Tradition with a Twist
Occasionally, after we finish a comprehensive interior design for a client, they ask us to create their holiday decor. And, even more occasionally -- we say yes!
As much as we love decorating for the holidays -- and we really, really do -- we can't let it distract us from our full-service projects, which generally involve down-to-the-studs renovations and complete home furnishings. But, sometimes, the timing is right.
We designed this project, a 1959 midcentury gem built by the famed Alexander Construction Company in historic Vista Las Palmas, for a young Nashville-based family in the spring of 2021. When our clients decided to decamp from Nashville for the holidays and spend Christmas in Palm Springs, they asked us to conjure up their holiday decorations. Knowing that their three year old son would be spending Christmas at their desert getaway, how could we say no?
I hope you enjoy this holiday tour! xoCK
Entry
We wanted to make the front entry, which is already pretty spectacular with midcentury stacked stone surrounding glass front doors topped by a transom window, extra special and totally unexpected.
Our young clients are pretty casual and cool, and while their family values may be traditional, their personal style is a bit more rock-n-roll.
For the entry garland, our team's Creative Director, Keith Fortner, created a Coachella Music Festival vibe, with blush-colored ribbon, palm fronds painted gold, and succulent plants taking the place of traditional ornaments.
We kept the ribbon loose and free-flowing -- imagine flowers in the long hair of a bright young thing dancing at a music festival. Our main goal was not to 'overwork' the look, and at all costs we wanted to avoid it looking like a department store!
The Living Room & Dining Room
Just a few sneak peeks here, because our clients are graciously opening this home to the public in February 2023 as part of our Midcentury Home Tour benefiting the Palm Springs Animal Shelter.
To purchase home tour tickets, click here.
Above: Checkerboard trees on the living room's coffee table are reminiscent of Vans sneakers. The African chair is completely beaded. The chair pillow is a vintage Larsen velvet print.
Above: An assortment of glass trees from our retail store form a chic and simple centerpiece on the blue glass dining table, by Jonathan Adler.
The Family Room
We chose to place the main Christmas tree in the family room, which was originally the garage at the time of the home's construction in 1959. This is the largest room of the home and undoubtedly where the family will gather to open presents on Christmas morning.
The colors of the Christmas tree were inspired by the desert hues of the family room, with the unexpected accent of teal blue.
Instead of the conventional tones of red and green, we opted for bronze, rust, and blush. Our clients' favorite emerald hue plays a starring role, as well.
At our clients' request, we kept the tree traditional -- but with a twist.
The Pool
What's a holiday in Palm Springs if we don't bring some cheer to the pool?
This is our first year carrying Holiballs in our retail shop, and they were an immediate customer favorite!
Who doesn't love a little sparkle in their life? These bright, bold ornaments are ready to make a BIG holiday impact. These inflatable ornaments are larger than life, easy to deflate and store away, and are super fun to decorate with, both inside and out.
Just for Fun
We knew that our clients would have to be doing some work over the holidays. The home's casita (guest house) serves as both a pool pavilion and their home office.
We decided to bring a little casual fun to their home office, with a blue desktop tree that draws its inspiration from the room's tiki theme.
In addition to the tiki theme, this tree pays tribute to many of our clients' loves -- including country music, Day of the Dead, Star Wars, and Coors Light.
The felt celebrity ornaments, including Willie Nelson above and Freddie Mercury below, are from our retail shop. We have a few left in-store...locals, come on by!
Keith sourced the other ornaments from small artisans on the internet, many from Etsy.
Sending love from Palm Springs. Happy holidays!
Decorations and Photo Styling: Keith Fortner
Photography: Nathan Cox Studios