The holidays invite us to pause and make our homes feel both welcoming and refined. Think clean colors that refresh the senses, cozy textures that encourage gathering, and carefully chosen pieces that hold meaning beyond their beauty. Donen Kemnitz of Favorite Design Co. shares how to layer style with sentiment, creating spaces that celebrate the season while feeling timeless and personal.
Decorating is all about balance, Donen says, whether that’s between color and calm, tradition and newness, simplicity and layered warmth. She loves the way seasons invite subtle shifts in design. Think about how a room can lean bold and moody one month, then soften with neutrals the next, each transition offering a fresh way to experience home.
Though she describes herself as somewhat minimalist, Donen enjoys adding more depth during the holidays. Instead of a flood of red and green, she prefers adding traditional colors to a foundation of winter whites and neutral tones, layering them with heavier fabrics, cozy textiles, and thoughtful accents. The effect is festive yet restorative, a retreat from sensory overload that still captures the spirit of the season.
For her, the magic lies in mixing the new with the old. A pair of ceramic partridges from Mainly Vintage or velvet pillows from Pottery Barn might share space with heirlooms like her grandfather’s handmade sugar and creamer containers or her great-grandmother’s salt and pepper shakers. Every piece carries a story, and together they create a home that feels personal, timeless, and alive.
Donen believes in investing where it matters. Down pillow inserts are a good investment when paired with a luxurious pillow cover—the beautiful chop is worth the money, she insists! She encourages approaching seasonal design with authenticity, designing with items that bring joy, spark memories, or reflect the beauty of craftsmanship.
Above all, she sees the opportunity to decorate as a reflection of the way God creates. Home, to her, is a sanctuary—a place that is energizing and restorative, filled with meaning. By embracing both inspiration and individuality, Donen encourages others to create spaces that feel like their favorite version of themselves all year long.
Donen Kemnitz, founder and lead designer at Favorite Design Co., believes every space deserves to feel like your favorite. Her playful yet thoughtful style turns houses into personal sanctuaries. Donen collaborates closely with clients, blending warmth, style, and personality in every space, ensuring your home becomes your favorite place to be.
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