My history as a crafter began with birdhouses… I remember being so happy to become a ‘wrenter’ when my first little bird moved in.  I loved working with textured old wood scraps & metal odds & ends to stick on them.  I found some interesting fragments of history working the flower beds near our barns & outbuildings.

I began to appreciate them year-round – confirming identification with my little paperback reference guide.  I haven’t been able to attract anything but sparrows in my little shop yard, but winter is a good time to start.  Food is so scarce in the snow; they can spot feeders & hopefully come back to check in at other times.   I haven’t found a good solar bird bath heater & I don’t have an outdoor outlet here to run and extension cord… but if you can, they will use your birdbath in the winter.  I’ve heard a couple of floating tennis balls will keep the water from freezing because of movement.   Still to be tested. 

I hope to continue making a few birdhouses each year for the shop.  I still think they have a place in cozy home décor.   I build them for song-bird specs with a clean-out on the side.  Personally, I like them better after they have been outside a few years.   They weather and won’t last forever in the elements, but they age gracefully if you rotate them from the yard to inside at the right time.  We are so high-tech these days, I think this is one thing we can do to ‘ground’ us & help us remember that we are dependent on this earth- wildlife is free but worthy of our attention.                                                Happy birding!

When it comes to decorating for Christmas, one of the first choices you’ll make is the color scheme. Do you opt for a classic, understated look with neutral tones, or do you go for a bold, festive design with vivid colors? Both styles have their own charm and bring a different vibe to your home during the holiday season. Let’s explore the differences between Christmas design styles that feature neutral colors versus those with vivid, eye-catching hues.

1. Neutral Color Christmas Design: Subtle Elegance and Warmth

Neutral colors—think whites, beiges, greys, browns, and soft metallics like gold or silver—have become a popular choice for those who prefer a more serene and minimalist aesthetic during the holidays. This style exudes elegance and tranquility, creating a calming atmosphere ideal for relaxation. Here are a few reasons to embrace a neutral Christmas design:   

Timeless and Versatile     

Neutral tones are timeless and versatile, ensuring that your decorations can easily blend with any interior style, from modern farmhouse to Scandinavian chic. They work especially well in spaces where you want the focus to be on other elements like texture, lighting, and natural materials.

Elegant Simplicity 

A neutral color scheme allows for a more refined and sophisticated approach to decorating. Think of soft white lights twinkling on a snowy pine tree, simple white ceramic ornaments, and the warmth of a wooden mantle with a few sprigs of evergreen. The overall effect is a calm and cozy space without feeling overwhelming.

Natural and Organic Elements

Neutral Christmas décor often features natural materials like wood, burlap, and linen. Adding fresh greenery, pinecones, and even handmade items creates a rustic, earthy charm that evokes a connection with nature. The neutral palette enhances the beauty of these organic elements, giving your home a fresh, organic feel.

Soft, Cozy Vibes

There’s something about neutral tones that evoke a sense of softness and warmth, perfect for those cold winter nights. Imagine snuggling by the fire with soft ivory throw blankets, beige pillows, and candles in subtle hues. Neutral décor invites a comforting and welcoming atmosphere that makes your home feel like a winter retreat.

2. Vivid Color Christmas Design: Bold and Playful Celebration

On the other hand, using vivid colors in your Christmas décor adds energy, fun, and a sense of excitement to your holiday celebrations. Bright reds, greens, blues, golds, and even purples create a festive mood that’s full of joy and cheer. Here’s why you might want to embrace a more vibrant approach:

Playful and Cheerful Atmosphere

Vivid colors instantly bring a sense of playfulness to any space. Bright reds, greens, and golds are traditional Christmas colors that are full of cheer and instantly evoke memories of childhood. If you love the idea of bold, high-energy décor, a colorful holiday design is the way to go.

A Pop of Personality

With a vivid color palette, your Christmas design can feel more personalized. Whether you opt for a classic red and green theme, or experiment with a modern twist using unconventional colors like turquoise, fuchsia, or lime green, bright colors allow you to express your style and creativity. This design style invites fun patterns, such as stripes, polka dots, and even abstract designs, to take center stage.

Maximizing Festive Traditions   

Vivid colors are associated with classic holiday traditions—bright red bows, green wreaths, golden tinsel, and multicolored lights on the Christmas tree. If you’re someone who cherishes these traditions, vivid hues bring those memories to life. The joy of decorating with bold, colorful ornaments, glittering garlands, and flashing lights embodies the spirit of Christmas as a holiday full of merriment and excitement.

Welcoming and Inviting

Bright colors tend to draw people in and create an inviting atmosphere. A living room decked out in vibrant red stockings, bright green garlands, and multi-colored ornaments is sure to create a space that feels welcoming, especially for large family gatherings or lively holiday parties. The overall vibe is warm, festive, and full of energy.

3. How to Choose Between Neutral or Vivid Colors

Choosing between neutral and vivid colors ultimately depends on your personal style, the atmosphere you want to create, and how you envision celebrating Christmas in your home. Here are a few things to consider:

• Interior Style: If you have a modern, minimalist, or Scandinavian-inspired home, neutral colors are likely a better fit. On the other hand, traditional homes or spaces with more eclectic décor can handle the boldness of vivid colors.
• Mood: Do you want a peaceful, serene environment to enjoy cozy nights with family? Opt for neutral tones. If you love the energy of the holiday season and want to create a lively, playful vibe, vivid colors will work best.
• Traditions: Some people associate vivid colors with nostalgia and tradition. If you’re fond of the classic red and green look, this might be your style. However, neutral tones can offer a more modern or refined twist on those same traditional elements.
• Budget: Sometimes, creating a neutral design is more affordable, especially if you already have plenty of white and metallic décor items in your home. For vivid colors, you might need to purchase new ornaments, wrapping paper, or lights, but this can also be a fun way to refresh your décor each year.

4. Mixing Both Styles: The Best of Both Worlds

If you’re torn between the two, why not blend neutral tones with pops of vivid color? Many decorators opt to use a neutral base—such as a white or grey tree—and then add bright red ribbons, gold ornaments, or colorful stockings. This way, you get the serene elegance of neutrals with the excitement and cheer of vivid hues.

Whether you gravitate toward the quiet sophistication of neutral tones or the joyful boldness of vivid colors, your Christmas décor should reflect your unique style and create a festive atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. The beauty of both design styles is that they evoke a sense of joy, togetherness, and warmth, making your home a special place to celebrate the holiday season.

As the days shorten and temperatures drop, there’s no better time to create a cozy sanctuary within your home. Inspired by the Danish concept of hygge, (pronounced Hooga), this article explores how to transform your space into a haven of warmth and comfort.

Key Elements of Hygge:

• Light: Soft, natural light, especially candlelight, creates a cozy atmosphere.
• Warmth: Embrace the cold weather with layers of blankets, throws, and cozy clothing.
• Nature: Incorporate natural elements like wood, plants, and animal hides to connect with the outdoors.
• Comfort: Create a comfortable reading nook or seating area with plush pillows and soft textures.
• Simplicity: Focus on quality over quantity, choosing items that bring you joy and peace.
• Togetherness: Spend time with loved ones, enjoying shared experiences and conversation.

Creating a Cozy Home:

• Candles: Opt for high-quality, natural candles for a warm glow and soothing scent.
• Furniture: Choose wooden pieces for a natural and inviting feel.
• Textiles: Layer blankets, throws, and pillows for added comfort and texture.
• Decor: Incorporate nature-inspired elements like plants, flowers, and animal hides.
• Reading Nook: Create a cozy relaxing spot with a comfortable chair, soft lighting, and a selection of books.

Hygge in Everyday Life:

• Hot Beverages: Enjoy a warm cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa to combat the cold.
• Cozy Clothing: Wear comfortable, layered clothing to stay warm and stylish.
• Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness and gratitude to appreciate the simple pleasures of life.
• Connection: Spend quality time with loved ones and build strong relationships.

By embracing the principles of hygge, you can create a cozy and inviting home that provides comfort and joy throughout the colder months

With all the different trends, it can be hard to know what style expresses who you are (or what you want to become).

Your style is as unique as you are.  You know it when you see it.  One of my favorite quotes is: “Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away”.

If you have been in my shop, you can see that it reflects an ever-evolving atmosphere of ‘feels’ that resonate with me and that I want to share with you.

 My style journey began with ‘primitive provincial’… French country- the more age-worn & natural, the better.  Toss in a little ‘cottage-core’ – (Whatever holds your heart is key.  Items are meaningful, fun, old, worn, or in perfect condition). Moving up to Belton, it morphed into ‘biophilic’-    everything had to coordinate, blend, and complement with green living plants- or at least the color.  My son & business partner, Jordan brought the ‘rustic-industrial’ vibe which paired well and fit the vintage brick building. 

We have both continued to morph into what I’ve heard described as ‘Quiet luxury’:   Using natural wood tones, neutral furnishings, subtle textures, and rustic finishes, this style feels relaxed, casual, and sophisticated to create a livable, serene atmosphere.  Recently, I came across an old term ‘hygge’ (pronounced hoogla) – comfort, warmth, simplicity…  which you will be hearing more about soon.    Each morph feels like ‘THIS is it!’   but I’ve learned to be open to my ever-evolving senses.  Just a bonus for the season, I came across a new term called ‘decay décor’ – found, unearthed, and placed in positions of honor, adding humility, warmth & wonderment.

My message to you is to find your style and become sensitive to what resonates with your heart.  Where you spend your time matters.   It’s not materialism, it’s a reflection of who you are or who you want to become.   You are always welcome to come source your style at Marcellas on Main- and share your thoughts about it with me personally.  I appreciate every one of you who walks through my door.  

My vision for my shop is more purpose than paycheck.  To use my gifts and talents to inspire, supply and elevate style…  I guess you could say ‘to make money doing what I love with joy, satisfaction, and passion’.  

By ‘elevate’, I mean to transform your home into a place where you experience true delight throughout, as often as possible, even in the most routine of tasks.  Your home needs to work for you, not against you in your day-to-day life.  Your ‘dream’ home has to be the one you’re living in right now, not an imaginary ‘someday’.

Who you are changes over time, and your style can and should reflect that evolution.  Taking stock of what you love, both in terms of objects and experiences, is something that’s done over and over again as you follow your curiosity about the world around you.  And in turn, you’ll use that curiosity to develop a visual autobiography in your home.  It’s not a once-and-done kind of thing, and there’s no race to the finish line.

Home nurtures you when you need care, inspires you when you need motivation, and welcomes others when you need to celebrate.  It is my vision to provide unique items to fill all these needs.  Exceptional pieces of handcraftsmanship create character and personality in a home.  They are the soul and sophistication – just one piece makes a room feel complete.