Camille's Home Archives - Camille Styles https://camillestyles.com/category/design/camilles-home/ Create your most beautiful life—design, food, & gatherings. Thu, 25 Jul 2024 03:25:41 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.1 https://camillestyles.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/cropped-camille-styles-favicon-1-32x32.png Camille's Home Archives - Camille Styles https://camillestyles.com/category/design/camilles-home/ 32 32 How I Choose Art For My Home—And A Peek At My Rare Editions Collection With Minted! https://camillestyles.com/design/minted-rare-editions-collection/ https://camillestyles.com/design/minted-rare-editions-collection/#respond Mon, 08 Jul 2024 10:00:00 +0000 https://camillestyles.com/?p=273278 I'm in love with every single piece.

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For me, travel is the ultimate way to unlock inspiration. Shifting my environment and immersing myself in an entirely different culture helps me see the world through a new lens. When I return home, I’m energized and excited to incorporate a fresh aesthetic into my space. And my family’s recent trip to Ibiza achieved exactly that. The sun-bleached color palette, works by Spanish abstract expressionists, and vibrant beaches—all of it was a feast for the senses. It was the exact creative inspiration I was craving. And, I got to put it into play as I curated my new Rare Editions Collection collaboration with Minted.

I approach design with the idea that whatever I bring into my home should be beautiful, functional, and meaningful. (It’s ideal if I can check all three boxes.) Minted’s Rare Editions Collection aligns perfectly with that approach. As a capsule collection with a limited run of one-of-a-kind works, Minted makes it simple to curate a narrative of purpose, connection, and beauty through art.

And though decorating with art is an easy and impactful way to elevate your home, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you create exactly the right look for you. Ahead, I’m diving into tips and tricks for sourcing meaningful art and how to style it in your home. Be sure to read to the end, where I’m diving into all my favorite pieces from Minted’s Rare Editions Collection and the inspiring stories behind the works.

Minted Rare Edition Collection
Camille Styles Minted Rare Edition Collection

How to Source Meaningful Art

I get it: shopping for art can be intimidating. So many of us often get bogged down by the question of whether or not something’s “good.” PSA: That’s entirely subjective—and up to you to decide. To source and shop for art that adds character to my home and infuses my walls with personality, I lean into my intuition to guide the way. I’m sharing my process and tips below for finding the perfect pieces for your space.

  1. Practice patience. Finding the right piece takes time. Full stop. When you have blank walls staring you in the face, it can be tempting to pick up any old piece. But finding meaningful art shouldn’t be seen as a means to an end. Instead, embrace the process. Art is a beautiful opportunity to express your tastes—allow yourself to lean into that journey of discovery and the creativity you’ll explore along the way.
  2. Trust your gut. Again, it comes back to your intuition. We can spend so much time questioning the purpose or meaning of a piece when instead, it’s often as simple as noticing how it makes you feel. Does it captivate you, stir up emotion, or spark inspiration? If so, take that as a sign to follow.
  3. Reflect on the emotions a piece evokes. As they say: when you know, you know. When I come across a work that I can’t get out of my head, I take that as a sign. If you love the piece on its own, think about how much joy it’ll bring you every time you see it in your home.

Tips for Styling Art in Your Home

Remember: your home is a reflection not only of your unique taste but the experiences you’ve amassed over the years. When styling art, I’m always after a look that feels dynamic and layered but complementary and harmonious to the rest of my home. It’s a balance of making a statement with bold pieces and paring back to create intimate vignettes. These are my go-to tips for styling art in your home.

Use a cohesive color palette as your foundation

Who doesn’t love a mood board? Before taking on any project, I like to first develop a look and feel. To do this, I start with a few words that represent the ultimate look I want to achieve. When it came to curating my Rare Editions Collection with Minted, I wanted the pieces to reflect a sun-bleached palette, leaning into shapes inspired by sensual curves and terra cotta.

From there, I gathered images that represented these words and composed them into a mood board. (See image above.) Think of it as a road map to provide further insight into the pieces you select—and how you’ll style them in your home.

Nope, it’s not just a fleeting trend of the 2010s. Gallery walls let you be playful with your styling, and the best balance a pull toward maximalism with a cohesive, grounding feel. I also love that gallery walls let you incorporate both beautiful pieces and those that might lean more nostalgic (such as family photos). Again, this is where your mood board will be important—because you’ll be styling several pieces in one space, it can become cluttered quickly. Remember the look you want to achieve and let that lead the way.

Create a focal point

Much of styling art depends on your ability to capture the eye and focus the gaze. If you’ve been here for a while, you’ll know I love hanging large statement pieces above my living room fireplace or over my bed. (Peep my house tour for a visual.) Because of the size and scale, whatever piece you select will influence the feel of your space—creating impact while still feeling streamlined.

Go beyond the wall

This is one of my favorite styling tricks. So often, we think art belongs exclusively on our walls, but it can be fun and give a fresh feel to your space to hang or lean art in unexpected ways. Y’all know I love a styled bookshelf moment, and layering smaller pieces alongside decorative objects (such as bowls, vases, and books) is a simple way to add character and interest. You can also prop pieces up on the mantel or lean it against a shelf in the kitchen. And don’t be afraid to hang art in unexpected places. Anything from the laundry room to the guest bath are all fair game.

My Rare Editions Collection for Minted

And now, let’s dive into my Rare Editions Collection with Minted! As a brand dedicated to showcasing innovative work by independent artists all over the world, teaming up with Minted was the perfect way to bring resonant, meaningful pieces to my home—and share these works with you.

What makes this collection so special, beyond the stunning works themselves? To start, each piece is part of a limited run, meaning that you’re one of only five people with the work in your home. What’s more, they each feature the artist’s signature in graphite pencil and are uniquely numbered. Lastly, I love how much care and attention was given to the framing. Each work features a handmade frame selected in a finish that best complements the piece.

All of these elements come together to create a thoughtful, considered collection that honors the intention woven into each of the works. Ahead, learn more about the pieces I selected for my capsule collection as well as the inspiring stories behind the artists who created them.

Ilana Greenberg

Brooklyn-based painter, illustrator, and graphic designer Ilana Greenberg pairs minimal, clean forms with nods to imperfection. She describes her work as urban vintage, culling inspiration from mid-century artists as well as her surrounding environment.

The Work: Perfect Composition

I immediately connected with this piece’s emphasis on black and white sensual shapes. My office was the perfect place to house it—contrasting the painting’s bold, geometric forms with the room’s softer palette.

Kamala Nahas

Based in Southern California, Kamala Nahas has always connected with photography’s ability to capture perspective and represent our experience. She excels in spontaneous compositions, responding to her senses and emotions to construct a moment. Rather than documenting a place, she sets out to capture its essence and how its elements makes her feel.

The Work: Twilight Palms

Kamala’s process in capturing this photograph speaks to the care and consideration she gives all of her work. She first took the image using a 1970’s era Polaroid SX-70 instant camera. Then, she gently separated the photograph’s layers by hand to reveal the image within. Using water again, she transferred the thin emulsion to heavy cotton fine art paper and finished it with a UV resistant varnish. For Kamala, it’s evident that the exploration and experimentation inherent in creating a piece is just as exciting as the final, visual result.

This piece’s smaller dimension lends itself well to an intimate corner. I hung it next to the window to complement the soft sunlight trickling through the curtains, and placing it above a rubber plant further emphasizes its verdant, nature-driven feel.

Seashore Findings by Bethania Lima

Bethania Lima

Brazilian surface designer Bethania Lima is passionate about pattern, color, and design. Having lived in Chile for the past decade, she recently relocated to Uruguay. She’s currently exploring the ups and downs of a freelance career, attributing much of her success to the loving support of family and friends.

The Work: Seashore Findings

I saw a Matisse exhibit a few months back that showcased many of his cutouts. I immediately fell in love with the organic shapes and vibrant colors. This piece resonated with me in the same way, drawing me in through its layered hues and varied, but harmonious forms. I propped it up on my living room bookshelf to infuse a little color into the space and to play up the patina of my favorite clay vessels and vases.

What We Will Become by Jennifer Daily

Jennifer Daily

Jennifer Daily has been painting and designing since she was a teenager. Now, with a degree in Graphic Design, she creates pieces that draw inspiration from the Bay Area’s vibrant cultures and varied climates. Her pieces lean on simplified forms and neutral color palettes to communicate her push for fewer distractions in both her art and life.

The Work: What We Will Become

“A life can be seen as the process of unfolding,” Jennifer writes. Moment to moment, we surprise ourselves by all there is to discover along the path of growth. This is how Jennifer approaches every work—asking “what if” to drive at new desires, new paintings, and new ways of being. I hung this in the corner of our bedroom to echo the soft, light wood of the bed frame. It has a calming and grounding effect that’s exactly the vibe I’m going for.

Caryn Owen

Caryn Owen is an inspiring multi-hyphenate, having balanced her art with motherhood and a career as a marine biology professor for years. Based in Santa Cruz, California, Caryn left the field in 2014 when she dove into art full-time. Specializing in acrylic paint on canvas, Caryn focuses her work on abstract landscapes and botanicals as well as pure abstract expressionist paintings that explore the boundaries of color.

The Work: Santa Cruz Seascape

This vibrant abstract landscape is painted on stretched canvas, connecting the viewer to the energetic quality of Northern California’s coast. As a self-professed colorist, Caryn seeks to represent the intensity of color in lieu of literal forms. I immediately connected with this piece’s layered colors—a reminder that nature is often more layered and contains greater depth than we initially see.

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20 Ideas to Bring Your Dream Backyard to Life (and a Backyard Tour Video!) https://camillestyles.com/design/design-trends/backyard-design/backyard-landscaping-ideas/ https://camillestyles.com/design/design-trends/backyard-design/backyard-landscaping-ideas/#respond Fri, 07 Jun 2024 10:30:00 +0000 https://camillestyles.com/?p=237228 Outdoor oasis ahead.

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Warning: if you’re not prepared to be massively inspired to take up a weekend project, turn away now. Nothing gets me to Home Depot faster than an image of a pretty outdoor space popping up on my Pinterest board. And, better or worse for you, I’m about to bombard your eyes with beautiful backyard landscaping ideas that will put a shovel in your (or your unassuming partner’s) hand in no time.

If you’re starting from scratch, backyard design is a huge undertaking—mentally, physically, and financially. Just take it from Camille, recalling her backyard plans: “Typically, we tackle one big project a year, and after 12 years of living here, our home is so much closer to our ultimate vision. Though I doubt we’ll ever really be finished.”

Tour Camille’s Backyard below!

However, no matter what type of space you’re working with, there are steps you can take right now (as in, this weekend!) toward designing your dream backyard. This leads me to an obvious step number one: you must first answer the question, “What is my dream backyard?”

A Formula to Determine Your Dream Backyard

Here’s how to do it. First, name your top three needs. How should your backyard serve you? For example:

  • Do you want a space that’s ready for hosting at all times?
  • Do you want to grow your own flowers or build a vegetable garden?
  • Do you need a big green lawn for kids and pets to play?
  • Is there a patio that needs tending?
  • Do you want to grill or cook outside?

Next, name your top three wants.

  • How do you want your backyard to make you feel? Relaxed, inspired, motivated, at peace, etc.
  • Are there any design styles you want to lean into? Curated, overgrown, Mediterranean, desert-inspired, etc.

After some soul searching, you might come up with something like this: “I need my backyard to serve my family by offering a safe and inviting place for my kids to play, an inspiring area to relax and enjoy a meal, and a cozy seating area for morning coffees outside. I want my backyard to lean into European vibes with native plants and vintage (yet sturdy) pieces so it feels like an outdoor oasis when I step outside.”

Now that you’ve determined your dream space, it’s time to get started. Ahead, I’m sharing 20 backyard landscaping ideas to make it happen. Filter each one through your parameters and have that shovel at the ready—inspiration abounds.

terraced backyard with white umbrellas and gravel pathways

1. Terrace the Land to Make Full Use of a Sloped Lot

If your property has any sloping, lean into it by building the backyard on different levels. There’s not much you can do on a hillside without building terraced walls and bringing in a ton of dirt to fill them in. It’s a big job—but think of it as the foundation upon which your dream backyard will grow.

backyard landscaping master plan from overhead

2. Create a Master Plan

When dealing with a large outdoor space, it’s important to start by creating a master plan that defines a purpose and use for every different area. You might want to carve out a space for dining, an area for your kids to play sports, or maybe you want to leave a spot to add a pool someday… then you can tackle each area in phases, with a vision for where you’re ultimately headed.

perfect outdoor dining situation

3. Frame Your Spaces (or “Rooms”)

If you have a number of different areas in your yard (patios, decks, pools, a garden, private spaces) it’s best to imagine them as separate rooms. Then lay out different materials like stones or shrubs to mark each area of the space. From there, it’s a matter of filling in with plants and furniture—which you’ll likely still continue to do over time.

outdoor living room backyard design

See more from the Grit and Polish’s family-friendly backyard.

4. Create an Outdoor Living Room

Speaking of spaces and rooms, the outdoor living room is likely where guests will find themselves lounging the most. So think of it as such! Choose comfortable furniture and various stools that can also act as tables for drinks or snacks. Keep an outdoor storage bin for necessities all year round—from cozy throws to bug repellents.

Camille Styles in her backyard

5. Consider Gravel Over Grass

Backyard landscaping ideas should have you thinking about mixing and matching outdoor textures. If mowing is the bane of your existence, consider laying gravel (or turf if you still require a green space). Depending on your style and needs, hardscaping some gravel paths might be the key to your dream design.

gravel and large pavers in desert backyard

See more from Alison Carroll’s desert backyard.

6. Create Pathways

As you’re thinking of the “rooms” in your backyard, consider how the spaces work together in terms of connection. Carve out a walkway—either with gravel, large pavers, or both. Pathways prevent that disjointed feeling and truly bring the design all together.

Backyard fire pit

7. Install a Fire Pit

One of our favorite design ideas, the outdoor fireplace cannot be ignored. When it comes to backyard landscaping ideas, there must be a focal point. It might be a water feature or a fountain—but we’re partial to the fire pit. From wood-fired pizzas in spring to s’mores in the fall, it’s just hard to beat the ambiance.

Outdoor backyard with large lanterns.

8. Carve Out Spaces for Lounging or Dining

If your outdoor living area doesn’t support it, a cozy spot for hanging out is a must. Keep in mind that it could (and maybe should) also pass as an outdoor dining area. This is where you’ll linger over everything from coffee and a good book to BBQ and cocktails. Bring in romantic café chairs or long benches to fit your vibe.

Boho Outdoor Lounge Area with Affordable Target Furniture and Firepit

9. Make Privacy Pretty—and a Priority

It won’t be going out on a limb to assume that most people are going to want some privacy in their backyards. Whether it be a fence, wandering vines, tall hedges, or variations of shrubs, your privacy tactics can also support the overall design of the yard.

pergola with lemons

10. Work With Shaded Areas

If your yard doesn’t come with a topiary of trees (and perhaps even if it does), shade is crucial for optimal enjoyment. Consider a pergola or installing a porch where you’ll need a reprieve from the sun. But keep those sunny areas, too—especially if you’re considering a garden at any point.

potted plants in backyard landscaping

11. Decorate With Planters in Containers

If you don’t want to hire a landscape designer, an easy place to begin is decorating with pots. Potted plants like succulents, greenery, or perennials can bring your yard to life. And—bonus!—it’s something you actually can do in only a weekend.

native plants backyard landscaping ideas

12. Use as Many Native Plants as Possible

First, find out what zone you’re in and then plant accordingly. Sure, you may want to plant all the Mediterranean plants like olives, lemons, and bougainvillea, but it’s risky to make those investments. Try buying the smaller versions of these plants you simply cannot deny so you can cover them if it freezes—and know you might lose a percentage of them each winter.

Camille Styles in her garden

13. Plant a Backyard Garden

If you dream of building DIY raised garden beds, first choose an area of the yard that gets plenty of sun. Most vegetables and herbs thrive with as much sun as possible, so these are really happy. Then, consider installing drip irrigation. Drip sprinklers are pipes that run right under the top of the soil and are more eco-friendly since it deeply hydrates the roots without so much of the water evaporating into the air. You can even put them on a timer so that your garden gets watered both regularly and at the optimal time of day.

backyard string globe lights at dusk

14. Hang String Lights

If you’re looking for a smaller, more affordable project, the answer is lighting. String lights are bang for your buck in terms of immediate ambiance and minimal effort. Even a small backyard can be transformed in just a few minutes with some simple lighting.

backyard design ideas couple playing cornhole

15. Make Space for Play

If “backyard” and “play” are synonymous for you but you’re trying to get away from a yard full of sun-bleached, forgotten toys—good news. All you really need for fun in the backyard is space and a few balls to kick around. Bring out the cornhole when you’re feeling competitive, install a pretty hammock, or hang a rope swing. Bet you’ll love it just as much as the kids.

The exterior of a shed

16. Put Up a Shed

The versatility of a shed is truly remarkable. Sure, they can provide extra storage space for outdoor tools and seasonal decor, but that’s just the beginning. Sheds can be transformed into reading or meditation nooks, home gyms, work spaces, and a place for hobbies like needlework or photography. Get creative and think about what sort of private space you’d love, then turn a shed into your own cozy retreat. 

Gazebo in the fall

17. Charm with a Gazebo

Gazebos really make a statement. They can offer an additional spot in your backyard for relaxing or dining, while also providing additional shade. Deck yours out with a small dining room table and chairs for an intimate spot for morning coffee or a lunch date with a friend. Or set up an outdoor loveseat with lots of pillows for cocktails at sunset or a Saturday reading sesh. 

Ornate wall fountain

18. Zen Out With a Water Feature

My parents recently installed a small fountain in their backyard that rests just off of their deck. The gentle sound of water rippling creates a calm and relaxing ambience. Water fountains are ideal for gardens and outdoor sitting areas, especially if the vibe you want to curate is chill. A fountain can also be an unexpected decorative feature—they come in a range of different styles and aesthetics from ultra modern to eclectic.

A matte black outdoor shower

19. Add an Outdoor Shower

An outdoor shower can come in clutch if you have a pool. Installing one would make it easy to rinse off, as well as provide a space for hosing off muddy pets or children. Even without a pool, an outdoor shower can truly be luxurious. Opt for gates, a stone wall or a wooden fence for privacy. Nothing beats the warmth of the sun or a view of the stars as you shower. Resort-style living, anyone?

Citrus slices on cutting board.

20. Create a Backyard Bar

If you’re looking for backyard landscaping ideas specifically for entertaining, a bar can take things to the next level. Whether you serve cocktails or mocktails, outdoor bars include discreet shelving for wine bottles, glassware, and cocktail shakers so you can have everything in reach. Add a few bar stools and you have an ideal spot for chatting over a glass of wine, or greeting guests from the patio. Cheers!

To see some of these ideas in action, take a tour through Camille’s own space as she shares her favorite backyard landscaping ideas:

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Camille’s Full Home Tour is Here—Come On In! https://camillestyles.com/design/camille-styles-home-tour/ https://camillestyles.com/design/camille-styles-home-tour/#respond Tue, 07 May 2024 10:00:00 +0000 https://camillestyles.com/?p=264850 Plus, the sourcebook with links to everything.

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Having lived in our Mediterranean-style home in Austin for over a decade, I’ve shared much of our design process through the years. From simple updates to the kitchen, to plastering our walls, to completely overhauling the backyard—it’s been a journey and I’m grateful to all of you who have been along for the ride! It occurred to me recently that I’ve never shared a complete tour of the entire house, with the room-by-room details all in one place. So, along with the launch of my Sourcebook that includes links to everything in our house, I couldn’t be more excited to share the official Camille Styles Home Tour. Scroll on for everything you’ve ever wondered about my home in Austin, but first: watch the video below so I can show you around.

And now, the details on each space in our house…

camille styles home tour - living room

The story of our house

My husband Adam discovered this property back when we were dating, 16 years ago! There was an old 1950s house on the lot that was in pretty bad shape, and the lot itself was so overgrown that you couldn’t see any of the views. The current backyard was completely nonexistent. But we knew that this property had tons of potential, and over a year after putting in the first offer on the property, we finally got it.

We spent the first year of our marriage working with our architect, Ryan Street, and then building a new house from the ground up. At the time, I’d never done a design project close to this scale before—and honestly, had no clue what I was doing. But thankfully, the experience sparked a passion for design and construction in both Adam and me. We learned so much through the process, and I feel lucky that we ended up with a final result that I still love, so many years later.

Now that we’ve been in the house for 13 years, there are definitely a few things that I’d love to update. We approach our home as an ongoing project—every year we tackle one or two thing and the house just keeps evolving right along with us.

camille styles home tour - living room

The “style” of our home

I often get asked what “style” our house is, and truthfully, I can’t point to just one particular design style since we’ve been inspired by so many different sources. However, I often use the words “warm minimalism” to describe our home. I’m always looking for simplicity, but want every space to feel warm and comfortable. 

There’s also an undeniable Mediterranean influence in our design. Adam and I went to Italy on our honeymoon, and we were so inspired by the architecture and the outdoor spaces where we spent time on the Amalfi coast. When we came home and began our design process, we wanted to incorporate materials like terra cotta and plaster, as well as so many of the plants we chose for our landscaping, like olive trees and jasmine.

The walls

One of the main questions I get asked about our home is—what color of paint is on the walls? Three years ago, we decided to plaster the walls of the entire house. I’ve long been obsessed with the old-world character that plaster gives a house, so I was really excited about this update—and I’ve loved it every bit as much as anticipated.

For our walls, we wanted a matte finish that’s a little bit more earthy than a lot of the plaster on the market, and I found this product called American Clay that I fell in love with immediately. It’s a natural earth plaster made in New Mexico, and the finish has the soft, organic vibe I was envisioning for our house. It’s also nontoxic and eco-friendly. We plastered the entire downstairs of the house in American Clay’s shade called Forté White, and I love it so much that I actually keep some of the walls bare so that the plaster can have its own moment.

camille styles home tour - living room

The Living Room

Our living room is all about the natural light and the indoor-outdoor flow. My favorite part of this room is the big steel doors that open up completely to the patio and create this beautiful connection to the backyard. We had them designed and built by Rehme Steel Windows & Doors here in Austin. My emotional state is so influenced by sunlight, so it’s an instant mood booster to spend time in here and let all that light in. Get the Sourcebook ->

Shop my living room:

Read more about the living room, including the updates we made.

The Kitchen and Dining Room

Our kitchen is where the magic happens—all of my recipe development for the site, and all the meals we make together as a family. When we host parties, everyone congregates around the big central island, so I usually set out the drinks and snacks here for grazing.

This kitchen does have a few inherent design challenges—mainly the lack of natural light. I’ve explored every possible way to add a skylight or window in here, but the way the house is configured makes it impossible. So, I’m strategic with colors and styling to lighten up this space as much as possible.

When we built the house, we added a stainless steel venthood that I really fell out of love with as my style evolved. A few years ago, we did a kitchen update and replaced it with a custom plaster hood surround that made the biggest difference. The hood has a hidden ventilation system that’s mounted to the inside of the surround which we then plastered over in American Clay.

We also replaced our old countertops with this bright white Caesarstone in the Cloudburst Concrete finish. I love Caesarstone and have used it in multiple projects—it’s beautiful and incredibly durable. This time around, we added a waterfall edge to the countertop and made a continuous sink all out of the same Caesarstone to make it all really seamless. Get the Sourcebook ->

Shop my kitchen:

Read more about our kitchen remodel here.

The Backyard

Where do I begin with our backyard? This is my favorite space on our entire property. The fact that it’s taken us 12 years of work to get it to this point makes it even more special—it’s been an ever-evolving labor of love.

Up top, we’ve got our outdoor lounge area – this is where we hang out when we have friends over, and lots of times the four of us will actually eat dinner around this coffee table and just sit on cushions.

Camille Styles home best chaise lounges

And then, we’ve got the infinity-edged pool. We designed it to maximize the feeling of being built into a cliff, and I love that when we’re in the pool, it feels like we’re almost suspended in the canopy of the trees. We swim all the time—starting in March all the way through November, we are in the pool constantly. My favorite thing about our pool is the color—the dark tile reminds me of the Mediterranean with its deep blue waters.

backyard landscaping ideas umbrellas in a mediterranean yard

Since our home sits up on a high hillside, our foundation is built on a 30-foot retaining wall. The lower backyard on the other side of it has been our home’s biggest transformation over the last few years. It’s gone from being a dirt-covered hillside covered in brush and trees that we couldn’t even use, to a space that’s been featured all over the internet including in Architectural Digest. It’s taken us YEARS to bring our vision to life – we typically try to tackle one or two big projects a year back here and we’ll probably never be finished with this area. Get the Sourcebook ->

Tour the full backyard here, including more about our backyard design, plants we’ve used, and all about that fire pit.

camille styles home tour - bedroom

The Primary Bedroom

Our bedroom is my sanctuary – our days are so full, from work to family life, and this is where the hustle stops and we truly relax. I love my corner window spot for morning coffee, and I’ll often sit here in the evening and journal or read before bed.

I get a lot of questions about our custom-designed and built bed. It’s made from unstained white oak for a matte, neutral finish, and then had two sconces hard-wired into each side of the bed—the switches are located into the side of the nightstand so they’re invisible. Get the Sourcebook ->

Lots more details on how we designed this bed in our bedroom tour right here.

Shop my bedroom:

Neutral, minimalist office.

Camille’s Tiny Office

Here’s a peek at the alcove office connected to the kitchen where I usually work. A couple years ago, I reconfigured the space to be more efficient. We demoed the existing desk and cabinetry, and replaced it with a clean “floating” slab of white oak to serve as a simple, streamlined desk setup. I love having this cozy space to hunker down and get stuff done, and it’s so convenient to pop in and out of here while I’m hanging with the kids or cooking dinner.

Take the full tour of my office.

camille styles home tour - media room

The Media Room

This room has been so many different things through the years—when we first moved in, it was our home gym… then it became my home office… and finally now that our kids are a little older, it’s our media room where our family watches movies or plays video games.

I kept the decor in this room really simple and affordable, from the Target rugs to the CB2 couch. When it comes to designing kids’ spaces, I usually stick with the same color palette and vibe of the rest of the house, but I don’t want anything precious or fragile. Let’s be honest—it’s probably going to get destroyed from the video game playing, sleepovers, and snacking that happens in this room! Get the Sourcebook ->

Shop the media room:

camille styles studio kitchen makeover, open shelves

The Studio

Welcome to my team’s studio! We shoot a lot of recipe content for the site at my house, and as mentioned above, our kitchen doesn’t get much natural light. So, we transformed this back room of the house from a guest bedroom into a light-filled studio where we shoot recipes, as well as products for Casa Zuma.

I shared the entire before-and-after process of transforming our guest room into a studio kitchen here. We did it on a budget, and it’s such a great place for our team to collaborate and be creative.

Get the Sourcebook ->

Clean modern office.

The Family Office

This is our “family office”, although usually Adam works in here and I work in my little alcove off the kitchen (see above.) This room tends to become the dumping ground for Casa Zuma prototypes and samples we need to go through, so our goal for this space is to keep it as minimalist and clean as possible. For me, a clear space equals a clear mind and when there’s too much clutter I cannot think straight. Get the Sourcebook ->

Take the full tour of the office here.

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Camille styles meditation room

The Meditation Room

This loft area has also been a playroom, a TV room, and now—it’s what I call my “meditation room.” I turned it into a cocoon for relaxing, doing yoga or pilates, or where anyone in the house can escape when they need to chill and experience a low-stimuli environment.

Take the full tour of the meditation room here.

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Camille styles home tour - Henry’s room

Henry’s Room

I haven’t shared photos of my kids’ rooms since they were baby nurseries! I’m a fan of letting kids express themselves with their bedrooms once they’re old enough to care, so I don’t get too involved with the design—I really want it to be a reflection of them.

Henry’s room is pretty simple—he naturally doesn’t like clutter and keeps his stuff weirdly organized. We recently upgraded his desk to a larger surface where he can spread out his legos and Star Wars paraphernalia. The cute poster above his bed has all the lyrics to Hotel California (his favorite song.) I ordered the digital version from Etsy, then sent it to Framebridge to have it printed and framed.

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camille styles home tour - phoebe's room - kids room

Phoebe’s Room

Phoebe is not quite as minimalist as her brother (lol)—she’s a big beauty product girl, loves her stuffed animals, and has lots of little collections of all kinds of things. One thing I love about both kids’ rooms is that they have these huge windows with trees outside them, and it almost makes them feel like they’re nestled in  a treehouse. And then, they both have these incredible views of downtown Austin. At bedtime, we love to look out at the glittering skyline views and it’s so magical when you can see the moon up above.

Peek at Phoebe’s toddler room (I miss it!)

Shop Phoebe’s room:

And, that’s the tour! This house has been such an incredible home for us—it’s evolved right along with us through the years and really has a piece of our hearts. It’s our ultimate canvas for creativity and inspiration, and every room tells a story.  Thanks for coming by! Drop your questions in the comments of the video over on Youtube, and don’t forget to sign up for the Sourcebook below to get links to everything!

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Deck Out Your Mantel for the Holidays—12 Ideas to Spark Inspiration https://camillestyles.com/design/holiday-mantel-decorating-ideas/ https://camillestyles.com/design/holiday-mantel-decorating-ideas/#respond Sun, 03 Dec 2023 11:30:00 +0000 https://camillestyles.com/?p=254081 Cozy up.

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I’m a November 1 girlie. And by that, I mean that once the Halloween candy is eaten and the pumpkins are put away, my Christmas tree and all its accompanying decor take over. It’s not only because I’m a holiday enthusiast (although that accounts for 75% of my festive fervor). There’s also an unspoken magic that shines and shimmers throughout our homes when the holidays set in. With the season’s chilly, snow-flecked weather, our spaces become an opportunity to reflect all the coziness and comfort we hope to curate within. So, to spark a little inspiration, we’ve rounded up our favorite holiday mantel decorating ideas ahead.

Despite living in a small space, there are still countless ways I can make my apartment a holiday haven. My strategy for keeping things celebratory without going overboard? Designate a few “hubs” of your house where you’ll focus your decorating efforts. With 1000 square feet to spare, I’m honing in on the tree, dining table, windows, and yes—the mantel. This approach lets everything feel streamlined while still making clear: I’m all about spreading the holiday cheer.

12 Holiday Mantel Decorating Ideas for 2023

And if you don’t have a mantel? No problem. There are still plenty of spaces to dedicate your decorating efforts. If you’re looking for somewhere to hang the stockings, try a bed post, a blanket ladder, or even putting up a few floating shelves. I love the idea too, of stringing a garland along the banister. The point is, holiday mantel decorating ideas are all about getting creative and making the most of your space. Because this time of year is all about embracing what we have and sharing gratitude for the joy already present in our lives.

With that in mind, let’s get to the holiday mantel decorating ideas that’ll take your home to holi-yay status.

Holiday mantel decor
Holiday mantel decor ideas.

See more: Camille’s earthy and organic holiday decor.

1. Go Asymmetrical

True artistry exists in the imperfections—and that rule applies to our holiday mantel decorating ideas. String your greenery or garland so that the end drapes down one end of your mantel. This simple design decision creates a subtle sense of drama. Balance it out by stacking your stockings and grouping a few taper candles to the opposite side.

2. Follow the Rule of Threes

When adding accessories (like candles or design elements) to your mantel, keep the rule of threes in mind. Across countless disciplines, it’s understood that we’re best able to process information through pattern recognition—and three is the smallest number that allows us to recognize a pattern in a set. Put simply, arranging objects in threes is most pleasing to the eye. So rather than scattering a bunch of disparate accents separately, place them in groups so they can shine their best.

3. Try Taper Candles

While we love decorating our holiday mantels with candles of all sorts, long taper candles draw the eye upwards, resulting in an elegant aesthetic. While you’re certainly welcome to use white candles, go for the unexpected and mix color tones. I love Camille’s pairing of a black candle holder with a taupe candle.

Finley Black Taper Candle Holder

From $12

See more: Camille’s evergreen forest holiday decor.

4. Use a Mirror

Once of the easiest and most game-changing design tricks? Place mirrors strategically throughout your home to reflect light and make the space feel bigger. This same tip applies to the mantel, helping amplify your holiday setup. With sources of light from candles, twinkly strands, and the fireplace itself, this idea works all the better.

5. Wrap Candles in Birch

For a quick and easy DIY, elevate your go-to white pillar candles by wrapping pieces of birch around them. This gives your mantel a woodland, natural vibe that’ll make your space a hundred times cozier. (Psst… flameless candles are key here.)

6. Don’t Forget the Details

While we’re all about looking big-picture with our holiday mantel decorating ideas, the magic is also made in the details. What small, festive touches will bring you joy? For me, that’s a simple ceramic bowl filled with pinecones or a few bottlebrush trees on my mantel. Whatever those details are for you, be sure to make them a priority.

See more: Camille’s natural, woodland holiday home.

7. Keep It Cohesive

Yes, this is a special time of year—but we’re not looking to reinvent the wheel with our holiday mantel decorating ideas. Instead, use the aesthetic you already have set in place to establish the foundation for your decor. As Camille encourages, “… consider how your own personal style can be reflected through your holiday decor, rather than being guided by trends.”

8. Incorporate Varying Textures

For this statement-making garland, Camille created depth and interest by incorporating different greenery into the design. Combining different firs, pines, and eucalyptus has the power to still make an impact while managing not to detract from the mantel’s other design elements.

9. Fill the Fireplace

If you don’t have a working fireplace, you still have plenty of options for making it a source of visual comfort. My favorite idea? If your home is already overflowing with gifts, stack them aesthetically in the fireplace. Or, if Santa hasn’t arrived yet, simply wrap boxes in coordinating paper (we love white, kraft paper, velvet ribbons, and touches of black) to make a statement while sticking to your design budget.

Modern holiday mantel decor.
Modern Christmas mantel decorating ideas.

See more: Camille’s modern holiday decor.

10. Draw the Eye Across the Mantel

I love the visual interest that a simple shift in the placement of your greenery can create. By flanking the fireplace with arrangements on the top and bottom corners, the eye is drawn to the fireplace while still framing the mantel in its entirety. To create balance, align stockings in the middle of the two arrangements.

11. Pair a Minimalist Palette With a Maximalist Approach

The holidays often evoke a “more is more” mentality. And while we love the idea of abundance, our goal is to opt for balance. To create a sense of magic on the mantel, go minimalist with your colors—natural greenery and neutral shades work best—while aiming to create a statement with the volume and scale of decor. The resulting look is lush without overwhelming the eye.

12. Hygge Your Home

Of course, this tip goes beyond the holiday mantel. But because we crave coziness at every turn, we’re big on hygge holiday mantel decorating ideas. To make it happen, lean into soft textures with your stockings, twinkling candles, and an overall approach of simplicity. For many, the mantel marks the central point of your home. During the holidays, it’s somewhere you gather with friends and family to share your love. We’d argue that it should be a reflection of all the warmth and joy found within.

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My 2023 Holiday Decor—Exactly How I Turned Our Home Into a Cozy Winter Haven https://camillestyles.com/design/holiday-decor-2023/ https://camillestyles.com/design/holiday-decor-2023/#respond Mon, 27 Nov 2023 22:54:39 +0000 https://camillestyles.com/?p=252612 Grab your coffee and come on in.

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My goal for this holiday season? To fully soak it up, finding those little ways to mark the moments so it doesn’t fly by in a blur. For many of us, December is an incredibly busy month, and making those core holiday memories requires an intentional approach. And one of my favorite traditions to kick off the entire season is decorating the house for the holidays.

So, today we are decking out our home for Christmas—it’s always been one of my favorite days of the entire year, and as an adult, I love getting to share this experience with our kids and make it really special. Below, I’m spilling all the simple details that transform our entire house into a cozy, Christmas-y haven. I’m keeping it simple by focusing on just a few elements that will make an impact and add wow factor: candles and twinkling lights, evergreen branches, and layers of texture. And you also cannot overstate the power of Christmas music—just turning on some tunes changes the whole vibe of a space.

First, watch the video below where I deck out our house from top to bottom… then scroll on for details and links to everything I used.

Our Christmas Tree

I get questions about our tree every year—it’s really large (12 feet!) to account for our high ceilings in the living room, and though it’s faux, it does look super realistic. Before getting this tree, I was a diehard “real tree person,” but thanks to Adam’s allergies and our crazy high ceilings, we switched to faux about 10 years ago and have never looked back.

Camille Styles Holiday Decor 2023-Christmas Mantel with evergreen garland and casa zuma holiday wreath

Fake Christmas trees can be really expensive, so it pays to price shop a bit here. Ours came from Frontgate, and it’s the Noble Fir Slim Profile Tree in the 12-foot size.

Camille Styles Holiday Decor 2023-Christmas tree
Camille Styles Holiday Decor 2023-Christmas tree with kraft paper presents and dried citrus-rustic gift wrapping

The Fireplace Mantel—and Our Casa Zuma Wreath

The mantel is the centerpiece of our living room, so I like to use this area as a way to play with decor and give our holiday decor a different vibe every year. My friend Elle has made our mantel garland and wreath the past several years. She owns a company called Gracious Garlands that makes beautiful live evergreen decor. This year, we’re teaming up with them to make our Casa Zuma Holiday Wreath made of fraser fir, cedar and seeded eucalyptus. We wanted to do something natural and California-inspired, and I’m so excited for you guys to be able to experience it in your own homes this year. It’s on sale now.

Camille Styles Holiday Decor 2023-Christmas Mantel with evergreen garland

For this year’s mantel, I’m going with an earthy, natural aesthetic with lots of evergreen. The focal point is this gorgeous evergreen garland that Elle created using different types of greens which give it so much texture and warmth. I love using asymmetry here—it makes it feel a little more artistic and looks visually pleasing when you hang the stockings.

Camille Styles Holiday Decor 2023-Christmas Mantel with evergreen
Camille Styles Holiday Decor 2023-Christmas Mantel with evergreen garland and casa zuma holiday wreath

We secured the garland to the mantle by sticking a few command hooks onto the mantle itself and then fastened it to the mantel at several points to support the garland’s weight. Then I wove some fairy lights and around the front branches to add sparkle.

Camille Styles Holiday Decor 2023-Christmas Mantel with evergreen garland and casa zuma holiday wreath and candles

The Cozy Details

I use our open shelving next to the fireplace as a continually rotating space to display my favorite things. During the holidays, I start by removing a few items to open up the space, then I add just a few holiday touches to make the shelves feel festive. I try to keep it in a neutral color palette that feels aligned with the room during the rest of the year, because I always want this space to feel calm and grounding.

Camille Styles Holiday Decor 2023-open shelves record player
Camille Styles Holiday Decor 2023-Christmas tree with kraft paper presents and dried citrus-rustic gift wrapping and evergreen casa zuma holiday wreath
Camille Styles Holiday Decor 2023-pinecones on coffee table birch bark candles

The Front Porch

If you know me then you know I love creating a festive front door that welcomes guests into the coziness of the season right when they pull in the driveway. Last year’s Christmas front door decor was decked out with red berries, and the year before was inspired by a woodland fantasy.

Camille Styles Holiday Decor 2023-Christmas front porch decor with evergreen garland and casa zuma holiday wreath and candles

Our front door opening is quite large, and it takes a lot to make an impact. I’ve found that streamlining to just a few elements but going BIG with them is the key; it’s really all about scale. So here, Elle used evergreen garlands and tucked pinecones into them using some floral wire—and she used lots of it. Then she (and her awesome husband Regan) used floral wire to attach the garland at each point where we wanted it to drape using command hooks that we stuck to my house.

Camille Styles Holiday Decor 2023-Christmas front porch decor with evergreen garland and casa zuma holiday wreath and candles
Camille Styles Holiday Decor 2023-Christmas front porch decor, casa zuma holiday wreath, evergreen

To attach the Casa Zuma Holiday Wreath to the front door, we used a couple large suction cups, wove in a few wired pinecones and added a big velvet bow at the bottom for the finishing touch.

Camille Styles Holiday Decor 2023-Christmas front porch decor, casa zuma holiday wreath, evergreen
Camille Styles Holiday Decor 2023-Christmas front porch decor, casa zuma holiday wreath, evergreen

And THAT is how we transform our house for the holidays. The goal? To turn it into a cozy haven where we just want to stay in and drink hot chocolate by the fire all season long. Decorating the tree, reading the Polar Express with my kids, curling up in front of the Christmas tree lights to drink my coffee in the morning—those are things that awaken the spirit in me and add up to an unforgettable holiday.

Camille Styles Holiday Decor 2023-mug in front of fire
Camille Styles Holiday Decor 2023-christmas music record turntable

I hope that you guys are having a beautiful start to the season! Savor it, enjoy those simple moments with the people you love, and have a very happy holiday.

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Step Inside Our New Home Office (Video Tour!) https://camillestyles.com/design/camille-styles-home-office-makeover/ https://camillestyles.com/design/camille-styles-home-office-makeover/#respond Fri, 07 Jul 2023 09:11:21 +0000 https://camillestyles.com/?p=238307 Check out the "before."

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Today, I’m excited to reveal a space in our house that I’ve never actually shown you guys before. Up until now, it’s been my least favorite room in our home. Welcome to our home office! Aka that one room in the house where we threw all the stuff we didn’t know what to do with. But no longer! After being in our house for over a decade, Adam and I decided it was finally time to show this room some love and transform it from a cramped, awkward room into one where we could be creative, have meetings, and collaborate on Casa Zuma together.

As many of you know, we built our house 13 years ago. It’s a never-ending project (which is how we like it), and we’re hitting that time when we naturally want to give some areas of the house a freshen up. We’ve evolved and our taste has evolved along with it—but the challenge is to update our home in ways that make sense as an investment and don’t totally blow our budget.

camille styles home office makeover

Wilcox Rug

The Wilcox rug by Jake Arnold brings stunning contrast to your bedroom or living space. The handwoven wool rug’s two-tone design and generous accent fringe offer a burst of visual and textural impact and natural fiber appeal.

Lulu and Georgia, $1,598 (Save 15% with code CAMILLESTYLES15!)

Kalani Pendant Light

In our Kalani pendant light, a shapely silhouette brings a subtle sense of movement to woven lighting design.

Lulu and Georgia, $598 (Save 15% with code CAMILLESTYLES15!)

Layout challenges

This home office space has always been one of our most challenging areas. First, the layout makes it tricky—each of the walls has either a door (to the bathroom or a closet) or a window that faces the front of the house, and it feels a bit awkward to have the desk sitting in front of any of these areas.

We also installed a lot of built-ins in the room in an effort to create a lot of storage. While we did accomplish that goal, the permanency of built-in shelves and cabinetry limited how much we could rearrange the room.

camille styles home office makeover

Beatrix Rectangular Dining Table

Butcher block style and a natural finish give modern simplicity and a laid back look. Made for dining—but works great as a desk.

$699

Be Home Reclaimed Wood Rectangular Tray

Bring nature indoors with the natural, woven texture of this seagrass tray.

$88

How we use this space

Adam and I use this space to meet with each other and people we’re working with, brainstorm projects we’re working on together, and this is also the space that Adam uses for his zoom calls every day. (You guys may remember that I do my solo work and zoom calls my calls in the little front alcove office off our kitchen.)

camille styles home office makeover

Reclaimed Wood Dough Bowl

This vintage wooden dough bowl is hand-carved of reclaimed wood. We love to use this versatile piece as a catch-all for keys in the entryway, or we fill it with citrus for a simple tabletop centerpiece.

$225

Adelai Office Chair

Adelai Office Chair

Great for transitional offices, this impressive desk chair contrasts a light neutral upholstery with wooden arms, wrapped in a light-brown leather for a timeless touch.

Lulu and Georgia, $799 (Save 15% with code CAMILLESTYLES15!)

First, we rearranged the room

The biggest change we made to this room was reorienting where the desk was. We’ve always had it at one end of the narrow room, which didn’t foster any type of collaboration. Only one person could use the desk at a time, and the sunlight was so harsh coming in through the window that we always had to keep the shade down to minimize glare (which made the room feel like a cave.)

So, we decided to move the desk to the center of the room and it changed everything. In this new configuration, the desk feels more like a worktable. It’s way more collaborative, and the room itself just feels more open and expansive. I love when the biggest change to a space is the one that cost zero dollars.

camille styles home office makeover

Forsyth Tray

Traditionally used in the preparation of the Indian flatbread chapati, these wooden bowls are re-purposed as a functional accent that tells an artisanal story. It’s carved from a single piece of wood to offer texture atop your coffee table or sideboard.

Lulu and Georgia, $227 (Save 15% with code CAMILLESTYLES15!)

Built-in shelving: pros and cons

Let’s start by talking about the built-ins. Although they did present some challenges to rearranging this space, they do have their pro’s. So rather than ripping them out and starting from scratch, we decided to lean into what was already in the space and see if we could make them over with simplified styling. Here are the details on these shelves and cabinets:

  • Material: unstained white oak with a clear laquer
  • Size: 3″ thick—if I were installing these today, I would go with a 2″ thick floating shelf. The steel bracket is installed behind the sheetrock so these can hold a lot of weight.
  • Pro: They provide a ton of storage, and look more streamlined than having lots of furniture in the room.
  • Con: They’re pretty permanent, and restrict how much we can rearrange the space without demo’ing the built-ins (which would be pricey.)
camille styles home office makeover

Topanga Vase

This handcrafted vessel is like a treasure pulled from the sea. Its wider mouth and rounded shape make it perfectly-sized to hold a cluster of branches or blooms, though its striking enough to display on its own, too.

$168

Shelf styling 101

As mentioned, we kept the built-in shelves and gave them new life simply by changing up the styling and what we put on them. In general, I think the biggest hurdle with open shelving is overcoming the temptation to clutter them up with lots of stuff. So the first thing I always do is remove everything. Then I can take a fresh look and decide what I really want to add to the shelves.

For this space, I focused mainly on design books that would creatively inspire us, plus samples and prototypes that we’re working on for Casa Zuma products. I did my best to keep the shelves minimal and streamlined, since I want this space to feel really airy and calm.

camille styles home office makeover

Heidy Accent Chair

Exaggerated and sculptural, this chair is an instant statement piece.

Lulu and Georgia, $1,498 (Save 15% with code CAMILLESTYLES15!)

A unique home office desk—and the perfect chair

This “desk” is actually a teak dining table from Crate and Barrel that we’ve had forever, proving—it pays to think beyond traditional “office furniture” when designing a home office space. Peruse dining tables and dining chairs from your favorite retailers for outside-the-box options that may fit better with your aesthetic.

I’m obsessed with this desk chair from Lulu and Georgia. It is so chic, and perfectly marries functionality and ergonomics with beautiful design. It’s super comfy.

camille styles home office makeover

Las Flores Vase

This one knows how to make a statement. With her timeless patina and gentle curves, the Las Flores vase evokes a sensuality, whether sitting empty on a bookshelf or filled with branches on the table.

$148

Window shades and curtains

I get tons of questions from you guys about our window treatments, and I’m not surprised—curtains and shades are one of those design decisions that can get really confusing. All of the window treatments in our home are from Graber, and I shared all about them in this Window Treatment Do’s and Don’t’s article awhile back.

Here was the challenge in our home office space: we love having lots of natural light, and also wanted a clear view to the front yard to see when people drive up. But when we’re doing a lot of computer work or on a Zoom call, we need some light filtering to minimize glare on his screen. So, we went with a two-part solution:

First we installed sheer curtains that let in tons of light. One design trick is to install the curtain rod a few inches higher and wider than the window frame itself—it makes the window look bigger, and you can pull the drapery fully back to let as much light in as possible. 

Next, shades. If you work on a computer a lot like we do, it’s important to minimize glare on the screen, especially in the afternoon when the sunlight shines directly through the window. So we needed a way to block the light without making this room feel like a cave. These solar shades are made to allow light to filter into the room, but they block out the harsh light that creates a glare.

camille styles home office makeover

Shop our office with an exclusive discount

Since many of the new items in our office space are from Lulu and Georgia, the brand shared an exclusive discount code just for you guys so you can shop these pieces for yourself. Get 15% off with the code CAMILLESTYLES15.

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And if you have questions about anything in this space, head on over to the video tour on Youtube and drop a comment—I’ll be answering them all over there!

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Gardening 101—How I Turned My Brown Thumb Green https://camillestyles.com/design/design-trends/backyard-design/gardening-tips-for-beginners/ https://camillestyles.com/design/design-trends/backyard-design/gardening-tips-for-beginners/#respond Tue, 16 May 2023 15:38:18 +0000 https://camillestyles.com/?p=228541 Get growing.

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We completed our DIY raised garden beds last summer, and now that I’m deep into my second crop, I’m basically a gardening expert. KIDDING! I am still a relative newbie, but I will say that I have learned a ton over the last year as I’ve experienced some major gardening victories and fails. Yesterday, I was in the backyard staking my tomato vines and pruning branches, and I realized how far I’ve come in my gardening journey.

Since you guys have been along for the ride, I thought I’d share the top gardening tips for beginners I’ve learned so far. These have been key to my success, and I’ve got to say—my summer crop is on POINT. I’d love to hear if you guys are planting a garden this year, or if you have tips to share that I may have missed. Send me a DM to let me know! And now, read on for six tips that every gardening beginner should know.

gardening tips for beginners, raised vegetable beds, gardening 101

1. Give your plants more space than you think they need

Before you begin planting, research each of your plants to find out exactly how big they will get and how much room you should leave between plants. Space them out accordingly to avoid overcrowding.

This was one of my first major fails when I planted my initial crop last fall. Initially, I made my plan using the square-foot gardening method and mapped out exactly where everything would go. Of course, it didn’t turn out to be quite so clear-cut. I bought way more plants at the nursery than I’d planned (they were all so beautiful!) and I ended up free-styling a bit to make them all fit. By the time my butternut squash reached “Little Shop of Horrors” status, it was too late and the massive plants choked out the poor bell pepper plants that I’d planted in the same bed.

In contrast this spring, I planted just five tomato plants in my 8-foot by 4-foot bed, and they had room to stretch, grow, and really thrive.

gardening tips for beginners, raised vegetable beds, gardening 101

2. Make sure you have good soil

This is one of those basic gardening tips for beginners that makes a huge difference. If your soil is hard or feels like clay, your plants may not be able to grow roots. If this is the case, add fresh soil, mulch, and compost before planting, making sure to aerate as deep as you can.

We filled each of the vegetable beds with 16-20 bags of healthy, nutrient-rich potting soil.

gardening tips for beginners, raised vegetable beds, gardening 101

3. Know your planting region

Do a quick internet search to find out what planting region your city falls under, then talk to someone at your local plant nursery to find out the best native plants for your region. These are the plants that will truly thrive. Sure, you can find this all online, however, I learned from experience that nothing beats asking a veteran gardener all your questions and listening to their hard-won gardening tips for beginners.

I did tons of reading about what will thrive in Austin’s Zone 8, knowing that our climate vacillates from incredibly hot to occasional hard freezes in the winter.

I decided to devote each of my raised beds to a different purpose: one for flowers, one for herbs, and one for vegetables. This helped me organize my brain to choose varieties of each that would thrive in Zone 8. However, as I become a more experienced gardener, I’ll start mixing up what goes in each bed since many plants love to be surrounded by different species.

gardening tips for beginners, raised vegetable beds, gardening 101

4. Create a gardening calendar

After doing my research, I created calendar appointments to remind me of the correct timing for all my upcoming garden prep tasks. This might be fertilizing every eight weeks, planting seeds at the beginning of spring, or cutting back/pruning my plants at the end of their growing season. It helps me stay on schedule, plus I can set the calendar tasks to recur year after year and make notes of certain things I want to remember next time.

gardening tips for beginners, raised vegetable beds, gardening 101

5. Stay on top of watering

My entire family used to make fun of my “brown thumb”—in the past, I’d kill every plant I bought. My obvious problem? I’d simply forget to water! Making sure to water frequently enough is key to keeping plants thriving, especially with newer plants. Be sure the water penetrates the soil—as opposed to just putting it on the surface. You want it to soak deep down into the roots.

For our current garden, we installed drip sprinklers so that even in the height of Texas summers, our plants would get consistently watered at their roots. Drip sprinklers are also a more eco-friendly choice since far less water evaporates into the air.

gardening tips for beginners, raised vegetable beds, gardening 101

6. Enjoy the process

One thing that’s surprised me about this whole gardening journey? I actually really enjoy the maintenance phase of the garden, and it requires less work that I expected. Taking time a few days a week to deadhead, weed, and tidy up gives me an opportunity to get in my flow state and see which plants are thriving. Plus, I catch potential issues before they become major problems. The other day, I headed down to the garden and within 48 hours, caterpillars had decimated a couple of my lettuce heads. I quickly did my pest prevention research and treated the lettuce with a solution of vinegar and water to repel further caterpillar infestations.

And remember: with a garden, nothing goes perfectly! It’s nature, which means that there are so many elements out of your control (pests, weather, disease…). Enjoy the process. I do my best to not sweat the small stuff, instead noting my learnings so I can keep getting better and throw my experience into my next crop.

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From Dirt to Dinner—How We Transformed an Overgrown Area of Our Backyard With Raised Garden Beds https://camillestyles.com/design/how-to-build-raised-garden-bed/ https://camillestyles.com/design/how-to-build-raised-garden-bed/#respond Mon, 17 Apr 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://camillestyles.com/?p=228543 Get your green thumb on.

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The inspiration for my vegetable gardens came, quite simply, from my love of cooking and eating fresh, seasonal produce. For as long as I can remember, I’ve fantasized about being able to head out into my backyard and pick all the fresh herbs and veggies for dinner that night. I wanted armfuls of mint, fresh heads of little gem lettuce (near impossible to find at grocery stores in Austin), and spring flowers to put in the center of the table.

As we’ve slowly developed our backyard over the years, we knew that when the time came, we wanted to add raised garden beds for growing vegetables and herbs. Finally this past fall, the timing was right. Over a couple months, we researched how to build our own DIY raised garden beds to grow the things we love to cook with. Our whole family pitched in. The kids loved getting their hands dirty, and it turns out that when they participated in planting, they were more likely to actually eat the vegetables that came from the harvest.

camille styles backyard - how to build raised garden beds - vegetable garden

It was a journey that required clearing another plot of land behind our house, leveling a hillside, then building a trio of raised wood beds. And now that it’s done, it was worth every drop of sweat.

Not only do we get to enjoy the edible fruits of our labor—tending to a garden has turned out to be an incredibly nourishing way to incorporate more nature into our day-to-day lives.

Read on for the step-by-step of how we made our raised garden beds a reality.

How to Build a DIY Raised Garden Bed

Supplies needed to make 3 raised garden beds:

  • White spray paint
  • 12 cedar planks
  • Rebar
  • Battery-powered drill
  • Shovel
  • 16-20 bags of soil
  • Wheelbarrow
  • Drip sprinklers (optional)
  • Vegetable seeds/seedlings
  • 1 cubic yard of pea gravel (optional)
camille styles backyard - how to build raised garden beds - vegetable garden - before, process
camille styles backyard - how to build raised garden beds - vegetable garden - before, process

1. Clear and Level the Land

On our continuing quest to develop the backyard, building these raised beds required us to clear and level another area of the space. Since our home sits up on a high hillside, our foundation is built on a 30-foot retaining wall. So, the acre of land that sits beneath the home is on quite a slope. Over the last few years, we’ve been clearing the brush, so we already had a big open space where we wanted to place the beds.

However, that space needed to be flattened, so the first month of work was spent bringing in dirt and adding another terrace to level out the area where the beds would be built.

camille styles backyard - how to build raised garden beds - vegetable garden - before, process
camille styles backyard - how to build raised garden beds - vegetable garden - before, process

2. Map Out the Placement of the Raised Garden Beds

The next step was to map out exactly where the beds would go. Adam used white spray paint to mark out rectangles where each of the three vegetable beds would be placed. We wanted to leave enough room between each bed for a walkway that would fit a wheelbarrow, which would also ensure that each vegetable bed would stay in the sun at different times of day and not create shadows over each other.

camille styles backyard - DIY raised vegetable garden beds

3. Build the Frames

Once we knew where the beds were going, we could start building the frames. We decided to use cost-effective cedar planks that are durable (they should last up to 10 years!) and are easier to cut than a tropical hardwood like teak. We designed each of the three rectangular beds to measure 8-feet-by-4-feet. Since our cedar planks were 8-feet long, our wood would need minimal cuts to be the right length, making our lives easier.

camille styles backyard - DIY raised vegetable garden beds - process

4. Bring In Good Soil for Gardening

We filled each of the vegetable beds with 16-20 bags of healthy, nutrient-rich potting soil. 

camille styles backyard - how to build raised garden beds - vegetable garden DIY cedar planks

5. Install Sprinklers

Since we know how hot the Texas sun gets between July and September, we installed drip sprinklers to ensure all the plants would get consistent water coverage. Drip sprinklers are pipes that run right under the top of the soil and are more eco-friendly since it deeply hydrates the roots without so much of the water evaporating into air. We have them on a timer so that they get watered regularly and at the optimal time of day.

camille styles backyard - how to build raised garden beds - vegetable garden
camille styles backyard - how to build raised garden beds - vegetable garden - flowers

6. Plant the Garden

Obviously—this is the part we’ve been waiting for! I did tons of reading about what will thrive in Austin’s Zone 8, knowing that our climate vacillates from incredibly hot to occasional hard freezes in the winter.

I decided to devote each of my raised beds to a different purpose:

  • 1 – flowers
  • 2 – herbs
  • 3 – vegetables
camille styles backyard - how to build raised garden beds - vegetable garden - garden supplies and basket

Initially, I made my plan using the square-foot gardening method and mapped out exactly where everything would go. Of course, it didn’t turn out to be quite so clear-cut. I ended up buying way more plants at the nursery than I’d planned (they were all so beautiful!) and I ended up freestyling a bit to make them all fit.

camille styles backyard - how to build raised garden beds - vegetable garden - flowers

For herbs, I planted parsley, dill, chives, mint, basil, cilantro, thyme, and rosemary, and they thrived. Every week, I’d head to the backyard and cut huge bunches of herbs that I keep in mason jars on the kitchen counter for adding to recipes.

My vegetables required more of a learning curve. Since I planted the first round in the fall, I planted lots of squash which ended up taking up way more room than I’d bargained for, and I didn’t have quite as much room for lettuces as I’d hoped.

As for flowers, my zinnias lasted all the way through October, and I loved having fresh flowers from the garden on our dining table all the time.

camille styles backyard - how to build raised garden beds - vegetable garden

I learned so much from the first planting season of our raised garden beds. And even though things didn’t necessarily go perfectly, I really loved the process. I tried not to sweat the small stuff, instead throwing all my learnings into our spring garden. (Which just so happens to be in progress right now!) Follow along on my backyard highlights to see how it’s going.

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Are You Making Any of These Design Mistakes? Here’s How I Fixed Them In My Own Home (Video) https://camillestyles.com/design/design-mistakes/ https://camillestyles.com/design/design-mistakes/#respond Tue, 04 Apr 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://camillestyles.com/?p=227538 Embrace the process.

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It’s hard to believe that it’s been 13 years since we built our house in Austin. I’ve learned so much through designing these rooms and allowing them to be my canvas for creativity and discovery—and the house has evolved right along with me. Adam and I joke that the minute we think that everything’s finally “done,” we suddenly notice some new corner of the house that needs an update or subtle refresh.

And really, I wouldn’t have it any other way. For me, the best kinds of homes are ever-evolving, and by crafting a home that reflects what’s meaningful to each of us, we can create a place that empowers us to live more authentically, joyfully, and carefree. It doesn’t happen all at once—designing a home that we truly love takes time.

Recently I was looking back at some old photos of the house from when we first moved in, and let’s just say… it’s come a long way.

So, grab a drink, get cozy and watch the video below as I relive some of the biggest design “mistakes” I’ve made to date. And, all the design lessons that I’ve learned to make our home what it is today.

Design mistake: Installing too many built-ins

When we worked with our architect to design our house, we decided to add built-in shelves and cabinetry throughout the offices, living room, and kitchen. It was great for storage—but not so great for adapting and rearranging a room over time. Built-ins are pretty permanent, and not nearly as easy to change up as furniture. A decade later, my tastes had changed and there were certain built-ins that made the spaces feel too closed off and heavy. I wanted to open things up and give a little more spaciousness to the rooms.

The fix: Remove built-ins and embrace a simpler aesthetic

In my home office, we demoed the built-ins and replaced them with a simple desktop that maximizes the space and allows me to restyle it with different furniture and accessories as my taste evolves. It also maximizes the light, and creates a sense of spaciousness and simplicity that feels more aligned with where my style is today.

Kitchen with no windows - design mistakes

Design mistake: Designing the kitchen without any windows

This is probably my biggest design regret, since I spend so much time in the kitchen and it’s the one place in our house that doesn’t get a ton of natural light. To be fair, this design tweak would have meant reconfiguring the entire floor plan of the house. Our current kitchen doesn’t have any walls that connect to the exterior—but I wish that I’d prioritized a big kitchen window when we first started the process of designing our home.

camille styles kitchen - after - custom plaster hood surround

The fix: Lighten things up with white plaster and less shelving

This “fix” illustrates that sometimes, it’s cost-prohibitive and/or unrealistic to really fix the issue, and you just have to go with the next best solution. Our homes will never be perfect in every way, and that’s totally okay. For this challenge, I brainstormed some affordable tweaks I could make to our kitchen that would let in as much light as possible.

First, we replaced our heavy stainless steel hood surround with a custom surround made of white plaster. It’s so much brighter and reflects any natural light coming into the space.

Then, we demoed some of the heavy dark wood shelving to open up the space and allow for more light to reach this back wall of the kitchen. We removed the top shelf and took out a panel of upper cabinetry. You can read more about our mini kitchen remodel here.

Design mistake: Putting a TV over the fireplace

When we built our house, we assumed we “had” to put a TV in the living room because… well, that’s what everyone else did! At the time, it was the only space in the house we’d designated for lounging, so it seemed like the obvious spot. However, this is also the area of the house that you see right when you walk in the front door, and our big flat-screen began to feel like an eyesore that drove my design eye crazy. I didn’t want a black box as the focal point in the main living area of our house.

Plus, in an effort to make the TV look more streamlined, we’d designed the wall with an inset alcove to house the TV and make it flush. But since it wasn’t sized perfectly for the TV we ended up buying, it ended up looking kind of awkward.

2023-living-room-decor-ideas-camille-styles

The fix: Throw out the “rules” and design your space how YOU want to live!

When I asked myself how I really wanted to use our living room, I realized that I wanted it to be a space to unwind, relax, feel inspired, and gather with friends and family. So, we redesigned the layout of the living room with those goals in mind. We removed the TV and filled in the alcove, then plastered over it to match the rest of the wall so we could hang a big piece of statement art.

Then, we converted a little-used room with workout equipment into our family TV area. It’s small and cozy—the perfect spot for our family movie nights.

Matchy matchy living room decor - perfect symmetry - design mistakes

Design mistake: Decorating too matchy-matchy

When I first started out in my design journey, I didn’t have as strong a sense of my own taste as I do now. And since I wasn’t as confident in my own design eye, I found myself following rules that I’d read about or see in other spaces. I thought that everything needed to be symmetrical, and that furniture in a room needed to match! The result was boring, predictable, and lacked any sort of real soul and character.

Camille styles living room, asymmetry, spring branches

The fix: Infuse your home decor with a sense of play

Over time, I gained the confidence to play and have more fun with my decor. Adding texture, playing with asymmetrical compositions, going with what I liked instead of what felt so expected. Now my home feels more multilayered, textural, warm, interesting… and so much more me!

***

The biggest change to my home through the years? Instead of following trends, I start with deciding how I want to live and feel in each space. It’s helped me reprioritize the things I purchase, letting go of the “rules” I once followed and instead putting comfort and connection at the center. Instead of just another Pinterest-worthy space, my bedroom has become my sanctuary, the dining table a place for real-life connection. It’s a journey that I know will keep evolving, just like me.

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How I Turned Our Guest Bedroom Into a Studio Kitchen https://camillestyles.com/design/studio-kitchen-makeover/ https://camillestyles.com/design/studio-kitchen-makeover/#respond Tue, 10 Jan 2023 11:00:00 +0000 https://camillestyles.com/?p=209117 Several months back, our photographer Michelle and I were planning our upcoming shoots and discussing how much we wanted a light-filled space to shoot recipes in. As much as I love our kitchen, it’s actually the spot in our house that gets the least amount of natural light, making photo and video shoots tricky in […]

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Several months back, our photographer Michelle and I were planning our upcoming shoots and discussing how much we wanted a light-filled space to shoot recipes in. As much as I love our kitchen, it’s actually the spot in our house that gets the least amount of natural light, making photo and video shoots tricky in there. Plus, the fact that it’s also where our family hangs out everyday makes it a less-than-idea place for our team to get creative work done.

“It’s too bad we couldn’t turn your guest bedroom into a studio,” Michelle remarked. “It gets the best light in the house.”

“Oh I wish!” I answered. But then I thought… wait. Could we?

I couldn’t let go of the idea, and within the week, I’d convinced Adam that we really could do without our guest bedroom. We’re both big believers in using every area of the home to its fullest capacity, and though I didn’t exactly love the idea of giving up our only guest room, knowing that this new space would be one that would support our daily creativity and collaboration far outweighed our reservations.

kitchen, open shelves, cutting boards, casa zuma

Goals for this design project

As I started planning how to turn this bedroom into an actual studio to support all kinds of creative work, I had a few main goals in mind:

Kitchen prep space. This would be the space where we’d be shooting our recipe photos and videos. Though I wasn’t going to be able to install true kitchen appliances, I wanted it to have countertops and prep areas to function (and read) like a real kitchen.

Maximize the light. We chose this room for the incredible light that it gets, so I wanted to position the layout to maximize the angles of sunlight throughout the day

Create a backdrop for shooting Casa Zuma. In addition to our recipe content, I wanted to have a space where we could quickly shoot new products for the Casa Zuma website. Having lots of pretty neutral backdrops and open display shelving was a must.

A central worktable for projects and collaboration. Crafting, cooking, setting up our laptops for meetings—we needed a central worktable and island that was an open space for collaboration.

Budget. I needed to do it all on the cheap! I knew I’d have to get creative to make this space as beautiful as I was envisioning, without dropping tons of cash. I’m proud to say that the entire project came in at just over $2,800.

camille styles guest room
camille styles studio kitchen, woven light fixture pendant, island with stools

Before and after

On the left: the “before” space when it was setup as our guest bedroom. I really loved the space, but since almost all of our family lives in Austin, we didn’t end up using it that much, and I’m not a fan of having rooms that sit empty in a house when they could serve a much more useful purpose! Plus, it was time for Henry to get a bigger bed, and this woven neutral headboard was perfect to repurpose for his bedroom upstairs.

On the right: the after! The new studio has turned out to be an amazing place for our team to work, with tons of light and great energy. The one budget item that I didn’t include in my total calculations was plastering the walls, which you’ll see adds a lot of depth to the after photo. We actually did this in our mini-remodel a couple years ago that I covered right here.

Scroll on as I break down the main elements that brought this room together…

studio kitchen makeover, open shelves, casa zuma styling

The island / workbench

I searched high and low for a counter-height island that was the right dimensions for this room. It needed to be big enough to provide plenty of workspace, but not so big as to make it difficult for us to freely move around the room. And I wanted something with a timeless, rustic design, and vintage vibes–which meant using reclaimed wood.

My initial search came up empty, but then stumbled upon an Etsy shop called Whatman Barn Furniture that makes custom islands out of reclaimed wood. I reached out and let him know what I was looking for, and 6 weeks later a huge crate showed up in my driveway with our beautiful new island.

I surrounded it with three of my woven leather counter stools from Saffron + Poe, and it feels just perfect.

camille styles studio kitchen at home, open shelving, styling, casa zuma
kitchen, open shelves, cutting boards, casa zuma

The lower cabinetry and countertop

IKEA scores all the way, baby! I was super excited when I found these sets of drawers with a texture resembling shiplap for that classic, European farmhouse-style vibe I was going for (I think that finish is gone, but there are lots of other good ones. I love the light ash.) I topped them with a big slab of their laminate countertop in a bleached wood tone, and we were set. One note that I learned the hard way: if you want these to be counter-height, be sure to order the little legs that go on the bottom to raise the counter up off the floor.

camille styles studio kitchen at home, open shelving, styling, casa zuma

The open shelving

This was a tricky one for a few reasons. I wanted a single marble shelf that ran the length of the countertop for an elevated, graceful spot to display dishes, cutting boards, and Casa Zuma pieces. However marble shelves tend to be (a) very expensive, and (b) difficult to mount because they’re extremely heavy. Here was my solution—I’ll admit it’s not perfect, but it really was the best bang-for-the-buck and I’m mostly happy with how it turned out.

First, I found these marble shelves on clearance at Ballard Designs (yes, that required a deep internet search, and yes, sometimes the most unlikely sources turn out to be a gold mine.) Since I didn’t want to have to cut into the drywall to mount internal brackets, I decided to use visible steel brackets for a slightly industrial look. I ordered these from Etsy.

Next, it was time to mount them on the wall, which didn’t go as smoothly as I’d hoped. I wanted to space the 4 brackets out exactly evenly across the wall; however once we started drilling, we ran into some inconvenient wall studs that prevented us from placing the brackets exactly where I’d wanted. We made it work though, by getting a little creative with the spacing. Progress not perfection is the goal, guys (I keep telling myself that. And yes, this is probably something I’ll want to redo later.)

kitchen, open shelves, cutting boards, casa zuma, vases, pans
camille styles studio kitchen, woven light fixture pendant, island with stools

The woven light fixture (it was $39!)

This woven pendant in the center of the room is definitely my favorite steal. I found it on Etsy from the Beldi Boheme shop, and it was exactly the California-meets-Mallorca vibe I was looking for. We removed the ceiling fan that was in the room previously and replaced it with a simple lightbulb pendant that runs right through the center of the straw basket. It’s exactly the finishing touch this room needed.

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Step Inside Our Evergreen Forest—How I Decked Out Our House for the Holidays This Year https://camillestyles.com/design/holiday-decor-2022/ https://camillestyles.com/design/holiday-decor-2022/#respond Mon, 05 Dec 2022 11:00:00 +0000 https://camillestyles.com/?p=212255 And one thing I love so much, I'm keeping it up all year.

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I’ve started holiday decorating earlier and earlier the last few years. Yes, I’m a bit of an unusual case since we’re also photographing everything for the site (which requires ridiculously early planning.) But even we weren’t—I think I’d still love putting up my holiday decor in November, since it feels like with each passing year this season flies by faster.

I shared in yesterday’s Breathing Space newsletter that my goal this year is to fully soak up this season and find little ways to mark the moments before it passes by in a blur. No matter how busy it gets, I want to find the opportunities for intention in each day. It’s those little things that add up to a holiday season we won’t forget.

Hanging garlands, reading The Polar Express in front of the fire, drinking my coffee in front of the Christmas tree lights while it’s still dark outside—for me, those visual cues help get me fully in the spirit. So bring ’em on, the earlier the better.

Read on for all the details on how I decorated our home for the holidays—I went with an Evergreen Forest theme, and it was exactly the natural, rustic vibe I was dreaming of this year.

Camille Styles front porch holiday decor greenery garlands, wreath, christmas

Our Evergreen Garland Front Porch Decor

If you’ve been around here awhile, you know I love creating a festive front door that welcomes guests into the coziness of the season right when they pull in the driveway. Last year’s Christmas front door decor was decked out with red berries, and the year before was inspired by a woodland fantasy.

For this year’s look, Elle from Gracious Garlands carried the evergreen forest vibes to the front door with a jaw-dropping installation she created using a wire frame covered in mixed evergreen branches. It’s so on point with my vision for this year’s organic, found-in-nature decor. A matching wreath on the front door, woven with lights, is the finishing touch.

Camille Styles front porch holiday decor greenery garlands, wreath, christmas
Camille Styles front porch holiday decor greenery garlands, wreath, christmas

Our front door opening is quite large, and it takes a lot to make an impact. I’ve found that streamlining to just a few elements (here, tons of greenery!) but going BIG with them is the key; it’s really all about scale. Elle used floral wire to attach the garland at each point of the frame, and then a couple large suction cups to attach the wreath. She made the wreath double sided and lush with mixed varieties, so that the evergreen was just as full and beautiful from the inside of the house as it was from the outside.

Camille Styles front porch holiday decor greenery garlands, wreath

Also, sharing outfit deets because I’m obsessed with this sweater (and you guys know it takes something very special to get me to wear color.)

Camille Styles front porch holiday decor greenery garlands, wreath, christmas

Let’s head inside and I’ll show you our living room… For previous years’ holiday decor, see:

2021’s sculptural branches holiday decor

2020’s woodland fantasy holiday decor

Camille Styles front porch holiday decor greenery garlands, mantel, living room, stockings

My Holiday Living Room Decor

I kept things pretty simple on the mantel this year, using a faux evergreen garland and wreath that would last throughout our (extra long) holiday season. We teamed up with Pottery Barn to make this mantel decor video, and I loved it so much, I pretty much just left it as-is for the rest of the season.

Camille Styles holiday decor greenery garlands, mantel, hanging stockings

The Stockings

In the past we’ve done all white stockings in a rustic sweater-y knit, but this year I thought it would be fun to let everyone choose their own stocking pattern and get it monogrammed (though I did draw the line and request all-neutrals, lol.)

Camille Styles front porch holiday decor greenery garlands, cozy fire, coffee table, reading
ritual mug, christmas holiday

The Flameless Candles I’m Obsessed With

Okay y’all—THESE CANDLES. They’re probably my favorite part of our holiday decor this year because I’m still stunned at how real they look, thanks to the fact that they’re actually made of wax. I keep them on the “timer” setting so that at 4pm every day, they automatically just turn on, and our living room is filled with cozy, flickering candlelight every single night. I really might never take them down. If you’ve been hunting for the best flameless candles for the holidays, look no further.

Camille Styles front porch holiday decor greenery garlands, mantel, natural decor

Our Huge, Realistic-Looking Faux Christmas Tree

I get asked about our tree all year round from you guys—it is quite large to account for our very high ceilings in this room, and it does look very, very realistic. Before getting this tree, I was a diehard “real tree person,” but thanks to Adam’s allergies, and again, these crazy high ceilings, we switched to faux about 10 years ago and have never looked back.

If you’re looking for a very large Christmas tree, in my opinion, Frontgate has the most realistic faux Christmas tree options for the price point. Trees can get very expensive. Ours is a Noble Fir Slim Profile Tree in the 12-foot size.

Camille Styles holiday decor greenery garlands, mantel, living room shelves- wreath
Camille Styles front porch holiday decor greenery garlands, mantel, living room shelves

The Little Details

I love using the open shelving to the right of the fireplace as a continually rotating space to display my favorite things. During the holidays, I start by removing a few items to open up the space, then I add just a few Christmas-y touches that make the shelves feel festive. I try to keep it in a neutral color palette that feels aligned with the room during the rest of the year, because I always want this space to feel calm and grounding.

This year, I added these gorgeous ceramic bells that come in a variety of sizes, a tiny evergreen wreath, more of my favorite flameless candles, and these little nutcrackers at the base of the fireplace. I mean, c’mon—how cute are they?

Camille Styles front porch holiday decor greenery garlands, mantel, living room

And there’s my formula for creating a cozy, hygge-filled haven for the holidays. Candles and twinkling lights, evergreen everything, and layers of texture to give the space the warmth we all crave this time of year. Oh, and don’t forget the good tunes—our turntable stays busy all season with holiday music that fills the whole house with calm and joy.

Camille Styles holiday decor greenery garlands, mantel, living room shelves- wreath, records, turntable

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A Major Backyard Update—Lessons We Learned from the Big Freeze and Exactly What We Planted This Time Around https://camillestyles.com/design/camille-styles-backyard/ https://camillestyles.com/design/camille-styles-backyard/#comments Sun, 14 Aug 2022 11:00:00 +0000 https://camillestyles.com/?p=195246 It was worth the wait.

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Our backyard is back! If you’ve been around here awhile, you’ll know our lower backyard has been a years-long process—which I call out because for most of us, that’s the reality of designing an outdoor space. Very few of us have the budget (or foresight) to do one big “install” that results in a fully-finished yard or home. Plus, where would the fun be in that? Adam and I get so much joy from always having a creative outlet at home. Typically, we tackle one big project a year, and after 12 years of living here, our home is so much closer to our ultimate vision. Though I doubt we’ll ever really be finished.

Plus, this slower approach has given us time to dream, get creative, and allow the design to evolve as our own personal styles have evolved over the years.

In fact, I’m actually grateful we didn’t have the budget to fully finish out the backyard when we first moved into our house. I probably would have done things a lot differently, and I’m glad that my now 38-year-old self is making some of the design decisions that my 25-year-old self wouldn’t have understood. So, since it’s been a long time coming, let’s do a quick recap of how the lower backyard has come together since we started really working on it three years ago, and then I’ll share the latest photos so you can see what new changes we’ve made this summer.

camille styles backyard project-vegetable garden process
camille styles backyard project-firepit process

The “Before”

For the first 9 years that we lived in the house, our entire focus went to the top level of our backyard design—it’s the much smaller space that our living room opens up to and includes our pool, so naturally we put our budget into this space that was most visible, and got the most use. We would look over the railing at the overgrown forest that lay 30 feet below the pool deck and imagine what it could look like with a little lot of work. We knew this space had tons of potential, but also knew that it would be a massive project, and we wanted to wait until we were ready.

camille styles backyard project-firepit process
camille styles backyard project-firepit process

Phase 1: Levels and Terracing

In 2019, we decided to start the project of terracing some of the backyard areas to make them flat enough to be usable. Our backyard is majorly sloped, and I learned that there’s really not much you can do on a hillside like that without building terraced walls and bringing in enough dirt to fill them in. We dreamed of a backyard where our kids could explore, where we could gather around an open fire and have campfire-style dinners with friends, and really, where we could just be truly immersed in nature.

camille styles backyard project-firepit process
camille styles backyard project-firepit process
camille styles backyard project-firepit process

Phase 2: Firepit and Steps

The next year, we’d leveled things out enough to bring in gravel, and we added a massive fire pit and stone steps leading from the upper terrace down to the lower two terraces.

camille styles backyard project
camille styles backyard garden landscaping
camille styles backyard design garden landscaping

Phase 3: Plants!

We also made the very exciting decision to add a lot of plants, turning it into a lush garden of olive trees, rosemary, loads of agaves, and boxwood. It really felt like paradise, and even Architectural Digest ran a story on our backyard space.

Phase 4: The Big Freeze (Goodbye, Plants)

Then in 2021, the big Texas freeze happened, and like everyone else in Austin, we lost almost all of the plants we’d added. It was heartbreaking to see our new olive trees have to be cut back to the stump, huge agaves completely froze, and much of our ivy and jasmine vines we’d been cultivating for years didn’t make it. We let everything go dormant for a year, and then finally in spring of 2022, we could see what was still alive and where we needed to start from scratch.

camille styles backyard project-vegetable garden process
camille styles backyard project-vegetable garden process

The backyard design lesson we learned the hard way? Native plants are the ones that are going to outlast the elements. The heartiest plants are the ones we used as the dominant varieties when it came time to replant, and we avoided the more tropical varieties like palms, plumeria, bougainvillea, and agave americana that just can’t take extreme cold.

Phase 5: Wood Deck and Raised Vegetable Garden Beds

This summer, we began the next phase: a big wood deck and raised vegetable gardens—something I’ve dreamed of having here for years. When I first started planning the vegetable gardens, I envisioned a very simple project. Bring in some dirt, build the frames, and call it a day. However, it turned into a massive undertaking. The ground here was so un-level that we actually had to build two additional levels of terracing just to get it flat enough for Adam to add the raised beds.

camille styles backyard firepit with umbrellas

above: indio lounge chairs, 11′ market umbrella with teak base, pottery barn outdoor cushions in slate

Building the stone terracing took a couple months, so when that phase was finished, it was time to replant the areas of the backyard that had died off in the freeze.

camille styles backyard design garden landscaping
camille styles backyard design garden landscaping

above: indio extendable dining table, indio eucalyptus dining chairs, grey willow lanterns, decker mango wood lanterns

Phase 6: Replant, This Time With More Native Varieties

Adam’s 2022 planting strategy embraced more negative space, grouping the new plants in “clumps” with a few complementary varieties. Not only did this add height differences that made for a beautiful overall backyard design, it also gave us the most bang for our buck since it didn’t require spreading plants out in every area of this expansive space.

After the freeze, we cut back most of the plants that looked dead but left them in the ground to give them a chance to come back. We were pleasantly surprised that the olive trees came back as beautiful olive bushes, which we pruned into domes and embraced as part of the natural design. The jasmine vines along the perimeter fence also came back, and though it was sad to have to “start over” from the ground up, we’re amazed at how much they’ve already grown up the fence in a year.

camille styles backyard dining table with string lights

above: belgian linen fringed knotted table throw, artisan crafted ceramic hurricane, bondi terra cotta vases, globe outdoor string lights

In an effort to use more native varieties, here are the plants we focused on:

  • Japanese Boxwoods
  • Cherry Laurels
  • Indian Hawthorne
  • Mexican Bush Sage
  • Little Ollies (they did struggle in the freeze, but they came back)
  • Rosemary
  • Whale’s Tongue Agave
  • White Guara

The end result was a more free-flowing, organic design using heartier plants that can withstand the elements (if properly cared for.) It actually feels more aligned with our Mediterranean-inspired aesthetic and I love where we’ve ended up.

camille styles backyard raised vegetable garden beds

Adam and his dad built this deck out of Ipe wood. I’m excited to have a big, even surface for yoga sessions, dinners with friends, and relaxing at sunset overlooking the vegetable gardens.

camille styles backyard raised vegetable garden beds

Adam and his dad also built our three raised vegetable gardens, and I’m so excited about this next phase! These will be my own project, and I’ll be sharing lots more about how they built the beds (and what I’m planting!) in a separate post next month.

camille styles backyard design garden landscaping

above: indio lounge chairs, 11′ market umbrella with teak base, pottery barn outdoor cushions in slate, decker mango wood lanterns, drum side table

Phase 7: Here’s What’s Next

What else is next for the backyard? Well, we’d like to create more pathways leading to different areas of the space, and we want to carve out a trail through the woods behind the backyard so the kids can explore. I also want to plant wildflowers in a clearing back there, and someday I’d like to put a pizza oven near the vegetable gardens, too. But that’s all for future projects! For now, we’ll be playing horseshoes, making s’mores, and soaking up these final days of summer in the backyard. And I’ve definitely got my work cut out for me as I start planning my fall garden.

What questions do you have about our backyard design? Drop ’em in the comments.

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How I Turned a Neglected Room of the House Into the Meditation Space of My Dreams https://camillestyles.com/design/meditation-room/ https://camillestyles.com/design/meditation-room/#respond Mon, 25 Apr 2022 10:00:00 +0000 https://camillestyles.com/?p=182783 A place to chill.

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If you happen to live with anyone–be it roommate, partner, children, or otherwise–you’ve likely spent a lot of time in close quarters over the past couple years. We’ve come to understand on an entirely new level that a little alone time is a healthy thing. Plus, any parent of young children knows that quiet time is downright luxurious, so when I was trying to figure out what to do with the under-utilized loft area at the top of our staircase, I decided: it’s time to create a space for solitude. Enter: my new meditation room.

Although I’m calling it my meditation room, my goal is to carve out an area of the house that everyone in our family can use when they need a moment to themselves. As I thought about how we’d use the space, I envisioned an area with my meditation pillow and candles, a small table for journaling, lots of cozy cushions and throws for the kids to curl up with a book, and yoga mats so Adam and I could do our pilates videos together (lol, don’t tell him I told you.)

Scroll on to see how it came together, plus all my decor sources and steps on creating the meditation room of your dreams.

meditation room, candle, journal, camille's house, morning routine

Define your intention for your meditation room

Back in January, the trend forecasters at Pinterest predicted that “emotional escape rooms” would be big for 2022. According to their report:

“If you need a place to go to feel all the feels, there’s a room for that. People will plan their great (indoor) escapes and designate rooms in their homes to decompress, vibe and rage.”

By starting with your intention, or defining how you want to feel in the space as the first step, you can let that feeling guide all your other design choices.

The Perfect White Tank Top

Made from soft, comfortable fabric that feels amazing and goes with just about everything.

All Yours Cropped Cotton Tank Top, Lululemon

meditation room, candle, journal, camille's house
meditation room, candle, journal, camille's house

Create a cocoon with color and texture

We all know that our physical space has a major impact on how we feel, so my design vision was rooted in a neutral color palette that would be soothing and restful, with lots of texture to feel almost cocoon-like.

A flatweave rug (from Sarah Sherman Samuel’s collection for Lulu and Georgia) is the standout design piece–I love how the simple, organic pattern creates character without screaming for attention. And it’s super soft underfoot–a must for your meditation room rug.

A Soft, Organic Rug

A line-drawn design gives this flatweave rug visual interest without distracting from the zen vibes. Woven from a viscose-wool blend, this rug is softer underfoot than a traditional flatweave.

Line Drawing Flatweave Rug, Lulu and Georgia

Dried Branches and Flowers

Dried branches add an organic element without requiring maintenance–I love to mix them with a few indoor plants in a space. These sun palm leaves are my favorites.

5 Large Natural Palm Fronds, by Afloral

Handcrafted Objects

A vase or sculptural object gives the space a personal feel. I love the etching on this vase’s spare silhouette–and the lack of color is in keeping with the pure palette of the room.

Fraser White Bud Vase, Pottery Barn

meditation room, camille's house

Embrace negative space

I intentionally wanted it to be a bit under-decorated–empty floor space would not only give my eye room to breathe, but would give us enough room to roll out our yoga mat and move.

The only real piece of furniture in the room is this round wood coffee table that was a total steal from . I wanted it to feel timeless and substantial, and the perfect height for me to journal on while sitting on my meditation pillow.

Low-Profile Table for Journaling

I wanted to be able to sit on my meditation cushion and comfortably journal, so I combed the web for a simple wood table at the right height, and found this one made of natural pine–and thankfully it was a total steal. I love the chunky shape and the 3-legged silhouette.

Round Natural Pine Wood Coffee Table (on sale for $329!)

A Sculptural Bowl

I’ve amassed a collection of ceramic bowls of varying shapes and sizes–they’re always the answer when I need to add a functional, pretty touch to a coffee table. This footed bowl is one of my faves–fill it with fruit, a cluster of air plants, or add a candle.

Clay Footed Bowl, Leanne Ford for Crate & Barrel

Mango Wood Bead Garland

These beads make an artful addition to a casual table display.

Mango Wood Bead Garland, Pottery Barn

Wall Decor

Bring standout texture to your space with this wall hanging, featuring strands of palm woven together and topped with a lattice look.

Kee Wall Hanging, Urban Outfitters

A Mirror

This decorative mirror brings style and function to your indoor space.

Natural Rattan Mirror, Threshold

Tall, Round Vase

These vases are handcrafted of pure terra cotta and are watertight to fill with fresh florals when inspiration strikes.

Artisan Vase Collection, Pottery Barn

meditation room, candle, journal, camille's house

For seating, I went with textural floor cushions—this beautiful round velvet cushion from Lulu and Georgia and a soft mat I picked up from Target. It’s all about lounge-y vibes and soft everything.

Round Meditation Cushion

With piped edges and ribbed siding, this decorative pillow can just as easily be thrown onto a sofa or used as a floor cushion. I have the blue, but want them all.

Velvet Disc Pillow, Lulu and Georgia

Cushiony Mat for Lounging

Roll out this soft, cushy mat for an instant spot to reset and recharge. There’s a coordinating meditation cushion that you can use with it to create an instant (and affordable) space to zen out.

Meditation Lounge Pillow, Casaluna for Target

Speak to all the senses

Any “emotional escape” room should speak to all the senses, so in addition to the color palette, think about touch (ie all that cozy texture we talked about), plus sound and scent. I have a little portable Sonos speaker so I can easily turn on music that fits my mood (this Creative Focus playlist is my go-to.) As for scent, I take a multilayered approach, with an essential oil rollerball I can apply to my skin, plus a candle that I light while I journal and a few sticks of palo sant for when I’m feeling extra.

A Scented Candle To Relax You

I love to start each session by lighting a candle that cues my mind to drop in and chill. This one smells like the beach-my instant happy place.

Surf Shacks Candle

A Reminder to Breathe

I love to have something on the wall, whether it’s an inspiring quote or a transportive image, that serves as an instant reminder to be present and tune in. This poster does just that.

Inhale Exhale Art Print, Urban Wild Studio

meditation room, stretching, camille's house, morning routine

Make it budget-friendly

I set aside basically zero budget for this project, which is perfect because this is one home makeover that doesn’t require buying much at all. It’s all about the cozy textures, so the first thing you’ll want to do is shop your own house for throws, blankets, poufs, and rugs you might have lying around–anything you can layer on for cocoon-like vibes is fair game.

Another thing that makes a meditation room budget-friendly is that by nature, it’s minimalist. Instead of furniture, think floor poufs and cushions. Embrace an empty wall as providing a moment of zen. Negative floor space means more room to stretch and move your body.

And remember! If you don’t have an entire room to makeover, you can transform any little area of the house into your own meditation corner or zen-like zone. It’s all about creating a space for good vibes–it doesn’t matter how big or small it is.

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Home for the Holidays! How I Decked Out My Front Door This Year https://camillestyles.com/design/christmas-front-door-ideas/ https://camillestyles.com/design/christmas-front-door-ideas/#comments Mon, 29 Nov 2021 11:00:00 +0000 https://camillestyles.com/?p=164729 Curb appeal to spare.

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The halls are officially decked at our house, and for me, nothing sets the stage quite like a front door holiday moment. And this year’s look might be my favorite ever. Once again, I teamed up with Elle Worsham, owner of Gracious Garlands, to create a look that included the lush greenery and gorgeous wreaths from last year but with a few special additions that made the 2021 version all its own. Scroll on for exactly how this one came together, plus our favorite Christmas front door ideas to deck out your own porch this year. Whether you want to go all out or keep it simple, here’s everything you need to know.

evergreen holiday wreath, camille styles holiday decor front porch 2021

1. Start with a vision. 

Before you start hanging your holiday front door decorations, you’ll want to define how you want the design to feel. What vibe are you going for? Worsham always brainstorms names for her designs, writing down a few descriptive words to capture the essence of the design. Pinterest and Instagram are always great for sourcing inspiration for Christmas front door ideas. Creating a board for your front door is a great place to start.  

evergreen holiday wreath and garlands, best holiday decor front porch 2021
DIY evergreen holiday wreath, best holiday decor front porch, how to make a christmas wreath

2. Get personal.

Since no home is the same, make sure to cater the design to your front door. Take photos of your door with your phone and use the mark-up feature on iPhotos to sketch out a rough design. It doesn’t have to be pretty, but it will help bring your vision to life. Once the design is sketched, take all the necessary measurements of the door and entryway. 

DIY evergreen holiday wreath, best holiday decor front porch, how to make a christmas wreath

3. Source correctly sized décor. 

Now that you have your design and measurements, you can order correctly sized wreaths, garlands, and any other decorative elements you want. This step saves you major problem-solving time when you get to building your design since you know exactly how things should fit. 

DIY evergreen holiday wreath, best holiday decor front porch, how to make a christmas wreath and garland

4. Choose high-quality, long-lasting garland. 

Purchasing high-quality, made-to-order garland is the way to ensure you’re getting the most out of your décor. Garlands ordered from big box stores might be weeks or months old before it’s even shipped out. Heartier greens like Fraser fir and other evergreen firs will perform the best outdoors. Worsham also notes that a garland with multiple types of greenery will seem to last longer since the sun affects different types of foliage in different ways. Of course, all greenery will eventually dry out and fade, but its ephemeral nature (and gorgeous scent) is part of the beauty of fresh garland. 

christmas evergreen garland and wreath with red berries for front door, best holiday decor front porch, how to make a christmas wreath and garland

5. Consider the mechanics.

When you’re ready to decorate, it’s important to consider what’s actually possible with your installation. For example, my front door has a window above it, so Worsham used four large suction cups to wire and anchor the garland above the doorway. Then, she affixed the garland to the lanterns on either side with green floral wire. Some tools to have on hand include suction cups, 20-22 gauge green floral wire, sharp garden shears, command hooks, a hammer, sturdy ladder, and scissors. 

christmas evergreen garland and wreath with red berries for front door, best holiday decor front porch, how to make a christmas wreath and garland

6. Double up for a fuller look.

When you double up on garland, you’ll get a more dramatic, fuller look. Worsham used the same main garland as last year, but using two strands instead of one really differentiated the design. This rule also applies to other décor items when you’re working with windows. Since my front door is glass, she used a double-faced wreath that looks beautiful from the inside and out. 

christmas evergreen garland and wreath with red berries for front door, best holiday decor front porch, how to make a christmas wreath and garland

7. Use winterberry for a pop of color.

Winterberry will give your door gorgeous hints of red and the whole design a festive feel, and it’s the colorful touch that made this year’s look feel totally different. Get creative with this step! Work in stems wherever you see fit and watch how it brings in a creative, organic element.

christmas evergreen garland and wreath with red berries for front door, best holiday decor front porch, how to make a christmas wreath and garland

8. Give your greenery some love. 

Again, these are not artificial garlands. They are fresh, and they need to be cared for. I am by no means a garland expert, but luckily you can get a free download of Gracious Garland’s Greenery Care Guide to help your greens last through the season.  

twinkling holiday lights at night, christmas decor for front porch and front door, exterior walkway

9. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty.

Worsham’s number one tip when it comes to Christmas door decorations is that there are no real rules. Just get out there and play around. We are all creatives at heart and there’s nothing more satisfying than bringing your own vision to life. You might surprise yourself at how capable you are of creating gorgeous designs with natural elements. This season is all about doing what makes you happy and your Christmas door decorations are a great place to start.  

twinkling holiday lights at night, christmas decor for front porch and front door, exterior walkway

Shop the look.

Ultimate Evergreen Mix Garland

The Ultimate Evergreen Mix Garland is composed of red cedar, Fraser fir, white pine, and boxwood. This served as the base for Camille’s front door. Worsham doubled it up to create a fuller look. It typically lasts up to six weeks.

Gracious Garland Ultimate Evergreen Mix Garland, $55

Tri-Mix Wreath

The Tri-Mix Wreath is a combination of Fraser fir, white pine, and boxwood greenery. This is the wreath on Camille’s front door. Be sure to order it double-sided if you plan on using it for a glass door or a window.

Gracious Garlands Tri-mix Wreath, $49

For Your Toolbox

Suction Cup Hooks, Pack of 5

Use these heavy-duty suction cups to anchor your garland or wreath to your windows. Simply stick the suction cup where you want it to go, and use wire to secure the garland.

VIS’V Large Clear Reusable Heavy Duty Vacuum Suction Cup, $13.99

Florist Wire 20 Gauge 4oz, Green

This green florist wire is perfect for attaching your décor to your anchoring points. The green blends in to create an invisible look, and is strong enough to hold heavier greenery.

Panacea Paddle Wire 20 Gauge 4oz, Green, $7.16

Command Large Wire Hooks

Command Hooks are great for anchoring your décor to other surfaces, like wood. These particular hooks can hold up to five pounds.

Command Large Wire Hooks, $17.83

Hammer

A hammer will come in handy if you’re using nails to attach your garland or hang your wreaths.

IRWIN Hammer, Fiberglass, General Purpose, Claw, 16 oz., $9.99

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Sculptural Branches & Twinkling Lights: This Year’s Holiday Décor Just Might Be My Favorite Ever https://camillestyles.com/design/modern-christmas-decorating-ideas/ https://camillestyles.com/design/modern-christmas-decorating-ideas/#comments Fri, 26 Nov 2021 11:00:00 +0000 https://camillestyles.com/?p=163303 Come on in.

The post Sculptural Branches & Twinkling Lights: This Year’s Holiday Décor Just Might Be My Favorite Ever appeared first on Camille Styles.

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As I’ve shared, this year’s holiday décor set a new personal record when it came to how early I decked out our house. And apparently I’m not the only one who decided that 2021 deserved a little extra time to feel festive. When I shared a poll on Instagram, 49% of you said that you were planning to put up your tree before Thanksgiving this year. Nearly half of you! So, since one of my favorite things about this season is filling my home with holiday spirit, I got very excited to capture the magic and share it with everyone who enters our front door.

neutral christmas tree decorations, modern cozy christmas decor ideas, camille styles living room

This year’s look was inspired by sculptural branches—both lush evergreen and wintry twigs—that made a major statement against a minimalist backdrop of neutrals. Cozy textiles and twinkling firelight recall the Scandinavian concept of hygge. So perhaps we’ll call this year’s look “Woodland Scandi,” yes? Scroll on for the creative and modern Christmas decorating ideas that make the most of simple elements, especially when they’re layered on for a look that’s full of warmth and texture. It’s an approach that works for all kinds of spaces, both big and small, and I’m sharing a few of my favorite ideas that we incorporated below…

modern cozy christmas by the fire, camille styles living room

Minimalist, meet maximalist

My overall strategy was to stick to a minimalist color palette of neutral shades and natural greenery, but then go a little over-the-top in using them everywhere. Garlands and wreaths around the front door, a statement-making sculptural garland on the mantle, wreaths on the windows in the dining room, and even a pretty evergreen swag in the kitchen. My friend Elle Worsham owns Gracious Garlands, and her team created the most beautiful pieces that created a sense of magic throughout our entire living space. Since the greenery felt so lush, I kept the rest of the details simple—our stockings hung from sweet little wood hangers on the mantel, a delicate snow globe, and our family’s ornaments on the tree. It’s all about going all out on a few things and using restraint on the rest.

how to make a scandinavian inspired holiday mantel garland, modern cozy christmas decoration ideas,
how to make a scandinavian inspired holiday mantel garland, modern cozy christmas decoration ideas,
DIY scandinavian inspired holiday mantel garland, modern cozy christmas decoration ideas,

Create a focal point

The centerpiece to this year’s décor is the bold, sculptural greenery that Gracious Garlands created to surround our fireplace. In the weeks leading up to our shoot, Worsham and I collaborated on a shared Pinterest board that brought together all kinds of unique branches and modern Christmas decorating ideas, and she imagined a mantle piece that used these sculptural winter branches as the focal point to the room.

On her inspiration, Worsham said, “I wanted a raw, free-flowing design to shine through; a nod to the captivating and beautiful mess that is nature and thus, life. As we’ve trudged through the past almost two years, I wanted this mantle to capture the beauty within the mess. By incorporating sticks and wild lines, lots of texture and movement, my hope was to capture this less curated and pristine vibe that makes space for anyone, in any season, to feel welcome at the table.”

chic holiday mantel decorations, modern cozy christmas decoration ideas, camille styles living room

Swap out art

During most of the year, our living room feels beachy. In fact, our whole house has summertime vibes. In order to cozy up the space and feel more seasonal, we traded the large scale ocean photograph that usually hangs over the fireplace for a classic mirror, instead. In the off-season, I keep it wrapped in brown paper and stored in a closet, and it’s fun to mix things up with this piece that only hangs in our living room for two months out of each year.

neutral christmas tree decorations, modern cozy christmas decor ideas, camille styles living room
chic holiday mantel decorations, modern cozy christmas decoration ideas, camille styles living room

But incorporate your existing décor

I left the open shelving in our living room styled pretty much as they normally are. I like how these non-holiday decorative objects anchor the room and keep it feeling aligned with my personal style. Not decking out every square inch allowed the space to maintain a sense of cool instead of looking like Santa’s workshop exploded in our living room.

neutral and chic holiday decor, modern cozy christmas decoration ideas, camille styles living room

Put a bow on it

Textural ribbon, like the velvet we used to tie up our swags, is a simple way to add luxury and sophistication to simple greenery. It also oozes holiday luxury, and I’ll save some to trim the gifts that we stack under the tree. On of my favorite modern Christmas decorating ideas is to wrap my gifts in kraft paper, then use textural ribbon to dress them up.

DIY evergreen holiday wreath, best holiday decor front porch, how to make a christmas wreath
DIY evergreen holiday wreath, best holiday decor front porch, how to make a christmas wreath

Give me all the wreaths

Is there such a thing as too many wreaths at the holidays? In my book, the more the merrier. Gracious Garlands created swags that hung on the back doors, and wreaths for the front door and on the windows around the dining room… it was a motif that packed a punch and made the entire house smell so good.

Rather than start from scratch, Worsham used a wreath mold and embellished it with seed pods, eucalyptus, berries, and other natural elements. Here’s how she made this one:

  1. Start with a base wreath like Gracious Garlands’ Tri-Mix Wreath. It already has great texture, as it’s made of fraser fir, boxwood and white pine
  2. Forage vines, stems and other textural elements like berries or eucalyptus to add to your wreath – another chance to head out for a nature walk to add elements of your local lands to your decor.
  3. Wrap and weave the vines throughout the wreath: Start by sticking one end of the vine into the wreath, nestled tightly into the base and wrap the vines, weaving them in and out of the stems, sticking the other end of the vine into the wreath after a few
  4. Trim down foraged stems and add foliage to existing wreath, if using the Gracious Garlands tri-mix wreath as your base, the base should be sturdy enough to simply interweave your new stems into the existing stems on the wreath
neutral christmas tree decorations, modern cozy christmas decor ideas, camille styles living room

Choose an intentional color palette

In years past, I always thought I had to hang every single ornament we own on the tree, but this year I stopped and asked myself—what did I actually want on the tree? So I did an edit, and it turned out that nothing bad happened when I packed away a few of the brighter colored ornaments to save for future years. I stuck to the ones in shades of white, burlap, silver, and gold—and that minor edit made a major impact on pulling this year’s Christmas tree together.

christmas tree, neutral and chic holiday decor, modern cozy christmas decoration ideas, camille styles living room

I’ll also stick to this palette of neutrals and metallics when wrapping my gifts this year. I stocked up on kraft paper, plus a couple rolls of black and white with metallic details.

DIY scandinavian inspired holiday evergreen swag, modern cozy christmas decoration ideas,

Add festivity to unexpected places

The kitchen is often a place that gets overlooked when it comes time to decorate for the holidays, so this year, we added a sweet and simple swag to the hood surround. I love the velvet ribbon it hangs from, and just this one small piece is all we needed to make this room of the house feel magical.

scandinavian inspired holiday tabletop ideas
scandinavian inspired holiday tabletop ideas

Embrace scandi vibes

To prepare for cozy dinners ahead, I draped our dining table in an oversized white linen tablecloth, then added simple runners made of evergreen and pomegranates that are low enough to not get in the way of dinnertime conversation. When it comes to modern Christmas decorating ideas, you can pretty much always turn to Scandinavian design inspo to lead you towards those minimalist yet cozy vibes. For parties, I’ll add lots of twinkling votive candles, a few flowers, and a bottle of good red.

neutral stockings and evergreen christmas garland ideas, cozy by the fire, camille styles living room

Cozy is key

Especially when working in a neutral palette, texture is everything. Sheepskin, woven pillows, soft blankets… layering on these cozy textiles imbues the room with so much warmth, and makes us all want to kick off our shoes and stay awhile.

modern cozy christmas by the fire, camille styles living room
neutral and chic holiday decor, modern cozy christmas decoration ideas, camille styles living room
modern cozy christmas by the fire, camille styles living room

Layers of greens

These garlands layered together Fraser fir, boxwood, and white pine for a fuller dimensional look than could be achieved with only one varietal alone. Worsham says, “Different types can add tones and textures that create movement and depth. And remember, this is a chance to make it your own! There are no rules.”

christmas tree, neutral and chic holiday decor, modern cozy christmas decoration ideas, camille styles living room
modern cozy simple holiday decor ideas with evergreen wreath and lights, camille styles living room

Cast a magical glow

This year’s holiday décor incorporated lots of different lighting elements to create a magical glow across the room both day and night. In addition to the fire that I keep burning almost all day every day, there are candles scattered on the coffee table and twinkle lights in the Christmas tree and the mantel garland. When I curl up at night with a cup of tea and a good book to read by firelight, I truly wish this season could last forever.

modern cozy christmas by the fire, camille styles living room

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Shop Camille’s Fall Living Room Refresh https://camillestyles.com/design/fall-living-room-decor/ https://camillestyles.com/design/fall-living-room-decor/#comments Mon, 08 Nov 2021 23:26:05 +0000 https://camillestyles.com/?p=161448 Restyled and ready for cozy szn.

The post Shop Camille’s Fall Living Room Refresh appeared first on Camille Styles.

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For many of us, our homes are not just the place we live—they’re also our creative outlets, passion projects, and ever-evolving works in progress. Growing up, my mom was always rearranging a room, trying out new curtains, or even repainting bedroom walls to reflect her mood and break out of a rut. And now when I find myself with a couple of extra hours of downtime on the weekend, my living room shelves and coffee table are calling my name. It’s always time for a refresh, but the changing of the seasons is an especially fun time to do it. And the beauty is, with a few simple styling tricks up your sleeve, you can make a space feel new without buying a thing. Okay, maybe just one or two things, but the point is, you do not have to go out and buy expensive new furniture to spruce up your fall living room décor.

It was around this time last year that I showed you guys our living room updates… which means I’ve been craving a few simple tweaks to freshen things up lately. I certainly wasn’t ready to race out and buy new furniture, so I focused on those smaller home accessories (think vases, candles, and coffee table books) that are relatively affordable but make a major impact. Scroll on to see how I cozied up our living room for fall with lots of texture, seasonal branches, and one neutral yet totally statement-making rug.

camille styles living room design-chair, fireplace, shelf styling

Barnaby Lane Tanner Armchair – Rose Blush

I added these pretty leather armchairs to our living room last year, and I’m every bit as in love with them today. When it comes to layering neutrals, opt for varying fabrics to diversify the mix. This handwoven leather chair is an invitation to relax and reset.

Barnaby Lane Tanner Armchair – Rose Blush

Lulu and Georgia Maleena Rug

If you want to bring warmth into a room, add texture. It’s the most transformative fall home décor tip because it honestly makes such a huge difference to any space. This rug has beautiful geometric lines and is beyond soft under my feet.

Lulu and Georgia Maleena Rug

Pillowfort Faux Fur Floor Pillow Cream

If you’re looking for fall living room décor on a budget, look no further—this is definitely the most affordable item of “furniture” in the space. I love a pouf for lounging around the coffee table to play board games or drink wine in front of the fire.

Pillowfort Faux Fur Floor Pillow Cream

Pottery Barn Artisan Hand Painted Earthenware Vases

The entire CS team is obsessed with vintage vessels and this artisanal vase has all the antique charm with its aged patina.

Pottery Barn Artisan Hand Painted Earthenware Vases

Jenni Kayne Large Alpaca Basketweave Throw

Splurge-y? Perhaps, but worth every penny thanks to its softness and luxurious drape. This throw makes a really special gift for just about anyone who loves to curl up and chill as much as I do.

Jenni Kayne Large Alpaca Basketweave Throw

camille styles living room design ideas

Threshold x Studio McGee Surfside Wood Round Accent Table

I love the rounded shape of this side table so much, I bought two (the other lives in Adam’s office.) We’re huge fans of the design team at Studio McGee so it’s no surprise that we fell hard for this season’s collection of furniture and décor at Target.

Threshold x Studio McGee Surfside Wood Round Accent Table

Lulu and Georgia Lemieux et Cie Mouren Sculpture

I love the rounded, sculptural lines that this brings to my bookshelves, and it’s a nice pop of white against the dark wood.

Lulu and Georgia Lemieux et Cie Mouren Sculpture

Afloral Natural Sun Palms

Who says palm trees are for summer vibes only? The sunbleached shade of these dried palm fronds evokes fields of wheat… but in a way that goes much better with the beachy feel of our home.

Afloral Natural Sun Palms

Crosley Coda Record Player With Speakers Shelf System

While the world has switched to streaming, there’s something inherently calming and cozy about going old school with a record player. Playing vinyl by the fire with a glass of wine sounds is my idea of autumn heaven.

Crosley Coda Record Player With Speakers Shelf System

Lulu and Georgia Rica Lumbar Pillow

Woven with naturally dyed wool, this pillow features intricate geometric patterns throughout. This handmade decorative lumbar pillow brings artisan appeal to your fall living room décor.

Lulu and Georgia Rica Lumbar Pillow

Threshold x Studio McGee 11″ x 8″ Rustic Vase Brown

Whether displaying fall branches or left empty, my bookshelves are always layered with pieces I love like this stoneware vase. You can never have too many vessels, right?

Threshold x Studio McGee 11″ x 8″ Rustic Vase Brown

American Cowboys

This stunning large-format book is a true art piece, highlighting the culture, the families, men, women, children as well as rodeo and ranching communities in the heartland of the great American West and beyond.

American Cowboys

Surf Shacks

If you fantasize about a life that begins each day on the ocean, this book is for you. Full of inspiring people and places, it’s got a year-round home in my living room.

Surf Shacks, by Matt Titone

camille styles living room design, windows, curtains, coffee table

Lulu and Georgia Vale Icelandic Sheepskin

There is nothing quite like the luxurious feeling of a sheepskin rug. It invites you to lay down and rest—something we could all use right now.

Lulu and Georgia Vale Icelandic Sheepskin

Hearth & Hand x Magnolia Chunky Stripe Fringe Throw Blanket

If you’re only going to memorize one fall living room décor tip, make it this one: cozy throws are a must to give any living room maximum comfort and coziness and punch up a neutral space with texture.

Hearth & Hand x Magnolia Chunky Stripe Fringe Throw Blanket

camille styles cozy living room design ideas, bench

Lulu and Georgia Arlene Bench

This unfinished reclaimed teak wood bench is truly timeless. I’m really liking the rustic touch it currently adds to our living room, but when I’m ready to change things up, it’ll look equally beautiful at the foot of our bed or pulled up to the table when we need extra seating.

Lulu and Georgia Arlene Bench

Lulu and Georgia Harolyn Bowl

This terra cotta bowl is simply beautiful as a decorative feature on its own or add some Palo Santo and watch the smoke rise as it fills your space with its meditative scent.

Lulu and Georgia Harolyn Bowl

Lulu and Georgia Josline Floor Lamp

I didn’t realize how much my living room was missing a floor lamp until I got this one and experienced its magical glow on my bookshelves, especially as the sun sets in the evening. I love the bit of contrast this matte black design gives against our white walls.

Lulu and Georgia Josline Floor Lamp

camille styles cozy living room design ideas
camille styles cozy living room design ideas, fireplace

Dear Keaton Aliso Natural Coffee Table

This stunning coffee table really set the tone for my neutral living room. The surfboard-style shape reminds me of the coast and brings a touch of Malibu into my Austin home.

Dear Keaton Aliso Natural Coffee Table, $1,309

Dear Keaton Briarwood Large Rush Basket

When your style skews more minimalist, you want to keep it that way, even when your kids don’t necessarily agree. Stylish storage like this perfect woven basket is clutch to always having a place to stash the things I don’t want in clear view.

Dear Keaton Briarwood Large Rush Basket

Lulu and Georgia Salamat Ceramics Canal Vase

Everyone needs a vase this cute in their lives. Whether it’s on my coffee table or bedside, a few blooms or dried flowers are all it takes for a perfect little vignette.

Lulu and Georgia Salamat Ceramics Canal Vase

Threshold x Studio McGee 8″ x 9.5″ Rustic Vase Brown

If you’re looking for fall décor ideas that won’t break the bank, here’s your formula: an incredibly affordable oversized vase that looks way more expensive than it really is, plus fall branches pruned from your nature walk. It doesn’t get much prettier!

Threshold x Studio McGee 8″ x 9.5″ Rustic Vase Brown, $25

camille styles cozy living room design ideas, coffee table styling, books

Henri Matisse The Cut-Outs

My forever favorite, this book adds a single splash of saturated blue to my living room, and I couldn’t love it more. Matisse cut-outs forever.

Henri Matisse The Cut-Outs

Threshold x Studio McGee Decorative Sculptural Geometric Folded Bowl

I ordered this bowl online, and when it got delivered it turned out to be about 4x bigger and heavier than I was expecting… and I’m not one bit sorry about it, especially at that price point. I filled this one with tiny pumpkins for a fall centerpiece on my dining room table last month.

Threshold x Studio McGee Decorative Sculptural Geometric Folded Bowl

camille styles cozy living room design ideas, bench, pumpkins, fall
camille styles cozy living room design ideas, books, reading

Abigail Turtleneck

The turtleneck I’ve been living in all fall long—it’s soft and warm, with the perfect amount of drape. Now I just want the gray one.

Alex Mill Abigail Turtleneck

Karl Fournier Studio KO

You’ve undoubtedly seen their images all over Pinterest (and no doubt you’ve pinned the cover of this book, too) because Studio Ko creates beautiful spaces and inspiring interiors you want to live in.

Karl Fournier Studio KO

Angelika Taschen Great Escapes Italy

We are all dreaming of an Italian escape right now, but until that time, you can indulge in a little therapy via this beautiful book.

Angelika Taschen Great Escapes Italy

camille styles cozy living room design ideas, mirror, vase

Lulu and Georgia Shashenka Floor Mirror

I’ve been wanting a floor-length mirror for our living room, and I finally found the perfect one. A sculptural arch design and rounded corners beautifully soften this large-scale mirror that reflects tons of light and makes the room look huge.

Lulu and Georgia Shashenka Floor Mirror

Threshold Woodland Carved Wood Accent Table

I never met a stool I didn’t love—anyone else? With its unique design, this accent table doubles as a decorative object while also being functional furniture.

Threshold Woodland Carved Wood Accent Table

Threshold Abaca Woven Harvest Vase

Finding those pieces that strike a balance between aesthetic and sentiment is key to designing a home with meaning. This beautiful vase looks beautiful with dried branches and it’s an arrangement that basically lasts forever.

Threshold Abaca Woven Harvest Vase

camille styles living room design-chair, fireplace, shelf styling

Lulu and Gerogia Izara Vase

Handmade in Portugal, this vase has a beautiful richness with its textural, matte black finish. I style mine with nothing in it, so the sculptural lines of the vase can take center stage.

Lulu and Gerogia Izara Vase

Alexandra Misczynski Houses: Atelier AM

A design-lovers bible, this book is hugely inspirational with interiors that will make you swoon.

Alexandra Misczynski Houses: Atelier AM

John Derian Picture Book

Books are an investment. So, while we understand this book isn’t cheap, it’s definitely a piece that will provide so much value over time as you look through every page and reap the inspiration. Not to mention, it looks beautiful on your coffee table or bookshelf.

John Derian Picture Book

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