When homeowners Katie and Zach Taylor purchased this classic Craftsman bungalow, they discovered something unique. A previous owner had left behind a set of vintage holiday napkin rings with tiny Christmas tree adornments. “It felt like an archaeological find,” says Katie who uncovered the napkin rings in an old Buffum’s department store box. Dreams of a Christmas Bungalow were born.
The house, located in Los Angeles, California, was already a delight with vintage features like steel Youngstown kitchen cabinets, a Wedgewood stove and a tiled fireplace. These elements and other Craftsman details inspired Michelle to style the space with midcentury comfort and gatherings of friends and family in mind.
The Perfect Vignette
“There are three key elements I use when decorating,” says Michelle, “bringing the outdoors in, evoking an emotion, and mixing the old with the new.” In this bungalow, originally built in 1924, Michelle worked to evoke feelings of comfort and festivity.
All Things Vintage
A bowl of bright-red ornaments makes a bold, cheery statement on a table in the living room. In the kitchen, a vintage thermos collection brings warmth, as a nearby canister of marshmallows simply begs for hot chocolate.
Another classic Christmas décor staple seen throughout the home is bottlebrush trees. “You can never have too many decorating small vignettes and filling various containers,” says Michelle, who filled a rusty tackle box on the porch with the charming tiny trees.
Flowing garlands, bright berries, cheery wreaths, and red and white tulips add life to almost every corner of the home.
Keep It Natural
Throughout the home Michelle paired vintage holiday collectibles with different types of seasonal greens to create a balanced space. “Using both fresh and preserved natural elements is key to creating a softer, more authentic-looking vignette,” she says. Always intentional about even the smallest details, Michelle brought in sprigs of frosted twig and pinecone garlands to tuck into the curtain ties for a wintry touch.
Flowing garlands, bright berries, cheery wreaths, and even red and white tulips add life to almost every corner of the home. Some of the garlands are adorned with pinecones,
ribbons and pops of red, while others, like a long bough draped over a hutch, are left completely natural. The effect of the simple greenery is both whimsical and calming. A pair of ice skates, a basket of pinecones and some hanging red hats finish the delightful scene.
Chalkboards and handmade signs allow you to personalize your home for the holidays with messages that resonate with you and your family.
Make Your Own
With an appreciation for all things handmade, Michelle created several of the holiday signs herself, including one right outside the front door made from an old cabinet face. She paired the sign with a red vintage oil lamp to complete the vignette.
Chalkboards and handmade signs allow you to personalize your home for the holidays with messages that resonate with you and your family. In the kitchen, a sign created from a template reads, “Have a cup of apple spice. It makes everything nice,” and invites guests to make themselves comfortable with a warm beverage.
Tell a Story
For homeowner Katie, the holidays are about utilizing the dining and living room, spaces that she feels are neglected throughout the rest of the year. “Because of the holidays those two rooms get their time in our lives,” she says, adding that the fireplace, decked out with stockings, gets it’s time to shine then too.
Want more simply beautiful ideas? Check out this post on 3 Things to Consider When Decorating for the Holidays.
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