“Embellish your life,” is Dena’s motto, and her products, books and media exposure have reached a vast number of fans that value friendship, home, family, creativity and self-expression. As President and Creative Director of Dena Designs, Inc., Dena has simultaneously managed the roles of designer, businesswoman, and mom while crafting a hugely successful company, and lifestyle brand. Today Dena Designs encompasses a wide array of products, ranging from home décor and accessories to greeting cards, gifts, craft items, books and more. What began 20 years ago as a Bloomingdale’s best selling bedding collection is now a merchandising / media program generating multimillions in worldwide sales.
While many designers rely on perfection, Dena believes that it is the process that makes the project fun and memorable! Her book, Embellish Your Home!, exemplifies Dena’s love of helping people embellish their lives. She does not believe there is some unreachable standard out there to which people must aspire. “I’m always painting,” says Dena, “or adding bits and pieces to something. I love the process! I tell people there’s no ‘right way’ or ‘wrong way.’ If you don’t like it, change it. The whole point is to have fun doing it and get real pleasure out of your results.” Her work and philosophy appeal to an enormous consumer base eager for Dena’s heart warming and accessible work, that blends classical design with sometimes quirky and fun touches. In addition to her extraordinary artistic, decorating, and craft-related skills, she has excelled in multiple medias and in business. You may also recognize Dena from her previous television series on the DIY Network, syndicated column with United Media, and through her burgeoning publishing program. She and a tight core of talented staff generate hundreds of top selling products from the Dena Designs studio, set in a magical Northern California location that truly inspires.