This Home's Holiday Décor Is the Perfect Mix of Whimsical and Classic

holiday decor

Courtesy of Katie Hammond

Growing up, Katie Hammond, the founder of communications agency 9spr, collected classic miniature Christmas Village houses and begged her mom to let her decorate for the holidays early each year. These days, her own California home is the picture of festivity, with plenty of modern mini-holiday homes sprinkled throughout.

"I am such a homebody, so I love that the holidays are a cozy time where you can totally embrace that," Hammond tells MyDomaine. She describes the overall vibe as "nature-inspired, whimsical, and classic," a style that pairs perfectly with her home's existing décor.

Looking for your upgrade your holiday decorations this year? We've got you covered. Keep scrolling for some on-point tips and to take a tour of Hammond's ultra-chic yet super whimsical holiday-ready home

Layer Different Looks

tree
Courtesy of Katie Hammond 

"My house is a mix of styles—transitional with a lot of laid-back and natural elements, so I like to layer in items that I have collected over the years that make me think of trips taken or specific moments in time," she explains. If you want to take it a step further, opt for holiday decorations that standout (without looking too out of place) against your decor and interior design style. So if your home is super maximalist and colorful, see how all-white holiday decorations look.

Go Bold With Your Greenery

holiday mantle
Courtesy of Katie Hammond

One of Hammond's favorite elements in her holiday décor is the mantel, which she describes as "festive, classic, colonial, with a touch of whimsy all in one." It's also provides the perfect spotlight for the garland Hammond commissioned. "This year I was really inspired by all the natural tones and wanted to keep the vibe earthy," she says. "The garland I had made was a mix of cypress, seeded eucalyptus, firs and olive leaves which I love and has a European flair to it."

Use What You've Got

holiday bedroom
Courtesy of Katie Hammond

That focus on natural materials made its way into Hammond's bedroom décor as well, where greenery abounds. She also made great use of her canopy bed frame by using it to hang a wreath and strings of twinkle lights. The festive vignette on the bedside dresser adds a little extra whimsy to the space thanks to the miniature holiday house reminiscent of those from Hammond's childhood.

Create Clever Collections

holiday decor
Courtesy of Katie Hammond

In addition to the mini holiday houses, the presence of retro-inspired bottle brush trees carries throughout the house as well. These mini trees make for a great, budget-friendly way to add an extra dose of festive flair to your space. But when it comes to buying your holiday décor, Hammond suggests waiting to purchase until January.

"If there are certain decorations or ornaments you have been eyeing, wait until after the holiday to purchase since most stores have sales immediately following the new year," she suggests. "And then by the time next holiday season rolls around, it’s like you are opening new presents with the stuff you bought the year before."

Find Your Favorite Shops

holiday decor
Courtesy of Katie Hammond

Hammond herself has a few sources that she returns to time and again when she's shopping for holiday pieces. "I have a few local stores that I like—Kate Lester Home and Rolling Greens, the most insane nursery," she explains. "And then online sites like Terrain, Anthropologie, West Elm and McGee & Co. are all great. I would say at least half of my holiday décor is from Anthropologie and Terrain—they always have the cutest ornaments!"

Try DIY

holiday decor
Courtesy of Katie Hammond

"If you don’t want to spend the money on fresh garland and wreaths, you can go to your local tree lot and ask them for their scrap cut pieces and make your own," Hammond suggests. "If making your own is too overwhelming, you can spruce up faux garlands and wreaths with fresh eucalyptus, which makes them appear all fresh."

Making wreaths is definitely not an easy feat, so before you start, do some research and find out which designs you like best.

Stay True to You

holiday decor
Courtesy of Katie Hammond

Overall though, when it comes to holiday decorating, Hammond has one simple suggestion. "Do what makes you happy as long as it still looks good," she says.