
was
always
imagining
new
designs
for
my
room
and
coming
up
with
new
ways
to
hang
a
curtain,
affix
it
to
one
side,
cut
it,
re-­‐sow
it
and
piece
it
together.
I
loved
moving
my
furniture
around
and
that
remains
true
today.
Space
planning/furniture
placement
is
by
far
my
favorite
thing
to
do
when
designing.
I
also
find
it
among
the
top
most
important
elements
when
designing
a
space
–
like
real
estate,
in
design
I
think…
“Location,
location,
location.”
Even
the
best
piece
will
look
horrid
in
the
wrong
spot.
This
spatial
inclined
designer
feels
that
a
good
space
plan
promotes
the
best
design
and
living
environment.
Also,
when
I
was
young
and
had
just
finished
rearranging
my
room
(and
organizing)
I
remember
feeling
so
excited
and
happy,
that
I
didn’t
want
to
leave.
My
friends
still
joke
today
about
me
going
to
their
houses
and
rearrange/reorganizing
their
rooms.
TWE:
Where
do
you
look
for
design
inspiration?
DA:
I
have
a
fairly
active
imagination,
so
there’s
no
shortage
of
ideas.
(Pinterest
is
also
a
favorite
resource—for
me,
and
apparently,
the
entire
webiverse.)
I
can
shop
just
about
anywhere
too;
despite
the
economy,
there
are
great
little
boutiques
everywhere
selling
eco-­‐chic
to
Uptown
Manhattan
chic.
Nothing
gets

4. me
going
as
much
as
walking
block
after
block,
taking
a
pulse
on
what’s
for
sale
and
what’s
in
use.
Hey
if
you
don’t
want
me
looking,
close
the
blinds!
I
get
a
lot
of
inspiration
from
my
dreams,
as
crazy
as
that
sounds.
Basically,
I
obsess
and
fantasize
about
furniture
and
décor
the
way
other
people
daydream
about
food.
TWE:
Improvement
is
the
motivation
behind
all
remodels.
How
does
your
design
improve
a
client’s
experience
in
their
home?
How
do
you
know
you’ve
provided
a
good
design?
DA:
In
any
project,
spatial
layout
is
key.
Without
a
deeper
understanding
of
HOW
to
improve
a
space,
it
can
just
be
a
big
bill
with
little
payoff.
Being
able
to
get
involved
at
the
beginning
of
a
full-­‐scale
remodel,
allows
me
to
attain
optimal
fulfillment
for
both
my
client
and
myself.
This,
of
course,
begins
with
listening
carefully
to
what
a
client
wants
out
of
the
remodel
AND
what
he/she
wants
in
the
way
of
improved
everyday
living.
Being
skilled
at
helping
to
identify
a
client’s
needs
even
if
when
he/she
is
unaware
of
these
issues,
is
crucial
to
getting
it
right.
When
I
get
letters
from
my
clients
after
the
project,
telling
me
how
much
happier
they
are
(it’s
not
always
about
how
much
better
the
space
looks
that
grabs
them);
that’s
getting
it
right.
TWE:
What
are
some
of
the
challenges
of
creating
redesigning
an
existing
home?
DA:
With
an
existing
structure,
too
many
changes
equal
huge
construction
costs
and
lengthy
construction
times.
SO,
identifying
the
most
crucial
problem
areas
in
the
space
is
key
that
way
we
CAN
finish
and
we
don’t
sky
rocket
the
budget
towards
the
end….
Not
everything
always
has
to
change.
An
expert
needs
to
inform
the
client
which
area(s)
are
truly
in
need
and
what
areas
are
simply
cosmetic.
The
client
in
turn
needs
to
communicate
what
they
really
dislike
about
their
current
home
and
what
they
are
okay
with,
by
this
we
can
prioritize
and
get
the
job
done
with
effective
results!
Then,
I
plan,
plan,
and
plan.
I
always
have
a
plan
of
attack.
I
think,
“What
can
we
re-­‐paint,
sand
or
refurbish
to
make
a
totally
new
look
out
of
an
existing
wall
or
built-­‐in/etc.
without
breaking
the
bank?
How
can
we
do
this
with
as
little
aggravation
to
the
daily
lifestyle
of
the
client?
What
item(s)
are
the
clients
attached
to
on
a
sentimental
level?
It
is
also
crucial
to
know
what
NOT
to
touch.
And
always
remember,
perfect
does
not
exist
and
some
limitations
can
be
good!

5. TWE:
Kitchens
can
be
the
most
complex
and
expensive
rooms
to
remodel.
How
do
you
design
a
kitchen
for
the
21st
century
homeowner?
DA:
When
designing
kitchens,
learning
what
is
most
important
to
the
person
who
runs
the
kitchen
Step
No.1.
Being
up
on
appliances
(and
having
great
connections)
is
also
paramount.
Typically
the
cost
of
appliances
eats
up
a
lot
of
the
budget,
so
there’s
plenty
of
reason
to
know
each
and
every
detail.
Getting
clients
to
think
practically
in
a
kitchen
project
is
not
always
easy.
Kitchens
are
showpieces.
If
a
client
is
a
cook,
I
help
them
get
their
dream
kitchen.
If
they’re
more
about
the
occasional
party
and
resale,
I
help
them
get
the
look.
Energy
efficiency
is
obviously
hot
right
now,
so
there’s
even
more
information
to
sift
through.
Finding
space
when
it’s
not
there
is
another
challenge
as
prep
areas
are
bigger
nowadays;
people
seem
to
be
cooking
at
home
more
and
eating
out
less.
With
so
many
cool
cooking
shows
and
portable
tablets,
you
can
learn
from
the
best
in
your
own
home.
Saving
a
little
space
to
set
up
your
iPad
wise.
Storage
is
bigger
now
too.
Everyone
has
an
abundance
of
appliances
but
they
don’t
necessarily
want
them
out
on
the
counter
all
the
time.
TWE:
How
do
you
approach
bathroom
design
for
different
types
of
client?
What
are
a
few
of
your
favorite
elements
to
include
in
a
bathroom?
DA:
Clients
want
to
be
comfortable
in
their
bathroom.
The
style
may
change,
but
being
accommodated
properly
(shower
size,
counter/sink
height,
privacy
needs)
come
first.
The
best
question
to
ask
clients
is
what
they
hated
about
their
existing
bathroom.
Generally,
I
love
a
sharp
tile
design,
sleek
and
clean,
or
sophisticated
rustic.
Tile
covers
so
much
surface
area
in
a
bathroom
that
the
design
has
to
be
spot
on.
I
use
AutoCAD
to
layout
my
tile
for
a
bathroom
so
the
tile
layers
know
exactly
what
I
am
trying
to
accomplish.
Quality
tile
layers
have
a
HUGE
impact
on
a
bathroom’s
design.
I
like
the
guys
who
treat
it
like
an
art
instead
of
slapping
tile
over
grout
and
calling
it
a
day.
TWE:
Outside
of
kitchens
and
baths,
what
is
your
favorite
living
space
to
design?
How
do
you
make
this
space
stand
out?
DA:
Entryways,
master
bedrooms
and
dining
rooms.
I
love
the
impact
and
drama
of
a
stunning
entryway
and
the
formality
of
a
dining
room.
As
for
the
master
bedroom,
the
design
process
is
very
different
than
any
other
room
because
it’s
a
very
personal
space
with
tremendous
impact
on
the
client.
It’s
more
of
a
challenge,
and
I
like
challenges.

6.
TWE:
What
space
would
you
love
to
get
your
hands
on
and
renovate/revamp?
DA:
That’s
easy:
The
Bellevue-­‐Stratford
on
Broad
Street.
I
already
have
a
design
concept
drawn
up
for
the
19th
floor
that
would
include
a
club,
theater
and
restaurant,
The
Labyrinth.
It
is
based
on
unexpected,
almost
surrealistic
design
concepts.
Bringing
this
project
to
life
would
be
immensely
gratifying.
TWE:
What
should
potential
customers
consider
when
embarking
on
an
interior
design
project
with
a
professional?
DA:
Three
things:
budget,
timeline
and
trust
level.
Once
those
parameters
have
been
worked
through,
it’s
time
for
a
little
show
and
tell.
All
initial
consults
should
start
with
a
client
sharing
photographs
and/or
magazine
clippings.
Showing
details
and
styles
that
you
like
is
much
easier
than
explaining
it.
Plus,
it
enables
the
designer
to
pick
the
images
apart
and
find
out
exactly
what
it
is
about
this
space
that
is
enticing—the
lines,
the
colors,
the
shapes,
the
accessories,
all
of
the
above?
The
client
also
can
glean
information
about
the
designer—most
significantly
if
the
designer
is
genuinely
excited
about
your
choices.
Finally,
it
is
imperative
that
you
put
trust
in
your
designer
and
clearly
communicate
your
personal
style
and
your
LIFE
style.
Without
knowing
how
you,
and
others,
are
going
to
use
the
space,
it
is
impossible
to
create
a
design
that
is
both
attractive
and
functional.
To
designers,
insight
into
a
client’s
life
serves
as
a
mental
blueprint
and
results
in
a
space
that
excites
you
every
day.
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