Thoughtful Details at Christmas: A Designer’s Approach to Holiday Styling

Many people don’t think about vertical storage when they think about organizing their homes. There are vertical solutions for every room, whether it is a magnetic strip on the kitchen wall to hold knives, a peg wall with hooks and holders in the garage for tools, sports equipment, and gardening supplies, or a decorative spice rack near your stove to corral those small bottles and free up cabinet space. If you are a crafter like I am, you know how quickly craft supplies can multiply and get out of control. Instead of stuffing them all in boxes and cupboards where you can’t see them, consider mounting a wall organizing system like this one from Hafele.

Another area that can benefit from decluttering is your clothes closet. Discard or donate any clothes that are outdated, no longer fit, or that you haven’t worn in the last several years. Be brutal! Once it’s out of sight, it will most likely be out of mind as well.

Cozy mudroom with dark paneled walls, bench seating, hooks, chalkboard, and wooden cabinet.

Modern hallway with wall-mounted coat rack, hanging bags and scarves, and a full-length mirror near a glass door.

Once the decluttering is done, now you need to find a way to store the clothes that are left in a way that is convenient and easily accessible. Converting one wall or a portion of one wall to adjustable shelves is one solution. Baskets can hold loose items such as scarves, while clear plastic boxes can keep out of season shoes neat, clean, and organized. Vertical storage in the closet is another solution that many people may not consider. Symphony Wall Organizers come in a variety of heights and the bars can shift left or right to accommodate light switches and outlets. A variety of hooks allow flexibility to hang everything from shoes to bags to hats to jewelry, keeping everything easily accessible.

These are just a few ways you can organize your home to help reduce your stress and save you time. A quick online search will inspire you with many more ideas to declutter. Although the process may seem daunting, it will pay off in the end!

So, while we remodel the farmhouse, we’re doing something most people wouldn’t imagine: moving into a 42-foot camper. Two adults. Three kids. And a lot of creativity.

As a designer, this has been the ultimate space-planning challenge. Every inch of that camper has to pull its weight — storage, living, sleeping, eating. It has to be functional, organized, and still feel like home.

The Cons of Built-In Coffee Makers

Four circular wood-grain diagrams labeled Phrenology, Quartersawn, Rift, and Live-sawn.

Ribbon Mahogany – Offers a high-end, exotic look with a fine, straight grain and deep reddish-brown color.
Cherry – Ages beautifully with time, developing a rich, deep red-brown patina.
Birch – A cost-effective hardwood that mimics maple but is slightly softer.

For us, downsizing isn’t about giving up — it’s about gaining something different. More connection, more intention, more life happening outside of four walls.

Over the next few months, I’ll be sharing both sides of this story: how we’re making tiny living work in the camper and how we’re bringing the farmhouse back to life. And in between?

The everyday moments of living right in the heart of the farm.

Here’s to making any space — big or small — a place you love. 💛

Family posing on rocks beside a waterfall in a forested canyon

The holidays have a way of reminding us why thoughtful design matters.
Not because everything needs to be perfect — but because the details, when layered with intention, create warmth, meaning, and a sense of home. This year, our holiday décor became a small reflection of how we approach design year-round: thoughtful choices, mixed materials, and personal touches that tell a story.

A Collected Palette, Not a Matching One
Under the tree, we intentionally avoided a single wrapping paper or color scheme. Instead, we layered five different papers — crisp white, classic black, simple craft, craft with floral motifs, and craft printed with vintage Christmas newspaper.
The mix creates contrast without chaos. Light next to dark. Pattern next to solid. Refined alongside nostalgic. Much like a well-designed room, cohesion comes from balance — not repetition.

Texture Does the Heavy Lifting
Texture plays a starring role, especially when the color palette is restrained. Multiple ribbon styles were used throughout the gifts: soft cotton, structured grosgrain, twine, sheer layers, and bold stripes. Faux greens were tucked into packages to add movement and a natural element that ties back to the tree and fireplace.
The result feels layered, tactile, and inviting — proof that when texture is intentional, it elevates even the simplest materials.

Personalization Makes It Meaningful
One of our favorite details this year was the use of custom, reusable acrylic tags with family names. Each tag features a different font, creating visual interest while still feeling cohesive. It’s a small detail, but one that adds personality and turns each gift into something uniquely considered.
This idea mirrors how we think about homes — personalization doesn’t have to shout. It just needs to feel right.

A Fireplace That Grounds the Space
The fireplace surround was kept simple and timeless, allowing the greenery to frame it naturally. Draped faux greens soften the structure, while subtle ribbon details add just enough color and movement. Knit stockings bring warmth and scale, reinforcing the idea that contrast — smooth stone against soft textiles — is what gives a space depth.
It’s not about over-decorating. It’s about knowing when to let materials speak for themselves.

Design That Feels Lived In
At the end of the day, the goal isn’t perfection — it’s presence. Spaces should feel layered, collected, and personal. Whether it’s holiday décor or a full home design, the principles remain the same: balance, texture, intention, and heart.
This season, we’re reminded that the most meaningful spaces are the ones that feel lived in, loved, and thoughtfully composed — one detail at a time.