Holiday Decor that Inspires
We gave our design and support teams a fun challenge on short notice: capture a photo or two of something that inspires them during the holiday season and share what makes it special. The result? A delightful mix of personal traditions, unique finds, and beautifully designed holiday moments that showcase their incredible talent and keen eye for design in all its forms.
Join us as we take a look at the holiday season through the eyes of our creative staff…
Soft and Subtle Elegance
“My dining room is where I love to create a soft, subtle, and elegant holiday look. While the rest of my house embraces the traditional red and green, this space is all about whites and silvers. The neutral palette feels serene and sophisticated, with just a small pop of red and green in the dishware to tie it all together.
Some of my favorite pieces include the silver reindeer statues, the flocked and lit white Christmas tree, and the delicate white porcelain tree and reindeer tea light holder. These elements bring texture and light to the space without overpowering it. The layered decor on the buffet, with its mix of metallics, greenery, and soft lighting, adds depth and warmth.
For me, this room is a perfect balance of festive and refined, proving that holiday decor doesn’t always have to shout—it can whisper elegance instead.”
Gladys Schanstra, Owner / Creative Director
Holiday Elegance at La Grande Boucherie
“This space is from a new restaurant in Chicago called La Grande Boucherie. It’s a French patisserie by day that transitions into an elegant bistro for dinner, serving fine French cuisine. I had the opportunity to visit because a friend of mine worked on the construction of the space, so I got a behind-the-scenes look at some of its fascinating details.
What stood out to me most were the incredible architectural elements, particularly the molding. The curves and intricate details are so appropriate for the space’s French aesthetic. The molding itself was 3D printed in Germany, and an artist meticulously layered four steps of paint to give it an authentic, fresco-like finish. Even the railings, with their ornate scrollwork and delicate metal accents, add to the timeless elegance.
What I loved most about their holiday decor was how tasteful and restrained it felt. Instead of overwhelming the space with red and green, the decorations enhanced the existing architecture. Garlands and wreaths were placed strategically, drawing attention to the incredible details rather than overshadowing them. The result is festive yet refined, allowing the stunning space to remain the focal point. It’s simply beautiful and a masterclass in how to elevate a space for the holidays while maintaining its integrity.”
Samantha Schoell, Senior Designer
A Stocking for Every Personality
“I spent lots of time picking out the perfect stocking to match the personality of each of my family members. Each one tells a story, and the design of each stands out while hanging in my home.
- My daughter’s is the skating bunny. She is very girly, and the design of the pink stocking and frilly skirt is so eye-catching.
- My husband’s is the moose. As the man of the family, this simple yet masculine design is his favorite.
- I’m the pink-and-white polar bear—what I call the ‘mama bear.’
- My son’s is the blue baby deer because he’s the baby of the family.
- The last two (both penguins) represent my dogs: cute and lovable!
The design of each stocking is so well done, and it brings me so much joy to see them hung each Christmas. Over the years, I’m sure my family and I will change out the stockings to evolve with our personalities, but for now, these are my favorite holiday pieces.
Kailey Trostle, Assistant Designer
Blending Sentiment and Style in a Bay Window
“The bay window at my in-laws’ home is a perfect blend of vintage charm and modern holiday style. At the heart of the display is a vintage nativity set, lovingly handmade by my husband’s grandmother. It’s both a sentimental centerpiece and a reminder of the Christmas story.
To complement the nativity, modern silver and gold Christmas trees add a touch of sparkle and texture, while silver and gold ornaments hang elegantly from the window ceiling. I love how the ornaments draw the eye upward and fill the space beautifully, creating a sense of height and balance in the design. The gold ribbon accents are especially on-trend, tying in perfectly with the bow trends we’re seeing everywhere this season.
This little bay window nook is a stunning example of how sentimental pieces and contemporary decor can come together for a holiday display that’s both meaningful and visually striking.”
Amanda Duran, Sr. Assistant Designer
A Tree Full of Memories
“It might feel like the obvious choice, but after much thought, our Christmas tree is the most special piece of holiday decor in our home.
For the design, I wanted a vintage-inspired look with timeless elements: gold ribbon, gold acorns, champagne-colored berries, and a beautiful antiqued gold mirror star as the topper. The rich red velvet tree skirt and classic warm white lights bring a sense of warmth and elegance. Every detail was chosen with the hope that these pieces would last for decades and become sentimental treasures as our family grows—especially the star topper, which is already a favorite.
One of the traditions my husband and I brought into our home is adding a meaningful ornament each year, inspired by something my family did growing up. Each ornament represents a special moment or trip from that year. This year, our tree doesn’t have any purely decorative ornaments—only ones with sentimental meaning. The newest addition celebrates the birth of our daughter, making this year’s tree even more special.
It’s a tree filled with memories, designed to grow with us and remind us of the moments that matter most.”
Emily Kreber, Design Director – City Design (Drury Design’s branch in West Des Moines)
A Vintage Table Setting
“This is a quick snapshot of what I’m planning for my Christmas place setting this year. I’ve paired two of my favorite vintage dish sets, which I’ve collected and inherited from my family over the years. My mom’s parents were antique dealers, and their passion for vintage dishes was passed down to me. My mom and grandma always created the most stunning holiday table displays, featuring different sets they collected through the years, and I’m carrying on that tradition.
For this year’s table, I’m using my gold-rimmed Bavarian dinner plates paired with my glass candlewick salad plates and elegant French champagne flutes. To tie it all together, I’ll incorporate vintage candlesticks, small gold trees, and lots of greenery with holly berries for a festive, timeless look.
These vintage pieces not only bring beauty to the table but also hold sentimental value, making the holidays feel even more special. I love how they tell a story of family tradition and cherished memories.”
A Love for Local Art
“Art shows and craft fairs are a big part of the local culture here in West Des Moines where Drury Design’s Iowa branch, City Design, is located. I love supporting local artists whenever I can. These two unique pieces are treasures I picked up at fairs last year.
The first is an old ice skate, hand-painted with a whimsical Santa, full of charm and nostalgia. It’s such a creative way to repurpose an everyday object into something festive and eye-catching. The second is an old globe, beautifully hand-painted with a cheerful vintage-esque image of Santa. I I love how both pieces bring a nostalgic, fun feel to my holiday decor while also showcasing the incredible talent of local artisans.
These items remind me of the importance of shopping small and supporting creativity in our community. They’ve become instant favorites in my holiday collection, and I look forward to displaying them every year.”
Keri Rogers, Assistant Designer
A Taylor Swift-Inspired Tree
“This year, I let my daughter take the lead on the theme for our ‘kid-friendly’ tree in the living room (shatterproof ornaments for the win!).
Her choice? A Taylor Swift-inspired tree (yep, she’s definitely my child). We went all out with ornaments that reminded her of Taylor and the Eras Tour, plus plenty of glitter—probably more than I ever imagined possible!
The joy and excitement on her face every day when she looks at the tree make every bit of the glitter cleanup worth it (though I’m pretty sure I’ll still be finding glitter for the next 15 years). It’s a whimsical, colorful, and utterly fun holiday design moment that captures her personality perfectly.”
A Timeless Christmas Tree
“Sometimes, simple and clean is the way to go. When it comes to Christmas trees in my own home, I’m very particular about their design. I like a tree with an open structure so ornaments can be placed deep within its branches, creating layers and depth.
I stick to classic glass ornaments—they bring a timeless elegance and a sense of tradition to the season. The layering effect, combined with the soft glow of the lights, gives the tree a sophisticated yet understated look. It’s all about balance and restraint, letting the natural beauty of the tree and the ornaments shine through.”
Lorann Lombardini, Marketing Associate
A Hometown Holiday in Chesterton
“My favorite thing about Christmas time is the way my hometown, Chesterton, IN, decorates its downtown area, blending natural beauty with historic charm and thoughtful touches.
The first scene, a brick pathway lined with glowing Christmas trees, feels like a perfect blend of nature and holiday magic. The overhead string lights create a warm, inviting glow that guides you through the space, while the twinkling trees on either side add texture and a sense of wonder. The snow-dusted ground reflects the light just enough to soften the edges, creating a cozy, enchanted atmosphere that feels both intimate and expansive.
In the second photo, you see how the historic storefronts of downtown Chesterton take center stage at this time of year, especially this restored brick building that now houses a wine bar. The soft, weathered look of the brick pairs perfectly with the golden light spilling from the windows, where strings of ornaments and twinkling lights create a festive but understated display. The snow swirling through the air adds movement and a sense of timelessness, making the scene feel alive and familiar.
Chesterton’s downtown is the kind of place that feels straight out of a Hallmark movie, giving you that warm and nostalgic feeling of being home for the holidays.”
A Festive Wrap-Up
This glimpse into the holiday season through the eyes of our team shows how inspiration can be found everywhere — whether in cherished traditions, special places, or the glow of festive lights. It’s a reminder of how design, in even the simplest forms, can create connection and joy.
From all of us, we wish you a holiday season full of warmth, creativity, and moments to cherish. Happy holidays!