Embracing a Modern Minimalist Approach to Holiday Decor
As the holiday season approaches, many homeowners find themselves grappling with the age-old question: how can I infuse my living spaces with a festive spirit without sacrificing my signature design aesthetic? For Susan Bednar Long, award-winning residential interior designer and founder of SB Long Interiors in Dallas, the answer lies in striking a harmonious balance between modern minimalism and traditional sentimentality.
“I’ve always appreciated the holiday season for the way it renews our relationship with our homes,” shares Bednar Long. “Quiet, everyday living quarters fill with laughter, becoming bed and breakfasts for visiting family and party venues for friends.” When it comes to decorating her own space, Bednar Long’s approach is guided by a clear vision: “Modern minimalism mixed with traditional sentimentality is an easy descriptor. I don’t go for the usual red and green coordination with endearing figurines, although I do believe it’s possible to do this very well. Rather, I opt for a palette of mixed metals and natural elements with personal touches that provoke conversation and stir memories.”
Elevating with Unexpected Materials and Heirlooms
One of Bednar Long’s signature design elements for the holiday season is her extensive collection of unique silver pieces. “I’ve been collecting vintage silver my entire adult life,” she explains. “Its versatility is unmatched in that it can be pulled off the shelf for every single holiday. I get creative with the vessels, filling them with various pops of color throughout the house. I’m particularly fond of vintage ice buckets – they are large enough to drop potted plants into, like boxwood topiaries, myrtle, and poinsettia, and carry them elegantly through the season.”
Bednar Long’s love for unexpected materials extends beyond silver, with pheasant feathers playing a starring role in her holiday decor. “For me, they are a sentimental element, and their rich brown tones and stripes add flair to every tablescape,” she says, recalling her childhood memories of her father’s shooting club in Millbrook, New York, where pheasant was the winter game of choice. “Arrange them with greenery in lieu of flowers, and they will never wilt on your countertop.”
Bringing the Outdoors In for a Festive Ambiance
Ensuring that the interior of the home is just as vibrant and lively as the winter landscape outside is a crucial aspect of Bednar Long’s holiday decor philosophy. “Keeping the interior lively whilst everything outside goes gray is integral to a festive space,” she emphasizes. This is where the scent of paperwhites and the rich foliage of Southern magnolia branches come into play.
“In my mother’s home, it wasn’t Christmas without the scent of Narcissus papyraceus, commonly known as Paperwhites, wafting through each room. A fragrant spring bulb in the dead of winter is pretty antithetical, which is why it’s so effective in lifting the spirits.” Bednar Long suggests pairing the delicate paperwhites with dense, fluffy boxwood or freshly cut evergreen branches to bring the outdoors in.
The designer also has a deep appreciation for the Southern magnolia, a tree she has loved long before moving to Dallas. “Even before moving to Dallas, I loved these trees and how the branches create lush wreaths and rich interior decoration. These trees, which produce famously beautiful florals in the summer, are hugely underrated in the winter season. I love the dimension of the leaves – the forest green lacquer top with the earthy chocolate browns underneath. Mother Nature is a designer herself.”
Incorporating Unexpected Pops of Color and Texture
While traditional evergreens and holiday greenery are always a welcomed staple in Bednar Long’s decor, she also finds inspiration in unexpected elements, such as vibrant fruits. “Some of my favorite 19th-century oil paintings seek to recall a time when fruit was not widely available. Once a symbol of wealth and decadence, the visual appeal of magenta pomegranates and sunny citrus fruits has substantial impact on a palette. It’s unnecessary to restrain them to the kitchen – unexpected placement adds whimsy.”
The designer’s commitment to integrating personal touches and sentimental elements throughout her holiday decor is evident in her use of pheasant feathers. “Seeing and touching the feathers hearkens me back to my childhood,” she explains, underscoring the power of design to evoke meaningful memories and emotions.
Achieving Cohesion Through Consistent Palettes and Themes
While Bednar Long’s holiday decor is a harmonious blend of modern and traditional elements, she emphasizes the importance of maintaining a consistent palette and theme throughout the home. “Cohesion in palette is key to creating a space with flow. This rule carries into holiday decor. If you’re decorating with stripes or plaid or mixed metals, how can you bring a little bit of that into every room? Commit to it. Oftentimes, boxing yourself in is the best way to inspire fresh ideas.”
By embracing a cohesive design approach, Bednar Long is able to create a seamless and visually striking holiday experience for her clients and her own home. “Family traditions and personal familiarities make a huge impact on the way people decorate to celebrate,” she notes, underscoring the personal nature of the holiday season and the importance of infusing one’s space with meaningful touches.
Elevating Your Home’s Festive Flair with Professional Guidance
As the founder of SB Long Interiors, Bednar Long has honed her skills in creating personalized, luxury-driven designs that elevate the human experience within the home. By working with a professional interior designer, homeowners can unlock the full potential of their living spaces, transforming them into inviting sanctuaries that reflect their unique style and aspirations.
Whether you’re looking to infuse your home with a festive touch or embark on a comprehensive design overhaul, the team at Urban Grace Interiors is here to guide you. With their expertise in blending modern and traditional elements, creating cohesive palettes, and incorporating meaningful personal touches, your home can become a true oasis of comfort and elegance this holiday season and beyond.
