How this architect/designer prepares her home for the holidays

As an architect and interior designer, Natalie Rebuck, chief designer at Re: Design Architects, brings a maximalist touch to Christmas decorations. It combines thoughtful collections with personal touches to create a festive and harmonious environment. Here's how she transforms her home for the holidays:

Collections bring joy

Rebuck says she loves decorating with multiple similar items because it creates an eye-catching, cohesive look. “Over the years, I've put together a selection of decorative trees made from ceramic, glass, pipe cleaners, wood, metal, and more, which are displayed on my dining room sideboard.” She notes that this evolving forest of festive greenery feels magical.

“My passion for collecting also extends to nutcrackers. Each year a nutcracker is added to my collection to reflect the theme of the season.” Rebuck also places them together on dressers or shelves, creating a whimsical display. She says they have become a playful and nostalgic element for her children. “I recently started collecting vintage outdoor decorations from blow molds, making a snowman and candlesticks, although I'm still looking for a Santa Claus.”

Seasonal natural accents

Rebuck also swaps out her flowers and garlands for poinsettias, pine cones and fresh pine branches. She says this brings nature into the house and is one of her favorite ways to freshen up the space at Christmas. “Poinsettias add bright red accents to the fireplace, stairs, and front door.” Your kids will help collect pine cones and pine branches for centerpieces, making it a family activity. “For me, every decorative vase deserves to be filled – be it with fresh greenery or something festive like bells or ornaments.”

Ornaments as decoration

A simple but effective decorating trick, she fills clear vases or cute Christmas bowls with colorful Christmas decorations and bells. “These vases can be placed throughout the home, adding sparkle and charm to any room, and it's an easy way to incorporate your ornament collection beyond the tree.” And adding matching stockings and garters to a mantel creates a cohesive one, according to Rebuck , elegant look.

A Tale of Two Trees

Rebuck has two Christmas trees – each with its own personality. “My first Christmas tree is for my kids and I got it from a farm.” She says she loves the smell of a real tree and it's bursting with ornaments collected over the years. “This tree is the family tree that contains all the ornaments we collect, and it is a very versatile tree.”

Rebuck usually collects a trinket on all of her travels. She also buys an ornament for each child that symbolizes something they loved that year. “The tree even has my own baby rattle ornament from my childhood.” This tree tells the story of the family and brings back memories every time Rebuck looks at it.

However, the design lover in her has a monochromatic Christmas tree. “I have a tinsel tree in the basement that I decorated with red ribbons and red flake ornaments.” She explains that this is her chance to create a curated, sophisticated look and since that is the case her Tree, the children are not allowed to touch it.

Vintage finds and treasures

Rebuck is always looking for Christmas items, especially at estate and trailer sales. Many of her favorite decorations, such as mid-century mercury glass ornaments, were discovered during summer shopping. “My favorite piece is from the 1950s and shows Santa and his wife kissing on a green bench – I love it because my parents had the same thing.” Rebuck says Christmas is about remembering old memories to remember and create new ones. “I love mixing these older pieces with newer finds to create a layered and timeless look.”

Deck the stairs

If you have a staircase, Rebuck says garlands are a must. “Wrapping the railing with garland adds a dramatic and festive touch.” And she says garland holders are a lifesaver as they hold everything securely in place while providing an elegant look.

Table parties

Rebuck likes to create festive table decorations for Christmas dinner. “I recently found a charming set of Santa Claus plates that goes wonderfully with a larger porcelain set with red flowers that I brought back from Italy.” Red vintage goblets and red napkins go well with it. “For each person who comes to the table to eat, I place a white rose and a red velvet bow in the middle of the plate.”

As guests come and go, she found a playful way to be hospitable: She created a hot chocolate station. “I love creating it for my kids and the guests love that special touch too.” The chocolate station includes festive cups, marshmallows, red spoons and all the accessories for a nice warm cup of hot chocolate.

Make your space cozy

Rebuck also swaps out seasonal pillows and adds Christmas pillows and cozy blankets. “And I used gold, red and green candles to complete the transformation.”

For her, Christmas is about combining tradition, family and her love of design. “By combining meaningful collections with curated finds, my home becomes a joyful retreat that captures the spirit of the season.”