In the Spotlight - Danielle Kriston

Danielle Wyatt – an interior design project manager here at MWA – has a thing for plants, puzzles, painting, and playing a game that may surprise you.

Tell us about your life at Morgante Wilson.

I’ve been with MWA for many years now. What’s great about working as an interior designer at an architecture firm is that we get to collaborate as a team, from the very beginning, to bring a client’s vision to life. Coming at a project from both angles at the outset makes a huge difference to the final outcome, and I love being part of that process.

What does your personal vision of the ideal home look like?

My own dream house would be clean and understated, but feel cozy and welcoming at the same time. There would be lots of neutral color tones with accents of blues and greens. There would be dark wood floors with large area rugs to warm things up, and plenty of artwork on the walls.

What kind of art?

All different kinds, but I do I admire abstract art. In fact, my husband and I painted a large abstract canvas together when we moved into our first apartment together six years ago. It’s the most meaningful thing in our home.

Besides art, what else do you think a house should have?

Oh, plants for sure! They’re simple additions that add a touch of life and color to any space. We have succulents on our coffee table, for example.

What else is on your coffee table?

Coffee table books – surprise! – and a candle.

What’s the last thing you bought for your home?

Window treatments, because I wanted to cozy things up.

Name an emerging trend in architecture you find particularly exciting.

There are many, but I especially like the trend of pouring acrylic into open knots of natural wood slabs and then using those slabs as tables. The acrylic mixed with the wood creates such a visually interesting and unique piece of furniture that really becomes art.

Another art alert!

I just think art is so important to the feel of a space. That’s one reason I enjoy acrylic painting on canvas – it allows me to fill our home with truly unique things that make it our own.

Did you study art in school?

No, I have a degree in Interior Design from Michigan State University.

If you weren’t in the design world, what might you be doing instead?

I might be teaching; I enjoy helping others and learning new things.

Last question: What else are you into?

I enjoy doing puzzles. And playing fantasy football!