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Product and profile with Linda Dano Home Collection
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I am happy to introduce Linda Dano’s Home Collection for this "Product and Profile." Emmy award winning actress, soap star,
movie star, clothing designer, talk-show host, author, and all-round Renaissance woman Linda Dano is here today.
Q.: How long have you been interested in interior design?
From my very early years in N. Long Beach, CA, I've always been drawn to color, style and function. Even though I eventually became a successful working actor, I never acted in any of the high school productions, I was always behind the scenes building and painting sets for school productions.
My family never had a lot of money for anything but simple furnishings but I loved making new pillows or slip covers to make inexpensive changes. I also loved using paint to change the look of the furniture in my room.
Q.: Do your surroundings affect your mood?
Those who live or work around me know that I'm obsessive about creating lovely surroundings. Some even joke that both the places where I live and work always have to look like they could be photographed at any moment.
I enjoy the process; choosing paint, fabric, furnishings, lighting and creating connections between the outside and the inside. In New York - I have a terrace that is an extension of the apartment. In Connecticut, the restored farmhouse is in harmony with the property.
When I talk about wanting to help people create a sanctuary, it's because I know that having a lovely home can make a family feel safe and secure.
Q.: I liked your blog story about paint and ragging the walls for a new look. Do you like to try new techniques?
I've always said that "paint is your friend." It's the easiest way to change a room. The use of color is often intimidating, even impossible if you live in temporary housing or your landlord won't permit it. I enjoy showing people different paint techniques or how to bring color and texture into a home using fabric. In our last show for QVC I hung a paisley print sheet on a rod behind the bed to create a pop of color against a white wall. Simple, effective and very affordable.
Q.: I love that you are passionate about de-cluttering. Is that why your new decorator furnishings line has storage pieces?
In my own life, clutter makes me crazy. It distracts from the beauty of the home. I'm just as guilty about collecting things as the next person but I've been able to create functional pieces that our customers are proud to include in their home decor. The audience responded positively and have asked for more ideas, different fabrications and to make them even more multi-functional.
Q.: Have you liked working with QVC? Would you care to say something about your association?
My relationship with QVC goes back to before 1993. In addition to my movie and television career, I ran a successful fashion consulting business out of NYC. QVC knew about my relationship to the design community and asked if I'd be interesting in bringing my expertise as a designer and talk-show host to this new network (QVC). Looking Great with Linda Dano launched in June 1993. The new Linda Dano Home Collection launched in September 2007 and is growing and expanding with each show.
Using their live format, I can talk directly to the audience in real time. We can work together to help them create an affordable way to bring style into their lives.
Q.: You must be a terribly busy lady; do you have housekeeping help? When you do get the time for your own home?
I love being busy. I am the original multi tasker but make no mistake, wherever I am, I am always looking for ways to make my home even better. Sometimes that's no more than moving things around to different places, sometimes it's re-painting a wall, making instant changes with new accent pillows or flowers in the room.
Yes, I do have wonderful people who help me but because we've been together so long, it's team work not a chore
Q.: What is in the future for Linda Dano and home furnishings?
At this point in my life, I look for projects that are interesting. I gave myself some time to work on the stage...that was scary and new! I've gone back to work in primetime television and film . I've traveled the country as the national spokesperson for The Support Partners Program.
My new Linda Dano Home Collection keeps me very involved in going to trade shows, understanding the marketplace and listening to the audience about what they want and how I can give it them...I've very aware that they shop with me because I respect quality, craftsmanship and value.
Thank you, Linda.
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Linda sez from her QVC blog: http://community.qvc.com/blog/Linda-Dano/3000000055
"My love affair with antiques began with our first home in Ridgefield, Connecticut. It was a small 1797 farm house which we
completely restored. Frank did it! I watched and learned. This is what started our 17th & 18th century antique collection."
"When I'm not working, I'm in my gardens or I'm cooking and of course, eating. Believe it or not, I clean, do the laundry, go to the market and cook dinner almost every night. (Everyone says, I'm a pretty good cook.) I take care of my dogs Charlie and Mo. When I'm not doing all of the above, I go antiquing — my other passion."
Some home furnishing pieces from Linda Dano Home Collection—I have the first piece, the clock table and it is wonderful; substantial, well-made and lovely in its details.
For more information: www.LindaDano.com
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