Natalie Papier, the designer and artist behind Home Ec., has always been a lover of color and the eclectic. Her interior design has centered around art works within the community. This artistic flair as carried over into her Christmas decorating style and she wants to share her favorite tips for making your home feel chic and cozy!
No Need for Perfect
This year, instead of aiming for the “catalog-perfect” holiday home, trying leaning into the whimsy and nostalgia Home Ec. style. There is something so special and nostalgic about glow of mismatched string lights, handmade ornaments that look like they survived several generations of toddlers (because they did), and décor that makes you smile before you’ve even had your morning coffee. It comes together to create a holiday vibe that feels less like perfection and more like a warm hug.
Mixing old and new you can create something truly special by combining vintage treasures with modern pieces. A little sparkle, a little patina—it tells a richer story. The contrast feels intentional, charming, and full of personality. Your décor becomes a living scrapbook.
Deciding Your Christmas Decor Story
Before you haul out the bins from storage, I like to take a moment to decide how we want our home to feel during the holidays. Cozy? Playful? A little bit chaotic, in the best possible way? For us, it's a little of all of the above. Whimsy comes from embracing imperfection and unexpected touches. String lights on my 6 foot fiberglass ostrich? Yep, why not? While the nostalgia comes from layering in the stories: the ornament from your childhood, the stocking your grandmother knit, the clay reindeer your kid made that is… beautifully abstract. Let your decorations spark memories, not stress.
Let your Inner Child Guide You!
Personally I love a Christmas tree that tells a story. Mixing handmade and heirloom ornaments with quirky new finds and incorporating family photos, tiny trinkets, and keepsakes that normally live in drawers truly makes your tree your own. Add a ribbon that cascades, loops, and swirls. Let your kids—or your inner child—have a say in where things go. The tree becomes a collection of moments, milestones, and memories all shining under twinkle lights. Nothing needs to match, all colors welcome!
The Main Rule Is.. There Aren't Any Rules!
Holiday colors don’t have to be limited to red and green. In fact, whimsy practically begs for experimentation. Pull colors from your existing décor so your holiday styling feels like an extension of your home, not a seasonal takeover. The wall art you love? You can choose to let it guide your ribbon choices, wrapping paper, and garland accents. Or you can mix and match all the things! There's NO rules for Christmas. And there is such joy in that.
For more tips and inspiration follow Natalie on instagram at @home_ec_op or catch her on the Magnolia Network show Artfully Designed!
