Modern Vintage Home’s Sophisticated Winter Wonderland

Phillip Jeffries Parasol Stitch has adorned the walls of Ann Marie Ryan’s home ever since she and her Modern Vintage Home cofounder Rachel Carosiello fell in love with it over five years ago. It was Rachel who convinced Ann Marie to think outside the powder room for the striking, whimsical print on natural sisal and add it to the home’s dining area. “It gives the whole room a lot of personality.”

The inspiration for the room’s holiday look was to keep PJ’s wallcovering as the star, while making the rest of the room naturally cozy and moody. “We were trying to do something very organic. With that in mind we went with a lot of real greens and natural warm and toasty colors. Nothing glitzy.”

The design duo share how they created a cozy room the family loves to live in and more of their holiday decorating ideas.

Better Together
Groupings of trees in dark and neutral tones are placed around the room to create a cohesive look that complements the walls. “Lots of people have collections of things. Grouping them looks so much better and less chaotic than scattering them around. It really creates an impact when things are together.”

Bring on the Holiday Cheer
“It’s a lot of work for a few weeks,” so if you’re tempted to start decorating early in November, Rachel says go for it. Garlands, candles and lights add a much-needed coziness to winter, and can stay up through January. “We didn’t use one thing in the room that is actually Christmas, just beautiful things that we made festive with greenery and lights.”

Take a Bough
Taking a cue from the sisal wallcovering’s natural tones, greenery plays a major role around the room, creating an earthy but sophisticated vibe. Pine branches arranged in a striking vase were hewn from a branch from Ann Marie’s own yard. The pair used real moss as a dramatic stand-in for a table runner combined with realistic faux flowers and love st a real/faux mix for a full look.

The tree lends wattage of sparkle to the space, but the room’s real showstopper? A bold and sweeping mantel garland. The designers used faux garland combined with real magnolia leaves to create a sumptuous, lush piece, adorned with a luxe toasted gold velvet bow.

Use What You Love
The designers displayed Ann Marie’s grandmother’s china on the dining table. “It’s nice to use something that is meaningful. Make it modern, it doesn’t have to be stuffy with crystal or perfect settings.” Resist the urge to go out and buy the newest trendy holiday decor, especially if it clashes with your home’s style. 

Keep It Personal
Find a place for the nostalgic family ornaments and childhood handmade decor. “If it’s an option for you, decorate one tree the way you want it and then have another, maybe real family tree with all the personal ornaments.” Rachel and Ann Marie suggest.

With so many options for holiday decorating, their biggest design rule is, “do whatever makes you happy!”