There’s certainly a tactile, lush look to the home, which Lada attributes to “adding layers and loads of texture,” seen in the faux furs, plush carpeting and draped blankets. There’s something about small homes that feels just right for the holidays. The coziness, the sincerity, the corners to tuck into, where hours are spent with family and friends, sipping hot cocoa and curling up under blankets. And in this 750 square-foot Newport Beach home, sweet, snug spaces abound. Lada Webster, designer and owner of Squarefoot Interior Design, was asked to design the interior. She created a welcoming, warm-hearted Bohemian home for the holidays.
There’s certainly a tactile, lush look to the home, which Lada attributes to “adding layers and loads of texture,” seen in the faux furs, plush carpeting and draped blankets.
Cozy Living in a Bohemian Home
While the big goal was to maximize space, Lada added warmth and easy living by bringing in vibrant colors and editing the furnishings and accents smartly. Choosing just a few key pieces yet ensuring each one was special was how she created a “casual Bohemian home look.”
Lada advises, “Commit to a large pop of color in small spaces, like a sofa or an accent wall. This creates a focal point in the room and is far more dramatic than sprinkling a little color throughout. Then neutralize the rest.”
Not all décor needs to be seasonal. Use your existing accessories. For example, if you have a grouping of vases on your dining room table, don’t remove them. Just place them in a seasonal tray, and weave in some greenery. Add seasonal spice to what you already have.
Since this is only a one-bedroom home, Lada put her organizing skills to the test, incorporating “multifunctional pieces.” To solve space issues, Lada typically looks to low footstools as additional seating. She also says that “scale is everything,” adding, “With a smaller home, don’t choose overstuffed pieces of furniture.” That’s why the rusty-red couch in the living room works so well.
Lush Look
There’s certainly a tactile, lush look to the home, which Lada attributes to “adding layers and loads of texture,” seen in the faux furs, plush carpeting and draped blankets.
The décor pieces are highly-curated and well-chosen, so important in a small home. “Keep your small-scale knickknacks to a minimum,” says Lada. “Instead, choose large statement pieces.”
Lada admits that it can be a difficult task to choose the items that make the cut when space is limited. “Editing décor can be one of the trickiest parts of finishing a home. After you carefully choose what furnishings to place in a home, the accessories can end up cluttering the space. My way of editing is this: After placing the pieces that I feel fit in the overall look, I step back, scan the room, and if I feel pieces are competing with one another, I’ll remove one. If you think it’s too much, it probably is too much, and that’s the last thing you want in a small space.”
Scandi for the Season
Lada, who “offers seasonal décor to clients” has picked up plenty of decorating tricks through her 10 years of experience. Many of her décor secrets can be seen in this home, filled with Scandinavian-inspired boho holiday pieces that match the vibe of the interior.
First, she loves to create warmth through heirloom objects. She says, “Mix in pieces that have meaning to you, like family decorations that have been passed down.” Ornaments and tabletop items provide the perfect opportunity to do exactly that.
Her next tip is both cost-effective and easy: “Use greenery from your yard to create wreaths. Cut shrubs and wire [the cuttings] onto a wreath form; then tie on a bow for a little extra pop, or no bow for a more organic look. You’ll instantly dress up your front door, and it coheres with what’s growing in your yard.”
For another way to represent natural details in your yuletide décor, look no further than the produce section at your grocery store. Lada says, “Use produce to add a seasonal element, like a bowl full of pomegranates or green apples.”
I see cottage design as lived-in and loved-in. There’s nothing pretentious about it. It’s natural, comfortable, and it all falls into place. The seasonal décor adds to the look and doesn’t disrupt a thing.
She also recommends making decorating a family affair, saying, “Get your kids involved. There’s nothing better than seeing decorations your kids have made in years past.” So be sure to hang on to all those Popsicle-stick ornaments and glitter-glue masterpieces. But Lada warns against floor-to-ceiling holiday décor: “Not all décor needs to be seasonal. Use existing accessories. If you have a grouping of vases on your dining room table, don’t remove them. Just place them in a seasonal tray, and weave in some greenery. Add seasonal spice to what you already have.”
Want more Bohemian home inspiration? Check out this list of tips from Boho queen Justin Blakeney.