The opportunity to decorate for the holidays is everywhere, with some stores displaying their offerings since late summer. But how do you make design choices that deck the halls without burying them? What’s a way to renew the look while creating a sense of nostalgia?
We asked a few Sonoma designers to share their personal tips and tricks for keeping the season visually merry. Read below for more details and click through the above gallery for a peek at the holiday magic.
Read the Room
Interior designer Stephanie Meyer of AVCO Design loves the way her client uses teal and turquoise to match the color scheme Meyer helped create in the living room. The result is a seamless transition to a festive look. AVCO Design, 10310 Cherry Ridge Road, Sebastopol, 707-634-2775, avcodesign.com
Keep It Simple
Interior designer Andrea Halkovich of Sonoma Interiors suggested that holiday decor be limited to a focal point or two. In Halkovich’s dining room, she uses only a vibrant arrangement and a seasonal sentiment on the buffet. “Remove anything that pulls your eyes away from the main event,” she said. “You want your eyes to glide around the room and then settle on your focal point.” Sonoma Interiors, 707-322-6719, sonomainteriors.com
Make it Personal
Halkovich found a special spot for a cherished “sugar plum dreams” soap-carving ornament, made by her grandmother. Wrapped in a silk egg, the ornament sits safely and prominently in a glass apothecary jar.
Farm-to-Vintage
Maison Fiori owner Nicole Buttitta stocks her Healdsburg store with an inspired mix of her personally farmed florals along with vintage wares and select new pieces. The blend of these elements creates a truly enlivened traditional look. She created the popular “Ralph Lauren holiday aesthetic” with baskets, vintage horse medallions, tartan, paper trees and more. Maison Fiori, 122 Matheson St., Healdsburg, 369-208-0350, maisonfiori.com
With a Twist
There’s magnolia garland and there’s pine and juniper garland. But Buttitta twisted the two together so the patina of the magnolia leaves contrasts beautifully with the greens.
Probiotic Play
Meyer and her children painted their windows with kefir. The designer learned of the practice from Anne S. Olsen on Instagram (@annes.universe). It’s nontoxic, odorless and easy-to-clean, according to Meyer, adding that the technique is popular in Scandinavian countries where they try to let light in through the windows while also adding privacy and festiveness.
“I like that it’s a natural material,” Meyer said, “and it’s easy to have fun with the kids to accomplish this decoration.”
Holiday Chill
There’s no aesthetic like tranquility, and Bon Ton Studio and Bon Ton Baby (107 Plaza St.) storeowner Erika Dawkins has mastered the art of rich understatement. A pampas grass tree sparkles subtly in her boutique. “I love moving beyond the traditional palette and incorporating natural, textural elements,” she said. Bon Ton Studio, 120 Matheson St., Healdsburg, 707-591-4116, bonton-studio.com
Season’s Sparkle
Disco balls have made their way to planters, pillows and more decor in recent years. In Storia Home’s decor, by proprietor and interior designer Gina Gutierrez, they add some serious shimmer among traditional pine branches and red berries. Storia Home, 961 Gravenstein Highway S., Suite 130, Sebastopol, 707-200-3681, storiahome.com