Cape & Islands designers create holiday splendor with their inspired Christmas tree designs
Photographed at The Car Barn at The Field Club designed by Patrick Ahern, Photo by Mike Crane
Think of your fondest, most heartwarming holiday memories—surely many of those moments took place around the Christmas tree. It’s hard to forget the joy you felt, or the wonder you’ve seen in your children’s eyes, upon awaking on Christmas morning to the sight of Santa’s bounty underneath a twinkling tree. A Christmas tree can evoke such magic and nostalgia, and remind us of what makes the holiday season so special—quality time spent with loved ones.
The five trees featured on the following pages are each uniquely decorated, from traditional to contemporary, but they all evoke a sense of Christmas spirit sure to delight and inspire you this holiday season. To add even more local flavor, we asked the five designers to share the stories and inspirations behind their colorful holiday creations. – Haley Cote, staff writer, Cape Cod Life Publications
Warm, cozy & wild
Photograph by Mike Crane, Designed by Audrey’s Interiors
“My clients have a resident hoot owl in their neighborhood that is found many times perched in a tree adjacent to their house. They love listening to the owl each night and feel that it is watching out for them, protecting them, adding wisdom to their lives. This tree is particularly unique to them and their love of owls. Having recently finished an upscale seaside makeover in this living room, the colors of the room lent themselves beautifully to our theme. My feeling is: the key in designing a unique tree is to tap into something that is meaningful to you and run with it.” – Audrey Greenway, owner, Audrey’s Interiors
New perspective on an old tradition
Photograph by Mike Crane, Designed by Casabella Interiors
“One of the best things about having a design studio within a shop is that we’re able to bring our vision to life in a way that shows our customers what’s possible within their own homes. During the holidays, we transform Casabella Interiors into a sophisticated winter wonderland, and our upside-down tree is a lush example of infusing an unexpected design element for dramatic impact. Mounted on a ceiling bracket, our long-loved bottom-up faux tree frees up floor space. And since the luminous ornaments hang at eye level, it makes a breathtaking style statement.” – Michele Chagnon-Holbrook, owner & principal, Casabella Interiors
With a bow to holiday nostalgia
Photograph by Mike Crane, Designed by Harvest of Barnstable
“Over the years, holiday traditions change and grow with the addition of family and friends. Our tree brings back the enjoyment of a simpler time with family traditions from our childhood. Remember the Christmas when Santa brought that bright, shiny bicycle and the fastest wooden sled ever? Remember the fun had sledding down the hill or going on a sleigh ride wearing new hats and warm mittens? A tree filled with wooden sleds and red sleighs can quickly conjure up some of the best family memories ever! Those cherished Christmas memories come flooding back with the help of the ringing bells, bright red balls, and big tin stars all perfectly placed in our holiday tree.” – Pamela Parker, owner, Harvest of Barnstable
Designed for the space, with style and grace
Photograph by Terry Pommett, Designed by David M. Handy
“Creams, whites, and rose golds, all in various shapes and textures, were the inspiration for our holiday tree. We wanted the design to be simple yet elegant to fit in perfectly at this gorgeous home designed by Hanley Development. Focusing on the fireplace and its living room with 20-foot-plus ceilings, we thought what better tree to use than this Balsam Hill Fraser fir, standing 11 feet tall. The oversized rose gold garlands woven throughout the tree add that extra ‘wow’ factor. At David M. Handy Events, we listen to the sounds of the space to create the perfect design elements that will fit into the space seamlessly.” – David M. Handy, president & CEO, David M. Handy Events Inc.
Inspired by the great outdoors
Photographed at The Car Barn at The Field Club designed by Patrick Ahern, Photo by Mike Crane, Designer Martha’s Vineyard Interior Design
“At Martha’s Vineyard Interior Design, we are often inspired by our outdoor surroundings, and for this holiday scene, we wanted to stay true to our design style. Working with organic elements and textures, we incorporated items found by the sea. The driftwood used in this design was collected on island beaches, locally made scrimshaw ornaments were custom made for this tree, and the nautical rope and fish netting are a nod to the island’s fishing traditions.” – Liz Stiving-Nichols, principal, Martha’s Vineyard Interior Design
It wouldn’t be the holiday season without giving thanks
Reflecting on our collaboraion with designers across the Cape and Islands bringing their visions to life, we are left with memories of transporting Christmas trees (not easy to find in September and October!) on ferries, streaming Christmas music that set the mood, and a treasure hunt for the festive to the fanciful. Each photo shoot gifted us with laughter, friendship, and inspiration galore!
Warm, cozy & wild
Home provided by Linda Flaherty and designed by Audrey Greenway, Audrey’s Interiors, Harwich, 508-432-1360, audreysinteriorscapecod.com.
New Perspective on an Old Tradition
All featured products, and many more, are available at Casabella this holiday season as the entire shop is reimagined for the holidays. Holiday design services are available upon request. Tree and setting designed by Michele Chagnon-Holbrook, principal, Casabella Interiors, 389 Route 6A, East Sandwich, 508-888-8688, casabellainteriors.com.
With a Bow to Holiday Nostalgia
Inspired by this season of celebrating holiday traditions, these designs and many more are locally made and are available at both Harvest of Barnstable store locations in Yarmouth Port and Falmouth.Tree and theme designed by design manager, Kathy Kuck, and executed by designer Alice Flynn. Custom design services available. Harvest of Barnstable, 89 Willow Street, Yarmouth Port. 508-362-4595, or 261 Main Street, Falmouth, 508-444-6668, harvestofbarnstable.com.
Designed for the Space with Style and Grace
Tree supplied by Balsam Hill, Burlingame, CA, 888-522-2572, balsamhill.com.Home built and decorated by Hanley Construction and Development, hanleydevelopment.com. Scene designed and executed by David M. Handy Events, Nantucket, davidmhandyevents.com.
Inspired by the Great Outdoors
Tree supplied by Mahoney’s Garden Center. Mantel greens foraged by Miskovsky Landscaping. Scrimshaw ornaments provided by DELS Nantuckets, Freetown. Photographed at The Car Barn at The Field Club designed by Patrick Ahearn. Shoot coordinated by Paulina Foley, Martha’s Vineyard InteriorDesign, 508-687-9555, mvidesign.com.
Lighting consultant Steve Rice shines the light on a homeowner’s transformation of a typical Cape into a Coastal Farmhouse where relaxing and creating memories with family and friends is their ultimate focus.
