Grace Brackman of Maggie Griffin Design Decks Georgia Home in Holiday Attire

“The young, active family wanted to design something special that would also be appropriate for this stage of life,” says Grace Brackman, an interior designer at Maggie Griffin Design, based in Gainesville, Georgia. “I have a deep appreciation for timeless and classic interiors as they will always remain constant and true through any trends or fads that come and go. Since this aesthetic also aligned with the couple’s desired outcome, I knew we would be a good fit.”

Throughout the 6,200-square-foot home, a clean palette of white and neutral walls gets a dose of warmth and texture from the intricate trim and millwork complementing every room. The Kellers’ decision for a subtly beautiful architectural design and color scheme was intentional as it provided an ideal backdrop for year-round interiors—especially Christmas décor.

“Because the homeowners were transitioning from a much smaller home, they were ready to embrace fresh furnishings, so the majority of what you see is new,” says Brackman. “That made the interiors even more important because we wanted them to look curated and collected rather than like a furniture showroom. So we incorporated antique furniture and rugs mixed with modern art and textiles to create a beautiful balance.”

Because of its grand proportions, the entrance foyer became a crucial part of the design and set the tone for the entirety of the home. A generous French antique sideboard befits the scale of the space perfectly, and a soft gray palette provides the perfect counterpoint to the light oak wood floors. A pair of lavish gold column lamps balance a massive misty-hued artwork that amplifies the ceiling height.

The traditional aesthetic prevails in the dining room with elegant dark-stained woods and classic lines. Brackman infused a dash of modern whimsy by upholstering the dining chairs in a light leopard print. Expansive windows with cased openings steal most of the wall space, so Brackman decided to make them a brilliant work of art with luxurious draperies tailored in Mary McDonald’s Chinois Palais fabric from Schumacher.

“A well-dressed table is an essential part of holiday entertaining in the South,” says Brackman, “and the Kellers wanted a special place to share a meal and gather with friends and loved ones. So we chose a graceful tree pattern from Arte Italica for the table settings and built the color scheme around it. The deep jade placemats might be my favorite item on the table.”

They also put up three Christmas trees in the house to create unique looks befitting each space. The tree in the study takes on a handsome aesthetic that complements the room’s wood paneling. Rustic ornaments blend with Ralph Lauren plaid ribbon and a cornucopia of natural elements, including dried berries and large sugar pine cones. An adorable pair of vine reindeer flank the tree, completing the festive montage.

The family room tree takes on a more formal design with a shimmering mix of metals as the focal point. A massing of mercury glass ornaments of all shades and shapes covers the branches, and delicate gold and silver trinkets lend accents in whimsical and traditional styles. A gorgeous blue velvet ribbon delivers the finishing touch. “In true Southern tradition, I used layers and layers of fresh greenery to ground all the Christmas décor,” says Brackman. “There is nothing more beautiful than a healthy mixture of cedar, cypress, eucalyptus, magnolia, and smilax on tabletops, chandeliers, and wreaths.”

The den features the home’s one and only fresh tree, inspiring its nostalgic design. Colorful Christopher Radko ornaments mix with treasured handmade ornaments the kids have made in school over the years. This is the tree where Santa brings all presents, so it required plenty of kid-friendly appeal. The cozy den space is where the family spends most of their time, stretching out on a comfy sectional and spending time together. They also love entertaining and cooking in their chef’s kitchen, which has something for everyone—cooks and guests alike.

“The homeowners truly enjoy having a beautiful and functional home,” Brackman adds. “None of the upholstery is off-limits for the kids or dogs because it was designed with them in mind. Even though the home is large in scale and stature, it feels intimate and cozy—the best of both worlds.”