In this episode, I had a delightful conversation with Danielle Balanis, a Birmingham-based designer known for her bold, layered, and mixed aesthetic. Danielle's designs exude joy, abundance, and energy, adhering to the principles of the Slow Style philosophy. She emphasizes developing an aesthetic rather than adhering to strict style categories, focusing on creating evocative experiences rather than matching products. Danielle draws inspiration from varied sources like fashion and film and stresses the importance of playing with design elements and taking time to let styles unfold. We discussed several projects where she broke conventional design rules, such as rejecting the 60-30-10 color rule and using unusual combinations and scales. Danielle shared specific stories behind her projects, such as draping a whole bathroom to create a luxurious feel and using unexpected elements like antique mirrors and layered patterns. She highlighted a family room framed with dramatic portières and a moody, persimmon-accented bedroom designed for a show house. In her personal creative space, she showcased a blend of textures, colors, and collected items that reflect her unique style. This conversation is full of advice for those hesitant to embrace bold designs, encouraging you to trust your instincts and explore.

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