Studio 1049’s Twelve Days of Design
We believe that good design is about so much more than fabrics, paints, furniture, and décor.
It's about living well, and intentionally carving out some space for the things that bring you joy — big or small! This year, we launched a "12 Days of Design" campaign leading up to the main event in hopes that we might interrupt some the chaos of the season by bringing a little beauty and clarity to each of you.
From holiday specific design tips, to favorite recipes or traditions, or even just sharing some festive eye candy, consider it our way of helping to make your holiday just a little bit brighter.
We covered a lot of ground over the last few weeks, so here’s what you might have missed (from start to finish) just in case!
Day 1: Creating Holiday Ambiance
To add even more warmth to your space this season, start by layering in some extra throw pillows and blankets along with your usual holiday decorations. This is a great time to play with those over-the-top cozy textiles! Next, look for opportunities to layer in more light besides your tree. Those extra twinkling points of light strategically placed around the room will really help you feel surrounded by warmth. Last, think about those little things you can't necessarily see but still add to the ambiance. Give your home a signature scent by using a favorite holiday candle in multiple rooms, or find that perfect holiday playlist to help you unwind and enjoy this special time of year.
Day 2: Feeling Festive + Fabulous
I'm all about "holiday your way" — and to be honest, that sometimes means lounging around in cozy pajamas and slippers all day. But I also really love the chance to get a little fancy during the holidays! Here's some of the outfits I'll be reaching for this season whenever I want to feel a little festive and fabulous. Pieces shown are by Banana Republic, Loft, H+M, Madewell, Altar’d State, and Franco Sarto.
Day 3: Cherished Traditions
From baking cookies, to watching Home Alone, to decorating the tree, the holidays are all about traditions, new and old. In my family, we host a "rally" (open house) where extended family and friends stop by for food, drinks, fun and merriment. What are some of your favorite holiday traditions? Let us know in the comments below.
Day 4: Coffee Table Styling
As I’ve mentioned in the past, you know that one of my favorite ways to quickly freshen up a space is to restyle a coffee table! I've shared tips such as varying your textures and heights, including points of light, and going on a "shopping trip" around you house to reimagine your tablescape.
During the holidays, coffee table styling takes on a whole new life! It's so fun to incorporate those special trinkets that are normally tucked away throughout the rest of the year, like tree ornaments, fresh pine sprigs, extra candles, seasonal art books, or even a little drifting snow.
And if you're planning to host this season, be sure to leave plenty of space for drinks and snack plates!
Day 5: Decorate Your Storage
Looking for an opportunity to add more "form" to your "function" this holiday season? Decorate your storage! Instead of letting your tree and mantel have all the fun, take advantage of the prime real estate on top of bookshelves, tall consoles, or inside any glass front cabinets.
Day 6: Blending Old + New
One of my favorite things to do when decorating for the holidays is to blend old and new décor items to create a richly layered, eclectic look. This is especially effective if you're sticking to a more limited, contemporary palette with the bulk of your selections, as it shines a spotlight on those few time-worn items that are linked to some special story or family tradition. Just about any heirloom can stand up as a decoration during the holidays! As long as it's important to you, it will add to the joy and magic of the season.
Day 7: Treat Yourself
I'm a firm believer that the holidays are prime time for a little guilt-free indulgence! Personally, I LOVE to have macarons on-hand during the holidays, because they are not only colorful and gorgeous, but are basically made of delicious, sugary air (which means there's always room for a few). My mother also makes candied pecans every year that are a big hit with my whole family! What are the go-to holiday treats in your neck of the woods? Let us know it the comments below.
Day 8: Love at First Sight
You've taken the time to pick out the perfect, thoughtful gift that they'll cherish, right? So instead of telling them, show them with giftwrap that's just as lovely as what's waiting inside! While giftbags and tissue paper are a great option for recipients who have trouble opening traditional wrapping, they can take up a lot of space around the tree, and tend to look cluttered pretty fast.
I like to choose a palette or theme each year and treat my wrapped presents as another piece of my holiday décor! Try mixing and matching prints with solids, or traditional papers with other pretty "non-holiday" selections you've found throughout the year. Call-out those extra special gifts by adding coordinating embellishments like ribbon or twine, greenery sprigs, mini pine cones, or bells. Personalize gifts with photos of cherished memories, make a "gift tower" with bundled presents for each recipient (sticking to just one style of paper per person). This is especially helpful for staying organized if you're in the middle of a frenzy with little ones!
Another pro tip I've learned over the years: Try to wrap as you buy leading up to the main event. Christmas Eve is somewhat less magical if you're up until 3 AM wrapping presents.
Day 9: The Holiday Table
If you're hosting a holiday meal, here are some simple things to keep in mind when creating a rich tablescape. Sticking to a limited, complementary palette can help you easily transition from one holiday to the next. The warm rusts and coppers in these metallic chargers and leather napkin rings worked perfectly for Thanksgiving alongside rustic leaves and yellow-green pears. For Christmas, I swapped in some pine springs with winter white and gold berries, plus some amber glass votives. A final change to a more neutral napkin, and that's all!
Keeping it simple can go such a long way during this hectic time of year. Layer your textiles, keep your sight lines open for conversation, and remember to save room for the food, which is the real star of the show.
Day 10: Making "Spirits" Bright
Over the last year or so, I basically stopped drinking alcohol — somewhat by accident! To explain, I wasn't necessarily trying to "cut back" in any way, but as a matter of circumstance (i.e.: A Global Pandemic) I wasn't spending time in bars or restaurants, or even socializing very much. Since I'm not really one for drinking at home (bartenders are just TOO talented to compete), I found that I just sort of...stopped.
Now that vaccines are a thing, and the world is opening back up more and more, I've managed to keep it up. I guess I'm treating it almost like an experiment just to see if I ever start to miss it? I definitely wanted to try and keep it going throughout the holidays (more cookies, please) which can be easier said than done!
If you're like me, and find yourself in need of a holiday mocktail for yourself, or just to have a solid option for any friends and family who don't partake, try this:
Sparkling Cran-Pineapple Punch
This delicious (and simple!) holiday punch can be mixed as individual mocktails, or served batch style in a pretty punch bowl. To prepare, combine equal parts:
cranberry juice
pineapple juice
lemon-lime soda
Serve punch in a rocks glass with a lime sugar rim. Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig.
Day 11: Being with the Ones You Love
Getting to spend quality time with friends and family is one of the things I love most about the holidays. Whether it's people I get see all the time, or those who I only see once in awhile, it's something I have definitely gained an even greater appreciation for over the last year or so.
I know this isn't necessarily the case for everyone. Whether your "family" is made up of blood relatives, chosen family, friends, a partner, pets, or even your growing plant collection, each circumstance is unique and valid! I hope you find joy this season in the company of those you love — whatever that means for you.
Day 12: Take Time for Self-Care
While the holidays can be joyous and exciting at their best, they can also be incredibly exhausting and at times, rather stressful. This is the season of giving, but in order to give to others, we should try to master the art of giving to ourselves as well.
So whether that means a cozy night in with a favorite bottle of wine and chocolates, a little present for yourself under the tree, or even just taking a mid-afternoon nap on a weekday, try and carve out some time just for YOU amidst the hustle and bustle!
Did we miss anything? We’d love to hear what you’d include in your “12 Days of Design” list. Drop us a line below, and have an amazing holiday season!