Stylist Alice Decker of Decker8 Designs selected deep green velvet chairs with contemporary lines, a classic wooden table and a striped jute rug as the foundation for a winter-themed dining room. Her goal was to create an “effortless and relatable” feel by mixing evergreen cuttings with things homeowners may already have on hand: simple dishware, shiny ornaments, antiques and thrift store finds.
Decker brought her own collection of brass candleholders in various styles and sizes for the table centerpiece. The mismatched and randomly placed candles play on the natural asymmetry of the evergreen branches, which were arranged down the center in place of a fabric runner. When asked about designing with fresh sprigs, she advised, “Don’t work toward too much symmetry or any point of perfection. Let your natural materials take on a life of their own and lie how they want to.” Golden drinkware and flatware frame the plaid napkins and leafy napkin rings to round out the place settings.
Decker layered greenery and sheared fabric ribbons not only in the dining room (note the wreath she fashioned over the art on the wall), but also throughout the rest of the home. Just beyond the dining room, the ribbons and evergreen repeat on kitchen chairs and countertops. The evergreen pieces were actually left over from decorating the mantel and stair railings, and the ribbons and gold ornaments were left over from decorating the tree. Why not use up every beautiful bit?
“I like the idea of tying in rooms together with specific objects. So whatever ornaments you use on your tree, throw a few into a bowl on the table,” said Decker. “You can bring the whole house together into one cohesive style whenever you take a few exciting, choice decorations and carry them throughout your entire space.”
Not only is this an easy way to spread seasonal decor throughout a home, having repeating elements makes Decker’s designs flow from room to room. “Effortless and relatable” vibes achieved.
