Donna Richter Interiors

Your home is a reflection of you – your tastes, style and personality – and an experienced interior designer can help you realize your vision.

Donna Richter Interiors, Inc. was established in 1998 in the Warehouse District in downtown Cullman. After more than 15 years, it is now located inside Village Furniture and Gifts at 224 Third Ave. SE.

“I have been in this profession for well over 30 years. It is not only my job, but my passion,” Richter said. “We work with clients on every aspect of their home inside and out. We help with exterior choices such as brick, roofing, siding, paint colors, exterior lighting and landscaping. Interiors include space planning, furniture layout, cabinet style and finishes, countertop selection, electrical planning and lighting, flooring and paint colors and wall covering.”

Donna Richter Interiors is also an authorized Hunter Douglas dealer and offers custom drapery, bedding and upholstery. Services include in-person and on-site consultations, project management, space planning/floor plans, interior and exterior finish selection, lighting plans and selection and cabinet design.

I asked Richter about timeless design choices.

“I think a design choice that can never go out of style is blending new and old,” she replied. “Mixing collected, inherited pieces with new pieces creates depth in a home and adds personality. I also love how natural materials give a timeless look. Incorporating natural materials such as wood, stone and greenery adds warmth and texture to any space.”

What about “hot” home design trends right now?

“For years, white kitchen cabinets have been a popular choice for homeowners and I love the classic look. Depending on the style, layout and accessories you choose, white cabinets can create a sleek modern look or one that is more traditional and warmer,” said Richter. “A design trend I'm seeing more of is wood-tone cabinets. They are making a comeback in a more modern style. Colored cabinets and contrasting islands are being added to warm up the space and add personality. I recently advised a client to use soft warm off-white perimeter cabinets with a warm, white-washed white oak island. The result was beautiful!”

Most of us don’t have the “designer’s eye” and might overlook things that affect the look of our homes.

“Something that I find people may overlook or need help with when designing a room or home is the size and scale of furniture, rugs and artwork in the space. It is one of the most important elements of design that an experienced designer can really help with,” Richter told me. “Another important component that people sometimes don't give enough consideration to is lighting. It can make a huge difference in your space.”

She continued, “Some homeowners may overlook the need for specialized electrical outlets. Instead of stretching a cord across the room, you might want to consider a floor outlet instead of stringing a cord from a sofa lamp to the wall, which can create a tripping hazard. You may want to include an outlet in a hall closet or bathroom cabinet, so your cordless vacuum or electric toothbrush can stay plugged in but out of sight.”

Over Richter’s decades of design experience, she’s seen just about everything, but she said every project is different.

“Each project is one of a kind – they are all unique and special. I love all my projects and clients,” she smiled. “One of my most exciting projects was working on a client's apartment in New York. I had worked with the couple on a few prior projects and we worked so well together. It was just a dream job!

“At Donna Richter Interiors, our main priority is for the homeowners who are hiring us to feel we understand them and strive to do our best for what is ultimately a deeply personal job. I think that is what has made my business a success for over 25 years.”