Happy holidays, cuties! It’s hard to believe, but Christmas is right around the corner and the year is about to come to a close. It’s an exciting time, but I know firsthand that it can be a very busy and hectic one as well…which is why I’m thrilled to end the year on a truly wonderful note by sharing a recent collab we did with Stehpenie Watts of Watts Design House.
“Stephenie is a creator and design pro (read more below on her boutique short-term rental business) who I’ve wanted to work with forever, so it was a dream to collaborate with her as she worked on furnishing Dove Hollow, her historic Connecticut manor house from the 1800s!”
I’ll let you read and scroll on to see the beautiful results, but let’s just say that Stephenie are of one mind when it comes to the dreamiest French country furniture and decor pieces and in dressing up a space for Christmas in a way that feels festive, but also ever-so-chic!
Meet Stephenie Watts Of Watts Design House
Warning: Once you get to know Stephenie Watts, and you start following her on Instagram…well, you’re going to become completely obsessed and want to move in with her and her herd of sheep! Don’t say I didn’t warn you! In all seriousness though, Stephenie is as business-savvy as she is creative.
Stephenie and her husband Chase run a business called Watts Design House; they offer a “unique collection of Boutique Stays around the world as well as specialize in interior design and residential real estate.” Stephenie’s area of expertise is in space planning, client relations, and design each space from start to finish; while Chase is a real estate expert and serves as creative director on their projects.
In addition to their historic Connecticut property, they also have properties available for rental stays on Cape Cod and in Mexico.
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Holiday-Worthy Dining Room Decor
We worked with Stephenie on transforming the dining room of her Connecticut manor home from a blank canvas into a space poised to be filled with treasured memories of special meals for years to come.
This project was especially meaningful with the holidays drawing near. “With the afternoon sun retreating earlier each day and the nights growing ever more brisk, it’s our dining room where the holidays truly come alive. We tend to linger here for hours, savoring moments aglow with candlelight and in deep conversation with our dear friends and family,” Stephenie writes on Instagram.
“Creating a space that holds so much meaning has been a long journey for me, I wanted it to feel elevated yet inviting, refined but deeply personal. With the help of Kathy Kuo Home I found pieces that not only complete the room but embody the atmosphere I dreamed of—one of warmth, elegance, and effortless connection.” -Stephenie Watts
With an emphasis on making sure the dining room felt warm and inviting and perfect for hosting, we worked Stephenie on selecting really special decor pieces, as well as abreathtaking chandelier to serve as a visual focal point.
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Festive Surface Styling
One Stephenie’s true gifts is her attention to detail and her instinct for styling subtly beautiful vignettes. We worked with her on selected the perfect French country-esque dresser for her space, and I absolutely love how she made the surface come alive in a festive way with garlands of citrus and greenery and artful styling choices.
“As I add the finishing touches for the holiday season, I’m grateful to have a dining room that isn’t just a backdrop for meals, but a place where cherished memories are made year after year.” -Stephenie Watts
If you’re ever feeling stuck in rut when it comes to styling and holiday decor, try to think of it in terms of adding joy and setting the scene for special moments to unfold; it really helps to illuminate the power of what an intentionally designed space can do for the soul!
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The Christmas Magic Is In The Details
Finally, I want to shine a light on all of the super-simple, but ever-so-enchanting touches of seasonal whimsy that Stephenie added to this dining room space to make it Christmas-ready:The ribbons and sparkly ornaments on the chandelier, the gauzy bows paired with woven rattan, the verdant garlands of greenery, and the twinkling strands of swag over the traditional wall art!
I love that all of these holiday decor moments are easy for anyone to recreate at home! They’re so accessible, yet so high-impact.The overall effect reminds me of one of my favorite Christmas movies: “The Holiday” (a Nancy Meyers classic)!
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Wishing you & yourself a very happy, healthy, and joyful holiday and New Year to come! Thanks for joining us on another year of design inspiration here at The Kuotes
