Whether its rolling pastoral hills or the morning mist rising off a quiet mountain lake, the country is full of stunning views, so its no wonder we love our sliding glass doors. Not only do they let in all the light and views, but theyre also a great way to incorporate a natural indoor/outdoor flow into any home. But, knowing how to style them so they arent so sterileand you can have privacy when neededcan be difficult! Have no fear, were here to help. Weve combed through our archives and checked in with our favorite designers to see how theyre finishing their sliding glass doors. From breezy curtains to layers of window treatments, below are ideas here for every budget and style. So, whether your sliding glass door leads out to your screened-in porch or the wide-open backyard, we promise youll find something to inspire your next room makeover project. Ready To Get Hanging? Check Out These Stories To Help Round Out Your Window Treatment Ideas:1Pick an Unexpected Color Combination Diana Paulson for Country LivingWhile the best decorating advice usually calls for curtains to coordinate with other fabrics in the room, you can also bravely choose to throw that advice directly out the window and still get a chic result. Take this airy cabin living room, for example. It successfully pairs oversize olive curtains with rusty reds, blues, and yellows, proving that unexpected colors can be brought in with success. RELATED: These Lake House Decorating Ideas Will Give You That Laid-Back Look2Choose Contrast HardwareRoger Davies for Country LivingIn a breezy living room, such as this beachy California bungalow, deeply saturated black iron hardware offers a pleasing pop against the simple palette. RELATED: Could There Be Any More Charm In This California Beach Cottage?Advertisement - Continue Reading Below3Keep It BreezyAlec Hemer for Country LivingCurtains dont have to take up a lot of visual weight. In fact, when theyre blocking a beautiful ocean view such as this, its better if theyre simple. Here, classic white curtains with tab ties keep things feeling clean-yet-coastal. RELATED: These Beach House Decorating Ideas Will Make Waves In Any Room4Let The Light InDavid TsaySometimes, you really don't need a window treatment! We promise this isn't an easy out but practical decorating advice that most design-minded homeowners could easily overlook. If your furniture has plenty of pattern and color and your view outside is as stunning as this California winery, then you should keep your sliding glass door free of any visual infringement. Just embrace the au naturel look!RELATED: These Are The Best Designer-Approved White Paint ColorsAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below5Go for Gauzy INGRID WEIRThe more see-through the curtains, the better. In this she-shed-turned-guest-house, a barely-there curtain lets in loads of light. Stick to sheers when you want to prioritize both privacy and the view. RELATED: Turn Your Guest Bedroom Into The Coziest Room In The House With These Expert Tips 6Hide The HardwareBrian Woodcock for Country LivingA well placed piece of trim can hide curtain hardware with ease. In this dreamy bedroom, an under-mounted pair of breezy white curtains keeps the visual clutter to a minimum while handsome leather furniture sets a more rustic tone. RELATED: Heres How To Clean Any Kind of Leather Like a ProAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below7Pick Pretty WoodMax Kim-Bee for Country LivingIf you are torn about putting up curtains, start with beautiful wood sliding doors, like these barn-door style doors on a lake houses back patio, designed by Thom Filicia. You may even decide you never want curtains! RELATED: Tour More of This Dreamy Lake House Designed by Thom Filicia8Pick Complementary ColorsBrie Williams for Country LivingIf the room youre decorating has a strong visual point of view, sometimes its best not to disrupt that flow. In this North Carolina cabin, neutral tones and warm touches set a welcoming tone, which is extended to the double-height glass windows and doors. Paired with neutrally patterned curtains, the view to the stunning mountain valley below takes precedent without losing out on style. RELATED: See More of This Rustic Mountain Cabin That is Filled With an Eclectic Mix of AntiquesAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below9Try Out a Top FlourishHouse Beautiful/Rachel WhitingCurtains with a flop-over valance top such as pictured here add a cottage whimsy to even the starkest of living rooms. Their soft silhouettes ease the transition from outdoors to in, while acting as the perfect foil to more modern furniture. RELATED: Heres Everything You've Ever Wanted To Know About Cottagecore10Keep It Simple with SolidsDiana Paulson for Country LivingIn a space already full of pattern, keep your curtains simple. In this colorful lake house bedroom, bold solid red curtains liven up the white walls without distracting from the beautiful view.RELATED: Heres Why Designers Love the Add a Touch of Red TheoryAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below11Lean Into LinenBrie Williams for Country LivingLinen is the optimal material for curtains, in this Senior Homes Editors humble opinion. Not only does the natural texture add nice dimension, but it also lets light through without reducing privacy, something that is at a premium in this party barn, owned by country music star Thomas Rhett. RELATED: See More of Lauren Akins and Thomas Rhetts Party Barn!12Turn up the TrimBrian Woodcock for Country LivingIf youre going light and breezy on your curtain panels, paint your window and door casement something striking. Here, a moody dark brown was chosen to pop against creamy curtains. RELATED: See How a Tennessee Couple Transformed a Rickety Hayloft Into This Airy Modern HomeAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below13Try Subtle Ticking StripesRachel WhitingTicking stripes have long been a country staple thanks to their prim-yet-humble disposition which allows them to work in almost every space. In this breezy oceanside bedroom, their subtle pattern adds breezy, country flair. 14Hang Above the FrameVictoria Pearson for Country LivingTo keep your curtains from getting hung up in the door, place your curtain rod at least six inches above the door frame. In fact, many designers even recommend going all the way to the ceiling. Using a rounded, wrap-around style of rod will set the curtain away from your door slightly and make opening and closing easier. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below15Trim Your Curtain PanelsRachel WhitingIn this coastal living room, a striped sofa sets a quiet patterned tone that is mimicked on the trim of the sliding glass doors curtain trim, as well as on the Roman shade! Pairing patterns across furniture and accessories is a quick way to elevate a rooms design. RELATED: These Are The Best Color Palettes for Beach Homes, According To Designers16Make it Pop With Pattern and PaintDavid HillegasFor a coordinated look, pick a paint color for your trim that is a close match to the curtain fabric of your choice. You can even bring your fabric to the paint store and ask them to make a custom matching shade. In this sitting area designed by Heather Chadduck Hillegas, sky blue paint paired with colorful curtains brings the dreamy space together.RELATED: These Are The 100 Best Paint Colors of All TimeAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below17Continue a Color PaletteEric PiaseckiThe easiest way to blend curtains into their surroundings is to match them to the paint color (or pick a matching fabric-wallpaper duo). In this cozy snug accented by floor-to-ceiling glass, the designer Barbara Westbrook chose a pretty beige set of curtains to match the subdued color on the wood walls. RELATED: These Are Our Favorite Living Room Paint Colors of All Time18Liven It Up with LayersRead McKendreeNothing adds a designed feel to a room like layers. To get the look, start with woven wood shades like shown here. Then pair them with patterned curtains like designer Katie Rosenfeld did and youll have a perfectly put together living room in no-time. Tip: These woven shades can be custom made via Amazon (of all places!) for a relatively low cost. Get the Look:Woven Wood Shades: Windows and Gardens Cordless Woven Wood Roman Shades on Amazon Advertisement - Continue Reading Below19Try Casual Tiebacks Nassima RothackerTiebacks are the easiest way to give your curtains dimension. In this mudroom, the tieback is crafted from the same fabric as the panel for a more harmonious look. You can also buy premade ties at most major home decor stores. RELATED: This Is The Secret to a Well-Designed and Functional Mudroom, According to Designers20Pretty It Up With PlaidAdam Albright for Country LivingWe love maximalism here at Country Living, and there exists no clearer example of just how much style a powerful pattern can lend to a space than this Wisconsin living room. Here, multicolored swaths of plaid fabric were sewn together to craft these one-of-a-kind window treatments that are hung in panels at the ends and in the middle along the glassed wall.RELATED: Tour More of This Wisconsin Cabin That Feels Like Happy HourAnna LoganSenior Homes & Style EditorAnna Logan is the Senior Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she covers design and decorating trends, home features, and gift guides. She also produces home features and styles content for the print magazine. When she isnt working, can often be found digging around antique shops for the perfect find. Follow her adventures on Instagram!

Heres a funny thing about the internet: It cant seem to resist a good design trend moment. For the longest time it seemed everyone was obsessed with cottagecoreso much so that TikTok started to feel like one big Calico Critters convention. (For the record, we will never tire of this cozy and layered look.) Then the grandmillennial movement, which championed chintz and storied antiques and anything needlepoint, hollyhocked its way into our hearts. Soon after, the coastal grandma aesthetic had us all wearing ivory linen pants and channeling our inner Diane Keaton. Most recently, more-is-more decor, also known as maximalism, has been dominating the design conversation with talk of pattern drenching and ornate accents. Frankly, these trends now come and go so much that they can start to feel fabricated, like theyre being pushed out by a PR team or an influencer hoping to break through.Until now. When we noticed something called the fisherman aesthetic* spiking on Pinterest, we immediately fell hook, line, and sinker for this design style that feels like a hybrid between an English country house and a cozy Maine cabin on the waterfront. After all, we have long had a soft spot for lake houses and river homes and cozy cabins, not to mention fishing collectibles, muddy earth tones, and knotty pine walls, so this look is right up our aesthetic alleyor creek, so to speak. Silver Screen Collection//Getty ImagesSteve McQueen understands the assignment.If you, too, are tempted to take the bait, weve rounded up ten staples of the Fisherman Aesthetic to help you get your sea legs. Carp Diem!*Fisherladies also welcome10 Elements of the Fisherman Aesthetic1. Waxed Canvas ColorsAli Harper for Country LivingAn earthy soft sage feels right at home in an Alabama river cottage.It likely comes as no surprise that the Fisherman Aesthetic prioritizes warm and earthy neutralsthink dark green, sage, rich brown, khaki, puttyor what we refer to as waxed canvas colors (think the colors youd find in a Barbour retail store or your favorite vintage barn jacket). Muddy undertones are key, as is an immersive and saturated feeling. Instead of, say, green walls and a crisp white ceiling, consider painting the ceiling in the same color. Enveloping a whole room with one color, like rich green, can have such a cozy, immersive effect, says designer Heather Chadduck Hillegas, who has decorated her fair share of lake houses and river houses.RELATED: The Top 100 Paint Colors For Every Room in Your House2. Copious Cable Knits Arthur Elgort//Getty ImagesOfficially adding this image to our Fisherman Aesthetic mood boardHailing from the Aran Islands of Ireland, the humble hand-knit fisherman sweater, which became an unexpected economic boon for the rural fishing community in the late 1800s, is an important element of this aesthetic. In addition to the sartorial statement, youll find cable knit pillows, cable knit blankets, and other intricate rope and cable designs outfitting homes. (Cable knit wallpaper, anyone?) Fun fact: The designs have long been rumored to carry hidden meanings, but the myths were actually dreamed up by German textile historian Heinz Edgar Kiewe in the 1930s. LL Bean Heritage Soft Cotton Fisherman Sweater$89 at L.L.BeanAelfric Eden Oversized Knit Sweater$55 at AmazonAmazon Essentials Fisherman Sweater $29 at Amazon3. Stone Finishes James R. Salomon for Country LivingA stone fireplace complete with a model boat is peak fisherman aesthetic, as is the ship wheel light fixture.Natural river rock and fieldstone materialson a fireplace, as a backsplash, on a shower surroundtake priority over sleeker tile. Stone lends a more organic look to these spaces, says Country Living Senior Homes and Style Editor Anna Logan. 4. Wood PanelingNick JohnsonWood walls reinforce a cozy cabin feel.The Fisherman Aesthetic trend happily intersects with the comeback of knotty pine walls and unpainted wood paneling. (Knotty pine is a piece or plank of pine with visible imperfections that were gained as the tree aged. Dark and oddly shaped, knots in wood are a quirky reminder of the once-living tree.) 5. Tweed and Tartan Read McKendree for Country LivingA tufted tartan ottoman lends a refined feel to a New England living space.You know those iconic wool fishermans caps? Any pattern (herringbone, tartan) or material (tweed, corduroy) youve seen in flat cap or skipper cap form is likely just right for a Fisherman Aesthetic interior. Tweed fabric can almost act as a solid when it comes to upholstery (try it on a sofa or wingback chair) while tartan makes a bolder large-scale statement (try it on a footstool or accent pillows). Tip: In either case, stick to earth tones as opposed to bolder royal blues and reds. (See Waxed Canvas Colors, above.)6. Woven TexturesBecky Luigart-Stayner for Country LivingKeepin it creel: A collection of woven antiques lends texture to a planked green wall.Wicker and rattan will forever have a place in this aesthetic, and its largely because anglers have long had a soft spot for the woven intricacies of fishing creels, which have been documented as far back as the Middle Ages but fell out of everyday use once catch-and-release laws were introduced in the 1950s. Handwoven from split willow and reinforced with leather by Oregon tanneries, baskets from the 1880s through 1930s are quite valuablethey can fetch close to $3,000 when associated with known leatherworkers such as A.E. Nelson. Fortunately, simpler creels from later decades dont skimp on charm, and can be found for between $50 and $300 each. Creels can be displayed en masse on a wall or cleverly utilized as catchalls for incoming mail or seasonal door decor.7. Porcelain Fish Plates Becky Luigart-Stayner for Country LivingAn assortment of plates makes for an eye-catching displayWhether outfitting a wall, hutch, or table, these porcelain pretties provide a decorative foil to this aesthetics rustier and crustier elements. Youll notice trout is a particular popular motif, and for good reason. Perhaps the most popular freshwater sporting fish, trout are sought out by anglers coast to coast because they thrive in a variety of cold-water environs and put up a sporting fight when hooked on a line. (It also doesnt hurt that certain species make the catch portion of catch-and- release a beautifully speckled spectacle.) Enshrined through transferware on porcelain plates, their likeness typically fetches between $15 and $50 apiece depending on age, size, and maker, but serving platters and hand-painted pieces can ring up more than $100.RELATED: The 100 Best Places to Shop for Antiques and Vintage Online (Coastal Curiosities Included!)8. Motley MudroomsAnnie SchlechterAnother hallmark of the look: A motley and collected mudroomA mudroom has to work particularly hard in the home of an outdoorsman, which is why these spaces are a necessity, not a novelty. Similar in spirit to the English boot room, the Fishermans mudroom stays stocked with hats, jackets, waders, fishing poles, creels, and other odds and ends (binoculars, fly fishing nets, the latest copy of Field & Stream...). These spaces rarely look pristinerather, they feel piled-on and collected andgasp!may in fact have a little mud. Thats kind of their point.RELATED: 30+ Ideas for a More Stylish and Functional Mudroom, According to Designers9. Minnow Buckets Becky Luigart-Stayner for Country LivingYou havent fully embraced the Fisherman Aesthetic until youve purchased at least one vintage minnow bucket.A natural part of the fish food chain, live minnows have helped orchestrate the perfect catch for centuries. The containers used to corral them became factory produced during the Industrial Revolution, and two-piece galvanized metal styles were de rigueur by the 1920s. Designers often employ them as rustic containers for unfussy floral centerpieces, although they can also be used to corral other odds and ends, too. Today, buckets made in the 1940s through 60s by brands such as Mit-Shel and Lucky Waters can be found between $50 and $100, depending on condition and rarity of design. 10. Rope AccentsMaura McEvoyA length of manila ship rope serves as a handrail in this Maine cottage.Just as woven textures and jute and sisal feel at home in this design aesthetic, so does utilitarian rope. Whether its used to hang lighting, employed as a stair handrail, or put to use as drawer pulls, the hardware store staple has no shortage of interior design applications.Tour These Houses That Bring the Fisherman Aesthetic to Life: Rachel BarrettRachel Barrett is the Editor-in-Chief of Country Living. She can't pass up a vintage seascape, drives an '89 Woody Wagoneer (that is, when it'll start), and hopes to buy you a lemonade at a future Country Living Fair.

People light up when you ask them about their kitchen memories, says Grace Mitchell, designer (@astoriedstyle) and host of HGTVs design series One of a Kind. Theyll say, Oh, my grandma had this funky little sink or she had this cabinet that held all the candies and was painted yellow. So with every project, my first question is always, What do you want to be memorable to someone when they visit and see your kitchen? Its about creating the home that you want to be representative of your life. In every kitchen Grace designs, no surface, from floor to ceiling, and no detail, no matter how small, is overlooked as an opportunity to bring personality or tell a story. You want your kitchen to feel like a warm room that connects to the rest of your house. All the little pieces come together to make a kitchen that is unique and interesting. Here is Graces playbook for breaking the all-white rut: Head to the Salvage Yard Robert Peterson / Rustic White InteriorsHistoric meets modern in a shiny black, industrial-feeling refrigerator by Big Chill.On any given weekend, youll probably find Grace rummaging around at Fort Worths Old Home Supply or some other local salvage supplier. Repurposing vintage finds is a greatand green!way to have something in your kitchen that no one else has, says Grace. Sometimes that reuse can be more straightforward, such as retrofitting light fixtures for a new application or having an old sink reporcelained.Other times, it takes a little more creativity and elbow grease, as with this industrial-table-turned-island, which Grace had a hole cut in for the sink. Take a Chance on Color Robert Peterson / Rustic White InteriorsDont forget the backs of your glass-fronted cabinets. Grace usually mimics the backsplash.Life is too short to live in a white box, says Grace. I ask clients, When you where young, what crayon did you always pick first out of the Crayola box? If you loved cornflower blue then, youre going to love cornflower blue today... and tomorrow. Dont worry about hating it in 10 years. Enjoy your home now! To keep it balanced, Grace pairs bold cabinetry with quieter, primarily white, marble or quartzite countertops. If you opt to paint the cabinets yourself, load your sprayer (preferred over a brush for a smoother and more durable finish) with a satin finish cabinetry enamel.RELATED: 40+ Pretty Kitchen Paint Color Ideas for Your Next Room MakeoverAdd the JewelryJust like with fashion, the design details in a kitchen are as important as the foundation. Whether a midcentury starburst, an elongated pull, or a retro jadeite knob, the hardware helps make each space unique. Grace is also a big proponent of mixing, not matching, and often chooses different styles and finishes of pulls for the wall cabinets and the island. It gives that I found this piece of furniture and put it here type of collected feel like you have in other rooms of you house, she says. Bring the Outside InLisa PetroleGrace finds ways to incorporate one-of-a-kind conversation starters into each and every kitchen.A blue or green paint color brings a botanical element to the kitchen that I think is really romantic, says Grace.Some of Graces Favorite Blue and Green Paint Colors: Kittery Point GreenAcadia GreenBreakfast Room GreenBuxton BlueNewburyport Blue Install a Statement Backsplash Robert Peterson / Rustic White InteriorsA new window wouldnt have nearly the charm as this set rescued from a demolished home.While colored cabinetry usually warrants a white backsplash, white or muted cabinets mean its full speed ahead on a backsplash with splash. For Grace, no material is out of consideration. She's done backsplashes in everything from stamped stone (in her own kitchen) and mosaic tile to painted beadboard and DIY. For the kitchen above, she even used washi tape to tack up gardening-book botanicals on a painted wall, then covered the art with an acrylic panel. RELATED: 40 Pretty and Practical Kitchen Backsplash Ideas Say See Ya to Stainless Robert Peterson / Rustic White InteriorsWhy choose fingerprint-y stainless steel when colored appliances are so fun and memorable? asks Grace. You can build a whole interesting kitchen around a uniquely colored fridge or range. Big Chill and BlueStar are two of Graces favorite sources for bold appliances. In a kitchen with colorful cabinetry, she often chooses white (not stainless) appliances, which she favors for their vintage vibe, and if shes going for chic, shell opt for black appliances because it looks so rich and deep, she says.Turn Family Heirlooms Into ArtLisa PetroleSpecial collections and mementos add personal character to a kitchen. In the party pantry of an avid entertainer, Grace used serving utensils to create a unique wall display (artfully installed with a glue gun at 2 a.m.!). She paired it with another of her favorite tricks: a custom ceiling paper created from a commissioned drawing of said utensils. Shes done the same with love letters, childrens art, family photos, and even a menu from a familys first restaurant. For other projects, Grace has mounted mementos in clear acrylic trays and boxes from the crafts store and covered a fireplace surround with a collection of colorful vintage plates.Your kitchen needs to have at least one thing that is totally and uniquely you. Can the Can Lights Lisa PetroleMaximize storage (and eliminate a dust trap) by taking cabinetry all the way to the ceiling. Grace opts for a set of pretty flush or semi-flush mount ceiling lights and then two or three large-scale fixtures over the island. There is a really neat drama that you get from oversize island fixtures. If you think it might be too big, its probably perfect, she says. She also considers how the kitchen will be used day and night and adds task lightingsuch as a pendant over the sink, sconces mounted on the sides of cabinets, and LED strips inside glass cabinetsaccordingly. RELATED: 40+ Kitchen Lighting Ideas to Brighten Your Cook Space Dont Phone In the Vent Hood Lisa PertoleA salvaged airplane part (cut in half to fit) made the perfect vent hood for the kitchen of a pilot. Stainless vent hoods just feel so cold, says Grace. Instead, she approaches the hood as an opportunity to inject personality, usually with wood or tile. For the latter, shell have her cabinet installer build a wood box surround for the vent and orders a little extra of the backsplash tile to have carried across. (Be sure to order trim pieces for a finished look.) Grace also always has her eyes open for unique salvaged pieces she can repurpose, such as a scalloped copper piece (shown here) that she had cut to size.Rethink the SinkLisa PetroleAdd a touch of feminine flair with a vintage-inspired floral wallpaper (Suzanna by Lulie Wallace). I love a good white farmhouse sink, especially with pretty apron detailing, but I love a colored sink, says Grace. One of the first times we filmed the show, I said, I want to do this show so I can bring back the colored sink. For this vintage-feeling kitchen, Grace reporcelained a salvage sink in the perfect shade of jadeite, but you can also special order color finishes from manufacturers such as American Standard and Kohler. Another bygone favorite that Grace thinks should make a fast comeback: built-in drainboards. They are genius! she says. And what to pair with that sink? A charming bridge faucet, of course. Preferably in an unlacquered brass or polished nickel finish.Be Creative With Your StorageIm a big believer in only having things you loveand actually usein your kitchen, says Grace. Whether you want on display or tucked behind closed doors, adding design elements like statement shelves, glass-fronted cabinetry, and small-scale pantries help keep those things handy and organized. As well, having the things you love on display adds even more of your distinct personality to your kitchen.Small-Space PantrySliding doors make a narrow shelf pantry possible, even in a small space.Lisa PetroleRepurposed CabinetryRepurposed refrigerator doors are a fun twist on a glass-fronted cabinet. White tile lets glassware pop.Lisa PetroleOpen ShelvingHandsome metal shelving hangs on repurposed planed salvaged basketball court floor boards (the homeowners met on a court!).Lisa PetroleHardworking TableA work-bench-turned-chefs-table gives these bakers convenient access to baking supplies.Lisa PetroleMore Ideas for Your Kitchen Makeover:Jennifer KopfJennifer Kopf is the Executive Editor of Country Living. She also covers antiques and collecting.

Theres nothing quite as exciting as the prospect of totally remodeling a spaceespecially a bathroom. Daunting, yes, but exciting nonetheless. Whether youre just looking to refresh your bathroom with a new coat of paint or going all-in on a complete renovation (were talking new tile, fixtures, lighting, etc.), weve got ideas below to make 2025 the year your bathroom becomes a place you actually want to spend time. We even have easy decorating ideas to give your space a quick facelift to hold you over while you build your budget and figure out what else you may want to do. Regardless if you have a large or small bathroom, or what your budget is, theres guaranteed to be some ideas below that will have you ready to break out the toolbox before the clock strikes midnight! Ready to get renovating? Check out more of our favorite bathroom design ideas!1Enhance Your EntranceSara Ligorria-TrampSet a relaxing, welcoming tone with a prettied-up bathroom entrance. In this wet room, designed by Richard and Anne De Wolf, an arched stained glass doorway creates a stunning spa-like effect. RELATED: Stained Glass is Trending Again! See What Other Vintage Decor Ideas are Making a Comeback.2Convert a Small BedroomDane Tashima for Country LivingIn a small home where space is at a premium, you might have to make a few sacrifices to get the bathroom you desire. In their Cape Cod cottage, homeowners Steve Ballerini and Colin Bohrer chose to enclose a small bedroom off their guest bedroom and transform it into this en suite bathroom. Get the Look: Floor Paint Color: Stiffkey Blue by Farrow & BallTOUR THIS HOUSERELATED: 20 Best Small Bathroom Ideas to Spruce Up Your SpaceAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below3Go All-In on PersonalityAnnie Schlechter for Country LivingTheres no such thing as too much in a bathroom; the space begs for personality! In this farmhouse makeover, serial renovator Holly Williams layered in loads of pattern and color through wallpaper, patterned tile, and a painted ceiling. Get the Look:Wallpaper: Country Living Toile on SpoonflowerFloor Tile: Cluny by Granada TileCeiling Paint Color: Black Blue by Farrow & BallTOUR THIS HOUSE4Rethink Your Awkward VanityBrie Williams for Country LivingIf your bathroom proportions are slightly off, leaving you with that annoying wasted space between your wall and vanity, then its time to rethink your layout. While you could opt for an expensive built-in, you can also do what homeowners Victoria and Marcus Ford did in their bathroom and choose two petite vanities to stand side-by-side. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below5Update a Vintage Sink with New HardwareBecky Luigart-Stayner for Country LivingWere never going to tell you to get rid of beautiful, still-functioning pieces in your bathroom for the sake of modernization. Heritage pieces, such as this vintage sink in Landon McAfees cabin bathroom, can take on new life with a shiny new faucet.TOUR THIS HOUSE6Lean Into Rustic CharmRikki Snyder for Country LivingIf you want to do a full gut reno but dont want to strip your space of classic farmhouse charm, then look to rustic finishes that will complement your sleeker designs. In her upstate New York farmhouse, designer Christina Salway picked a perfectly patinaed clawfoot bathtub to bring aged character to her freshly tiled bathroom. RELATED: Our Favorite Claw-foot Tub Ideas That Will Elevate Any BathroomAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below7Paint Your FloorsErin ConwayOn a budget and up for some quick geometry? Then you are ready to paint your bathroom floors! A checkered pattern is classic, but feel free to get creative. Check out our guide below for all the tips youll need on picking proper paint and finishes for floors.RELATED: Heres Everything You Wanted to Know About Painting Your Floors8Use Space CreativelyDavid Tsay for Country LivingLooking to expand your bathrooms footprint? Dont overlook oddly shaped spaces, such as this farmhouse attic alcove. It makes the perfect cozy spot to tuck in a shower! Go for all-white finishes to keep low ceilings and small spaces from feeling too cramped. RELATED: These Are the Only Shades of White Paint Youll Ever NeedAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below9Pick Vintage FixturesAli Harper for Country LivingIf your house wasnt blessed with chic vintage fixtures, you can still bring them in to add back classic country charm. In this Alabama river cottage, designer Jensen Killen found this small cast iron sink on Etsy. Your local architectural salvage yard should also have a good selection if you prefer to shop in person. Get the Look: : Wall Paint ColorLondon Clay by Farrow & BallTOUR THIS HOUSE10Opt for a Beadboard BacksplashRikki Snyder for Country LivingSure, tile is the standard choice for bathroom walls, but we just love the charm wood beadboard paneling adds. In this bathroom, a creamy sage color pairs nicely with the warm wood vanity. Get the Look:Wall Paint Color: Quiet Moments by Benjamin MooreAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below11Keep It Simple With Statement PiecesReid RollsSometimes, you dont need to overcomplicate a space. For this Texas farmhouse makeover, helmed by design stars and real-life friends Leanne Ford and Grace Mitchell, a stunning antique double-sink vanity steals the scene, leaving little need for much else in the bathroom. Get the Look:Wall Paint Color: Lime White by Farrow & Ball12Make Your Existing Vanity Pop with PaintDiana Paulson for Country LivingHappy paint colors can do a lot to change the look and feel of a bathroom. If youre looking for a one-and-done weekend project, start with paint. And, you dont have to commit to changing your wallswe love how this sunny yellow vanity pops against the white backdrop.RELATED: These Are The Best Paint Colors for Small BathroomsAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below13Choose Checkerboard Kate S JordanRelying on classic patterns ensures your renovation will feel timeless through the coming years. In this farmhouse bathroom renovation, the duo behind the Jersey Ice Cream Co. design firm chose to upgrade their shower space with a simple checkered tile pattern. RELATED: Here Are Our 50+ Best Bathroom Tile Ideas14Take Wallpaper Up the CeilingAlpha Smoot for Country LivingLooking to add an expert-level look to your bathroom? Wallpaper the ceiling! In small bathrooms such as this attic space, it may actually make the room feel larger! TOUR THIS HOUSERELATED: These Bathroom Wallpaper Ideas Will Have You Pulling Out Your Paper PasteAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below15Embrace Existing ElementsBecky Luigart-Stayner for Country LivingWhen Country Living Editor-in-Chief Rachel Hardage Barrett renovated her Mississippi home, she kept the original black and white subway tile and previously installed green-and-white toile wallpaper. To enhance the vintage feel while still giving the small bath a fresh update, she painted the trim a delightful coordinating green shade. Get the Look:Trim Paint Color: Oakmoss by Sherwin-WilliamsTOUR THIS HOUSE16Just Add Artwork Ali Harper for Country LivingLooking for a quick way to refresh your space that can be done in just one afternoon? Try hanging new art! Go all in on a collection to fill your walls, like homeowner Anthony Brewington did here in his Alabama cottage, or hang just a piece or two to keep things simple. RELATED:Get Inspired With These Gallery Wall Ideas Advertisement - Continue Reading Below17Make Moody Paint WorkSara Ligorria-Tramp2025 is going to be the year of moody paint colors. (Dont believe us? Check out our paint color trend report for 2025!) If youre ready to embrace a more sumptuous look in your bathroom, start with paint. The homeowners of this cabin bathroom went with a daring shade of inky black milk paint, but left the wood ceiling exposed to bring in a little warmth. RELATED: The Best Dark Blue Paint Colors for Any Room in the House18Pick a Dramatic BacksplashZIO AND SONSIf you love the look of tile, go for a dramatic tile backsplash behind your sink, as designer Anthony DArgenzio did here in his upstate New York bathroom. The powdery gray-and-white tile extends from the floor up behind the sink, creating an interesting backdrop for the vintage cabinet vanity. For even more visual interest, he bumped the lower part of the wall out slightly to create a display ledge. TOUR THIS HOUSEAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below19Pay Homage to the OriginalAnson Smart for Country LivingA bathroom refresh doesnt have to be all-encompassing! In this humble bathroom, the homeowners installed new beadboard meant to reference what may have been there originally. Simply painting it the same white as the walls and trim keep it feeling fresh. TOUR THIS HOUSE20Reveal Your WoodAnnie Schlechter for Country LivingIf youre really lucky, when you strip away that drywall and popcorn ceiling, you just might reveal some stunning original wood. If that happens, our best advice is to leave it exposed so you can revel in its natural texture and beauty. Just be sure to check with your contractor and get their approval first! TOUR THIS HOUSERELATED: Heres Everything You Need to Know About Reclaimed WoodAnna LoganSenior Homes & Style EditorAnna Logan is the Senior Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she covers design and decorating trends, home features, and gift guides. She also produces home features and styles content for the print magazine. When she isnt working, can often be found digging around antique shops for the perfect find. Follow her adventures on Instagram!

If I were a betting woman, I would bet youre reading this on your phone, maybe sitting around your kitchen table or at your kitchen island. So, look around. What do you see? Is it a bright, white kitchen with a subway tile backsplash? (Hello, modern farmhouse!) Or perhaps you went a little more classic with butcher block countertops and green cabinetry. (For the love of cottagecore!) Regardless of what your kitchen looks like now, it was almost certainly influenced by the design trends of the time it was built or most recently remodeled.Whether youre planning a full kitchen makeover in the new year or are just curious how to easily make your kitchen feel a little less dated, youve come to the right place. I spend all year chatting with kitchen designers and writing about kitchens. Below, Ive compiled the top seven kitchen design ideas they are most excited about for 2025. From cabinetry refreshes to the comeback of a tried-and-true material, 2025 is shaping up to be a return to classic form for kitchen design. Read on to check out what designers and experts forecast as the top kitchen trends for 2025 (dont miss #7almost every expert we spoke to said these are going to be everywhere!). Get More Ideas for Your Next Kitchen Remodel: Jump to:Embrace Wood CabinetrySara Ligorria-TrampIn the kitchen of their new-build barn home, designers Anne and Richard De Wolf anchored the kitchen space with a dark stained oak island inspired by the bars of Irish pubs.Thats right. Put down your paint brusheswood cabinetry is back! Before you have flashbacks to the orange-toned oak of the 1990s, we definitely dont mean that. Think of rich, dark-stained woods, such as hickory and walnut, that feel sophisticated and luxurious. There is a noticeable shift from painted cabinets to warm, natural woods, particularly with sleek lines for a contemporary, yet warm feel, says Kiara Perdomo, the director of product and development at Nemo Tile + Stone. Weve been reporting on the rise of wood interiors all year, starting with this trend report touting the return of wood-paneled walls. Since then, a design-forward embrace of nature has only become more clear. In fact, Pinterest named eco-living aesthetics as a top trend for 2025, meaning woodsy interiors are just the beginning of environmentally minded interiors. Go All In On Muddy Paint ColorsAli Harper for Country LivingDesigner Jensen Killen chose a delightfully moody shade of sage green for the butlers pantry of an elegant Alabama home.And, whats best to pair with your brown wood cabinetry? (Or not quite ready to embrace the no-paint trend.) Color! But not just any colorand especially not white. This year, designers are asking everyone to check out the other side of their paint deck and work with muddier hues. Above, designer Jensen Killen chose a delightfully moody shade of sage green (French Gray by Farrow & Ball) to make a statement in this butlers pantry (see more on this trend below!). Caren Rideau, the founder of Kitchen Design Group, echoes the muddy sentiment well be seeing everywhere in 2025. We have recently left behind a vibrant era dominated by bright colors in home fashion, says Caren. Now, the recirculation of muted and muddy colors is emerging as a powerful alternative that creates a more serious palette, perfect for todays sophisticated aesthetic. The easiest way to incorporate these colors is to use them in kitchens with streamlined silhouettes, according to Caren. Keeping things simple allows the colors to truly take center stage. RELATED: 5 Paint Colors You'll See Everywhere in 2025And None of Them Are Beige! Choose Unique Cabinet FrontsCourtesy of Max Humphrey/David TsayNickel gap (similar to shiplap) cabinet fronts add texture to this Lake Tahoe kitchen by designer Max Humphrey. Here at Country Living, we love the Shakers and their design legacy. (Shaker-style has been a design standby for over a century for a reason!) But, in 2025, were ready to make room for new looks in the kitchen. I love a Shaker [cabinet door] frame as much as the next designer, but there are so many other options out there, says Oregon-based designer and author Max Humphrey. Ive been doing a lot of tongue-and-groove and nickel gap cabinet fronts recently, which is a way to add some visual interest and country-up a space, he says. RELATED: Our 25 Favorite Green Kitchen Cabinet IdeasRethink The Kitchen Island Kirsten FrancisStained dark walnut, the Carrara marble-topped work table grounds this white kitchen of designer Stephanie Perez.Its time to say goodbye to big, boxy, built-in kitchen islands. As the look of unfitted kitchens (a thoroughly British design ethos centered around the idea of compiling freestanding furniture pieces instead of built-ins) continues to gain popularity, designers are opting more and more for high-top work tables and oversized farm tables for their kitchen islands. We love the way the worn wood finish of an antique work table adds a perfect touch of rusticity to even the most industrial of spaces. And, if youre in want of something a little more durable than wood, take a note from designer Stephanie Perez who topped the work table island in her kitchen with a thick slab of marble, making it the perfect prep space. RELATED: Get More Design Inspiration With These 70+ Stylish Kitchen Island Ideas for Kitchens Large and SmallMake A Dramatic (Back)SplashCourtesy of Jackson Warren InteriorsAnother thing were ready to say goodbye to in 2025? Boring backsplashes. There are just too many fun material options to stick to the basics. Were also seeing experimentation in the scale and shape of backsplashes. For example, try extending your tile (or wood paneling or marble slab) backsplash all the way to the ceiling. The look is clean and adds a subtle-yet-luxurious element to the design, say Kiley Jackson and Aileen Warren, the duo behind Jackson Warren Interiors, who predict well see even more of these show-stopping backsplashes in 2025.Check out these kitchens with unique backsplashes for more inspo:CollectBut Dont ClutterBrian Woodcock for Country LivingFramed artwork, colorful cannisters, an antique rug, and a vintage vase bring aged character to this cottage kitchen designed by Holly Williams. Yes, you read that right! Bring on all the antiques, because they do, in fact, belong in the kitchen. Dont believe us? Just ask the National Kitchen & Bath Association. Their 2025 kitchen trend report, compiled from the responses of over 500 industry professionals, including their all-star group of designers on the official NKBA Design Council, outlines how these personality-driven kitchens are on the rise. Designer and member of the NKBA Design Council, Celerie Kemble of the design firm Kemble Interiors, agrees: Kitchens [should] feel like the other wonderful rooms in your house, she says. Her own home features a moody kitchen with appliances hidden by paneling, allowing the eye to take in the design and not the bright steel facade of a dishwasher. One easy way to make your kitchen feel a bit more personal? Channel your favorite space. We love the trend of kitchens feeling like apothecaries or libraries, or garden potting sheds, says Celerie. Just be sure to prioritize pretty and practical storage (glass apothecary jars, for example) to keep your space from feeling too cluttered. RELATED: The 100+ Best Places to Shop for Antiques and Vintage OnlineEmbrace New MetalsBecky Luigart-Stayner for Country LivingIn this cheery kitchen designed by Claire Zinnecker, a copper scallop-edge vent hood is the crowning moment. A kitchen rail below holds the homeowners copper cookware collection. Unlacquered brass has dominated kitchen design for the past four years, but in 2025 designers are beginning to look elsewhere on the finish chart. Top of our list? Copper! Were no strangers to an artfully arranged collection of copper pots (Martha Stewart does it best!), but, in 2024, we saw more and more designers taking it to kitchen surfacesthink copper vent hoods, countertops, and hardware. Other metal finishes we expect to see more of in 2025? Brushed gold, satin brass, and gunmetal are back, says Sarah Fishburne, the director of trend and design at The Home Depot. She recommends pairing these more daring metals with wood cabinetry and warm stone countertops, which she forecasts will overtake white marble in popularity this year. Put In The Work(Kitchen)Adam Albright for Country LivingIn this serene butlers pantry, a deep counter, plus a mix of open shelving, drawers, and cabinets provide storage and work space for homeowner Alyson Morgan.We have to end with the trend almost every expert we spoke to said would dominate kitchen design in 2025. Drumroll, please...work kitchens! (Also commonly known as butler pantries, dirty kitchens, orin British kitchenssculleries.) If youre lucky enough to have the extra roomconsider converting an underused closet, hallway, or powder room, these separated spaces are so more than just a walk-in pantry. Theyre hardworking and multi-purpose, often featuring additional appliances, a sink, additional built-in storage, and, sometimes, even pet stations. These small specialized rooms, as they were dubbed by the National Kitchen & Bath Association, are key to a well-functioning and well-designed kitchen. More Kitchen Design and Storage Ideas:Anna LoganSenior Homes & Style EditorAnna Logan is the Senior Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she covers design and decorating trends, home features, and gift guides. She also produces home features and styles content for the print magazine. When she isnt working, can often be found digging around antique shops for the perfect find. Follow her adventures on Instagram!

Dining rooms are one of those spaces that you either love or want to convert into a home office. But, if youve come to this article, we think theres a good chance you agree with us that having a whole room dedicated to sharing classic home-cooked meals with friends is a sort of magical thing. If youre wondering how to turn your oft-overlooked space into something a bit more, well, magical, then youve come to the right place. We polled some of our favorite designers across the country on what dining room decorating trends theyre most excited about for the upcoming year and... we got some surprising results. From saying goodbye to open floor plans to going all-in on bold wallpapers, its looking like 2025 is the year your dining room will get a major facelift. Find More Dining Room Decorating Inspiration: Jump to:Dedicate a Room for DiningBrie Williams, styling by Matthew Gleason for Country LivingIn this North Carolina mountain home, the light-filled sunroom makes an elegant and inviting dining space.Allow me to metaphorically hold your hand as I say this: Open floor plans are (and, frankly, have always been) not all theyre cracked up to be. I know its incredibly brave to take this stance, but it needed to be said. At their very best, open-concept living and dining spaces are visually overwhelming, and, at their worst, theyre just a hot mess. So, let 2025 be the year we put up more (well-placed) walls, starting with creating an actual dining room. Its not just me who feels this way, either. People are starting to want a separation of kitchen and dining, which is a trend away from what weve seen since the early 2000s, says Nashville-based designer Natalie Hager. Formal closed dining rooms are back in style, and Im here for it. I love having a room 100% centered around a table. We do, too. RELATED: Parenting Hack: Dining By Candlelight Will Make Weeknights Instantly Less HecticFill Your Dining Room With PersonalityBrie Williams for Country LivingMural-like botanical wallpaper, a collection of dining chairs, and shimmery gilt accents combine for one-of-a-kind personality in this South Carolina dining room.In that vein, separate dining areas will experience a bit of freshening up in 2025. Think exaggerated light fixtures (more on that later), daring wallpapers, and exciting paint finishes. You can expect dining rooms to start getting the powder room treatment, meaning an emphasis will be put on making the space feel like a show-stopping respite among the more livable, everyday backdrop of the rest of the home. A dining room brings an opportunity to make an impact with pattern and color, says Houston-based designer Katie Davis. Dont be afraid to make a statement. Her preferred way? I love to use mixed patterns in the same [color] tone to create cohesion and drama. Dramatic wallpapers are also a favorite of designers Max Humphrey and Kara Adam. Max prefers to go for a natural, mural-type look when it comes to picking dining room wallpaper. Using something like a birch tree wallpaper creates this dreamy, fully enveloped escape. Its almost like dining al fresco all year, he says. And, to those who are wary of making such a splash, heed Karas sage advice: A lot of people are worried theyll get sick of such a bold print, but you wont if you love it. RELATED: 6 Essential Maximalism Design Tips to Unlock This Charming Aesthetic InstantlyTake a Collected ApproachStephen KarlischIn this cozy dining space, designer Stephanie Sabbe paired comfy upholstered wing chairs with rush-seated ladder back side chairs. Say goodbye to your grandmothers matching dining room set. Well, parts of it, at least. Whether its mixing art styles or furniture eras, expect to see more perfectly imperfect dining rooms in 2025. Pinterest named this mix-and-match approach to design as one of their top trends for the year, focusing on mixing playful, over-the-top patterns and bringing in lots of layers. Meanwhile, designers are putting their own spin on the trend. Sally Rotenstreich, a Georgia-based interior designer and wardrobe stylist, is going all-in on mixing eras, pairing modern accent pieces with classically rustic standbys. An easy way to introduce this look to your dining room, according to Sally: I love having two different styles of chairs. Youll make a great statement with interesting arm chairs at the head of the dining room table. Designer Stephanie Sabbe did similar in the pictured dining room, replacing the head chairs with happily patterned wingbacks. RELATED: From Furniture to Artwork, Farmhouse Decor Ideas to Create Your Dream Country HomeGo for Statement LightingAlpha SmootIn this dining room, a branching bubble-style chandelier makes a modern statement against the walls hand-painted frescoes. Gone are the days of a simple pendant light or chandelier hanging above a dining table. Multiple designers we spoke to hinted that statement lighting will have a major moment in 2025. In the dining room, details go a long way, says designer Aileen Warren of Jackson Warren Interiors, who loves to use eye-catching modern lighting in more traditional dining spaces. Texas-based designer Brelan Owen Pearson puts an emphasis on scale, recommending you also balance oversize lighting with equally oversize artwork. Regardless of what type of lighting you prefer, its good to know that sometimes bigger is actually better. RELATED: Beautiful Kitchen & Breakfast Nook Lighting Ideas to Brighten Your Cook SpaceBring on the MillworkAnnie Schlechter for Country LivingOriginal dentil molding painted a cheery green brings character and dimension to Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcells renovated 1802 farmhouse.If you scrolled for even a minute on either TikTok or Reels this year, then you probably have already seen this trend in action: decorative molding. Adding molding is a game-changer, says Sarah Fishburne, the director of trend and design at The Home Depot. Its an easy way to elevate a flat wall, especially with a rich, bold paint color. While we might caution you against copying the exact style of molding youve seen on social media (not every house needs to feel like a grand Parisian apartment), we love the idea of returning some character to a space that might feel a bit more builder-grade. The best way to do that is by looking to your surroundings. Is your home in a historic neighborhood? Does your town have more mid-century or Colonial houses? Let those factors, along with the style of your house, determine what you want your space to look like before you head to the lumberyard. RELATED: 35+ Wainscoting Ideas to Add Character to Every Room in Your HomeSet the MoodRETT PEEKIn this Arkansas dining room, designer Whitney Romanoff paired historic William Morris botanical wallpaper with millwork painted a rich green that has just a touch of blue.To round out the list, its time we take a serious look at color. If you're going to do anything to your dining room in 2025, be sure its in the appropriate color palette. Moody, saturated tones are set to overtake neutrals this year. If you read our Color in a Country House feature, then you already know that muddy paint colors such as these are loved by designers for their historic and inherently country feel. Muddy tonesthink olive greens, deep chocolates, plummy auberginesreflect the countryside and bring the outdoors back in, says New York-based designer Ariel Okin. Now that all the various Colors of the Year are announced, its clear that muddy colors will be rising to the top of the paint charts in 2025. Pick Your Next Favorite Paint Color:Anna LoganSenior Homes & Style EditorAnna Logan is the Senior Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she covers design and decorating trends, home features, and gift guides. She also produces home features and styles content for the print magazine. When she isnt working, can often be found digging around antique shops for the perfect find. Follow her adventures on Instagram!

As Country Livings Senior Homes & Style Editor, I spend a lot of time looking at paint colors and chatting with designers and homeowners about their favorite shades. Just this summer, I spent months combing through interviews and back issues to create Country Livings Top 100 Favorite Paint Colors of All Time and chatting with designers about the best ways to use color in a country house, all in preparation for the August/September color-themed issue of Country Living. So, when consumer-favorite paint brands begin releasing their Color of the Year announcements each fall, I wait in anticipation to see if they match up with my own personal predictions.The final announcement, though, typically comes from the renowned color institute, Pantone, which tends to dominate the color conversation. This year, the Pantone color forecasters chose a delightful pinkish-brown dubbed Mocha Mousse. And, not to get too in the weeds of the psychology behind picking a color of the year, but this choice makes a lot of sense. People are craving comfort and stability, and Mocha Mousse feels like a warm, sun-drenched hug and a cup of coffee all wrapped into one. This bold-yet-livable neutral, which I would call the best response to the plague that is millennial gray that color experts have offered in years, hits all of the marks needed to catapult it into the design ether. Below, find more Color of the Year paint color selections were obsessing over for 2025, including new takes on old favorites. Looking for more paint color ideas? Check out our top paint picks for every room in the house:Muddy PlumSarah and Rachel PhotographyMuddy shades, often associated with a more British approach to color, have been trending with country designers for quite some time. Muddy tones, such as olive greens, deep chocolates, and plummy aubergines, reflect the countryside and bring the outdoors back in, says New York-based designer Ariel Okin. As such, shades of purple with undertones of brown and gray made their way to the top of two paint companies lists this year, with Benjamin Moore naming Cinnamon Slate and Glidden naming Purple Basil as their Color of the Year selects for 2025. [Cinnamon Slates] depth and richness bring an air of approachability and sense of comfort throughout the home, making it a new favorite for years to come, says Andrea Magno, the director of color marketing and design at Benjamin Moore. The love for purple doesnt stop with paint, either. Minwax even got in on the trend, naming Violet its stain shade of the year.Country Livings Favorite Plum Paint Colors:Cherry RedAdam Albright for Country LivingOne of the trend reports I look forward to most each year is Pinterest Predicts. Its always full of fun, slightly kooky trends that end up dominating the design cycle. For 2025, Pinterest is signaling the return of deeply saturated cherry reds. They are dark, sweet, and such a vibe, according to Pinterest. (The company also shared that searches for cherry bedroom are up 100% in the last year. Is it finally time to add this cherry-shaped toilet brush that went viral on TikTok last year to my Amazon cart??) Cherry reds moment in the spotlight comes as no surprise given just how popular the unexpected red theory became in 2024. A pop of red also falls in line with the renewed interest in primitive country design weve been seeing this year thanks to tastemakers such as Audrey Gelman of The Six Bells. Much of the primitive aesthetic revolves around classic Americana with a thoroughly primary color palette. Behr even named Rumors their 2025 Color of the Year, which is a muddier take on the classic shade. Country Livings Favorite Cherry Red Paint ColorsBold BlueMarta Xochilt Perez for Country LivingIn case you havent noticed, bold tones will undoubtedly make waves in 2025. If youre not ready to paint your walls purple or red, start with a shade you probably already have somewhere in your house: blue. The common refrain amongst designers and color experts alike is that blue is the universally approved non-neutral neutral. Want a color that wont distract, but isnt white or gray? Blue is the way to go. Want a shade that works in all seasons, no matter which way your house faces? Thatd be blue. Love the idea of painting your ceilings but dont want to make the space feel cramped? A light blue will do that for you. Its so popular that various shades of blue dominate our paint recommendation articlesSee the best blues for the kitchen, for your living rooms and bedrooms, and even the best dark blue paint colors.)This years iteration, though, is a bit punchier. Valspar leads the bold-minded charge with Encore, its 2025 Color of the Year. As we seek a joy-filled life, this approachable and livable ultramarine creates a perfect backdrop for happiness in the home, says Sue Kim, Valspars director of color marketing. Bright sapphire blues and other similarly striking jewel-toned paint colors might seem antithetical to the easygoing approach country decorators typically take, but in reality they arent. In fact, rustic furnishings and boot-filled mudrooms are the perfect offset to prim and proper colors such as this. Country Livings Favorite Bold Blue Paint ColorsEarthy MauveRikki Snyder for Country LivingNext on our list is the delightfully murky mauve thats the driving force behind Mocha Mousse. As Pantones 2025 Color of the Year, youll be seeing this hue everywhere this year. You might be surprised to know that weve actually been heading down this pinkish-brown trail for quite some time. In 2024, Pantone went with Peach Fuzz as their top color pick. Keen observers will see the same touches of slight pinks and browns in that shade as we see in Mocha Mousse, though this year theyre way moodier. Last year, HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams went with a similarly pinkish shade in their choice of Persimmon. And, in 2023, Sherwin-Williams chose another mauve in Redend Point, while Graham & Brown selected a reddish brown in Alizarin. The one thing they all have in common? An earthy approach to a neutral paint color, which feels wholly different than the stark white and grays that have dominated the design cycle for years. Country Livings Favorite Mauve Paint Colors Cozy BrownRikki Snyder for Country LivingRounding out the list, were taking the comfort of mauve one step further with deep, warm browns. Both Graham & Brown and C2 Paints chose a cozy shade for their 2025 Colors of the Year with Elderton and Raku respectively. This rich hue, with its deep, earthy brown hue and sanguine undertones, embodies the art of revitalizing the old," says Philippa Radon, C2s Paint Color Director of Raku. [Its] an echo of a timeless classic flourishing in a modern world. Its no secret we love brown, too, whether it be brown wood furniture or brown paint. We called its rise way back in May of 2024 in our roundup of the best brown paint colors, so its good to see everybody catching up to what we already know is an all-time classic color. Country Livings Favorite Brown Paint ColorsFor More Paint Color Help:Anna LoganSenior Homes & Style EditorAnna Logan is the Senior Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she covers design and decorating trends, home features, and gift guides. She also produces home features and styles content for the print magazine. When she isnt working, can often be found digging around antique shops for the perfect find. Follow her adventures on Instagram!

The Mississippi Delta may be a popular destination for the recreational hunting of wildlife, but it was a sport of another sort that brought this lakeside hunting lodge to life. Our client is not only a hunter; she is also an avid collector, says interior designer Richard Keith Langham, a native Alabamian turned New Yorker who was tasked with infusing his signature brand of Southern comfort into Black Bear Lodge, where the owners friends and extended family gather for hunting, fishing, and holiday getaways. We had a treasure trove of things to work with, says Keith. Principal designer Cass Roth-Retz echoes the sentiment: A lot of design decisions were made based on the clients curation of these really interesting things.More specifically, these interesting things include 19th- century European antiques and American primitive pieces that share space with taxidermy and unique artwork featuring wildlife, hunting dogs, and other outdoor scenes. The whole house is an amalgam of furniture and art that pays tribute to the land and nature and the animal kingdom, says Keith, who complemented his clients collections with custom upholstery, draperies, and lighting. Becky Luigart-StaynerThe lodges red metal roof and trim (Cottage Red by Benjamin Moore) provide a holiday-ready palette, while the dark neutral exterior siding keeps things grounded. Outfitted with wreaths, a pair of antique dog statues stands at the welcome at the front door. The propertys found furnishings merrily intermingle with its more rustic touches, including reclaimed barnwood ceilings, a fireplace featuring Tennessee limestone, and unique bark detailing installed by the homes architect, Mississippi-based Lewis Graeber III. In addition to gracefully walking the line between rustic and refined, the home lives up to its geographical claim to fameMississippi is the Hospitality State, after allwith a gracious open floor plan, well-appointed guest rooms, and a Christmas-ready color palette, which even extends to the rusty red of the homes dirt road drive. By the time December officially rolls around, a fresh-cut tree gets dressed up with handmade wooden ornaments and burlap ribbon, while pine cones and greenery gathered from the 20,000-acre property outfit the homes other cozy corners. Despite its thoughtful design, its the destinations off-the-grid disposition (read: spotty internet and cell service!) that makes every trip feel like a retreat. Its the most blissful place, says Cass. Unless someone has the [landline] phone number, the family cant be reached. Theres something quite charming about that. It is just idyllic.Tour More Homes All Decked out for the Holidays:Ruddy RedsBecky StaynerBecky Luigart-StaynerBarn red milk paint sets a warm, welcoming tone for houseguests. Milk paint has a nice, chalky complexion, which gives the space that rustic charm, says Cass. The red thread continues with two bobbin-legged work tables, custom hooked rug, and billiards table. Beneath a large oil painting, one table holds woven baskets and a German Black Forest stag clock from the 19th century. The front doors bark veneer panels bring the outdoors in.Get the Look: Wall Paint Color: Barn Red Milk PaintEuropean AntiquesBecky Luigart-StaynerBecky Luigart-StaynerAfter days full of brisk activity and big country meals (fried quail and catfish are often on the menu), guests gather at the 19th-century French oak table for games. New splat-back oak armchairs with embroidered upholstery and a wrought-iron light fixturekeep things cozy. The English chiffonier holds a collection of the homeowners old books, candlestick lamps, and nature dioramas. On another wall, a duo of carved Black Forest trophy plaques pairs with a painting of hunting dogs on the job.Natural MaterialsBecky Luigart-StaynerBecky Luigart-StaynerA grouping of cozy upholstered furniture beckons guests to gather around the living rooms fireplace featuring Tennessee limestone. Along the walls are framed pieces from the homeowners personal collection, including watercolors of wildlife and a 19th-century English painting of a deer. The clients treasures give the house its personality, says designer Richard Keith Langham. Come Christmastime, the room is filled with a 10-foot Leyland cypress that is bedecked with claret-colored burlap ribbon and wooden ornaments hand-turned by Emily Wood, a maker based in Utah.Nods to NatureBecky Luigart-StaynerBecky Luigart-StaynerUltrasuede counter stools by Louis J. Solomon surround a maple-topped island in the kitchen. Architect Lewis Graeber III designed the island as well as the cabinets, where he used tree bark insets to bring in a nod to nature.On the dining table, the Christmastime table setting features the owners Spode Woodland Pheasant china paired with antler-handled flatware. The designers created the centerpiece from pine cones and greenery gathered on the property.Welcoming SpacesBecky Luigart-StaynerBecky Luigart-StaynerGarland made of cypress and pine cones harvested on the property deck the staircase. The chinking in the rough-hewn timbers gives the walls a log cabin feel, and the recesses in the wall house the owners wildlife dioramas. The antique English chair holds hunting rifles, and its back piece folds down to make a table. The British-style snug a denlike space where lodge guests can loungecontains a hunter green L-shaped sofa, a 19th-century American hooked rug, and a mushroom-shaped concrete table with a red slate top. Above the sofa, an Adirondack frame holds an antique painting of a fisherman. Nubby TextilesBecky Luigart-StaynerKeith and Cass employed a color-coding system for the lodges upstairs bedrooms. Guests who stay in the red room are treated to traditional handmade beds, classic nature scenes, and charming textiles, including red-and-white striped duvets and curtains of an embroidered fabric reminiscent of a folksy sampler pattern. Its very Americana, Keith says of the space. Handcrafted FurnitureBecky Luigart-StaynerBecky Luigart-StaynerIn the green room, the walls are washed in a custom sage milk paint to complement the painted bed by Country Bed Shop, which Keith calls an interpretation of American country furniture. On the window, shorter curtains keep the space simple. It makes the room not look so fancy and formal, says Cass. Patterned linen bedding and traditional brass swing-arm sconces provide the finishing touches.A pair of low-post beds flanks an antique carved wooden shelf in the blue room, while the custom lampshades match the blue milk paint on the walls. A large bird etching continues the nature thread. Flea Market FindsBecky Luigart-StaynerThe owner of the lodge found the 19th-century animal watercolor studies at a French flea market, and Cass culled from the 50 or so works to curate the collection that hangs in the mustard-yellow guest room. Gingham curtains complement the harvest gold linens and striped duvet that dress the bed. Tour More Country Houses Across Mississippi:

I recently stumbled across an Instagram post written in response to some 2024 design trend report. Oh, goody, the post said, its the time of year when magazines make us feel bad about our homes for doing the exact things they told us to do a year ago. Shared by Ingrid Fetell Lee, the observation made me laugh because it rang so true. This time of year is filled with people (and, yes, magazines) preaching and prognosticating what will be in or out during the year ahead.While were not here to declare anything outif anything, whats considered out can also be thought of as early because trends always come back aroundas the editor-in-chief of Country Living, I am always eager to put things on your radar that are, in fact, having a moment, especially when theyre things that would feel right at home in a country house.And theres good news for country style enthusiasts! Based on what our editors and design friends (Leanne Ford, Grace Mitchell, and Emily Henderson, to name just a few) are doing and seeing everywhere from fashion shows to furniture markets, Im happy to report that the laid-back country aesthetic will continue to dominate the conversation in 2025. From warm wood walls to copper kitchen accents to country house-worthy paint colors, theres no shortage of ways to give your home a more pastoral point of view. Below, here are the 12 vintage decor trends that well be seeing a lot of again in 2025:Jump to:For More on Your Favorite Decorating Styles:Vintage Decor Comeback No. 1Dark Wood Cabinetry RETT PEEKThis Arkansas kitchen by Whitney Romanoff feels equally fresh and timelessIf you havent yet gotten around to painting over those walnut cabinets, go ahead and pat yourself on the back for your laziness. After years of all-white kitchens, unpainted wood cabinetry is warming up cook spaces all over the countryside. The trick to keeping the look from feeling dated is avoiding a top-to-bottom install of the same material (in other words, avoid the kitchen equivalent of a matching bedroom set). Instead, embrace wood lower cabinets and opt for airier open shelving up top, or try painted uppers and wooden lowers, or outfit your island with stained wood cabinetry. There are also plenty of options if you love the look of wood grain but prefer to go a little lighter, such as light oak, pecky cypress, or bleached wood finishes. Vintage Decor Comeback No. 2Folk Art-Inspired Stencils and Motifs Reed McKendreeStenciled floors charm up an entry designed by Lilse McKennaMuch of the decorative folk art we think of today came via the Pennsylvania Dutch and was largely inspired by centuries-old German design traditions. Their practice of Frakturwhich involved embellishing important documents with fanciful painted motifsbled off the page and onto anything they could get a paintbrush on, bringing beauty to the mundane and effectively birthing the American decorative folk art style.While folk art-embellished antiques are in high demandmany feature flora (think stylized tulips intertwined with decorative leaf borders), fauna (roosters, deer, songbirds), or figural (pastoral hunting scenes, soldiers on guard, romantic sweetheart couples)theres also a new generation of young decorative painters such as Tess Newall and Amy Balfour and designers like Lilse McKenna who are finding fun and fresh ways to incorporate folk art embellishments on everything from lamps to walls to floors.To take a similar DIY approach, chalk paint purveyor Annie Sloan offers tutorials and stencil books with modern patterns, while The Stencil Librarys compendium provides a breadth of historic designs.RELATED: 25+ Brilliant Painted Floors Ideas Thatll Add Instant CharmVintage Decor Comeback No. 3Quilted Upholstery Kaitlin Green, Design by Emily HendersonQuilted upholstery lends a colorful and playful spirit to this craft corner by designer Emily Henderson.What a few years it has been for the humble quilt, with assorted pieced and patchwork motifs dominating fashion runways, outfitting Brooklyn boutiques, and inspiring country homes of the future on Instagram. In addition to using them as classic coverlets, designers are now embracing heirloom pieces to creatively recover everything from wing chairs to headboards. We love upholstering in quilts, says designer Erick Espinoza, Creative Director of Anthony Baratta, a design firm known for its timeless American decor. Erick does note that older quilts wont wear as well as current day fabrics, so consider using them on pieces that arent subject to constant wear or heavy traffic (think a lesser-used window bench or accent piece as opposed to the family sofa). Quilt tops are also a great option because they tend to be more economical and upholster-y friendly, he says.RELATED: 100+ Best Places to Shop for Antiques and Vintage OnlineVintage Decor Comeback No. 4Wood-Paneled Walls Nick JohnsonA Michigan living room enveloped in warm wood paneling, designed by Erica HarrisonTrue story: When I started at Country Living way back when, we published a mountain property where the homeowner had painted over the knotty pine walls of his Georgia cabin and a very vocal handful of people were not happy about that transformation. Those people *will* be happy to know that warm wood walls are enjoying a resurgence. Most recently, designers including Erica Harrison, Emily Ward, and Max Humphrey have all put down the paint brush.RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Knotty Pine and How to Use ItVintage Decor Comeback No. 5Copper AccentsBecky Luigart-StaynerA cooper hood with sweet scalloped detailing provides a pretty focal point in a Texas kitchen by Claire ZinneckerGiven the amount of copper cookware were seeing on display in kitchens and assorted period dramas (this shop is a great resource for patina-rich pots and pans, by the way), its no surprise that Julia Childs favorite finish now extends to more permanent kitchen fixtures, including backsplashes, worktops, hoods, and hardware (think bin pulls or hammered knobs). The metal brings a similar brand of warmth and patina as unlacquered brass, but its not quite as ubiquitous. (For the record, we still very much love unlacquered brass.) For a low-commitment look, try a display of antique copper molds.RELATED: 50+ Farmhouse Kitchen Ideas To Give Your Kitchen a Charming, Timeless Style Vintage Decor Comeback No. 6Barbour Coat Colors Becky Luigart-StaynerPutty-colored walls evoke the feel of canvas in a high-style hunting lodge by Richard Keith Langhambarn coat and chore coat obsessions of Fall 2024, but the outdoorsy hues seen in English and American workwearrich olives, earthy ochres, and ruddy claysare making their way into the interior design mainstream when it comes to both paint and fabric, officially joining their aesthetic buddy brown who was already basking in the spotlight. (Pantones recent unveiling of its 2025 Color of the Year is in keeping with this cozy color trend.)Fortunately, these muddy, rooted-in-nature tones play particularly well in pastorally set spaces. Your homes surroundingswhat your land looks like, whether youre by the water versus surrounded by a lot of greeneryalways provide good directional cues to inspire your color palette, says Nicole Gibbons, founder of paint company Clare. If you dont want the look to feel too heavy, consider colors in the lighter khaki and putty categories, or even a soft pinkish-brown.For a textile-driven take, look to Schumacher. The textile company recently released a Country Life collection of fabrics in keeping with this of-the-moment color palette. (A few of our favorite patterns include Pointers, Covey Hedge, and Montana Wool Plaid.)RELATED: The Top 100 Paint Colors For Every Room in Your HouseVintage Decor Comeback No. 7Patterned Sofas Par BengtssonA skirted brown sofa in a chocolate brown fabric is a practical pick for a Texas lake house designed by Shannon Bowers.Although patterned sofas have really never fallen out of favor, were suddenly seeing them everywhere, which intersects with the pattern-drenching trend and the rise of more-is-more decor. A sofa is often the largest, bulkiest item in a room, so a big block of color can hijack the rest of the space, says Country Living Style & Homes Editor Anna Logan. A pattern allows your eye to travel across the piece, and can make for a more cohesive-feeling room. Theres also the practicality of it all: An allover pattern can also be much more forgiving than a solid, says Country Living Executive Editor Jennifer Kopf.RELATED: 20 Types of Sofas and How to Choose the Right One for Your RoomVintage Decor Comeback No. 8Colorful Bath Fixtures During the 1950s, pastels like bubblegum pinks, powderpuff blues, and buttery yellows dominated the world of bathroom design. Historians attribute this aesthetic sweetness to a sense of post-war optimism, and the happy look is enjoying a revival with modern designers and manufacturers who recognize the demand for dopamine-boosting decor. Theres research on how colorful spaces influence well-being for the better, says Ingrid Fetell Lee, founder of The Aesthetics of Joy. Whether you embrace an existing basin or seek out a new one, pastel porcelain is a time-tested way to make your bathroom feel awash with character. Similarly, pastel tile is also making its way back into bathrooms, so think nice before that demo.RELATED: Six Reasons to Keep Dated Bathroom Tile, According to DesignersVintage Decor Comeback No. 9Tables in Lieu of Islands Nick JohnsonA kitchen table in lieu of a traditional island can be a smart choice for a small spaceIn keeping with a broader trend of unfitted kitchens (think more freestanding furniture pieces as opposed to top-to-bottom built-in cabinetry), a centralized kitchen table can be a great way to get more use out of a space. I think we are going to see a lot more people opt for a kitchen table in the center of their kitchen instead of a massive island, says Leanne Ford, who embraced this approach in her own home, as seen on the cover of her latest book, The Slow Down. I, of course, love the way it looks, but even more I love the way it feels and the way it brings my family together. Its just a more casual approach that feels perfectly laid back in any home. Without saying a word it tells people to sit down and stay a while. RELATED: Dozens More Stylish Kitchen Island Ideas for Kitchens Large and SmallVintage Decor Comeback No. 10Stained Glass Windows Sara Ligorria-TrampStained glass windows filter in light in a wood-paneled bunk room in the home of Anne and Richard De WolfNot just for cathedrals, stained glass windows have enjoyed more comebacks than TK. (For a very thorough recap, look no further than the Stained Glass Association of America). Fast forward to more recent history, and the artful panels have enjoyed a resurgence with almost every design style, from Arts and Crafts to Art Deco to Cottage. As the homogenization of social media has created renewed interest in handcrafted wares and storied goods, stained glass is once again on the radar. California stained glass artist Debbie Bean acknowledges the uptick. Ive seen a notable rise in demand for stained glass in interiorsespecially with adventurous residential clients who are embracing this timeless craft in modern, innovative ways. Designers and architects are increasingly incorporating bespoke stained glass to bring unique character and artistry to their spaces. Author and color consultant Jessica Sowerby (@thehousethatcolourbuilt) incorporated a stained glass transom between her kitchen and utility room, a look that brings the space soft color and character. Theres also the fact that it can feel at home in a century-old farmhouse, midcentury rancher, or craftsman-style cottage.RELATED: The 26 Most Common House Styles, Explained. Do you know your craftsman from your Cape Cod?Vintage Decor Comeback No. 11Welsh Blankets Hector M. Sanchez for Country LivingAn assortment of Welsh blanketsFeaturing rich colors and bold patterns, these woven wool throws are as cozy as a hot cup of tea shared with a doting grandmother. Thanks to the long tradition of sheep farming, wool sits at the heart of textile crafts in Wales. Welsh tapestry blankets have been woven in country mills since the 19th century, created on large looms using a signature double-cloth construction. Because the wool is hand-dyed in rich colors designed to stand the test of time, these blankets have brightened up homes for centuries of gray winter days. The blankets also make for popular wedding presents. Family companies like Trefriw and Melin Tregwynt have been producing blankets at local mills for more than a century. Welsh-textiles expert Jen Jones is a go-to source for antique blankets, which she sells from her Llanybydder-based shop in west Wales. For more modern designs, look to younger companies like Loom & Bobbin, an English maker inspired by traditional Welsh design or Welsh Otter.Vintage Decor Comeback No. 12Tyrolean Chairs Courtesy of Levity InteriorsA pair of Tyrolean chairs add charm and quirk to a corner cafe table in a space by Florida-based Levity Interiors.Named after Tyrol, a region in the Austrian, Swiss, and Italian Alps known for its ski resorts and folk traditions, these whimsical chairsalso known as Swiss mountain chairswere constructed by hand centuries ago using primitive tools. Recently, antique examples have been been popping up in projects all of the country, while newer versions are being sold at far-from-folksy spots like Bergdorf Goodman. Given their quirky, curvy silhouette, they make for striking and versatile accent chairs. Designer Levity Tomkinson, owner of Florida-based retail shop and design consultancy Levity Interiors, is one of many designers with a soft spot for the quirky silhouette. The whimsical nature yet timeless appeal of Tyrolean chairs makes them an easy yes for creating interiors with character. Theyre the perfect addition to a cozy corner, a welcome presence next to a tub holding fluffy, fresh towels orand perhaps my favorite usewith multiples sweetly gathered around a dining table. For More Decorating and Renovation Inspo for Your 2025 Projects: Rachel BarrettRachel Barrett is the Editor-in-Chief of Country Living. She can't pass up a vintage seascape, drives an '89 Woody Wagoneer (that is, when it'll start), and hopes to buy you a lemonade at a future Country Living Fair.

The Christmas season really is the best time of the year. Theres nothing better than spending time in the kitchen baking Christmas cookies, gathering with friends and family around the twinkly Christmas tree, or just curling up on the sofa with a cup of hot chocolate watching Christmas movie after Christmas movie. But first comes the most fun of all...decorating! Just like flowers in the spring and pumpkins in the fall, your outdoor holiday decor is a fun way to celebrate the season. A front door all decked out with lush evergreen garlands and cheery red bows warmly welcomes your guests and says a festive hello to all who drive by. If youre looking for outdoor decorating ideas beyond the standard evergreen wreath, below youll find inspiration for easy ways to beautifully adorn your homes exterior with creative garlands, wreaths, planters, and more. Get even more ideas for outdoor holiday decorating:1Dress Your WindowsBecky Luigart-StaynerHomeowner Landon McAfee drapes his cottages front door (painted a holiday-ready green!) with garland of a mix of Leyland Cypress and white pine. As a finishing touch, all of the window ledges get a holiday spruce-up with a layer of greenery clippings.TOUR THIS HOUSERELATED: 45+ Gorgeous Christmas Garland Decorating Ideas for Dressing Your Home Up2Adorn Your StatuesBecky Luigart-StaynerAs an alternative to a traditional planter, consider placing wreaths around statues that flank the front door. Here, dog statues look extra festive at a Mississippi hunting lodge designed by Richard Keith Langham.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below3Set up a Seating NookAdam Albright for Country LivingAt Alyson Morgans Wisconsin farmhouse a wreath made with foraged branches and tendrils of dried vines and botanicals takes center stage above a wooden bench loaded up with pillows. An unadorned pine tree in a crock ups the seasonal charm.TOUR THIS HOUSERELATED: 20+ Easy Ideas for Beautiful Outdoor Christmas Planters4Add Color With a Charlie Brown TreeNat Rea for Country LivingWhile your garlands and wreaths may be perfect and lush, theres nothing more charming than a less-than-perfect fir tree weighted down with ornaments. A galvanized bucket provides a humble, no-fuss container.TOUR THIS HOUSEAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below5Wrap Porch Columns With GarlandsRikki Snyder for Country LivingOn this upstate New York farmhouse, all the porch columns are wrapped with Fraser fir garlandsa perfect pairing with evergreen wreaths and festive red bows.TOUR THIS HOUSE6Hang an ArrangementBERNADETTE HOLSTEINTheres no rule that your front door wreath has to be round. Choose your favorite outdoor-friendly vessel, like this wicker cone, and fill with an arrangement of evergreen and berry-filled branches. Finish with a festive bow. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below7Put a Tree on Your PorchDavid TsayI love the idea of having an outdoor tree, and this is a perfect way to do it, says textile designer Heather Taylor of the 10-footer on the screened-in porch of her familys California cabin, whereyes, even during the winterthey bundle up and gather to enjoy time together. TOUR THIS HOUSE8DIY a Tobacco Basket WreathBRIAN WOODCOCKA rustic tobacco basket makes for the easiest DIY wreath! Just add floral wire to fasten greenery, plus a few pine cone accents, some bright berries, and maybe a gingham ribbon to finish it all off.RELATED: 50+ DIY Christmas Wreaths to Give Your Guests the Prettiest WelcomeAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below9Hang Wreaths With RibbonDylan Chandler for Country LivingKaley Cuttings Connecticut farmhouse makes a merry first impression thanks to wreaths hung at each window with layered ticking-stripe ribbons.10Mix Your GreensDavid Meredith, styling by Meta ColemanFor a garland with lots of interesting texture, choose one made with a mix of types of greens, such as pine, cedar, boxwood, or even, like here, olive leaves. Complement the simple, natural look with wood and terra-cotta planters holding a variety of evergreen shrubs. TOUR THIS HOUSEAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below11Decorate for the Entire Winter SeasonBrian Woodcock for Country LivingAs if fur-embellished ice skates werent wintery or glamorous enough! In this innovative DIY, theyre filled with sprigs of evergreens and finished off with a fluffy pom-pom for a unique wreath that will have all your holiday guests buzzing. A few silver jingle bells or miniature ornaments make things even more festive.12Go All OutCHARLIE COLMERIf you fall in the more is more holiday decorating philosophy, then go for it! This Christmas-loving homeowner went wild with a small tree, wreath, evergreen arrangements in planters, colorful packages, a vintage ski poster, and whimsical flag bunting up above. RELATED: The Best Small Christmas Tree Ideas With Big Holiday SpiritAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below13Stagger Red & Green LanternsBrian Woodcock for Country LivingNow, heres a home that incorporates the colors of Christmas in a seamless, beautiful way that doesnt interrupt their existing decor scheme. These Tennessee homeowners incorporated the merry hues using a swath of cedar branches tied together with red ribbon, a small tree, and other color-coordinated decorations.TOUR THIS HOUSE14Lean a Vintage Sled Dylan Chandler for Country LivingA vintage wooden sled or two propped by the door brings a seasonal spirit that can stay all winter long. For extra embellishment add a large bow. RELATED: 25+ Vintage Christmas Decorations That Will Never Go Out of StyleAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below15Swoop Your GarlandKim Cornelison for Country LivingRather than wrapping your porch posts, let the garlands hang down for a more casual farmhouse-style look. It also lets a lot more of that pretty green to showand pop against a wintery white setting.TOUR THIS HOUSE16Stack up Some Hay BalesBuff Strickland for Country LivingThis country Christmas display outside the Junk Gypsies Wander Inn, comes together with just a few items, namely hay bales. They used brightly colored lights and galvanized stars as decorations, but you can adorn yours however you like. RELATED: See more of how the Junk Gypsies Decorate Their Inn for ChristmasAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below17Create a Fragrant Door SwagBrian Woodcock for Country LivingIs there a more beautifulor more fragrant!arrangement than a grouping of dried oranges, pine cones, and fresh greenery? We dont think so! Add a burlap ribbon, and you have yourself an eye-catching front door decoration.RELATED: How to Dry Citrus for All Your Holiday Decorations18Bring Out Vintage FavoritesDavid Tsay for Country LivingAt her Michigan farmhouse, Abby Hoppen brings out her vintage thermoses and coolers to add crusty nostaligia to the front porch. A red metal lawn chair and galvanized feeders add more pops of vintage patina. TOUR THIS HOUSEAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below19Hang Garland Around the HouseBurcu AvsarNo porch? No problem! Just drape garland around the exterior of your house or barn for a unique holiday look. Cover the garland with outdoor-friendly ball ornaments of various colors and sizes for extra festive flair20Embellish With BerriesMichael PartenioThis is no ordinary wreathbut it doesnt take a ton of elbow grease to create it either. A simple spray of wheat stalks, a pretty ribbon bow, and a few artificial berries make for a gorgeous final look...and dont forget the tiny silver bells.

If youve ever encountered Louisa May Alcotts coming-of-age novel Little Women, or watched any of its many television and film adaptations, you know its nearly impossible to not see yourself reflected in one of the March sisters: Meg, Jo, Beth, or Amy. Or, more than likely, see snippets of each sisters archetype mirrored in your own life. I always related most to Jo, a bookish type who feels a little stir-crazy in her small social circle and narrowly defined role as a women. But then theres the oldest sister in me that feels a camaraderie with Meg, a romantic who finds strength and power in her choice to marry and raise a family. Perhaps thats why the story of the March sisters is so enduringwere always grappling with how to be ambitious women. The real beauty of Alcotts Little Women is that, of course, you dont have to choose. The March sisters are just as complicated and nuanced as the women in your own life, navigating ambition, desire, and sisterhood. But, in the spirit of Christmas merriment, you can choose which sister best represents your Christmas decorating style. Do you collect vintage Shiny Brights all year round? Youre a Beth! Can the reflection of your tinsel turn heads down the block? I see you, Amy. Perhaps you start making a dried-orange garland the day after Thanksgiving. You, my friend, are definitely a Jo. Thankfully, nostalgic and handmade decor is trending this year, so no matter your style, youll find inspiration below thats both of the moment and timeless. Curious to see how your favorite March sister affects your Christmas decor sensibilities? Fair warning, these ideas may inspire you add a festive tabletop tree (or two) to your Christmas decor, and they will definitely inspire a rewatch (or two!) of the Alcott classicboth the 1994 adaptation and the more recent 2019 version. Settle in for a Holiday Movie Night:Meg: The TraditionalistBrian WoodcockYou love the finer things, and put tradition (think a classic red-and-green scheme) and family above all. Just like many eldest daughters before and after her, Meg follows in Marmees footsteps making a tree that feels warm and traditional (like the set for the filming of Little Women (which was based on Alcotts childhood home in Concord Massachusetts). This mini balsam tree, much like its muse, embraces traditional elements like a plaid bow, cranberry garland, and tartan ornaments, plus homey accents like clip-on candlesticks. A stoneware crock serves as a classic base.Jo: The NaturalistBrian WoodcockMinimalist and no-nonsense, you gravitate toward a nature-inspired palette and more literary pursuits. You keep your decking-of-the-halls simple for ample time to spend as much of the holiday season as possible snuggled up with a book.A sparse alpine balsam fir channels Jos less-is-more leanings, while an antique copper pot anchors the display with metallic heft. Bird and pine cone ornaments hit an organic note, while a dried-orange garland appeals to Jo's practical sideBeth: The NostalgistBrian WoodcockSweet and sentimental, you relish holiday nostalgia and cherish all things handmade and handcrafted. Less drawn to grand adventures that your other sisters, you instead, feel the pull towards the simplicity and comfort of home. A flocked spruce and ribbon-candy ornaments hit a nostalgic note. The happy-hued handmade button garland and vintage candy-tin base add simple homespun charm. RELATED: 25+ Vintage Christmas Decorations That Will Never Go Out of StyleAmy: The Free SpiritBrian WoodcockFanciful and (a bit) frivolous, you love the glitz and glamour of the holidays. You likely have a soft spot for sparkle and shiny objects. Unafraid to speak your mind, or make your intentions know you have no trouble embracing the more-is-more approach to decor. An all-white spruce serves as an eye-catching foundation for sparkling snowflakes, pastel baubles, putz house accents, and a sweet ice-skate topper. A hatbox as the tree holder evokes a bit of jet-set glamour.Get More Decorating Inspiration for Your Christmas Trees:Maribeth B JonesDesign DirectorMaribeth B Jones is the Design Director of Country Living where she creates seasonal content full of warmth and playfulness. When shes not wrangling chickens for a cover shoot you can find her collecting vintage oil portraits or flipping pancakes in her sunny, yellow kitchen with her two chatty daughters.

Anyone who has worked behind the scenes of a magazine knows that holiday shoots are a massive undertakinga heavy lift, as photo stylists often say. In addition to getting a home ready for its close-upthink ironing bed linens, sweeping floors, zhushing up bookcasestheres a whole extra layer of holiday spirit to be added. Heres why thats tricky: Because magazines typically operate on a schedule a few months in advance of newsstand datesfor example, an issue that arrives on newsstands in December was likely photographed in Augusttheres a good chance theres a prop stylist stringing lights and pouring egg nog in late summeror, more likely, pouring heavy creamer to look like egg nog. (This is not always the casesometimes we shoot a full year in advance to capture snow!but there always seems to be at least one holiday house that works its way into the issue at the last blazin hot minute.)That was certainly true when we photographed Landon McAfees adorable 800-square-foot cottage in Stantonville, Tennessee, which now graces the cover of our December-January issue. As Senior Homes & Style Editor for Country Living, Im always on the lookout for houses to feature in the magazine and online. Sometimes a property finds its way to me through word-of-mouth (You have to see my cousin's Carolina cabin), sometimes its pitched by the designer who brought the project to life, and, occasionally, I stumble upon a gem of a property while mindlessly scrolling Instagram late into the evening. It was Landons living roomalready whimsically outfitted with blue and green paper garlandthat first caught my eye, so I reached out to him on Instagram to see if he would share more photos. It turned out he was a lifelong reader of Country Livinghe has almost every back issue weve ever printed, which he had proudly displayed on an antique bench in his house when our crew, including myself, Staff Photographer Becky Stayner-Luigart, stylist Matthew Gleason, and Visual Editor Ian Palmer arrived on a sunny (and hot!) August day to make holiday magic. If youre curious to know more about how we get a house ready for its holiday spotlight, here are eight insider tips, including our secret weapon for adding pattern, good sources for faux greenery, and the best holiday album to play in the background while you decorate. See The End Result of Our Tennessee Photo Shoot Here!Pick a Tight PaletteA cohesive color palette goes a long way toward giving a space a strong point of view. Here at Country Living, we go to great lengths to make sure our homes in any given issue dont feel redundant, decoratively speaking. For example, if one house goes all in on red and green, maybe theres another house that opts for a neutral scheme. Well typically take the lead from the homeowners, as well as their surroundings. A mountainous, snow-covered log cabin, for example, feels like the perfect spot for a nature-inspired Christmas with loads of greens. However, a timeless white farmhouse might be the perfect spot for touches of tartan. This year, our stylist, Matthew Gleason, and I decided to play off the campy, colorful vibes of Landons cottage and his collectibles by leaning into classic blues and greens and accenting with retro-inspired touches such as colorful Christmas tree lights and picnic-friendly plaids. Pile On The PatternThe quickest way to add festive flair to any house is through textiles. In Landons house, much of that pattern came courtesy of plaid blankets, which can make a big impact if youre on a budget. (Look closely and youll notice at least seven blankets throughout the house!) I love layering them over the back of a sofa to break up a big spread of solid color, draping them around the bottom of a tree like a tree skirt, or positioning them at the foot of a bed to add more interest to solid-colored bedding. (Ive also wrapped them around a less-than-desirable dog cushion for the sake of aesthetics!) As much as I love vintage throwsand Landon already had plentyyoull also find lots of good options at the Tartan Blanket Company, Pendleton, and ChappyWrap. If youre more into a block print or muted palette, check out Rejuvenationwe used a lot of the companys textiles in Alyson Morgans Wisconsin home, which you can also see here or in our December issue.Ian PalmerLandons pup, Benjamin, double-checks our ornament selection. Theme Your OrnamentsAs much as a we love a collected tree of handmade family ornaments, trees tend to photograph better when theres a unifying thread. You can focus on a material (felt, mercury glass...), a theme (woodland, Nutcracker...), or a color scheme (red and turquoise, orange and lavender...). Landons tree plays into his love of retro camp style with loads of mini plaid thermos ornaments, vintage Shiny-Brite ornaments, and just a few other finds with special sentimental value. (See if you can spot the brass bear at the top of the tree!) The crafted paper chain garland that spans both the tree and the living room adds the perfect nostalgic finishing touch. Another tip: If youre adding ornaments of assorted sizes, start by staggering your larger hero ornaments and then filling in remaining spaces with the smaller ornaments. This will help things feel visually balanced. Oh, and I love using green hooks on a green treethey just blend in so much better.RELATED: 40+ Rustic Christmas Tree Ideas for Your Country FarmhouseDont Overlook The Kitchen When were photographing a house for the holidays, we try to convey a sense of the season in every roomkitchen included. A lot of homeowners tell me they dont do much when it comes to decorating the kitchen for Christmas, but thats precisely where you should be putting forth some effort, since its where we all spend so much time. (Maybe thats why the kitchen Christmas tree is trending.) In Landons house, we played off of his red-and-white checkered floors with ample greenery, adding shaggy garland around the window in the breakfast nook and more sprigs to the kitchens windowsill. Oh, and for the sake of the photo, we swapped the placement of Landons cool red metal chairs and his wooden bench. (Having the chairs in the foreground blocked out most of the table.) Becky Luigart-StaynerStylist Matthew Gleason and his assistant Teddy Schober put the finishing touches on the living rooms holiday decorations. No detail goes overlooked!Layer On The Greens You know that old Portlandia skit about putting a bird on everything? Take that same mentality and apply it to boughs. For this photo shoot, we worked with a nearby Tennessee tree farm to cover the house (inside and out!) with white pine, which (phew) we were lucky to source in the middle of August. I will, however, admit that we occasionally resort to faux greeneryand some of it is so convincing. I especially love Balsam Hill and Afloral for real-looking faux greenery. For live greenery were able to get in season, my personal favorite is shaggy cedar garland layered up with dried orange slices and pinecones. It just feels so quintessentially country! Plus, its more pliable than standard fir garland, meaning its easier for us to manipulate as needed. Ian PalmerWe turned Landons desk into a makeshift wrapping station with color-coordinated papers.Edit Your Wrapping PaperIm not gonna lie: One of the most tedious things about a holiday photo shoot is wrapping all the presents. I save Amazon boxes throughout the year (as does Matthew), so that were prepared with all shapes and sizes that we can reuse when its time for seasonal photography. And then theres the wrapping! We pre-wrapped roughly 50 to 60 boxes for this shoot, most of which we hauled to the shoot in our roomy Kia Carnival, the Official Vehicle of Country Living. I find sticking to three or four gift wrap patterns is a good formula for feeling cohesive but not too matchy-matchy. You also cant go wrong with simple brown kraft paper wrapped up with ribbon or chunky yarn. Another fun trick: Repurposing vintage vessels under the tree as boxes, which we did under Landons tree with tin picnic baskets. RELATED: The #1 Top Tip From a Gift Wrapping ProIan PalmerWe packed a whole lot of presents into the Kia Carnival, the Official Vehicle of Country Living!Put Your Backyard to WorkMagazine stylists love a good branch. (You will 100 percent start noticing this!) Whether youre looking to add dramatic height to a kitchen island arrangement or a bit of nature to a bathroom, the best thing you can do is head into your yard with a set of clippers. (Our stylist Matthew also styled this Mississippi farmhouse for a fall issue, and even raided a burn pile on the property for the dried branches in the boot room.) Cue Up a Christmas Playlist When youre decorating during the off-season (any anytime, really), music is a surefire way to shift your mindset from hot-as-hinges to ho-ho-ho. I love to play the classics, but lately Ive really been feeling Kacey Musgravess A Very Kacey Christmas. Music helps lighten the mood and puts everyone in the spiritespecially important when weve invaded someones home for a few days! RELATED: The All-Time Best Christmas Songs for Your Ultimate Holiday PlaylistTour the End Result of Our Christmas Photo Shoot at Landons Cottage Here!Special thanks to the roomy Kia Carnival, the Official Vehicle of Country Living, for helping us make holiday magic. (Stay tuned for the Kia Carnival hybrid coming in 2025!)Tour More Houses All Styled up for Christmas:Anna LoganSenior Homes & Style EditorAnna Logan is the Senior Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she covers design and decorating trends, home features, and gift guides. She also produces home features and styles content for the print magazine. When she isnt working, can often be found digging around antique shops for the perfect find. Follow her adventures on Instagram!

Whether its the crackling logs on the fire or the smell of gingerbread wafting from the kitchen, theres nothing like spending the holidays snuggled up in a cozy, classic farmhouse decorated for the occasion. (Even better if youre watching a classic holiday movie such as Miracle on 34th Street or Home Alone.) The best part about creating that magical holiday feeling? You dont have to go over the top. Farmhouse-style Christmas decorations can be as humble and nostalgic as their surroundings. From simple garland swags on a wrap-around porch to a fresh-cut fir tree festooned in nostalgic ornaments, holiday decorating should be as timeless as it is chic. Below, weve gathered up our 20 all-time favorite touches to give your home a festive farmhouse feel just in time for merry Ol Saint Nick. Just dont forget the milk and cookies! Ready to Dive Into Holiday Decorating? Check Out More Farmhouse Christmas Ideas:1Layer Your GarlandAdam Albright for Country LivingSometimes, simple evergreen garland just isnt enough! In this farmhouse living room, antique brass bells, pinecones, and dried orange slices are woven into garland to give it some visual texture. TOUR THIS HOUSERELATED: How to Dry Citrus for All Your Holiday Decorations2Add Flair With Foraged FineryRikki Snyder for Country LivingIn this New York farmhouse, freshly gathered greenery and berries add a rustic feel to the entry while happy hits of citrus bring a pop of color. Playing up natural elements such as these is an easyand inexpensive!way to make your holiday decor feel luxe. TOUR THIS HOUSEAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below3Sneak in a SledDylan ChandlerCelebrate the winter seasons activities by propping a sled or two against by an exterior door. These graphic antique pieces add tons of charm for relatively little effort. RELATED: These DIY Wreaths Add Instant Christmas Curb Appeal To Your Front Door4Try a Blanket TableclothAnnie Schlechter for Country LivingYou dont need to invest in pricey tablecloths to give your Christmas gathering a seasonal spin. Take a note from design maven Nora Murphy and rely on your favorite tartan plaid blankets to set the holiday scene. RELATED: Set Your Christmas Dinner Menu with Any of These Fool-Proof Holiday Menu IdeasAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below5Use Unique GreeneryAnnie Schlechter for Country LivingWhile evergreen garland is a tried-and-true source of Christmas greenery, you dont have to stop here. In this farmhouse bathroom, topiaries and indoor plants also feel festive. (So does the cute red gingham pillow!)RELATED: These Are The 80+ Best Ways to Add Soul to Your Bathroom, According to Designers6Accent Everything With RedDavid Tsay for Country LivingThis white farmhouse plays up holiday cheer by layering on the reds. A bright door beckons visitors inside for hot cocoa, while red bows on both the garland and the wreaths add a classic Christmas punch. TOUR THIS HOUSERELATED: Heres How To Tie The Perfect Bow, According To Our Craft DirectorAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below7Go All in on BowsDavid Tsay for Country LivingYes, bows are still on-trend! In textile designer Heather Taylors California cabin, delicate bows were chosen over ornaments to add a sense of whimsy to the otherwise classic cabincore feel.TOUR THIS HOUSERELATED: These Are The Top Christmas Decorating Trends of 2024, According To Designers8Pretty it up With Paper ChainBecky Luigart-Stayner, styling by Matthew GleasonA classic paper chain does all the holiday heavy lifting in this Tennessee Christmas cottage. When your decorations are this classic, it doesn't take much to make your home feel holiday-ready. TOUR THIS HOUSEAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below9Embrace A Colorful ChristmasDavid Tsay for Country LivingRed and green might be the classic color pairing for the holiday season, but this colorful kitchen shows that you can rely on your homes existing palette to make your space merry and bright. Here, a wreath festooned with antique ornaments lends cheer to an equally vibrant Pyrex collection. 10Wrap Your Presents *and* Your PortratiureRikki Snyder for Country LivingPresents arent the only thing getting wrapped in this holiday-ready hallway. Simple festive ribbons tied around artwork is a great way to elevate your everyday decor. RELATED: These Gallery Wall Ideas Are Stylish AND Easy To ReplicateAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below11Keep it SimpleKim Cornelison for Country LivingWhile we love perfectly placed garlands as much as anyone, we know that sometimes simple is best. On this classic white farmhouse, boughs of unadorned pine garland hang straight down, instead of wrapping, the porch columns. TOUR THIS HOUSERELATED: The Best Outdoor Christmas Decoration Ideas12Trot Out the TartanAnnie Schlechter for Country LivingTouches of tartan feel right at home in this airy entryway. When in doubt, bring out the tartan for a classic look during the holidays. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below13Ready Your Room Year-RoundDavid TsayLovingly named The Christmas Room, this farmhouse living room boasts a built-in holiday look thanks to wall-to-wall red plaid carpeting and evergreen-colored paint. The year-round decor is the ultimate backdrop for vintage collectibles, including 4-H ribbons, Shiny Brite ornaments, red barn paint-by-numbers, and grain sacks repurposed as stockings.Get the LookWall Paint Color: Lafayette Green by Benjamin MooreRELATED: Heres How Much Your Favorite Vintage Christmas Decorations Are Worth Today14Set up a Festive BarJean Allsopp for Country LivingNothing says holiday cheer like a grab-and-go bar set up. This antique chest of drawers plays host to a few bottles of bubbly and snacks, proving that all you need to get a holiday party started is a Christmas cheers!TOUR THIS HOUSERELATED: These Christmas Cocktails Are Guaranteed to Give Guests A Warm Welcome This Holiday SeasonAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below15Merry up Your Mantel With IronstoneErin Little for Country LivingIn this colonial farmhouse, space is at a premium! An oversize fireplace gets a festive flair thanks to antique ironstone filled with blue and white baubles. TOUR THIS HOUSERELATED: The Complete Collectors Guide to Ironstone16Make It Merry With Mini TreesBurcu AvsarIts the more the merrier when it comes to Christmas trees in a farmhousebut they dont all have to be big. This fireplace scene is the perfect example of just how much oimpact a mini tree can have. RELATED: Bring Big Cheer to Small Spaces with These Mini Christmas Tree IdeasAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below17Bring Out the BaublesDavid Tsay for Country LivingThe lowest effort decorating is often the most effective. In this holiday-ready entry, an oval tray piled up with Shiny Brite ornaments sets a festive, welcoming mood. RELATED: Give Your Entry A Seasonal Refresh with These Stylish Ideas18Bring Out the AntiquesDavid Tsay for Country LivingThis holiday scene proves that vintage decor works in any season. Atop the dresser, a collection of antique art and signage still feels seasonally appropriate next to vintage deer figurines. Below, evergreen garland gets the nostalgic touch thanks to vintage ornaments and small pennant flags. The hutch itself is filled with festive red and white textiles to add another layer of old-fashioned style. RELATED: These Vintage Christmas Decorations Will *Never* Go Out of StyleAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below19Go All in on Winter WhitesVictoria PearsonIf red and green are not in your palette, stick to seasonally appropriate winter whites. In this cozy cabin bedroom, bright whites feel welcoming and cozy, not stark, when paired with rustic wood finishes. TOUR THIS HOUSERELATED: 30+ White Bedroom Ideas for a Totally Serene Sleeping Space20Swap Out Your Shower CurtainBecky Luigart-Stayner, styling by Matthew Gleason for Country LivingSmall touches can have the biggest impact. In this adorable Tennessee cottage, a red-and-white ticking striped shower curtain adds Christmas cheer to the green-and-white bathroom. TOUR THIS HOUSEAnna LoganSenior Homes & Style EditorAnna Logan is the Senior Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she covers design and decorating trends, home features, and gift guides. She also produces home features and styles content for the print magazine. When she isnt working, can often be found digging around antique shops for the perfect find. Follow her adventures on Instagram!

Good news for fans of design star Galey Alix! While her HGTV show Home in a Heartbeat is not returning, shes not going anywhere. Along with the occasional appearance on other HGTV shows, like last summers 100 Day Hotel Challenge, and new projects on her social media, where fans first fell in love with her surprise home transformations, now shes helping you refresh your home on a budget. And shes starting with whats underfoot.In November, she launched her Galey Alix x Livabliss rug collection, available at Wayfair, Amazon, Home Depot, Lowes, and Bed Bath & Beyond. And in many way, she tells, Country Living, its an extension of what she did on her show and has been doing on social media for years. Theres something for everyones style.Galey Alix x Livabliss Myrtle Avenue Area Rug, 8'10" x 12'2"Now 43% Off$705 $402 at Wayfair If youve followed Galey for a while or watched her show, you know the process: She finds a deserving individual or family, someone who could really use a boost. Then she meets with them in their home to understand what they needand then she takes over: Still today, even with my celebrity clients, I dont go over any decisions with the client. I dont show you color palettes. We dont even necessarily talk about what rooms Im going to do. You just tell me your budget and that you trust me, and then you give me your credit card and you move out for a weekend, and I come in, and then I surprise you.So, shes gotten really good at understanding different peoples styles and, as she puts it, how to make something them more than maybe they even realize its them. Though she might not have the same style or design taste as the person whose home shes making over, she learned how to change her design style based on the client but still create something that she likes and can be proud of. As she was designing the rug collection, she applied that same mindset to every design and pattern. Some are modern, some are transitional, some are traditional, some are bold, some are demure. Some have a lot of colors. Some have very neutral tones. I just wanted to have things that would make sense for anybodythat everybody would think is pretty, even if its not your style, she says. She was thinking about your budget.Kristina EvansAnother aspect about Galey to understand: When she chooses someone to surprise, she never charges them for her services. She was working full time at a Wall Street firm and did not need the income when she started her home makeover side gig. Her reward has always been when the recipient, who might be a little down or maybe went through something difficult recently, gets to come home after her visit and find that their home feels like a warm hug. I wanted to make really big rugs that immediately refresh a space but not make them unaffordable.For the rug collection, she realized she could not be there to design every persons home, but she still wanted to help people transform their spaces with a quality piece without spending a lot of money.The problem, I realized, is that it is so hard to make your home beautiful without spending a lot of money. It is so expensive with inflation and the way the economy has gone kind of since the pandemic, when we had that huge surge of demand, materials, cost of goods, and then inflation on top of it, everything just went up. I wanted to be able to make really big rugs that can immediately refresh a space, but not make them unaffordable and unattainable, she says.Galey Alix x Livabliss RugsMyrtle Avenue V Rug, 7'10" x 10'2"Now 51% Off$455 $222 at WayfairMaria Elena III Rug, 7'10" x 10'2"Now 53% Off$585 $274 at WayfairFetscher V Rug, 7'10" x 10'2"Now 49% Off$585 $298 at WayfairDesign TipWant to make one change to refresh a room? Galey Alix says look to the big three: If you think about it from a designers perspective, theres three things that are going to take up the most space in any room. Its the wall color. Its the flooring. And then the third biggest thing that can change an entire room is the rug, because it takes up the most space. Other than the walls and the floor, the rug is the next biggest point of color or texture or quality. So if you put in a nice rug into a room, it immediately can elevate the whole room. For her, that meant finding a way to make 9'x12' rugs that look and feel like they cost $2,000 to $3,000, but are actually well below $1,000 and even under $500. That goal is what led her to a partnership with Livabliss. Because the brand owns its factories instead of outsourcing manufacturing, she says, she could make the same quality of rug at a much lower price point.The rugs are really amazing quality. I have them in my home.The beauty of my background in Wall Street and economics is that Im able to understand the natural flow of the manufacturing profit, where costs are going, the cost of goods, minimum order quantities, all of these things, so I could figure out who is the best place to go to get the best quality at the lowest price, she says.The rugs are really amazing quality. I have them in my home. With my design eye, looking at this rug, walking on it, feeling it, I would absolutely believe you if you told me it cost $2,500. But it cost $450. Galey AlixShe imbued her patterns with her everyday inspirations.Ever wonder what it means when an interior designer or decorator creates their own textile line? We asked.Galey explains that it was a process of finding individual things that she comes across every day for inspiration and then figuring out how to work aspects of those things into rug patterns. The beauty of working with Livabliss is that I have an amazing team there, and theyve got decades of experience working and creating rugs, she says, and they would take her ideas and implement them. The way that Ive come up with patterns is I might have an old vintage T shirt that has this design on it, and then I say, okay, I want to replicate this, but I want to make the edges more swirly. I want to create more gaps between the circles, and then I want to do a border with something really faded in the middle, and then we just kind of play with it, she says.It was a combination of me either drawing by hand a pattern on a piece of paper and then taking a photo of it and emailing it to them, or us sitting on Zoom and me saying, like, hey, you see the stonework behind me in my kitchen? I want to replicate that muddled feel, but I want to do it with white washing over the colorway so that it looks more vintage-y.Nate Bednarz She made rugs for livingdogs and all.Galey is a dog lover. Her late dog Charlye, a 13-year-old boxer, is the actual love of my life, she says. Now she has Patch, whos two years old, and a new puppy, Bair, both boxers, so designing rugs that fit in with people and their pets was a big priority. I know what its like to be constantly cleaning up accidents, and then all of a sudden you spend money on a rug, and then they ruin a corner of it. Theres only so many times you can turn that rug around. Galey Alix x Livabliss Luciana III Hand Tufted Rug, 5' x 7'6Now 49% Off$375 $193 at WayfairSo for me, it was really important that I do all low pile [with the exception of the patterns in the Architect line, which are a combination of high and low pile]. Its easier to clean because the thinner the pile, the less it can soak up any sort of discoloration from the stains.Another pet peeve she designed for? She hates when rugs show traffic patterns because you feel like you constantly need to vacuum it. So the majority of my rugs, I made them with this muddled, vintage/antique look across them that makes them look worn all over. Because of that worn look, you cant tell if its brand-new or 30 years old. In other words, in 10 years, that rug is still going to look good because the whole thing, even the new parts look worn. Its almost like a whitewash jeanyou cant tell if theyre brand-new or if theyve been washed 30 times. Whats next?Many more product launches are ahead for Galey, she says, including wallpaper, pillows and decorative objects, furniture, hardwired lighting, and flooring. Stay tuned! More Decor Collections from HGTV Stars Terri RobertsonTerri Robertson is the Senior Editor, Digital, at Country Living, where she shares her lifelong love of homes, gardens, down-home cooking, and antiques.

The first time Alyson Morgan set foot in rural southwestern Wisconsin, the rolling hills and deep valleys were buried under a mantle of snow dotted with red barns that stuck out like Christmas berries on the horizon. Alyson and her husband, AJ, were visiting friends at their farm and had stepped out for an evening walk. We were watching the Amish doing their chores on another snowy ridge, and the moon was just coming up, she says. It was just so peaceful, and I was really drawn to this place.Having grown up more than 2,000 miles away in San Franciscos Bay Area, Alyson hardly pictured herself making a home in this part of the country called the Driftless Area, so named for its sculpted topography. But after that initial visit, Alyson felt the same pull that AJ had to this region in the state where he grew up. Twelve years later, the couple, their childrenMagnolia and Griffintwo dogs, one cat, and a coop full of chickens are celebrating their second Christmas in the farmhouse they designed with local builder Adrian Ugo. Adam AlbrightAJ and Alyson Morgan with children Magnolia and GriffinPlanting roots here has deepened the familys connection to the locations seasonal shifts and informs their homesteading rituals, which Alyson documents at @alysonsimplygrows and in her debut book, Our Kindred Home. Inspired by the landscape and their gardens, nature plays into the familys traditions of cooking and crafting, even during the winter, when the growing season is all but dormant. I love the idea of the season going inwardthings start to get colder here, and the nights are darker. Youre brought back to what is meaningful to you, says Alyson.In the weeks leading up to Christmas, Alyson can be found potting paperwhites to gift to teachers and gathering fresh swags of evergreens to bring the scents of the season indoors. Magnolia and Griffin also take a hands-on approach, crafting ornaments and helping make pine spritz cookies, which theyll wrap up for friends and neighbors. While Wisconsin winters can be longand quite different from her California upbringingAlyson marvels at magical Midwestern moments like hearing the clip-clop of horse hooves and wagon wheels on the road by her house or waking up to a window of white. I still get giddy about the snow, she says. Below, see all the ways Alyson and her family created a true homestead holiday.Tour More Cozy Country Homes at Christmas:Fresh-Cut GreeneryAdam AlbrightIn the living room, a cast-iron fixture generates enough heat to warm the entire house during the winter. Its firebox features bricks salvaged from Milwaukees Third Ward, an homage to the city where AJ and Alyson previously lived. Evergreen garland with strings of vintage bells and block-print stockings lend a seasonal touch. RELATED: 50+ Christmas Mantel Ideas Full Of Holiday CharmAncestors AlcoveAdam AlbrightThe Morgans prioritized sustainably sourced materials, such as wide-plank oak floors milled locally by an Amish-owned company. The entrys switchback stairs frame an ancestors alcove, where the couple displays family photos and mementos.Meet the cat!Gifted to Magnolia and Griffin last Christmas by a neighbor on a nearby farm, Clover loves to curl up and nap in baskets around the house.Natural PaletteAdam AlbrightThe whole-house palettekitchen includedtakes its color cues from a stone that Magnolia found along the lakeshore when the family was on vacation in Door County. Creamy white walls and earth-toned cabinetry pair well with the islands warm walnut base and the ceilings reclaimed wood beams. The white enameled range and ceramic pendant lights keep the look seamless, while brass hardware complements Alysons growing collection of copper cookware. Adam AlbrightInspired by an English scullery, the pantrys built-in cabinetry resembles a hutch and provides ample room for both serveware and Alysons dried herbs. During the holidays, she packages tea blends and mulling spices in Mason jars with handwritten notes and recipes attached.Crafting Quarters Adam AlbrightIn the evening, the family gathers for dinner by candlelight, butthanks to kids supplies stored in its drawersthe dining rooms antique library table also serves up a handy spot for daytime DIYing. (To give the table a little more height, AJ and Alyson cleverly put it on casters.) Topped with wicker lampshades, the rooms iron chandelier ties into the black Thonet side chairs. I have an obsession with old chairs, says Alyson. Lighter TonesAdam AlbrightCreamy light-reflecting tile lines the back of the bathrooms arched nook. The soaking tub sits beneath windows that align with a direct view of the moon when its full. Heirloom FurnitureAdam AlbrightIn the primary bedroom, a modern take on the classic poster bed cuts a striking silhouette in the primary bedroom. I wanted a piece I could pass down, says Alyson. The hand-turned design was also chosen for its ebony finish. I lean into florals and lighter tones, so I wanted to mix in darker, more masculine furniture, she says. A cluster of brass bells tied with scarlet ribbon adds a subtle ring to the holiday. RELATED: Cozy Farmhouse Bedroom IdeasFarm FriendsAdam AlbrightIn Magnolias bedroom, felted farm animal ornaments adorn a pint-size alpine tree, and a paper chain made of wallpaper hangs above. The gray spindle bed, positioned near the window where Magnolia likes to watch the sun rise, was a gift from Alysons mother years ago. Magnolia is our early bird; shes up before all of us, knitting or reading, says Alyson. This is her little sanctuary.MudroomAdam AlbrightWisconsin weather means a hardworking mudroom is a must, so the couple designed the rooms built-ins with an L-shaped walnut bench for a handy spot to slip boots on and off. Once the snow fun is had, the family assembles on the back porch for apple cider, hot bowls of soup, and AJs reading of The Hobbit.Get the Look:Bedroom Tree: Balsam HillRELATED: Stylish Mudroom Ideas to Help Keep You OrganizedPorch TreeAdam AlbrightOne of the familys holiday traditions includes walking the land of their friends choose-and-cut Christmas tree farm, Snowy Ridge Tree Farm, with mugs of hot chocolate. Later, Magnolia and Griffin help trim its branches with handmade citrus ornaments, collected pine cones, wooden spindles, and metal snowflake and star ornaments.Meet the dog!Poppy the cockapoo is very obedient, unless shes eating scraps we bring out to the chickens, says Alyson.Enjoy More Holiday House Tours!

When it comes to decorating your homes exterior for the holidays, theres a lot of fanfare around the wreaths, garlands, and lights, but those porch plantersthe same ones that happily housed geraniums in the summer and mums in the falltend to go overlooked this time of year. They dont have to! Despite the colder temps, there are plenty of ways to twirl up an empty container or window box for the holiday season, from tree-shaped rosemary shrubs to boxwood orbs to lush and loose arrangements of items foraged from your surroundings. You dont even have to do any planting, necessarily. From freshly clipped tree branches and faux greenery to clusters of pinecones, you can embrace a mix of materials and textures to create an impactful and aesthetically pleasing display befitting any cottage, farmhouse, or cabin. How to Arrange Outdoor Christmas Planters Generally speaking, the classic thriller, filler, spiller rule is a good frame of reference to create any container. Start with your thriller, which is your focal plant or element (it could be a mini Christmas tree, for example). Next, layer in your filler, which is a material to round out your container. Finally, your spiller is any material that drapes or trails dramatically over the edges of the pot, such as large boughs of fir or trailing ivy. Below are 23 beautiful planters to give you inspiration. How to Care for Outdoor Christmas PlantersAs the season progresses, you can remove the more Christmas-y parts of your display, such as ribbons or ornaments, and your planter will look appropriate all winter long. Just snip out any pieces of greenery that begin to turn brown. If inserting real evergreen stems into soil in warmer climates, water the planter regularly. This will help the cuttings stay supple. In colder climates, dont worry about it: Most mixed-evergreen containers will last for months, especially if theyre not in direct sunlight.Find more inspiring seasonal dcor, flower arrangements, and holiday content:1Greenery-Filled Crock PlanterAdam Albright, styling by Kelly Ryan KegansCollect extra branches of greenery and put them upright in a stoneware crock for an easy outdoor planter. Adjust the height as desired by the length of your branches. You can even add a little water to the crock to help prolong the greenerys freshness.RELATED: 50+ DIY Christmas Wreaths to Give Your Guests the Prettiest Welcome2Woven Basket Christmas Tree PlanterDylan ChandlerIts no secret that were big proponents of a porch tree. Whether you deck it out or leave it untrimmed, a woven basket makes for the perfect skirt.RELATED: Tour the Inside of This 1830s Log Cabin That Perfects the Old-Fashioned Christmas Look.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below3Natural Topiary Christmas PlanterYuliia Blazhuk//Getty ImagesDried flowers, live vines, and evergreen garland twined around a conical topiary make a lovely display.RELATED: What Its Like to Own a Christmas Tree Farm4Pine Branches in a Stoneware JugNat Rea, styling by Matthew GleasonFor a twist on a traditional planter, place freshly clipped branches in a narrow-mouthed vessel, like a woven demijohn or stoneware jug.RELATED: Tour This Rhode Island Saltbox All Decked Out for Christmas with Fresh GreeneryAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below5Vintage Bucket PlantersNordeck Photography INC.Every farmhouse has at least one or two galvanized or enamel buckets around. So, put them to good use come Christmas as planters for small evergreen shrubs. Leave the trees bare or decorate with pine cones and even lights for extra glow. RELATED: 14 Types of Christmas Trees You Should Know About6Antique Wheelbarrow PlanterPhotography Sussie Bell, Styling Selina LakeWhether you fill it with soil and plantings or simply add a medley of containers, an old wheelbarrow is a great way to lend classically country charm to seasonal blooms.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below7Galvanized Tub PlanterPhotography Sussie Bell, Styling Selina LakeDainty hellebores and paperwhites look quite pretty when paired with worn and weathered metal containers. (Champagne buckets could work too.)8Greenery-Filled Urn PlantersRikki SnyderThe most instant-gratification way to flank a front door: Tuck fresh sprigs or big branches of greenery in large planters, such as these stone urns. The branches may not last into February, but they will at least sit pretty for your holiday party.RELATED: Tour Inside This Postcard-Perfect Farmhouse in the CatskillsAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below9Red Wagon Tree DisplayBrian WoodcockRemember how we said we love a good porch tree? Here, a smaller four-footerdecked only with a scarfsits atop a red wagon filled with presents. RELATED: Tour Inside This Charming Tennessee Cabin That is Rustic Revelry at its Finest10Wooden Crate PlanterCountry Living / Sussie BellWhether used indoors or out, a wooden crate is a useful vessel for an arrangement of amaryllis and freshly clipped greenery.RELATED: How to Care for an Amaryllis PlantAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below11Antique Watering Can PlanterPhotography Sussie Bell, Styling Selina LakeDress up a rusty old watering can with an assortment of seasonal clippings.12Potted Boxwood PlanterKaryn MilletYou can never go wrong with simple boxwoods, real or faux. For extra embellishment during the holiday season, tuck in a few bows.RELATED: Top 5 Christmas Decorating Trends for 2024, According to Designers. Yes, Bows are Still Very Much a Thing.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below13Wreaths Around Dog StatuesBecky Luigart-StaynerAs an alternative to a traditional planter, consider placing wreaths around statues that flank the front door. Here, dog statues look extra festive at a Mississippi hunting lodge designed by Richard Keith Langham.14Potted Trio PlantersDavid MeridithRound out your standard wreath-garland combo with a mini sled and assortment of potted plants and trees.RELATED: Tour the Inside of This Utah Home All Decked Out for the HolidaysAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below15Woven Basket Bevydmf87//Getty ImagesMatching wicker baskets hep unify this handsome wintry display of live trees and berried stems and grasses.16Boxwood and Birch Window BoxTammi Mild//Getty ImagesA combination of boxwood clippings and upright river birch branches make this a handsome window box arrangement. A light peppering of berries and a pretty poinsettia-themed bow add the finishing touches.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below17Lush and Lively Planterspeterspiro//Getty ImagesFilled with various types of greens and a collection of faux fruit and green stems, these eye-catching planters prove that more is more when it comes to holiday decor.RELATED: Learn All About Tudor-Style Houses18Country-Style Window BoxTammi Mild//Getty ImagesThis pretty window box is overflowing with greens, red twig dogwood sticks, and rattan balls. A plaid bow ups the country charm.RELATED: 20 DIY Window Boxes to Step Up Your Outdoor DcorAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below19Flocked Branches PlanterLaurie Rubin//Getty ImagesEnjoy a white Christmas, regardless of geography. Here, white pine is dressed up with flocking powder to simulate a snow-dusted arrangement. Branches of berries add some color and contrast. RELATED: A Step-by-Step Guide to Christmas Tree Flocking20Gold and Gilt PlanterSkyF//Getty ImagesA tall planter with simple lines is accented with gold ornaments and a gold star. Curly willow and berried branches add height and drama. Arricca Elin SanSoneContributing WriterArricca Elin SanSone is a freelance writer, editor, and digital content developer. She specializes in lifestyle and interior design content with a focus on gardening. Arricca earned dual bachelors degrees summa cum laude in English and classics from Hiram College, as well as an MBA cum laude from Georgia Southern University. Before writing full-time, Arricca studied in Rome, traveled in Europe, and taught school in Asia. With over a decade of experience, Arricca has pitched, researched, and crafted fresh story ideas and content to appeal to national audiences. She has written thousands of articles for print and digital publications such as Country Living, Good Housekeeping, Prevention, House Beautiful, and more. Shes passionate about gardening, baking, reading, and spending time with the people and dogs she loves.Janece MazeJanece Maze is Associate Editor at Country Living, where she covers DIY projects, gardening, and travel. When shes not in the kitchen creating a new recipe with farm fresh ingredients, you can find her on the road heading to a music festival or browsing a local consignment shop.

Applying millwork to walls is a sure-fire way to wake up a sleepy room. Just like the exterior architecture of a house visually expresses a homes style, amped-up walls of interior spaces also add character cues. Beyond sheet rock thats painted or wallpapered, decorative paneling in the form of beadboard and wainscoting adds texture and brings another dimension to rooms. But while beadboard and wainscoting both refer to decorative wall treatments, the terms are often confused and they do not mean the same thing. Here, well dive into beadboard and wainscoting definitions alongside examples of ways to use them to express your style.Jump to:Find Even More Ideas For Decorating With Wood:Whats the Difference Between Beadboard and Wainscoting?Its easy to confuse beadboard and wainscoting because they are often misused interchangeably, but they are not synonymous terms. Beadboard refers a specific type of wall cladding that is made of narrow planks usually placed vertically on the wall. Wainscoting is a broader term that describes any type of molding (beadboard, board-and-batten, and V-groove are among some of the common types) that covers a portion of a wall. In other words, beadboard is the material that can be used as wainscoting.What is Beadboard? Beadboard refers to thin, narrow strips of wood (or a material that mimics the look of wood such as medium-density fiberboard, PVC, or vinyl) with a rounded bead edge that runs the length of the grooves between each strip. Historically, beadboard dates back to the Victorian era. It was made inexpensively from wood scraps and was used to insulate and protect walls in high-traffic areas. Today, beadboard paneling, commonly available in 4- by 8-foot sheets with planks measuring 2 1/2 inches wide, is used as a decorative element, applied to walls to add charm, texture, and architectural interest. From historic homes to new houses, beadboard spans myriad styles ranging from coastal capes, cottages, and bungalows to cabins and farmhouses. Nick JohnsonWhat is Wainscoting?Wainscoting describes decorative wood molding that covers a portion of a wall that is typically painted or stained. The height of wainscoting can vary, but it usually follows a one-third ratio in height, leaving the remaining wall available to paint or wallpaper. Historically, wainscoting was functional: It helped to insulate rooms and protected walls from damage. For example, a chair rail is the molding cap at the top of the wainscot positioned at the height of the back of a chair (about the bottom third of a wall) to protect the walls from bumps. Often, the wall that is exposed above the wainscoting is painted or wallpapered.RELATED: 35+ Wainscoting Ideas to Add Character to Every Room in Your HomeThree Types of WainscotingFrom cozy charm to relaxed formality, these three forms of wainscoting help set the stage of a room. Raised Panel. This traditional style of wainscoting, which first became popular in 17th-century England, features panels set flush against surrounding trim with raised beveled edges around each panel, almost mimicking a repeating picture-frame effect on the wall. The style can veer more formal and polished, paired with stately antiques in dressed-up dining rooms of Colonial and Victorian homes, or it can project a relaxed formality, mixed with warm woods and rustic furniture in the well-trodden entryway of a country house. Stacy Zarin Goldberg Beadboard. Used as wainscoting, beadboard brings instant nostalgia to a room without overtaking it. The narrow vertical boards can add height, for example, by running the wainscot up two-thirds of a wall. Beadboard wainscoting is a go-to solution for adding interest in the smallest of places such as a mudroom or a secondary bathroom.Brie Williams Flat Panel. This streamlined style of wainscoting is the opposite of the raised panel there are no beveled edges and the panels are recessed in symmetrical sizes along a portion of a wall. The style is casual yet organized and commonly seen in Craftsman-style bungalows. Alec HemerRELATED: Tambour Paneling Is the Latest Must-Have Home Feature and a Favorite of HGTV StarsHow to Use Beadboard in a BathroomGo all-in on beadboard in small spaces like a bathroom to cover the ceiling and the walls to create a cozy jewel box effect. Or, use it strategically, on the wall behind the sink, so the beadboard acts as a backsplash. In small or large doses, beadboard is a cost-effective way to inject farmhouse personality into a practical space.Dane Tashima, styling by Raina KattelsonRELATED: 80+ Bathroom Decorating Ideas to Add Some Soul to Your BathroomHow to Use Beadboard on a CeilingFrom the east coast down to the deep south, porches featuring beadboard-clad ceilings are as common as the slam of a screen door on a summer day. Often, the ceilings are painted in a contrasting hue (like sky blue, also commonly referred to as haint blue) or finished in a glossy sheen to distinguish it from the rest of the porchs exterior. Soft woods, such as cedar, work best areas that are exposed to the elements. Inside, beadboard ceilings were common in the bedrooms, baths, and kitchens of 19th- and early 20th-century farmhouses, and the look continues to be popular today.Annie Schlechter RELATED: 20 Wood Ceiling Ideas to Bring Your Room Country CharmHow to Use Beadboard in the MudroomHigh-traffic areas need sturdy walls to withstand the scuffs and bumps of daily life, which is why beadboard is a common material for mudrooms in old and new homes. Pair it with shelves, peg rails, or hooks to put the wall to work.Annie SchlechterRELATED: 35 Ideas for a More Stylish and Functional Mudroom, According to Designers Kelly Ryan KegansKelly Ryan Kegans is a Minneapolis-based writer, editor, and photo stylist with more than 25 years of experience producing home design content for brands including Country Living, Better Homes & Gardens, and HGTV Magazine. Her own home is populated with more books than shelves, a few too many scrubbed pine tables, and moody photos of gray day landscapes, which are her happy place.

As the holidays near, its not only time to start planning out a delectable feast starring your favorite turkey or ham, but its also time to think through how to thoughtfully welcome guests into your home. If you have family or friends coming to stay this season, heres your excuse to spruce up your extra bedroom for their stay. To help inspire you, weve rounded up our best guest bedroom ideas.Whether you have a small space or a large one and are on a limited budget or a sizable one, these pictures are sure to give you lots of bedroom decor ideas. After selecting just the right guest bed frame and mattress, you can start brainstorming your wall design and even how to create an office setup that can be used when guests arent staying with you. The good news is that even a simple addition of cheery bedding or a fresh coat of paint goes a long way to freshen up a guest rooms look and make it feel welcoming and relaxed for whoever stays in it. Below youll also find small space decorating ideas, including how to best tuck guests away into cozy sleeping quarters or a converted attic. By the time you finish with your guest room, you might be choosing the guest bed over your own!For even more bedroom decorating ideas:1Add in Subtle Festive FlairAdam AlbrightBring extra cheer to your holiday guests with a touch of seasonal decor in their bedroom. Here, a cluster of brass bells tied with a scarlet ribbon adds a subtle ring to the holiday hanging on a classic poster bed. You might also add a fresh greenery wreath or a small tree to the space.Get the Look: Poster Bed:Colestin Bed by Rejuvenation2Pile on the BlanketsRikki SnyderWinter nights can get chilly, and theres nothing worse than not having enough covers to keep you warm at night. Throw an extra throw blanket loosely on your guest bed and place another on a chair or other surface for guests to make sure they stay warm and cozy in your guest room overnight. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below3Set Out a Bedside LampJean Allsopp, styling by Heather BullardIf you dont sleep in a room yourself, it's easy to focus on making it look pretty, but dont forget the practical elements youd want in a room to sleep overnight. Case in point: A bedside lamp is essential (because who wants to get up from bed to turn off a light switch after reading in bed?). The blue-ish gray paint on the walls in this room has a calming effect as well, and the metallic wreath with a red ribbon adds a festive accent.RELATED: Tour More of this Tennessee Home All Decked Out for Christmas4Go Matchy-MatchyBecky Luigart-Stayner, styling by Matthew GleasonIf youre trying to fit as many guests as you can for the holidays, which is the case at Country Living Editor-in-Chief Rachel Barretts Mississippi farmhouse, give your twin beds a pulled-together feel with matching bedding. Change up the boudoir pillows on each bed for a personalized touch.Get the Look:Gingham Pillows: Gingham Petite Pillow by Heather Taylor HomeFloral Pillows: Bloomsbury Boudoir Pillow by Biscuit HomeAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below5Use Pops of GreenBecky Luigart-Stayner, styling by Matthew GleasonNo matter the season, we love seeing all the pops of greena totally on-trend huein this calm and collected guest room, but its especially festive around the holidays. Fun patterns and a mix of textures play nicely with the more traditional bed frame and art work.Get the Look: Velvet Pillow: Fringed Signature Velvet Pillow in Sage by Ballard DesignsSkirted Nightstand Fabric: Filigree Flower in Gilt by Soane BritainRELATED: 50 Rooms and Decorating Ideas That Prove Green Is the Prettiest Color6Drench Your Room in WhiteMarta Xochilt PerezIf your guest room is small or has a low ceiling, go for white! Drenching the walls, ceiling, and floors in the single light color provides a cohesive visual background and allows for more colorful decor and layers that bring the space together without overpowering. RELATED: The Best White Paint Colors For Every Room in the House Advertisement - Continue Reading Below7Go Wild with WallpaperHelen Norman, styling by Matthew GleasonThis guest bedrooms botanical wallpaper fits right into the cottages mountain setting. Homeowner Amy Whyte layered in patterned linens in a burnt-orange-and-denim color palette to give the space that perfectly put together feel.Get the Look:Wallpaper: Wychwood by Andrew Martin8Layer on Colorful QuiltsDavid TsayIn a calm and quiet guest room, layer on colorful pieced quilts in a similar colorway to add a farmhouse feel. This is also a great way to create a cohesive palette in a room with multiple beds.RELATED: Farmhouse Decorating Ideas for Every Room in Your HouseAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below9Add a Guest-Friendly Luggage RackMax Kim-BeeTheres nothing worse than walking into a guest room and having no place for your things! Provide a functional (and stylish!) luggage rack, like these folding camp stools, to help guests keep their weekend clutter under control. Get the Look:For similar, Luggage Racks: Solid Wood Luggage Rack from Amazon RELATED: Tour More of One of the Prettiest Country Farmhouses Weve Ever Seen10Pretty It Up with PaintAdam Albright, styling by Matthew GleasonWant to take plain-Jane bunk beds to the next level? Take a page out of this Missouri summer cabins playbook and paint them a fun shade! Here, a moody blue-gray sets a slightly nautical tone.Get the Look:Bunk Bed Paint Color: Submarine Gray by BehrFloor Paint Color: Cypress Vine by BehrAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below11Choose Statement BeddingBrie Williams, styling by Rachel RiversIn this cozy, creamy West Virginia bedroom, statement bedding steals the show. Mix and match patternsstaying within a similar color rangefor the ultimate designed-but-not-designed look.RELATED: Tour More of This Tiny West Virginia Cottage That Brims with Big Personality12Lean Into Architectural QuirksAlyssa LeeIf your guest room doesnt have a conventional layout, lean into the unusual space! Here, a tucked-in cubby becomes the perfect guest perch thanks to scalloped wood trim and cozy bedding. Dont forget to bring in a small bedside table or stool.RELATED: Youll Want To Cozy Up In These Rustic BedroomsAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below13Upcycle a TrunkJenna LeBlancIn this nicely neutral guest room, an antique trunk topped with a pharmacy-style reading lamp acts as a bedside table for both beds. Rely on fun vintage items such as this to bring an added layer of personality to your space. 14Go Pretty & PrimitiveBuff StricklandTexas designer Claire Zinnecker masterfully balances pretty and primitive throughout her circa-1898 Texas farmhouse. In the guest room, we love the way the rustic walls look with the feminine bedding. Plus, the antique double wedding ring quilt was sewn by her grandmother!RELATED: Tour More of Claires Charming Farmhouse That She Bought for $15,000 on Facebook MarketplaceYou Wont Believe the Before!Advertisement - Continue Reading Below15Add a Loveseat David TsayWhether for mans best friend or just another sitting option, adding a small couch or loveseat to a guest bedroom will make for a homey touch.RELATED: Tour More of This Tiny Restored Farmhouse That is Packed with Pattern and Patina16Embrace Summer Tones Alec HemerConsider this guest bedroom a lesson in breezy decor. A bamboo headboard and antique quilt are complemented by turquoise furniture and cabbageware plates artfully hung on the wall.Get the Look:Cabbageware Plates: Cabbage Dinner Plates by Bordallo PinheroRELATED: See More of This Breezy, Dreamy Beach House That Used to Be a Rundown ShackAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below17Bring in a BenchKim CornelisonNeed to maximize storage or sitting space in a small bedroom? Add a bench at the end of the bed! Rustic wood ones are the perfect complement to wrought iron beds. RELATED: These Are The Top 100 Paint Colors of All-Time18Roll in a Clothing RackDavid TsayFor a room without a closet (or closets that are already full!), bring in a freestanding clothing rack to provide your guests a convenient place to hang their clothes.Get the Look:Bed: Dorley Farmhouse Bed from Home Depot Advertisement - Continue Reading Below19Add All-American AccentsChristopher Dibble, styled by Liz StrongIn a tiny coastal Washington home, a patriotic theme rings through this guest bedroom, from the flags on the wall to the various red-and-blue patterns below.RELATED: Tour More of This Tiny Puget Sound Home That Was Made for Lazy Summers20Choose a Dresser Over a Side TableBrian Woodcock, styling by Alison AllsoppUsing a dresser as a side table offers visitors more storage and space for their belongings. Installing a wall-mounted sconce, as opposed to using a table lamp, also frees up space on top for books and catchall trays.RELATED: See How Tennessee Couple Transformed a Rickety Hayloft Into This Airy Modern HomeAnna LoganSenior Homes & Style EditorAnna Logan is the Senior Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she covers design and decorating trends, home features, and gift guides. She also produces home features and styles content for the print magazine. When she isnt working, can often be found digging around antique shops for the perfect find. Follow her adventures on Instagram!Madoline Markham KoonceAssistant Managing EditorMadoline Markham Koonce is the assistant managing editor at Country Living and VERANDA, where she covers home dcor, shopping, travel, news, and culture. She began her career at Southern Living and previously worked in community journalismincluding serving as the editor of three community magazines she helped launch. She has an undergraduate degree in history from Rhodes College (and loves to tap her love of history in her writing) as well as a masters degree in magazine journalism from the University of Missouri. When shes not on deadline, you can find her baking or lost in a good book.

Nothing says home for the holidays like curling up next to a roaring fire and turning on your favorite Christmas movie, a mug of hot chocolate in hand. The twinkling lights of your Christmas tree might be where your eyes wander first, but dont forget about the mantel! No matter how detailed your living room decorations may get during the holidays, its easy to overlook this spot once its festooned with Santa-ready stockings. But youll be surprised at how quickly you can twirl up your mantel with some garland and a few well-placed pieces of decor. Were not saying you have to go all-out with a Christmas extravaganza (though we certainly have ideas if you want to decorate every nook and crannylooking at you, porch, front door, kitchen, and staircase!). Small, natural decorations go a long way in spreading holiday cheer. So, regardless of howand how muchyou want add festive flair to your mantel, weve got ideas for you! To make it even better, a majority of these ideas include subtle DIY touches, meaning you can achieve your dream aesthetic without breaking the bank. Ready To Dive Into Decorating? Check Out Some Of Our Other Favorite Christmas Decorating Ideas...1Go for GinghamDavid TsayWhile the holiday season might conjure up images of plaids and tartans, gingham shouldn't be overlooked. In design maven Heather Taylor's California cabin, gingham sofas stay year-round, while perfectly mismatched gingham stockings go up for Christmas. RELATED: Heather's Cozy Cabin is All We Want for Christmas2Channel Coastal CharmErin Little, styling by Matthew GleasonIf your house is more seaside than countryside, you can lean into coastal accents like photographer Tiffany Mizzell did in her Maine home. Charmingly weathered buoys and carved sea captains pair perfectly with fresh garland. RELATED: This Festive House is the Epitome of a Coastal ChristmasAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below3Make Mini Music TreesIf youre gearing up to host your annual caroling party, or just love the music of the holiday season, pay homage to the theme with sheet music trees! This easy-to-craft DIY makes the perfect addition to any mantel. RELATED: Heres How to Make Fringed Sheet Music Trees4Trot Out the TrophiesDylan ChandlerIf youre looking to add some vintage flair to your mantel, try trophies! They twirl up easily when filled with sprigs of greenery and shine with perfect patina next to a happily lit Christmas tree. Holiday cards displayed in vintage flower frogs and stockings made of old French grain sacks add more vintage charm.RELATED: These Are The 100+ Best Places To Shop for Antiques Online, According To Our EditorsAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below5Go for Oversized GarlandDylan ChandlerNeed to make a statement over your fireplace, but dont have a mantel? Try hanging oversized garland, strung along the top and down the sides, to pack on the holiday charm. RELATED: Our Favorite Rustic Living Room Ideas That Are Classic, Cozy, and Modern6Live by CandlelightDavid A. LandIn this coastal living room cozied up for Christmas, glass hurricane candle holders and jars flank the brick chimneyand dont detract from the lush garland, fisherman knit stockings, or life ring wreath.RELATED: See More of This Cozy Coastal Christmas FarmhouseAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below7Craft a Card DisplayMarta Xochilt Perez, styling by Matthew GleasonTake a page out of the Turner familys holiday playbook and keep notes from loved ones proudly on display. Here, collected Christmas cards tuck right behind shaggy garland for a personalized seasonal display. RELATED: See How The Turner Family Makes Merry In The Mitten State8Stick to Classic Christmas ColorsNat Rea, styling by Matthew GleasonRed and green are staples of the Christmas color palette for good reason. In this Rhode Island home, Mom and daughter get red knit stockings while Dad and sons go for green. RELATED: See More of This Cozy Rhode Island SaltboxAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below9Start With Shimmering Candle HoldersBecky StaynerAdd a little sparkle to the mantel with these easy-to-create candle sticks. To make, all you need to do is hot-glue a variety of small ornaments to thrifted candle stick bases. 10Embrace Vintage ElementsLiz Marie BlogVintage can go a long way when it comes to decorating. Bottlebrush trees, postcards, and plenty of greenery make its mark on this Christmas mantel designed by Liz Marie Galvan.Get the tutorial at Liz Marie Blog.RELATED: See Inside Liz Marie's Stunning White FarmhouseAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below11Craft Shiny Brite TreesBecky StaynerMake one or make tenit doesnt matter. Youll display these festive sparkling beauties on the mantel year after year. To make: Cover Styrofoam cones (we used 12- and 15-inch cones) with ornaments, attaching them with hot-glue. Start with larger ornaments at the bottom, transitioning to smaller ones as you work your way up. Fill in any gaps with mini ornament balls. If desired, wrap the finished trees with vintage tinsel and beaded garland.RELATED: Up For More Crafts? Check Out These Kid-Friendly Christmas Craft Ideas!12Hang Handmade StockingsBrian WoodcockSerial renovator Holly Williams makes her familys stockings from vintage feed sacks and adds personalization with yarn, which conjures the same handcrafted spirit as her pioneer-built cabin.RELATED: See More of Hollys Charming Tennessee Cabin Is the Epitome of Rustic Christmas DecorAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below13Turn Blankets Into StockingsAnnie SchlechterMulti-hyphenate creative Nora Murphy used a series of old blankets, which had seen better days, to make these adorable fringed tartan stockings for her homes holiday mantel. Now they hang beautifully next to a lush garland of mixed greens. RELATED: Tour More of Noras Connecticut Home That Is 'Mad for Plaid' at Christmastime14Let There Be LightDylan Chandler, styling by Matthew GleasonIn need of a quick mantel refresh for the holidays or just looking to keep your decor simple this year? Take a note from this holiday scene and opt for glowing battery-operated candles, stacks of red books, and fresh greenery to make your mantel feel merry. RELATED: Tour More of This1830s Log Cabin That Hosts an Idyllic Old-Fashioned ChristmasAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below15Give Feed Sack Stockings a TryDavid TsayOld feed sacks, which you can find at your local antiques store or flea market, can easily be upcycled and transformed into cute stockings! In this western Michigan farmhouse, the repurposed stockings were paired with lush garland accented with cheery Shiny Brite ornaments and wintry paint-by-number paintings. RELATED: See More of This Festive Farmhouse Packed with Cute Christmas Decorating Ideas16Fill It With FirDavid LandThis Wisconsin cabins stone fireplace gets a classically cozy touch thanks to simple fir garland and campy red lanterns.RELATED: See More of This Cabin Nestled in the Woods That Delivers the Ultimate Cozy ChristmasAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below17Style Up a Starry NightBurcu AvsarA wreath in the shape of a star, cheery presents, and stockings made of old feed sacks create the perfect farmhouse Christmas scene for this festive mantel.RELATED: Love The Small Tree? Here Are Our Best Mini Christmas Tree Ideas18Keep It Simple and SweetAnnie SchlechterYou dont have to go over the top with your holiday decor! In this farmhouse living room, an unadorned arrangement of greenery and antique stockings adorn the mantel, making for a cheery display. RELATED: Our Favorite Farmhouse Decorating Ideas To Help You Create Your Dream Country HomeAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below19Accent With AmericanaDavid TsayA massive stone fireplace in this campy lake house gets some country charm from a wooden folk art American flag, vintage red camp lanterns, a lush garland, and some festive stockings.RELATED: Tour More of This California Lake Home Is the Ultimate Christmas Getaway20Hang a Rustic StarBuff StricklandThe Junk Gypsies transformed this vintage flea market star into the perfect holiday mantel piece and then styled it alongside fresh greenery (accented with cactus leaves) and gold star garland in their Texas Inn.RELATED: This Texas Inn Is the Only Place You Should Spend ChristmasCharlyne MattoxFood and Crafts DirectorCharlyne Mattox is Food and Crafts Director for Country Living.Anna LoganSenior Homes & Style EditorAnna Logan is the Senior Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she covers design and decorating trends, home features, and gift guides. She also produces home features and styles content for the print magazine. When she isnt working, can often be found digging around antique shops for the perfect find. Follow her adventures on Instagram!

Joanna Gaines has a new class on MasterClass on Designing a Home That Tells Your Story, and I got a sneak preview of it before it went live on Nov. 26just in time for MasterClass Black Friday and holiday sales. Heres what you should know about it.MasterClass Designing a Home That Tells Your StoryNow 50% Off$120 $60 at MasterClassFirst, a little of my own context for watching the class: While I spend a lot of time writing about beautiful interiors for Country Living, I am not an interior designer, so I often feel unsure about decisions I make to decorate my own home. What size should a rug be for this room? How should I arrange this shelf? What color should I choose?Often for dcor guidance, I start with images of living rooms, bedrooms, dining spaces, and more I find online. But in this MasterClass, Gaines, founder of Magnolia, gave me confidence to start a different place in my design decisions: with my own story. Related StoryYour home isnt just where you live. Its a reflection of who you are and your story, Gaines says at the opening of the class. And thats her framework for the rest of what she shares over the next hour and 25 minutes (which goes by real fast!), as she gets more into the nuts and bolts of renovating and design decisions.Id forgotten that Gaines herself isnt formally trained in design either, but as we all know, she certainly knows how to do it well. In the class she walks you step by step through her design process and how to apply it to your own home. Its equal parts visual feast of images of her own projects that make you think, Yes, I want a room that looks like that! and practical instruction with tips (including budgetary ones!) to help you achieve your version of just the right room. In fact, after each section of the class, Gaines gives you bulleted home work points after to help you take your coaching home with you.One of the key ways Gaines makes design feel more doable is how she encourages you to develop a vision for a room that first starts with its functionality for your family (amen to that!)a point she emphasizes with stories of spaces in her own and how they practically work for their family of seven (and in the end, it looks real pretty too)and then how she encourages you to return to your design vision time and time again as you select each element of a room.As I watched the class, I was not only taking notes for this review but also thinking through my own living room, jotting down the words that best encapsulated my vision for it and thinking about ways those words can help guide me to find the right lamps, art, and other pieces I have gotten stuck picking out for most of this year. Maybe I could frame some of my classical music-loving husbands vinyl album covers? I thought as she talked us through finding objects to display that mean something to youaccents that are the soul to the room.Even though a lot of the class is centered on inspiring you to do your own dcor work, I appreciate that I also got a good dose of good ole before and after stories. Throughout its length, Gaines describes how her design process played out for several projects of different styles, including her own home and how it has evolved in its dcor over the years. In a way, these stories are all what we already know and love of Gaines and her style and her process, but this time they come with a framework that especially encourages you to try it for yourselfwith a Joanna Gaines level of confidence that you are the best designer for the space you spend time in and that, in the end, it should look like no one elses room but your own. To fully embrace all of those ideas and many more, I definitely recommend you watch the MasterClass for yourself. Annual memberships start at $120, but sign up now to take advantage of their Black Friday discounts of up to 50% off.Related StoriesMadoline Markham KoonceAssistant Managing EditorMadoline Markham Koonce is the assistant managing editor at Country Living and VERANDA, where she covers home dcor, shopping, travel, news, and culture. She began her career at Southern Living and previously worked in community journalismincluding serving as the editor of three community magazines she helped launch. She has an undergraduate degree in history from Rhodes College (and loves to tap her love of history in her writing) as well as a masters degree in magazine journalism from the University of Missouri. When shes not on deadline, you can find her baking or lost in a good book.

When it comes to Christmas, we tend to shy away from trends around here at Country Living, and most designers agree. We dont believe inor celebratetrends, says designers Jason Oliver Nixon and John Loecke of Madcap Cottage. Jason notes, Its all about being timeless and looking to the past to reinterpret the present and future.With that in mind, we still believe that your home and its decor is an ever-evolving expression of who you are and what you value. And, theres simply no better, or more joyful, season to flex that expression than Christmas.So whether youre pining for nostalgia, looking for a fresh take on a tree topper, or just looking for affirmation that its not crazy to put a Christmas tree in your kitchen(!), youve come to the right place. With the help of our favorite designers and style experts, weve identified five of the biggest country-friendly Christmas decor trends this year that you can easily incorporate into your own holiday decor. Remember, more really is merrier.These Holiday Decorating Ideas Never Go Out of Style:1. Ribbons and Bows GaloreRachel Whiting, Styling by Marie NicholsNothing is more quintessentially Christmas than ribbon, but thanks to fresh interpretations bows are feeling decidedly now as evidenced by these pretty and playful powerhouses finding their way into our tabletop decor, Christmas card designs and back into our hair.It is absolutely The Year of the Bow, according to textile designer Heather Taylor of Heather Taylor Home. People have really embraced the sweetness and femininity of the trend.The beauty of the bow is the range of scaleyou can go oversize and use a large bow as a tree topper or in place of a wreath, or you can go with take a more diminutive approach and add smaller-scale bows to literally anythingcandlesticks, gooseneck sconces, stems of a champagne coupes, the stem of a rosemary topiary (you get the picture). Bows work especially well on trees as a soft foil to more classic round Christmas balls.David TsayIn lieu of ornaments, the Heather Taylor decked out the tree in her California cabin with simple gingham ribbon bows for a homespun feeling.For a fresher, more modern look, try playing with proportions by making smaller loops and letting your tails extend a few inches longer. Also, save the satin for your Christmas presents and instead try a velvet ribbon with frayed edges.RELATED: The Best Christmas Tree Ribbon Decorating Ideas For the Prettiest Tree Ever2. Non-Traditional Color PalettesKaitlin Green, Design by Emily HendersonEvery designer we spoke to offered a different take on a holiday color palette, but according to designer Emily Henderson the most important rule is that there are no rules. Use whatever colors make you the happiest, she encourages. This year I really leaned into blues and maroons in addition to green and a little red.I love the cozy nostalgia of red and green, says Heather, but were always playing with a mix of color to make the holidays feel fresh. This year Im obsessed with combining burgundy and pink.The good news for red and green traditionalist is that simply adding an unexpected pattern can also breathe new life into your existing Christmas decor. We are mad for traditional red-and-green hues but with an unexpected floral-patterned twist, said Jason. Our classic Cottage Grove fabric pattern, for example, captures a timeless floral in a rich geranium red hue paired with cool green shades that plays beautifully at Christmas. 3. Homespun Paper AccentsCourtesy of Audrey GelmanAs beautiful as gilded garland and glitzy baubles can be, theres nothing quite like a home thats decked out with happily humble, handcrafted holiday decor. And this year, the homespun holiday muse of choice is paper. Whether its a mantel draped in paper chain garlands, windows peppered with hand-snipped snowflakes, or Christmas crackers atop your holiday place settings, the simplicity and warmth of these handmade trimmings cant be beat.Becky Luigart-Stayner, styling by Matthew GleasonA blue-and-green paper chain garland adorns s a whimsical Christmas tree in Landon McAfees Tennessee home.Theres something very British about paper chains, says Audrey Gelman, founder of The Six Bells. Paper chains became popular in England during the Victorian era, when they were made from scraps of items such as newspapers and songbooks. These days, leftover craft paper or wallpaper scraps are a nice way to repurpose what you already have. I also like that theyre inexpensive and a fun art project with kids, says Audrey. So, if you too dream of a Little Women Christmas, grab a pair of good scissors, turn on Hallmark Channel and make some handcrafted memories. RELATED: Charming Christmas Decorations to Transform Your Home Into a Winter Wonderland4. A Nod to NostalgiaDylan ChandlerThe desire to have a merry meander down memory lane is strong during the holidays, and so is the pull to personalize your Christmas decor with meaningful family heirlooms and vintage items. Besides, nothing store-bought can ever rival the hand-me-down charm of beloved vintage collectibles. We love using our grandmothers plates upon the Christmas dinner table, says John. Few holiday rituals are as steeped in tradition as hanging ornaments on the family Christmas tree. I like to think of a Christmas tree as a scrapbook and each year we choose a few new ornaments that describe that year, Emily says. Christine Carney, Director of Design for Blackberry Farm Design, thought of another fun way to nestle in nostalgia when she created a tree at High Hampton, a mountain resort in Cashiers, North Carolina, that she filled with small framed photos of previous guests, family, and friends of the property. Some of the people on the tree have been returning guests for many years, and it is so special to include them in our holiday decorations, she says. So save those homemade ornaments and kitschy keepsakes and dont let anyone tell you that theres not room for just-one-more vintage shiny bright.RELATED: Heres How Much Your Favorite Vintage Christmas Decorations Are Worth Today5. Trees are Branching OutGordon BeallGone are the days of the singular, focal-point tree in the house. This year, every room in the house is calling for its own touch of tannenbaum. Audrey says a little mini tree in their upstairs bath is a must, while Heather makes sure the dining room gets holiday cheer. Last year I decorated it [small tree] with homemade pine cone and [dried] orange slice garlands. The result was very cozy and personal, she says.Christmas trees in kids rooms have been growing in popularity for years, but why should the little ones have all the fun. We adore a Christmas tree in our bedroom, says Jason. Why not? Its like falling asleep in a fairyland. Pure magic.Country Living Senior Homes & Style Editor, Anna Logan also shares that kitchen Christmas trees will be everywhere this year. Kitchens are becoming more and more personal, and I see that continuing with holiday decor, she says. As primary trees have moved towards feeling like a perfectly imperfect mishmash of traditional ornaments and homemade touches, these smaller Christmas trees offer the perfect opportunity to unify your display around a theme. RELATED: The Best Small Christmas Tree Ideas With Big Holiday SpiritMore Holiday Decorating Ideas:Maribeth B JonesDesign DirectorMaribeth B Jones is the Design Director of Country Living where she creates seasonal content full of warmth and playfulness. When shes not wrangling chickens for a cover shoot you can find her collecting vintage oil portraits or flipping pancakes in her sunny, yellow kitchen with her two chatty daughters.

Jump to:Youre ready to haul out the vintage star topper, the handmade ornaments, and the twinkle lights. But, wait! Before you bring your live Christmas tree indoors, should you wash it? A viral trend says you absolutely need to wash your tree so that you dont bring any bugs indoors. But does washing your Christmas tree really accomplish anything? Its true that you may have some hitchhikers on your live tree. After all, its a living plant that was growing in the forest or on the Christmas tree farm until recently. But chances are, whatever is hiding in the branches isnt a big deal. The insects that live on Christmas trees are not serious pests that are dangerous to your home or people and pets, says Eric Benson, PhD, professor emeritus and extension entomologist at Clemson University. Its not like youre bringing in bed bugs or pests that cause structural damage to your home on a Christmas tree.Plus, while you may not love the idea of anything riding indoors, these pests are not going to start reproducing indoorsand theyre not going to last long because its too hot and theres no food! The sorts of things that might be on your tree tend to be soft and squishy, like aphids, so they desiccate quickly, says Faith Oi, PhD, entomologist and extension professor at the University of Florida. Anecdotally, theyll probably just dry up within a day or two and die.Related StoriesIf youre still freaked out, read on to learn if you should wash your tree before you bring it indoors:Tetra Images//Getty ImagesWhat Kinds of Bugs Are On Christmas Trees?Depending on where you live, several different types of pests may be found on Christmas trees, according to Benson and Oi: Aphids- Cinara aphids are large, reaching up to -inch. Theyre black or brownish and pear-shaped with long legs, so they get mistaken for ticks. Praying mantis- You may see root beer-like foam on branches, which is an egg case. Stinkbugs- Theyre flat and prehistoric-looking and accidentally hitchhike indoors. Adelgids- These tiny insects feed on tree parts and secrete a white, wooly substance that looks like tree flocking. Spiders- You may see a tiny ball about 3/8 to -inch in diameter, which is an egg case that may hatch baby spiders Spotted lanternfly- You may find this invasive pest's brown egg masses, which resemble mud smears, on the trunk or branches. These may hatch in a few weeks (Read more about spotted lanternflies here)Blake Kent / Design Pics//Getty Images Should You Wash Your Christmas Tree?Despite the fact that some (or none!) of these bugs might be on your tree, washing your tree is probably, well, overkill. Both of our experts say while its probably not harmful if you want to spray it off, its also probably not necessary. In our heated homes and without food, many of these insects are going to die quickly, and you can simply vacuum them up, says Oi. Plus, egg cases of insects, such as spotted lanternfly, are sticky and wont come off without some manual scraping. Finally, for those of us who live in cold climates, the idea of hosing off a Christmas tree isnt practical. Related StoriesWhat to Do Instead of Washing Your TreeIf youre determined not to bring in any bugs (and good luck with that, since its a natural product!), there are a few things you can do to reduce the chances of uninvited guests, say Benson and Oi: Have the tree shaken at the tree farm or lot. This will dislodge most of these bugs. Use a leaf blower. This also helps remove some hitchhikers. Inspect your tree, including the trunk, branches and needles. If you see anything that resembles a frothy substance (praying mantis eggs), cut the twig and place it outdoors in a sheltered area so that these beneficials may hatch outdoors in the spring. Look for spotted lanternfly egg cases. If you see brown smears that resemble mud, scrape them off and discard them in a plastic bag because this destructive and invasive species is spreading rapidly. Vacuum up any critters you see. Use a shop vacuum to suck up spiders and aphids (dont squish them; they can stain fabrics). Never use pesticides. These bugs are going to die soon, so its not worth exposing your family and pets to these chemicals.Morgan Campbell//Getty ImagesArricca Elin SanSoneContributing WriterArricca Elin SanSone is a freelance writer, editor, and digital content developer. She specializes in lifestyle and interior design content with a focus on gardening. Arricca earned dual bachelors degrees summa cum laude in English and classics from Hiram College, as well as an MBA cum laude from Georgia Southern University. Before writing full-time, Arricca studied in Rome, traveled in Europe, and taught school in Asia. With over a decade of experience, Arricca has pitched, researched, and crafted fresh story ideas and content to appeal to national audiences. She has written thousands of articles for print and digital publications such as Country Living, Good Housekeeping, Prevention, House Beautiful, and more. Shes passionate about gardening, baking, reading, and spending time with the people and dogs she loves.

The job of stringing lights on your tree is no joke, and unless you have a team of elves to help you out, youre likely all on your own to figure out an easy way to put lights on a Christmas tree. But even though this tedious task can be a headache, oh, the rewards! That glow of a real Christmas tree (or an artificial Christmas tree!) can downright take your breath away!Chances are youve been hanging lights on your tree the way your parents did. But, believe it or not, there are a few different ways to light a Christmas tree. Online and off, questions abound: Do you hang Christmas tree lights horizontally or vertically? Do you go top-to-bottom, or bottom-to-top? Do you put lights on a Christmas tree before anything else? (For the record, we say definitely yes to this!)Before you start doubting (or changing) your stringing technique, we have some good news: There really is no right or wrong way to light your tree. If your method of outfitting your tree suits you, stick with ityou have no reason to change! But if youre new to decorating or dreading the seems-so-hard task, and wonder, What is the easiest way to put lights on a Christmas tree? we have the answers for you. Below, our tips on several great ways to hang Christmas lights on your tree. Jump to:Becky Luigart-StaynerTip: In general, plan for about 100 Christmas lights per foot; a 6-foot tree would get 600 lights.Start With the Perfect Tree:How to Hang Christmas Tree Lights Horizontally Nico De Pasquale Photography//Getty ImagesHanging Christmas lights horizontally is the most widely used technique when it comes to decorating the tree. Its pretty self-explanatory, but if this is your first time hanging lights, youll want to follow these directions:First, plug in each set of lights to make sure all the bulbs are working. (This will save you a lot of stress later.)Starting at the top or bottom of your tree (depending solely on preferencesee below), wrap the lights over and under the branches of the tree, moving around the tree and slowly either up or down.Mix things up by placing some lights deeper into the tree than others, and by alternating the patterns so that it looks more organic. Get creative with it, and have fun!Tip: When you have to connect plugs, hide the eyesore by fastening the area to a branch with floral wire.How to Hang Christmas Tree Lights VerticallyThe vertical approach to hanging Christmas tree lights is a trend that started circulating a few years ago and Country Livings Managing Editor Amy Mitchell says switching to this technique has been life-changing! It is so much easier and more manageable, says Amy. No more carrying that bundle of lights while moving the ladder around and around the tree. Bonus: It's a whole lot easier to take them down once the holiday's over! Try this for outdoor Christmas light displays too. Heres how to hang: Plug in each strand of lights to make sure all the bulbs are in working order.Start with the plugless end of your lights at the top or bottom of the tree and let the lights lay vertically like a seam.Each time you reach the top or bottom, turn the lights back the other way until you have a sideways S pattern around the whole tree. For best results, Amy recommends hanging the lights in a back and forth S-like pattern, rather than a straight U, to prevent stripes.Tip: Try to avoid any obvious pattern or spiral; you want the lights to look natural. RELATED: The Enduring Love Story Behind the 2024 Rockefeller Christmas Tree How to Hang Christmas Lights Top to Bottom Catherine McQueen//Getty Images I string my lights from top to bottom because your plug is at the end of the strand and closer to the bottom of the tree and outlet, says The Home Depots Director of Trend and Design Sarah Fishburne, making a solid case for this method. Plus, she says, if you run out of lights, its easier to spread them out this wayand its easier to add more lights to the bottom versus the top of the tree. Heres how to do: Plug in the lights to make sure all the bulbs are working. Starting at the top of the tree, intertwine the lights on top of and under branches.Work your way down and around the tree, hanging lights in the back as well.When you reach the bottom, hide any extra lights behind the tree.If you want to add more lights, simply do another pass, starting again at the top and working your way down.Tip: Make sure you wrap the lights loosely on each branch for the best overall affect.How to Hang Christmas Lights Bottom to Topmartinedoucet//Getty ImagesThe Home DepotChristmas lights bottom to top because she can plug the lights in first. It makes it easier to see what the lit tree will look like as Im stringing the lights, she says. End up with extra lights at the top? Just wind them back down the tree for extra glow. And if you run out of light, simply start a new string and run an extension cord down the back of the tree. Heres how to do it: Plug in the lights to make sure all the bulbs are working. Starting at the bottom, zig zag Christmas tree lights through the tree in quadrants, section by section, versus around the tree.Place some lights deeper into the branches and place some closer to the front to create depth.Hide the lights connectors by pushing them deep into the tree branches near the trunk.Once you reach the top, you can either tuck the extra lights into the back of the tree or wind the extras back down the tree.Tip: Hang shiny ornaments towards the middle of your tree to reflect the light for more depth.Our Favorite Christmas LightsHoliday String Lights, 25 CountNow 20% Off$69 $55 at schoolhouse.comTwinkly Strings App-Controlled LED String LightsNow 41% Off$200 $117 at AmazonSYLVANIA Mini Christmas Lights, ClearNow 11% Off$18 $16 at AmazonColorful Christmas LightsNow 20% Off$18 $14 at AmazonJoiedomi 7-Strand Old-Fashioned Bubble String LightsNow 46% Off$28 $15 at Amazon24 Reviews Cherry Light Strings$69 at Balsam HillNow for the Decorating! Here Are Our Favorite Ideas to Get You Started:Alison AllsoppAlison Allsopp is the Style and Market Editor at Country Living.

Jordan GeibelCountry Living editors select each product featured. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Why Trust Us?At Country Living, we have long had a soft spot for small spaces of all sorts. Whether it's a grain silo guesthouse, a tiny converted NYC tugboat, or an adorably outfitted chicken coop, we love any space that manages to maximize its charm per square foot. (For the record, we were championing the cottagecore aesthetic far before it took over TikTok.) We've even embraced dollhouse makeovers a time or two, but the latest dollhouse transformation out of Houston, Texas, by shop owner and textile designer Courtney Barton, may just be the greatest dollhouse project of all timeespecially if you have a soft spot for color, pattern, weathered antiques, and whimsical details. Wynn MyersCourtney Barton, dollhouse designer extraordinaireThe tiny housenicknamed Tiny Tassel Castleis so richly layered and life-like that we're still doing double takes and studying every detail. The antique-style cooker! The tiny Delft tiles! The collection of hanging baskets! The project, which is part of a fundraiser for Family Houston, was "truly a labor of love," says Courtney, one of eight designers/creatives tapped to turn bare-bones plywood shells into mini showhouses that will later be sold at auction. (More on that below.)Sarah Lawrence PhotographyBut seriously: Wait until you see inside Despite the structure's diminutive scale, it was an overwhelming undertaking for the shop owner and mother of two boys. "I've never done anything like this," says Courtney, who says she wasn't especially into dollhouses growing up. "When the structure got dropped off, I did an ugly cry on what I had gotten myself into," says Courtney, who was intimidated by both the amount of rooms (12!) and the two-month timeline that overlapped with the popular Round Top Antiques Show. (Courtney owns a retail shop in Round Top in addition to her store in Houston.) After taking a breath and rolling up her sleeves, she rose to the occasion by trusting her well-honed eye for "elevated whimsy," obsessing over scale (see: adding ball feet when dressers needed just a smidge more height), and enlisting the help of businesses and creatives around the globe, including Andrew Martin, designer Beata Heuman, artist by Rebecca Rebouch, and ceramist Pearce Williams. She also reached out to Coley Home to help tackle the upholstery. "I couldn't believe they said yes!," says Courtney. "And I love that it's a young female-owned company." Jordan GeibelThe game room features a custom painting by New Orleans artist Rebecca Rebouch She also admits that she got really, really into it. "As a shop owner, my whole gig is rooted in the thrill of the huntfinding unique objects made by artisansand this house features items from Bulgaria, Ukraine, Germany, France, Mexico.... I found myself deep into the world of dollhouse objects." Case in point: The rolling library ladder came from a man in Canada. The bathroom lighting is by an artisan in the United Kingdom who specializes in tiny swan chandeliers. (Talk about finding your niche.) The burlwood grand piano was sourced closer to homeit was a lucky find from a local estate sale.Jordan GeibelThe bathroom with its swan chandelier and small-scale soaking tubJordan GeibelThe stately library includes a rolling ladder and assorted stacks of booksJordan GeibelThe burlwood grand piano came from a local estate saleJordan GeibelBut of course theres a bottle brush Christmas treeSome items are sentimental. For example, the bamboo bedthe first item Courtney purchased for the houseis an ode to the first item she carried in her retail store. (It pairs well with a scaled-down version of this whimsical wallcovering.) Other decorative details required roll-up-the-sleeves resourcefulness. When tiny baskets didn't feel quite old enough, they were stained with coffee to look more weathered and antique. Jordan GeibelThe bamboo bed paired with whimsical "Prospect Park" wallcoveringJordan GeibelAnother angle of the layered bedroom because why notWhen asked to name her favorite of the 12 rooms, Courtney says it's always changing. "We asked ourselves this question on a weekly basis in the office." She does admit that the basket-filled garden room ranks high on the list. "Yellow is one of my favorite colors, and I've wanted to use that Antoinette Poisson wallpaper forever." The ballet room is a close second. "We had a mirror custom fit for a wall, installed a ballet bar, and trimmed the room in velvet. It all feels so sweet."Jordan GeibelThe garden room, complete with a checkered floor and skirted sinkJordan GeibelThe ballet room is outfitted with a mini wooden barre, velvet trimmed window treatments, and a gramophoneThe biggest challenge, says Courtney, was perfecting the tiny trim work. "In the garden room alone, there's over 17 hours' worth of trim!" she says. "We had a mini table saw the size of an index card that we used to miter everything. Eventually, I wound up finding a pair of scissors called miter shearsthat's proven to be our dream tool."Jordan GeibelA pint-size blue stove pairs well with terracotta tile floors and copper cookwareJordan GeibelCafe curtains, hen-on-nest dishware, an apron sink... Does it get more country?Jordan GeibelWere not sure what we love more: The turkey on a pewter platter or the stately grandfather clockThe house, alongside seven other miniature marvels, will be auctioned off at La Petite Maison Gala on December 4th. (Bidding starts at $2,500, and you can stake your claim remotely.) You can go read more about the other designers here, but we'll still be obsessing over every delightful detail of Courtney's construction, including the pan on the kitchen island with chopped mushrooms and onions, the teensy touch of mud on the garden room wellies, the hand-beaded kitchen chairs, the game room wallcovering featuring a motif of tiny card suites (clubs, aces, hearts...). It's clear no detail was overlooked. Well, except one. "There are no toilets," says Courtney. "They're just ugly." Jordan GeibelLook closely: The game room wallcovering features tiny black spades, hearts, clubs, and diamonds Related Stories Rachel BarrettRachel Barrett is the Editor-in-Chief of Country Living. She can't pass up a vintage seascape, drives an '89 Woody Wagoneer (that is, when it'll start), and hopes to buy you a lemonade at a future Country Living Fair.

Landon McAfee never takes a holiday from treasure hunting. The Tennessee native has interrupted countless vacations with trips to the post office after finding prized 4-H memorabilia, made pit stops for enamelware at antiques stores on the way to weddings, and even left in the middle of a Fathers Day lunch to nab a free church pew minutes after it was posted on Facebook Marketplace. (My parents understood, and I was back by dessert, he notes.) Ive been antiquing since I was six years old, explains the interior design consultant and creative. It all started when someone gifted me a thermos. After that, any time I was out and about, I was on the lookout. They were something affordable I could collect, and now I have 38 of them!Ian PalmerAn array of 4-H memorabilia, including a few pieces homeowner Landon McAfee earned back in his high school days, surrounds a childs armoire Landon scored for $10.All things camp come naturally to Landon. In addition to his outdoorsy 4-H undertakings, he and his Boston terrier beagle, Benjamin, lived in an Airstream for years until there was simply no room left in his parents closets for his stash of plaid thermoses, picnic baskets, flashlights, fishing gear, pennants, linens, and metal coolers. That led to the purchase of his most expensive antique to datea 1940s-era, two-bedroom, one-bath, 800-square-foot cottage on four acres in Stantonville, Tennessee (population 337). After nabbing it, he spent the next 15 months on a top-to-bottom renovation with the help of his father and brother. Stantonville isnt exactly bustlingtheres a single stoplightbut who needs a mall when you have antiques stores and a surprisingly active Facebook Marketplace community? Besides, when you grow up in a small town, extracurriculars are slim, meaning you pour your heart into your home. When I was a kid, I spent a lot of time at home, says Landon. My mother homeschooled us, and she took pride in her home. It wasnt unordinary for her to wake up one morning ready to wallpaper or paint a room. I now spend a lot of time in my own home and take the same pride in my space. It provides me comfort, shelter, and a creative outlet. I feel inspired when at home, and that is something that brings a lot of peace to my life.Tour More Homes All Decked Out for the Holidays:Piled-On PlaidsBecky Luigart-Stayner, styling by Matthew GleasonIn the living room, an assortment of plaid motifs (on the roll-arm chair, sofa pillows, and wool throw) plays well with the hunt scene toile lampshade and understated seagrass rug. An unadorned white pine tree in an antique crock and a blue-and-green paper chain garlandintersecting at the schoolhouse-style light fixturebring holiday whimsy to the cozy and collected space. I went to our local print shop, and they cut the pieces for me, says Landon. Instead of reading, I spent a few nights putting [the chain] together. I think the whole thing cost $5!Meet the DogLandon adopted Benjamin, a Boston terrier beagle, while a freshman in college. Hes a homebody just like his dad, says Landon. Get the Look:Rug: Safevieh Souheir seagrass rug from Bed Bath & BeyondWall Paint Color: School House White by Farrow & Ball RELATED: More Merry Ways to Decorate Your Living Room for ChristmasHappy HuesBecky Luigart-Stayner, styling by Matthew GleasonLandon gravitates toward the colors found on vintage camp gear, which is what inspired the ruddy red he used to paint the dining nooks floors. (The creamy hue is the same one used on the wallsSchool House White By Farrow & Ball.) Faded green checked draperiesmade from Pottery Barn tablecloths!are complemented by lush cedar-and-pine garland. A pretty, old pine table (also from Facebook Marketplace) makes good use of the space and echoes the warmth of the folding camp chairs doing double-duty as wall decor. A sole red transferware plate hints at Landons dishware obsession.Get the Look: Red Floor Paint Color:Schoolhouse by HGTV by Sherwin-WilliamsRELATED: Brilliant Painted Floors Ideas Thatll Add Instant CharmCampy Christmas TreeBecky Luigart-Stayner, styling by Matthew GleasonThe red-and-white painted floor makes for a particularly merry and bright spot for the 7-foot white pine tree, which Landon trimmed with paper chain garland, camp-inspired mini thermos ornaments, and strings of colorful vintage lights. The lights up the camp vibe, he advises. When it comes to the presentation of presents, Landon is all business. I take it way more seriously than I should. Im sourcing paper year-round because sometimes the best stuff can be found in July, he says. I have two rules for wrapping presents: Wrapping paper should be colorful, and every present must be finished with a bow. RELATED: 40+ Festive Christmas Tree Ideas for Your Country Farmhouse Collected CanteenBecky Luigart-Stayner, styling by Matthew GleasonBecky Luigart-Stayner, styling by Matthew GleasonAfter removing the doors from the original kitchen cabinets, Landon filled the shelves with a small sampling of his servingware. I have 35 place settings of Blue Willow alone, he says. Also in rotation: green-striped campware, blue-striped English pottery, enamelware, splatterware, and other everyday dishes. Its a problem, he says. There are dishes all over the house, hiding under furniture. Copper pots remain at the ready above the stove, along with more dishes, mugs, and a colorful painting. Bedecked with a bow, a camp lantern hangs out on an old Hitchcock chair.Get the Look:Cabinet & Trim Paint Color: Techno Gray by HGTV Sherwin-Williams RELATED: Dreamy Open Shelving Ideas for Your KitchenRec CenterBecky Luigart-Stayner, styling by Matthew GleasonBecky Luigart-Stayner, styling by Matthew GleasonLandon spied the old desk that sits in his office at a nearby antiques store. I had to take the legs off so I could get it in my car, he says. Now, its paired with a vintage post office chair he tracked down in Mississippi and an old cooler filled with rolls of wrapping paper. For a sporting spirit, the walls are spruced up with croquet mallets, an old pennant, antique antlers (I got them from a guy in a sketchy parking lot for $15, says Landon), and a college fraternity photo in a simple Adirondack frame. The color-blocked chaira bargain he picked up at an estate sale in Linden, Tennesseeis one of Landons most prized possessions. It sits in his office surrounded by a stack of galvanized metal coolers, thermoses, and a quartet of dart boards. Ive never played darts, but Im always searching for ones that have fun colors, he says. Arts & CraftsBecky Luigart-Stayner, styling by Matthew GleasonBecky Luigart-Stayner, styling by Matthew GleasonBy the time Landon arrived on the scene, the homes hallway was the only space that had walls in good enough shape to leave them unrepaired and unpainted. He doubled down on the rusticity by hanging a few fishing rods and vintage camping stools. To continue the period charm, he replaced the bathrooms 1980s-era hollow door with a vintage pine piece he found on Facebook Marketplace.The storied pew that caused Landon to skip a Fathers Day lunch now occupies a space of honor in the hallway, along with a medley of items hes collected on road trips, inherited from his grandparents, and received from friends. When it comes to art, I try not to limit myself [to traditional framed pieces]. If it can be hung on the wall, Ill hang it on the wall, he says. Ive become friends with an 88-year-old woman who used to own the local frame shop. She lets me romp through her stash of old prints, and then she frames them for me.Woodsy SurroundingsBecky Luigart-Stayner, styling by Matthew GleasonIan PalmerBecause the bathrooms original cast-iron tub and sink were so heavy, the floors had to be torn out and reinforced to carry the extra weight. Landon shored up the base and installed a fun black-and-white tile. He further freshened up the space with a leafy green wallpaper and a sprig of white pine plucked from the Christmas tree. He found the petite stool at an antique market. Get the Look:Wallpaper: Valley Oak Stripe by Nathan Turner via Wall ShoppeRELATED: Inspiring Ways to Use Wallpaper in Your BathroomSleepaway StaplesBecky Luigart-StaynerThe bedrooms antique maple spool bed was a Facebook Marketplace freebie. I saw it posted online, and I messaged the guy immediately. It turned out he was actually giving it away, says Landon. I stopped what I was doing and went straight there! Vintage art, a chippy side table, and a lamp made from stacked Shaker boxes add nostalgic patina. The new braided rug feels like its been underfoot forever.Get the Look:Braided Rug: Oval Braided Wool Rug from L.L. BeanRELATED: These Rustic Bedroom Ideas Will Inspire You to Design the Most Relaxing Retreat Grand InspirationBecky Luigart-StaynerAfter visiting Mackinac Island and seeing the haint blue ceiling on the Grand Hotels large porch, Landon was inspired to duplicate it in his own home. Although he had originally planned to make the porch a potting station, it became a cozy seating area after his grandmother passed away, and he inherited her floral sofa. (Every other member of my family wanted to throw it away, he says.) The colors perfectly complement the paper-chain garland hung with care around the windows. An old trunk is now a coffee table where Landon stores an array of vintage horticulture and landscape design books. His grandmothers picnic basketstwo of 10 around the houseare now a side table, and a vintage geese painting and rusty vintage tray usher in more color. Get the Look: Ceiling Paint Color: Light Blue by Farrow & Ball Floor Paint Color: Hanging Vine by ValsparRELATED: Add Character to Every Room in Your Home with These Wainscoting IdeasGorgeous GreensBecky Luigart-Stayner, styling by Matthew GleasonLandons green thumb inspired the color choice for his 1940s cottages front door and window trim. Come Christmas, he doubles down on green with a massive wreath, garland around the entry, and greenery swags on the windowsillsall a mix of Leyland cypress and white pine.Get the Look: Door and Trim Paint Color:Bunker Hill Green by Benjamin MooreRELATED: 40+ DIY Christmas Front Door Decorations for Ultimate Christmas Curb AppealFind More Ideas To Decorate Your Home For Christmas:

Overwhelmed. That was the word that came to mind the very first time David Bowen laid eyes on his familys vacation-home-to-be in central Georgia. He and his wife, Melissa, had been on the hunt for a rural property where they could gather with friends, family, and one very lucky grandchild to enjoy a slice of the simple life. I grew up hunting, fishing, and hiking on my familys farm, and Melissa and I wanted a place where we could pass those loves on to new generations, says David. They bought some land about two hours away from their hometown of Suwanee, Georgia, and were delighted when, a few years later, the house next door went up for sale. Surprisingly, I had never seen it, and there wasnt a lot of information about the property online, so I did my fair share of snooping on Google Earth before driving over, David says. When he finally arrived, he discovered a scenic long driveway, rolling fields, bosky tracts, a picture-perfect lake, andcue the screeching sounda 1980s-era rancher with a low-slung roof and so much red brick. It could not have been more at odds with its picturesque and pastoral surroundings. Knowing that the setting called for a classic Southern farmhouse, David called in for reinforcements, including Perry, Georgia-based designer James Farmer. This was a renovation that was going to take vision and a lot of work. I asked him to come down, and I laid it all outI told him, Were going to turn this thing into an old, Low Country-inspired house, and were going to do it right with a big front porch, dormer windows, a metal roof, white siding, wood floors, blue ceilingsall of it, says David. And to his credit, James said, I see where youre going with this, and I think its going to be fantastic. The goal was to create a traditional farmhouse and hunting lodgenot some stuffy antebellum mansion.With a plan in place, they took on their respective roles on the project. David concentrated on construction I know just enough about architecture to be dangerous, he saysand James took on the challenges that come with Reagan-era interior design choices (carpet in the bathrooms, a bad-linoleum galley kitchen), making way for layers of old-fashioned charm. The goal was to create a traditional farmhouse and hunting lodgenot some old, stuffy antebellum mansion, says James. Helen Norman, Floral Design by James FarmerDesigner James Farmer decked the front door out for fall with a garland using magnolia branches and other trimmings found on the property.Fortunately, James was delighted to find original heart-pine floors beneath the shag carpet and linoleum floors. He then chose paint-grade lumber to create classic Southern millwork like beadboard and shiplap throughout the house. The woodwork instantly gave it a cozier and older feel, he says. As did wallpaper, which played a large part in the overall transformation. One of James first selections was a classic toile (Royal Oak by Lewis and Wood), which he paired with painted shiplap wainscoting in the homes entry. The papers putty hue also inspired the homes overall color palette. I love what I call the un-colors, says James. Theyre not green, theyre not gray, theyre not browntheyre these hues that are beautiful because theyre a little ambiguous. Helen NormanWhen it came to furnishings, the Bowens were keen to create spaces that felt collected. Trouble was, they didnt actually have enough family heirlooms to spare for their weekend getaway. Thats where Jamess enthusiasm for antiques came in handy, with the designer layering in items like oil paintings, demijohns, and French baskets, not to mention a few of his personal possessions, including a heavy as lead console table in the living room and a family bench that David says is still on loan from the designer. And while James is passionate about patina, he is also a champion of what he calls tomorrows antiques, referring to artfully made modern- day items modeled after pieces with provenance. One example: The primitive-looking sideboard in the entry, which James says takes after an old Southern hunt board.In the end, it only took about two years of work to make the house feel a full century olderand the process was significantly less daunting than David had anticipated. Normally, remodeling is not fun. This was fun, he says. Thats the good thing about working with James. He trusted me, and I trusted him, and we got that classic Southern farmhouse we wanted all along.Keep reading below to see more of the beautiful results.Tour More Beautifully Restored Farmhouses:A Kitchen for CongregatingHelen Norman, styling by Natalie WaradyPreviously a dark galley layout with laminate cabinetry, the now open and airy kitchen was conceived with relaxation in mind. After fighting Atlanta traffic, you want a place you can put the groceries down and take a breath, says James. While he chose Carrara marble for the island, good ol Georgia heart-pine countertops line the perimeter. Melissas uncle built the cabinets (Noahs Custom Cabinets; 770-945-9824). Brass lighting adds warmth.Get the Look: Paint Color: Linen White by Benjamin MooreIsland Light Fixture: Sloane by Circa LightingRELATED: 60+ More Farmhouse Kitchen Ideas To Give Your Kitchen Charming, Timeless StyleA Relaxed Dining RoomHelen Norman, Floral Design by James FarmerA mix of black Windsor chairs and upholstered French side chairs provides a more relaxed look around English oak dining table. The open dining room is flanked by equally cozy seating areas at each end, one for TV watching, the other for conversation.Tawny Hues and Textures Helen Norman, styling by Natalie WaradyThe home, utilized for both guys hunting weekends and girls getaways, is rich with tailored neutrals. Throughout the living room, James embraced a beige grasscloth above shiplap wainscoting and rusty brown windowpane plaid fabric on the chairs and pillows. Its the perfect color of terrible tobacco, he says. Get the Look: Wallpaper:Ramie Bay by ThibautRELATED: 30+ Cozy Living Rooms Full of Decorating Ideas to Make You to Snuggle Up ForeverLayers of TextureHelen Norman, styling by Natalie Warady In the primary bedroom, another grasscloth wallcovering complements assorted checked fabrics atop the ebony black four-poster bed. Curtains of a more feminine tan and white toile fabric adds pattern and softness, while the painted V-groove wood ceiling adds age and warmth. Wallpaper: Windward Sisal in Beige by ThibautRELATED: More Wood Ceiling Ideas to Bring Your Room Country CharmCozy Guest RoomsHelen Norman, styling by Natalie WaradyA netural grasscloth wallcovering, taupe checked curtains, and pretty patterned pillows add color to the guest room. Above the woven rush headboard, a collection of baskets and farm landscape paintings combine for an unexpected gallery wall. Get the Look: Wallpaper:Costa Stripe in Gray by ThibautRELATED: 30+ Guest Bedroom Ideas to Create a Cozy and Welcoming SpaceDouble the Porch SpaceHelen NormanWhen a house has views on all sides, one porch simply wont do. Equipped with a long dining table and lots of sit-a-spell seating, the large porch along the backside of the house beckons long and lingering family gatherings.Seasonal TouchesHelen Norman, Floral Design by James FarmerCome fall, seasonal arrangements (featuring peachy Campanella and Free Spirit roses) offer an autumnal-hued alternative to mums. My mom called a peachy- apricot color Carl, like the mans name, instead of coral, says James. So Carl is my favorite fall color. Cozy layered blankets welcome those who wander up from the boathouse.RELATED: The Best Fall Porch Decor Ideas to Celebrate AutumnComplementary Outbuildings Helen Norman, styling by Natalie WaradyHelen NormanTour More Dreamy Homes:

A comfy, cozy bedroom never goes out of style. Perhaps its because of furnishings like plush, upholstered headboards, vintage rugs, layered bed linens, and piles of pillows. Or it could be the inviting homey factorwell-worn wood floors, flowing floral draperies, collected quilts just a tad bit tattered, or wallpaper in a timeless pattern. As youll see in these beautiful bedroom photos, cozy can look a lot of different ways but always with a unique threadall of these comfy bedroom ideas are full of heart-warming authenticity and loads of country charm. For example, cozy, rustic bedrooms featuring wood walls or rich paint colors offer a cocoon-like feel (like a warm hug from Grandma!). For a lighter, bright and airy mood, warm white paint colors make for a clean, yet cozy palette, where iconic country patternsgingham, checks, and plaidscan really make a style statement. Whether its a primary bedroom, guest room, kids room, sleeping nook, or bunk area, theres no better place than the bedroom to bring on your cozy! Browse these photos for simple cozy bedroom ideas that truly give you the warm and fuzzies. Here are more bedroom ideas for the most comfortable sleeping space ever:1Embrace Old-Fashioned StyleAlpha SmootIn an upstairs bedroom of this Connecticut farmhouse, throw-back richness and pattern are on full displayfrom the toile wallcovering and stately antique oil portrait to the comfy bed piled high with pillows. TOUR THIS HOUSERELATED: Browse our top bedroom design ideas.2Skirt the BedRead McKendreeThis bedroom in quintessential New Englandvery cozy and nostalgic, says designer Katie Rosenfeld. A custom bedskirt with eyelash fringe contributes to the overall charming pattern play and hides luggage and other stowaway items. Adding to the coastal ambiance are buttery yellows that feel as warm as the summer sun, including a checkered blanket and painted bedside chest.RELATED: These Are the Coziest Flannel Sheets EverAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below3Create a Cocoon-Like RetreatJean AllsoppTo achieve the cocoon-like look and feeling in this primary bedroom, designer Ashley Gilbreath incorporated a variety of comfy fabric textures, an upholstered bed, and a dark wooden bureau. One long lumbar pillow in a pretty pattern stretches the width of the bed.TOUR THIS CABIN4Hang Pretty WallpaperWallpaper is a personality-forward way to make a space feel its coziest. For busier prints, opt for simple bedding, like the plain white matelass coverlet shown here, then add a quilt in a similar colorway as the wallpaper as a topper.RELATED: The Top 10 Best Removable Wallpapers, Tested by Our EditorsAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below5Go With GinghamNick JohnsonGingham draperies, dark painted beadboard walls, and a bedside rooster (it was uncovered in a closet during the renovation!) bring loads of country charm to this cozy guest room. A pair of mid-century metal twin beds (one not shown) accommodates visitors. Get the Look: Wall Paint Color:Smokestack Gray by Benjamin MooreTOUR THIS HOUSE6Add Modern TouchesZIO AND SONSThis Hudson, New York, log cabin bedroom redefines traditional rustic and cozy with a clean sensibility. The curved lines of the iron bed and the circa-1940s gold mirror lend a decidedly modern touch. In contrast, the walls of the bed nook are covered in a wallpaper that mimics the look of aged Venetian plaster while the rough-hewn wood beams add authentic patina. TOUR THIS CABINAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below7Create a Pet-Friendly SpaceHelen NormanAt Country Living, we whole-heartedly believe in dogs on furniture for maximum cuddling at all times! Here, Sheepadoodle Stewie makes himself right at home on a striped duvet that homeowner Amy Whyte was drawn to for its masculine vibe. It balances the femininity of the floral curtains and ties the whole room together, she says. Cocoa and brick walls provide a rich backdrop for the primitive farm bench and early 1900s armoire with its original blue paint, both purchased from local shops. TOUR THIS COTTAGE8Tuck In Extra StorageLucy CallThis train berthlike built-in bed nook (with sliding doors for privacy!) offers even more than a cozy, quiet spot to rest. Below, wide drawers offer the perfect amount of storage for weekend guests, eliminating the need for a free-standing chest. RELATED: More Barn Door Design Ideas to Add Charm to Your HomeAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below9Pile on PillowsRoger DaviesThis bedroom is a lesson in softness, from the slipcovered bed to the cushy window seat. Pillows in different shapes, sizes (we particularly love that long bolster), and prints bring subtle color and pattern to the creamy, neutral room.Get the Look:Wall Paint Color: Simply White by Benjamin MooreTOUR THIS HOUSERELATED: 40+ White Bedrooms for a Totally Serene Sleeping Space10Pick the Classic Blue and White Color ComboBrie Williams, styling by Rachel RiversBlue and white is the unofficial color combo of country decorating. Ive always loved blue and white because the combination reminds me of the sky and big beautiful clouds, and the ocean, creeks, and streams, says homeowner Bambi Costanzo. A consistent color scheme used throughout the house, the pairing is layered in the primary bedroom through a series of pretty linens on the pencil-post bed she found online for just $75.Get the Look: Wall and Ceiling Paint Color:Delicate White by GliddenTOUR THIS COTTAGEAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below11Put Up a PelmetBrie Williams, styling by Matthew GleasonIn this cabin bedroom, a pelmet crowns the king-size tulip bed that was custom-made from Tiger Eye maple. Similar in style to a canopy, a pelmet is a slightly simpler application, but both bring statement-making softness to primary, guest, and kids bedrooms.TOUR THIS CABIN12Go For Camp VibesHelen Norman, styling by Matthew GleasonThe classic Pendleton blanket color scheme inspired the sleeping loft in this backyard party barn. Mixed with plaid accessories, the iconic green, red, yellow, and navy stripes look right at home in the wood-wrapped space.TOUR THIS PARTY BARNAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below13Define the Room With a RugAlpha SmootIn a narrow space around the corner from the primary bedroom, homeowners Justin Reis and Mark Schwindenhammer tucked in a pair of twin beds (found on Craigslist!) to accommodate more overnight guests. To define the makeshift bunk area, a colorful vintage rug runs the length of the beds. RELATED: 20 Bedroom Rug Ideas to Create a Cozy Space14Layer Patttern on PatternMax Kim-BeeThe low pitch of this attic bedroom instantly makes the room feel cozy. Layers of homey patternlarge-scale floral wallpaper, beautifully bright quilts, floral bedding, plaid chair upholsteryadd to the rooms charming aesthetic. Yellow painted shelves tuck in to store books.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below15Hang Pretty DraperiesLisa FloodFloral draperies pull in all the colors featured in this log cabin bedroom, from the green velvet chair and pleated lampshades to the layered bed linens and wool blanket bed topper. The bedside table belonged to homeowner Lisa Floyds grandmother, who used it as her telephone desk.Get the Look:Drapery Fabric: Jaipur by Antoinette PoissonBed Linens: by Les IndiennesTOUR THIS CABIN16Paint Walls and Ceilings a Dark ColorIn this spacious guest room, a new coat of dark gray paint on the walls and ceiling lends sophistication and allows the crisp, white bedding to really pop. Floors painted a light gray keep the room bright. A starburst chandelier, extra-wide nightstand, and glass table lamp add a modern edge to the space. Get the Look:Ceiling and Wall Paint Color: Downpipe by Farrow & BallFloor Paint Color: Pavilion Gray by Farrow & BallTOUR THIS HOUSEAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below17Use Trunks for StorageDylan Chandler, styling by Matthew GleasonBecause cozy cabins and farmhouses are often storage-challenged, pick pieces that do double duty. Here, a sturdy painted wood trunk provides a spot to sit and slip on boots while blankets and keepsakes are stowed inside.TOUR THIS CABIN18Create a Nap NookAlyssa LeeFor the ultimate cozy hideaway, theres nothing better than a nap nook. Escape to this cute cranny with your favorite book (or your favorite blanket will do just fine, too!). We are simply obsessed with the scalloped trim on this built-in cabin nook! TOUR THIS CABINRELATED: These cozy reading nooks are perfect for whiling away the afternoon.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below19Design a Room to Grow IntoJulie SoeferA collection of colorful quilts inspired the bedroom for Lea Ann Walkers granddaughters. Simple iron beds, solid bedding, and a graphic rug suit any age, making the space just right for the girls to grow into.RELATED: Stylish Kids Room Ideas That Even Grownups Will Love20Add Furry AccessoriesStacy Zarin GoldbergSoft, tactile materials, like the fuzzy, faux-fur blanket and shaggy rug, bring a luxurious coziness to this rustic log cabin bedroom. A nod to its woody location, knotty wood walls offer up natural warmth.RELATED: Knotty Pine Walls Are Back! Heres Everything You Need to Know.Amy MitchellManaging EditorAmy Mitchell is the managing editor for VERANDA and Country Living, where she writes articles on a variety of topicsdecorating and design, gardens, and holidays. Amys experience in the shelter magazine category spans more than 20 years, as shes previously held positions at Coastal Living and Cottage Living. Her personal pursuits include cooking, gardening, and hunting her favorite tag sale spots for the next piece of Pyrex for her prized collection.

From home-cooked holiday meals shared with family to caroling door-to-door, there are a lot of reasons to love Christmas in the country. (And, did we mention all the cute small towns that are decorated for the holidays that we can't wait to visit?!) Our favorite, though, might just be decorating a fresh-cut fir with all our farmhouse trimmings. Whether the tree is festooned with freshly foraged goods or your best vintage ornaments, bringing a bit of that classic country charm to your tree is easier than you think, especially when you're up for a little Christmas crafting. But, have no fear: If you aren't feeling crafty there are some simple swaps you can make to play up the rustic feel. (We won't lie, we're obsessed with this woven tree collar we've been seeing everywhere!) Below, we've gathered up some of our favorite ways to add rustic charm to your Christmas tree. Ready To Decorate For Christmas? Start Here With Our Best Christmas Decorating Guides:1Add Playful Paper GarlandsBecky Luigart-StaynerNothing says homespun holiday like a simple paper chain garland. Here, homeowner Landon McAfee played up his preppy blue-and-green Christmas palette with a classic paper chain.RELATED: See More Behind The Scenes of Our New Holiday Issue (Including How We Landed On This Tree For The Cover!)2Just Add BellsAdam AlbrightA long-standing farmhouse staple, bells add timeless cheer to even the most simple of Christmas trees, such as the one seen here on Alyson and AJ Morgans Wisconsin porch. RELATED: How to Dry Citrus for All Your Holiday DecorationsAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below3Hang a Simple Popcorn Garland David A. LandIt doesnt get any more classic than DIY popcorn garland. Add some oversized bulbs, pop the tree into a makeshift wooden crate stand, and voil, a country Christmas tree at its finest. You can top with a punched tin tree topper for extra farmhouse flair!RELATED: Try One of Our Hall-of-Fame Christmas Garland Ideas 4Add Copper AccentsNat Rea; Styling by Matthew GleasonA mix of handmade and hand-me-down baubles festoon this Rhode Island tree, which is topped by a DIY star made from copper craft piping and ringed with DIY copper chain garland. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below5Go for Collected OrnamentsDylan ChandlerWant to make your Christmas tree feel like its been years in the making? Try adding in a variety of ornaments! Just be sure to keep a clear color palette in mind (like a thread of red) so it still feels cohesive. RELATED: 25 Easy Crochet Christmas Ornaments That'll Cozy up Your Tree 6Gussy up Galvanized Tin OrnamentsDylan ChandlerPainted pine cones and dried orange slices pair perfectly with the rustic charm of galvanized tin bells and stars on this Missouri cabin porch tree. The overall look is cheerfully chippy, and will weather the elements an outdoor Christmas tree may face. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below7Repurpose Cutter QuiltsBecky Luigart-StaynerSometimes you want a tree that is pet and allergen friendly. Thats okay! If you have a stack of cutter or damaged quilts lying around that need a second life, try this clever DIY that will turn one into a country Christmas tree.To make: Cut a 1/2-inch-thick piece of foam core to the desired triangle size. Wrap your quilt tightly around the foam core and secure in place with straight pins (no cutting needed!). Set on a picnic basket tree trunk. RELATED: 93 DIY Christmas Decorations to Transform Your Home Into a Winter Wonderland8Embrace a Barely There TreeDavid MeredithThe skinnier branches of an alpine can be just as pretty as a full-blown fraser fir, and dont feel overwhelming in cozy corners. Add woodland creature and felt mushroom ornaments to bring the outdoors in like this crafty Utah family did in their farmhouse living room. RELATED: This Utah Family Home Has a Hands-On Approach to the HolidaysAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below9Opt for Candied OrnamentsGordon BeallCandy ornaments are a sweet (literally!) style for a kitchen countertop Christmas tree, and so easy to make. Pair with cranberry garland for an allover edible-inspired design.RELATED: Your Family Will Treasure These DIY Ornaments For Years to Come10Layer on the LightsRobert RadiferaTheres something to be said for a Christmas tree where a tiny white glow seems to emit from every branch. Its especially comforting to spot in the living room corner when you sneak downstairs to catch a peek of Santa.RELATED: Heres How to Hang Christmas Tree Lights Like a ProAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below11DIY a Painted Tree StandBrian WoodcockFor extra country flair, we suggest you ditch the tree skirt and use a galvanized tub instead! You can even paint it with red stripes to resemble a grain sack. 12Opt for a Rattan Topper and Citrus GarlandRikki SnyderThis timeless farmhouse-style tree incorporates classic touches like red balls and plaid accents, as well as rustic natural elements like a dried citrus garland and a stunning rattan star topper. RELATED: See More of This Postcard-Perfect Farmhouse in the Catskills That Is All Decked Out for ChristmasAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below13Illuminate With CandlesBrian WoodcockThis tree features details that harken back to earlier times, like a gingerbread star garland, electric clip-on candles (a nod to the early way trees were illuminated), and a straw star on top. A quilted tree skirt rounds out the homespun vibe.RELATED: This Is the Only Gingerbread Cookie Recipe You'll Ever Need14Pair Classic Ornaments with Paper EphemeraDylan ChandlerThis 200-year-old farmhouses Christmas decor includes a tree decorated with festive balls and paper ephemeralike sentimental numbersfound at flea markets and antique shops. A galvanized bucket as the tree stand finishes the rustic farmhouse look.RELATED: 100+ Best Places To Shop For Antique and Vintage Items Online, According to Our EditorsAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below15Use Vintage VesselsBrian WoodcockA vintage candy tin provides a perfectly sweet base for this flocked tree. Ribbon-candy ornaments tie the sweets motif together.RELATED: Heres How To Flock Your Christmas Tree, According to Experts 16Go All in on Natural TouchesVirginia MacdonaldHandmade ornaments are always more rustic than store-boughtand a lot more visually interesting too. In this classic stone farmhouse, simple citrus garlands hung with nylon string add an air of understated elegance. RELATED: See More of This Cozy Farmhouse That Has Something Called a Snug Room and Now We Want One Advertisement - Continue Reading Below17Style up a Stoneware Crock Brian WoodcockAny entryway table would look lovely with this tree placed atop it. Here, a mini balsam fir is decorated with a simple plaid bow, a cranberry bead garland, and clip-on candlesticksall sitting in a stoneware crock.RELATED: The Best Small Christmas Trees With Big Holiday Spirit18Craft a Pennant Flag GarlandDavid Tsay, styling by Sunday HendricksonThe year-round use of red in this California cabins living room takes inspiration from the words of Charles Dickens: I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. The large Christmas tree is peppered with felt pennants from National Parks and roadside attractions.RELATED: Tour More of This California Lake Home That Is the Ultimate Christmas GetawayAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below19DIY a Galvanized Funnel TreeBrian WoodcockNow this is a rustic tree! Stack vintage galvanized funnels in graduated sizes, then place the makeshift tree on a counter or open shelf in your home. Small wood beads, strung on baker's twine, make for a fitting trimming. RELATED: The 40+ Best Alternative Christmas Trees to Decorate Any Space in Your Home20Gussy up with GingerbreadAnnie Schlechter, styling by Matthew GleasonIn this Connecticut farmhouse dining room, a spindly Fraser fir features equally fragrant citrus and gingerbread ornaments alongside an old wooden wheelbarrow wielding plaid-wrapped packages.RELATED: Tour More of This Connecticut Home That Is Mad for Plaid at ChristmastimeAnna LoganSenior Homes & Style EditorAnna Logan is the Senior Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she covers design and decorating trends, home features, and gift guides. She also produces home features and styles content for the print magazine. When she isnt working, can often be found digging around antique shops for the perfect find. Follow her adventures on Instagram!

While we all love a big, beautifully decorated Christmas tree where all can gather round, sometimes limited space simply doesnt allow it. It also takes a lot of time and energy to set up and decorate a large tree. The solution: a small or mini Christmas tree that can be set on a table or easily tucked into a small space. Mini trees are also great options for those secondary Christmas trees you may want to have throughout the housein a bedroom, in a smaller sitting room, on a dining room table, or, our new favorite holiday trend, even in the kitchen. One of the best things about small trees, besides their petite size, is that with less area to cover you can more easily go all-in with a specific theme or color palette. You can also look beyond the traditional pine or fir tree and opt for a nostalgic feather tree, a colored tree, or a retro tinsel tree. If youre feeling creative and crafty, there are also so many fun ways to repurpose your favorite vintage treasures into alternative Christmas trees (the tart tins tree below is a personal favorite!). And, given their easy-to-work-with size, mini trees make for fun kid-friendly DIY projects. Regardless of the style youre going for, youll find lots of inspiration and ideas in our roundup below of charming small Christmas trees. Get even more fun and festive ideas for holiday decorating: 1Candy-Cane Colored TreeCedric AngelesGo light and bright with a white feather tree housed in a white bucket. Add bits of color with strips of red ribbon tied in simple knots and small pinecones hung with bakers twine. RELATED: 30+ Easy Pine Cone Crafts to Spruce up Your Home This Holiday Season2Rustic Garland Embellished TreeDanielle DalySkip individual ornaments and instead drape an airier tree with a variety of garlands, such as dried citrus slices, white felted or wooden beads, and red berries shown on this small rustic tree. Finish with a star tree topper. RELATED: How to Dry Citrus for All Your Holiday DecorationsAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below3Pastel White TreeBrian WoodcockFor a scene that is more snowy winter wonderland than classic red-and-green Christmas, go for a faux white tree. Decorate with a variety of pastel pink and blue and glittery white and silver ornaments and beaded garlands. An ice skate themed ornament as the tree topper keeps on the snowy theme. Cover a round hat box with Tiffany blue-colored paper as a pretty base. 4Shiny Brite Tabletop TreesBecky Luigart-StaynerAdd colorful sparkle to a mantel, buffet, or dining table with a mini tree made of vintage glass ornaments. To make: Cover Styrofoam cones (we used 12- and 15-inch cones) with ornaments, attaching with hot-glue. Start with larger ornaments at the bottom, transitioning to smaller ones as you work your way up. Fill in any gaps with mini ornament balls, and top with another larger ornament. If desired, wrap the finished tree with vintage tinsel and beaded garland.RELATED: Heres How Much Your Favorite Vintage Christmas Decorations Are Worth TodayAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below5Festive Farmhouse TreeBurcu AvsarIf you have a large hearth, make a small tree part of your fireplace decorations. Here, a small live evergreen tree sits in a seasonally appropriate Holly soda crate (any wood crate or box will work). In keeping with the homes farmhouse Christmas theme, play horse ornaments mingle with red glass balls and twinkly lights. RELATED: 40+ Rustic Christmas Tree Ideas for Your Country Farmhouse6Bingo Card ForestBecky Luigart-StaynerYou will proudly display these cute and colorful mini trees made of vintage bingo game cards year after year. Place them on the mantel or intersperse them in your holiday table centerpiece. To make: Cut three to five half-tree-shaped pieces from matching bingo cards (with one edge flat and the other jagged). Hot-glue the flat edges to a 3/8-inch dowel, fanning them out to create a 3D tree shape. Finish with a bingo tile topper using hot-glue. Place dowels in tall wooden spools for easy display.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below7Old-Fashioned Country Christmas TreeBrian WoodcockThis mini balsam fir embraces traditional elements like a plaid bow, cranberry bead garland, and tartan ornaments, plus homey accents like clip-on faux candles. An antique stoneware crock serves as a country-style tree stand. 8Playful Wood Pallet Christmas TreeDavid HillegasPaint a green tree shape on a shipping crate (you can find em for cheap on eBay or at the craft store), and string up some pom-poms in varying colors and sizes to embellish the slats. Top with a gold pom-pom to mimic a star. Try propping up the tree on your front porch for a festive welcome. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below9Town Scene CenterpieceDavid TsayThis Christmas centerpiece features a mix of old and new decorations (including highly collectible Putz houses) surrounded by greenery, twinkle lights (try a garland pre-strung with lights), and bottle-brush trees of varying sizes.RELATED: 100+ Best Places to Shop for Antiques and Vintage Online10Mason Jar Christmas TreeBurcu AvsarWe love this idea for a mantel, or even open shelves in the kitchen. Fill half a dozen canning jars with ornaments, tinsel, greenery, and other Christmas accessories. Stack the jars in a pyramid, then wrap it with a shiny garland and top with a star. RELATED: 50+ Christmas Mason Jar Crafts That Are Easy, Pretty, and FunAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below11Rustic, Organic Christmas TreeBrian WoodcockA sparse alpine balsam fir channels a less-is-more mentality, while an antique copper pot anchors the display with metallic heft. Bird and pine cone ornaments and a dried orange garland hit an organic note.RELATED: How to Dry Citrus for All Your Holiday Decorations12Candy-Themed Christmas TreeBrian WoodcockA flocked spruce and ribbon-candy ornaments hit a nostalgic note for this small Christmas tree. The happy-hued handmade button garland and vintage candy-tin base add simple homespun charm.RELATED: Heres How to Flock a Christmas Tree, for Anyone Dreaming of a White ChristmasAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below13Terra-Cotta TannenbaumBecky Luigart-StaynerStacked in descending size and wrapped with a red and green garland (like this pretty felt holly garland), weathered terra-cotta flowerpots make for a pretty garden-themed decoration on a porch or in a potting shed.RELATED: The Best Christmas Porch Decorations to Welcome Your Holiday Guests14Twine-Wrapped Christmas TreesKim CornelisonDecorate open shelves or an island in the kitchen with a grouping of mini red-and-white trees. To make: Wrap Styrofoam cones with classic red and white baker's twine. Hot-glue a star cookie cutter to the top for a finishing touch.TOUR THIS HOUSEAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below15Flower Frog Christmas TreesBrian WoodcockFor a dash of holiday horticulture, stack these floral fixer-uppers. Hang mini ball ornaments and accent with sprigs of greenery.16German Feather Christmas TreeDavid A. LandSmall vintage glass ornaments are right at home on this antique German feather tree. Strands of tinsel finish the old-fashioned look.TOUR THIS HOUSEAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below17Tomato Cage Christmas TreeBrian WoodcockWe love this clever tree idea for a gardener! Head to your local garden center to pick up a tomato cage. Turning it upside down, tuck the top of cage into a galvanized bucket or other container, and secure the bottom (now the new top) with floral wire or a strong twist tie. Outfit your tree with shiny ornaments, add greenery for a lush base, and top with a colorful bow.18Candy Cane Christmas Trees BRIAN WOODCOCKTuck these sweet trees made of peppermint candies on a shelf or by your gingerbread house or Christmas village. To make: Bake three candy cane sticks on a parchment paperlined baking sheet at 225F until just pliable, 3 to 6 minutes. Starting from bottom, quickly wrap candy around a cone-shaped Styrofoam form, trimming as needed and repeating until covered. Hot-glue red hots to starlight mints; attach to trees. To make a star-shaped mint topper, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Grease parchment and insides of star-shaped cookie cutters. Set cutters on baking sheet; fill with a single layer of mints in bottom, breaking to fill any gaps. Bake at 350F just until melted, 5 to 6 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes; remove cutters. Hot-glue star to top of tree.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below19Tart Tins Christmas TreeBrian WoodcockRound up a collection of vintage tart pans, ranging from 2 to 12 inches, and stack from largest to smallest. Top with a vintage star-shaped baking mold and display on a snow-filled tray. 20Camp-Style Christmas TreeDavid Tsay, styling by Sunday HendricksonNestled in a crusty vintage minnow bucket, with felt pennants and arrows tucked in reinforces a camp-style vibe. (Archery, anyone?) TOUR THIS HOUSEAnna LoganSenior Homes & Style EditorAnna Logan is the Senior Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she covers design and decorating trends, home features, and gift guides. She also produces home features and styles content for the print magazine. When she isnt working, can often be found digging around antique shops for the perfect find. Follow her adventures on Instagram!

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas and that means one of our favorite traditions of the year: decorating the Christmas tree. Whether youre a traditionalist who treasures dragging out the boxes of old family ornaments each and every year or someone who thinks every Christmas is the opportunity for a new theme, one thing is a constant: ribbon is the perfect way to complete your look. Those holiday gifts aren't finished until they've been embellished with ribbons and bows, so why should your tree be any different?There are so many beautiful ways to use ribbon on your Christmas treefrom simple ribbon ties to cascading garlands to statement tree toppers (and, yes, bows!). While some ideas may take a little more time than others, theyre all easy to create once you have the basics down. Here are our best tips and ideas to get you started: What Kind of Ribbon To Use To Decorate a Christmas Tree: With so many ribbons out there to choose from, it helps to first decide what style and material of ribbon you want to use. If you love the the look and feel of a classic Christmas, steer towards tartan plaid ribbon. If your style leans more rustic, jute or burlap ribbon is a good choice for you. For the glitz-and-glam holiday lovers, a ribbon with metallic hints or made of shiny satin is best. Youll also want to grab your sharpest ribbon-cutting scissors and Christmas light clips to keep things in place while you play around with the look.How to Decorate a Christmas Tree With Ribbon:1. A Ribbon GarlandStart at the top of your tree and secure the ribbon end to the top of a branch with a clip. Carefully wind your way around the tree, going over and under branches as you come down. If you run out of ribbon as you go, clip the end somewhere in the back of the tree and repeat the same process with your new strand. You can also use wire-edged ribbon for a more structured look.2. Vertical Ribbon StrandsBegin by cutting six to eight pieces of ribbon that are each approximately a foot longer than the height of your tree. (You can cut more strips if you want a fuller ribbon look.) Secure one end of each ribbon to the top of the tree with a clip. (We recommend getting a large tree topper to hide all the clips!) Let each strand cascade down the tree, tucking it back where you would like to create a fold.3. A Ribbon Bow Tree TopperThe mechanics of a tying ribbon tree topper are similar to tying a regular bow. We recommend using a wire-edged ribbon for this so that your bow keeps its shape all season long. First, cut a strip of ribbon long enough to leave you with no shorter than 6 in. tails. You can then tie it to the top of the tree in a simple two-loop bow or create multiple loops for a show-stopping look. Get more ideas and inspiration for decorating your home for holidays: