These are some of the items I’m using for holiday décor this year — they’re my faves. Hopefully you can also find something for decking your halls! This year, I kept things simple. In fact, if you’re anything like me, you’ll probably only use a third of your décor. After all, it’s the little things that make the biggest statement when decorating your home for the holidays. Of course, your tree is the star … so make that fabulous! I found the most beautiful glass balls (see below) to add to our tree, and along with special family ornaments, they nicely compliment the beaded garland and pinecones.
Once you’ve set the stage with your tree, you can add other festive touches here and there. Bowls of pinecones, small “tabletop” faux trees, accents of vintage ribbon tied around vases or candles, beautiful wrapping paper for presents under the tree, new hand towels at the ready for bar clean up … you get the idea. Switch out a few things and your home will feel ready!
Clouz Houz Tip: One of the easiest things you can do to make your home feel festive is use cut fresh greenery. Mix it in with faux stems for arrangements all around the house. This helps the faux look more real, AND you don’t have to worry about the entire arrangement drying out and looking horrible by Christmas!
Next week on the blog, I’ll be sharing more tips and pics for the holidays, as well as ways you can bring little festive touches to your home this holiday season.
1
8' Faux Tree
This is our first year with a faux tree, and we must admit, it's pretty nice! No debating about the tree being too small or too big, or straightening it in the stand, or untangling and adding lights, etc. What a major production! This year, it took me all of 30 minutes to assemble and fluff the branches -- gotta love that. We purchased this pre-lit, 8' King Noble Fir and it's very realistic. I do miss the smell of a fresh tree, but we added plenty of fresh cut cedar throughout the house ... and besides, that's what candles are for!
2
Faux Wreath with rope
This wreath is soooooo good for the price! I added a few clippings of real cedar and pine to each one to fill it out a bit, but otherwise it's realistic and cute. Hang it in a window, over a bed, or in a bathroom for a festive touch.
3
Buffalo Check Wrapping Paper
I'm all about wrapping pretty packages! I typically try to find a color palette that I also want to use for under the tree. This year, I went with navy and white buffalo check paper from the Amber Interiors Collection for Etsy. I also used mustard yellow velvet ribbon, and brown butcher paper with navy velvet ribbon. And, I found the cutest little green pine sprays from Amazon to add to each package's bow.
4
Iridescent Glass Ornaments
These ornaments are the perfect addition to our Winter Wonderland-vibe tree!I wanted something that was subtle but pretty with the white lights. This set comes in varying shades of white, light brown and the prettiest blush color. I ordered two sets, and they really don't disappoint.
5
Tabletop Tree with Lights
This tree is the perfect size for tabletop. We installed it on the table in our office/dining room, and it's so pretty when lit up! It also looks great in a basket with nothing else. It's all about simple greens and white lights in this case.
6
Tree Collar
In years past, we have wrapped the base of our tree in a blanket or tree skirt. But, this year, we finally decided to try a tree collar. This one is simple yet gorgeous, and we're really happy with it.
7
Kitchen Dish Towel
I bought a couple of these kitchen dish towels to have on hand at our bar and sink area. They come in handy, and don't feel so holiday-ish that you couldn't extend their use beyond the holidays. I could see also using them for wrapping a bottle of champagne as a holiday party hostess gift!
8
Mohair Throw Blanket
This blanket is super soft and cozy. It comes in a beautiful green as well, but I chose the charcoal grey since I knew it would go the distance beyond the holidays. These blankets are the perfect accompaniment for curling in by the fire and watching a good Christmas movie.
I used this ribbon everywhere, from wrapping packages to tying bows on wreaths. It's the perfect weight, and easy to tie. And, I LOVE choosing a color that is a bit out of the "norm." Although this reads somewhat gold, it gives a more current look to an old time, traditional holiday color.
10
Beaded Garland
We love the natural quality this garland added to our tree! It would also look equally beautiful strung on a mantle with garland. I used the natural color (which is now sold out), but the brown color is really pretty as well. In fact, I may have to snag some to add to the garland I strung on our living room fireplace.
Lately, we’ve noticed some recurring questions come up around our work — where we’re located, how involved clients need to be, and what you’re really investing in when you hire a designer. This post is meant to offer clarity and context, not overwhelm.
And if you’re still wondering about something specific, feel free to reach out. Thoughtful questions are always welcome here:)
Unreasonable. Not practical. Not safe. Not “that’s good enough.”
Unreasonable passion.
For the way light pours into your kitchen at 4pm. For the way your sofa feels at the end of a long day. For the dining table that holds sunday dinners and hard conversations and belly laughs.
I don’t believe in designing homes that are just fine. I believe in spaces that make you feel something. That tell your story. That hold your memories. Because this life? It moves fast. Our babies grow up. Seasons change. Chapters close.
So yes... I’m going to care deeply about the tile. About the trim detail. About the way the space flows. Not because it’s “just design.” But because it’s where your life unfolds.
Eight years ago I started my design business when Derrick was unemployed. It was a leap of faith to help support our family. I had no idea where it would lead.
Then we chose to build this business together. Exciting… and terrifying. Running a design + renovation company side by side stretches you (as entrepreneurs and as husband and wife).
We started over AGAIN and moved across the country to Tennessee!
It hasn’t been easy. There have been dark days… stress, uncertainty, moments that felt lonely.
But there have also been incredible highs — clients who trust us, a team that amazes me, opportunities I never could have planned for.
And recently, as I looked back through my camera roll, I realized something…
It’s not just the big milestones that built this life.
It’s the quiet moments. The moments you don’t realize are building the life you once only dreamt of. 🤍
Little by little, the life I once dreamed about… is becoming my reality. ✨
If you’re scared to start over… believe me when I say, I totally get it.
Just do it. (Maybe it’s all those years working at Nike that has rubbed off on me) But seriously, show up each day for the life you want.
I’m here if you want to chat, just send me a DM. xx
This testimonial from a recent Designer for a Day session is exactly why I do this work.
To hear a client say they felt truly heard means everything to me. Beautiful spaces matter — but if a home doesn’t reflect how someone actually lives, who they are, and what they value... then we’ve missed the point.
Every project begins with listening. Understanding rhythms, routines, priorities. Designing from there.
It’s such a privilege to collaborate with clients who value intentional design, thoughtful planning, and homes that feel deeply personal.
If you’re ready for a space that feels like you, DM us to inquire + learn more about Designer for a Day!
Pink paint doesn’t have to feel girly! And if that sentence alone makes you nervous... keep reading.
In honor of Valentine’s Day, I pulled together a roundup of my favorite pink paint colors.
Some l’ve loved for years, and a few I’m seriously considering for a room at our #SixthStreetBungalow... any guesses?
The truth about pink paint? It’s all about undertone. When done right, pink can feel grounded, warm, and feminine... but with an edge. Not sweet, not juvenile, not bubblegum.
Look for dusty, muted, brown, or beige-leaning pinks that read almost neutral on the wall. Avoid anything too bright or overly saturated (those are the ones that scream “little girl’s room” fast).
Save this for the next time you’re flirting with pink paint—so you can order the right samples and fall in love with the result!
With our DFAD service You’ll leave with direction, confidence, and a real olan—not just inspiration/moodboards.
What this isn’t: - A full-service design project - A shopping-for-you service - Someone managing orders, installs, or trades - A quick “tell me what paint color” consult
What it is: - Big-picture clarity with real, actionable next steps - This is for clients who want a plan they can actually act on - Perfect if you’re ready to move forward but need a designer in your corner - Professional input before you make expensive mistakes - Think clarity and direction, not execution from start to finish
If that sounds like you, Designer for a Day might be exactly what you need. Inquire today, link in bio!
Clouz Houz Tip: One of the easiest things you can do to make your home feel festive is use cut fresh greenery. Mix it in with faux stems for arrangements all around the house. This helps the faux look more real, AND you don’t have to worry about the entire arrangement drying out and looking horrible by Christmas!
