Holiday decorating is more than a seasonal ritual — it’s an art form that balances proportion, color, and emotion. In this Barton Creek residence overlooking the Fazio Foothills, every garland, candle, and flourish feels intentional. The result is a symphony of texture and light that shows how refined design can transform a space from beautiful to unforgettable.
The home’s traditional architecture offers a natural framework for sophisticated holiday styling. The décor, however, is where the story unfolds. Deep reds and golds form the foundation, chosen not only for their festive richness but for how they complement the home’s warm undertones.
“Holiday design should always converse with the home itself,” says interior designer Janna Paulson. “Rather than imposing color, you’re amplifying what’s already there… its natural light, its structure, its soul.”
Texture is another quiet hero. In the dining room, the table is a study in sophistication. Red chargers lend richness and set a stunning backdrop for fine china, while crystal glassware and polished silver catch the glow of the chandelier above. The centerpiece, a lush arrangement of red roses, peonies, and evergreens, becomes both anchor and art.
Throughout the home, fresh florals bring energy and fragrance to the design. Paulson encourages clients to think beyond poinsettias.
“Fresh blooms elevate a room instantly. They bring softness and impermanence — a reminder that beauty is alive and seasonal.”
The mantel in the formal living room offers another focal point. Draped with greenery and adorned with gold accents, it complements the baby grand piano and the large windows overlooking the Foothills Golf Course. The result is luxurious but never excessive — a thoughtful composition that feels both refined and welcoming.
Even the smallest details — the velvet ornaments and the subtle hourglass collection scattered throughout the home — work together to achieve balance.
“Layering is what makes a room feel complete,” Paulson explains. “Each surface should catch light differently, inviting the eye to travel.”
In the foyer, slender twig trees glow beneath the grand staircase, adding a contemporary counterpoint to the home’s classic bones. Their minimalist form and soft light create a visual pause before guests move through to the main living areas.
“Good design knows when to whisper,” says Paulson. “Not every corner needs to shout ‘holiday.’ Some spaces simply glow.”
Mirrors, glass, and metallics play a key role in amplifying light throughout the home. Reflective surfaces, from crystal ornaments to polished silver trays, help the décor feel luminous rather than heavy. The strategic placement of candles enhances the effect, ensuring that the flicker of flame is echoed across rooms in subtle, enchanting ways.
Each room flows effortlessly into the next, unified by consistent color, proportion, and restraint. While the palette remains classic, the composition feels current — a modern interpretation of tradition.
“Restraint is the ultimate sophistication,” Paulson notes. “The goal isn’t to impress, but to inspire calm beauty. Every piece should earn its place.”
For those looking to elevate their own seasonal décor, Paulson offers this guidance: Start with a clear vision. Define your color story, anchor each room with one focal element, and repeat subtle motifs throughout. Integrate natural materials — florals, greenery, wood, or glass — to create dimension. And most importantly, let the home itself lead the design.
“Architecture always speaks first,” she says. “Listen to it, and your décor will follow effortlessly.”
In the end, great holiday design isn’t about grandeur. It’s about creating spaces that glow with meaning and balance — where light, texture, and memory intertwine. This home, with its graceful lines and thoughtful styling, reminds us that elegance isn’t the absence of warmth — it’s the art of refining it.
“Not every corner needs to shout ‘holiday.’ Some spaces simply glow.”