Above left: Designer Dale Janet Minske; Above right: A Kitchen of a 1770's Historic Connecticut Home designed by Dale Janet Misnke

An Elegant Transformation by Designer Dale Janet Minske

Above top left: Before; Above top right: After;
Bottom: An Understated, approachable, yet formal dining room. The paint color is in perfect juxtaposition to the blue wallcovering

Designer Dale Janet Minske speaks with Ava Living:

What is your company platform?

How did you get into the field of interior design?

It’s definitely in my genes and upbringing.  Growing up, my home was a big part of life!  My parents built the house we lived in, a California Redwood style, fully fronted with floor to ceiling windows, sitting high on a hill overlooking the Valley (Dale).  In a town of traditional homes, this house, more reminiscent of a Frank Lloyd Wright house, attracted attention to all who drove by.  My mother’s inherent talents and interest for creativity, design and decoration, made sure the home was always in style and comfortable; a style now deemed mid-century modern.  With my own inherent talents plus acumen for business, an interior design career was a natural outcropping of a background where design, decoration and creativity were, and remain, a way of life! 

What is your design philosophy?

My philosophy is to create spaces which reflects the spirit and personality of those in the space, thus adding to their well-being and increase in life.  With a specialty in antique, antique reproductions, water-front, graceful town and country homes, I attract clients who are genuinely inspired and authentic!  My design style and temperament are naturally approachable, understated and simply elegant; and clients are delighted that their results are timeless, warm, comfortable, inviting, and environmentally friendly.    

What are your creative inspirations?

As a consummate world traveler, I have been inspired by design, architecture and our natural surroundings my entire life.  This fuels my unique vision, historic perspective, and color sensibility.  People also inspire my creative ideas and solutions as I’m dedicated to changing individual lives through their surroundings. 

What are your best design references?

The Design and Decoration Building in NYC;  Historic New England Heritage Society; House Beautiful Magazine color stories; Nature, especially the sky and water, where the most amazing colors, color combination, textures, materials, and beauty exists; and of course, travel. 

In your experience, what are the most most common design misconceptions/mistakes that people have about interior design?

The biggest misconception, especially since HGTV became popular, is that everyone is and can be a designer/decorator or you can DIY by following a beautiful picture in a magazine.   Unfortunately, most of us simply aren’t and can’t.  Further, with the advent of TV, it appears that a transformation can be instant and take place overnight, at no cost.  It’s simply not true and HGTV and magazines are like a movie that is well scripted and photographed. The good news is, it’s okay and an interior designer can help.    Sometimes you know what you love, you just need help pulling it all together!  Sometimes, it’s all overwhelming and you just haven’t a clue where to start.  Sometimes, in today’s world, there just isn’t time to do everything yourself.   Sometimes, you realize you go to a professional for a tune-up to keep your car running smoothly or go to your accountant who marvelously supports you getting your taxes done in an easy and effortless manner; hiring your interior designer is no different. 

What is the one favorite thing that will make a room better?

Absolutely, the perfect color on the walls and ceilings will make a room better. I’m not a lover of white walls or ceilings…cold, boring and safe!  I never overlook the ceiling as it can totally transform a room with those in it wondering why they feel so great!  Wall and ceiling color can be introduced in so many creative and beautiful ways, all with varying ranges of expense and effort.  The ideal wall and/or ceiling color can make a long room feel balanced, make a high ceiling envelope its occupants, provide a restful respite or showcase an exceptional heirloom; the effects are limitless.

 Above: A Connecticut  Back Country Living Room projects an understated elegance for a very active, young family who use this living room for entertaining and holidays.

What is the design trend that you love right now?

There are a few.  First, I love the resurgence of using wall covering; it’s available in patterns from timeless classics to countless attractive and unique materials.  Second, the lightest, freshest lilac is appearing everywhere from paint, fabric, accessories.  Paired with the palest green to the deepest grey/blue, it’s absolutely lovely and can suit a multitude of styles and rooms.   Lastly, an emphasis on lowering our ecological footprint, such as using reclaimed woods, buying antique furniture, purchasing quality furnishings that will be our children’s antiques, and natural fabrics such as linen, cotton and silk.

What is your top bit of advice for those in pursuit of good design? 

Gather information and communicate.  The more information you gather and provide, the more successful the designer or you will be in meeting your needs and expectations.   Whether you employ a designer or not, keep a file of magazine pages with photos of styles you like, or keep track of your favorite TV design show episodes – what catches your eye most consistently? Keep “Style Files” – filled with elements that cater to your specific lifestyle and personality. Keep one file for ideas – and another one filled with actual paint chips, fabric swatches and photographs of the actual rooms in your home.  Working with a designer is a team effort – you provide the insight into your home and lifestyle, and the designer transforms your visions into reality.

For help with your room, check out Dale's Online Design Services