In the lower level of the beautiful Town and Country residence of Jim and Karen Castellano, after you pass through Jim’s extensive sports memorabilia collection, you will wander into a sweet little “town” designed for their six grandchildren. Natural light floods the lower level of the home thanks to a wall of windows into the backyard, offering a bright, clean, organized playroom filled with everything an imaginative kid could want; a theater space with a dressing room that includes a chandelier, vanity and red velvet curtains; musical instruments and a microphone.

Whether you’re seeking the finishing touch to your extravagant holiday décor, or looking to keep your decorating to a casual minimum, opting for a beautifully decorated mailbox will fulfill your vision of the ideal holiday home.

Built for her grandfather Ralph Moberly in 1906, the vintage sleigh is the first and most stunning holiday decoration you see when entering Susan Medart’s home. Positioned proudly on a table in her front hall along with vintage family photos and trinkets, each year the sleigh drums up nostalgic memories of the past. Susan’s great-grandmother was a descendent of the Moon Car Company and had the sleigh made for her son to use in the snow. After her grandmother died, the sleigh came to live at Susan’s home, and she had it restored to preserve its historic qualities.

“I can never just cook a simple meal,” gushes homeowner and bona fide foodie Allison Gulbrandsen. Apparently her culinary exuberance slipped into interiors, too, because what began as a simple nursery project quickly enveloped Gulbrandsen’s entire residence, ending with the dramatic reimagining of an outdated Chinese-toile papered dining room.

Classic

“Classic – mismatched chairs are indicative of the ‘not too matchy matchy’ style of decorating, which is definitely a classic look. I personally love the more laid-back feel of coordinating pieces with different woods, from different vendors, antique and new. A room has much more interest, personality and possibly drama with this approach.” Marcia Moore, Marcia Moore Design.

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, St. Louis, MO. 
Photography by  ©2014, Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, photography by M. L. Olsen, all rights reserved