There is no denying that the feeling of the holiday season is upon us as almost everywhere we go lights are twinkling, garland is sparkling, music is playing and Christmas trees are glowing. One of my favorite things to do during the holiday season is to visit with friends and family in their homes. Not only do I get to enjoy being with them, but I also love seeing the holiday decorations that make each of their homes special.
Getting a peek into the Fawn Lake home of local realtor, Maribel Barker and her husband Mark, is a holiday dream where memories are made. With shimmering neutrals and touches of red throughout, the decorations are a perfect backdrop to welcome their two grown children home to share in the delight of the holiday season.
Stepping into the home, the open foyer welcomes you with simple lit greenery laced with glittering lights. Photos of the family are displayed on the foyer table and up the staircase to share with visitors.
To the left of the foyer, the dining room is perfectly set and ready for a family dinner. The mercury glass trees and candle pillars are nestled in a grouping of fresh magnolia and evergreen clippings from the Barker’s yard.
Personal touches make this house feel like a home. The photographs flanking the large mirror were taken by the Barkers on two separate coastal vacations.
Antique pieces are mixed in with finds from big box stores and local boutiques. Shells from various vacations rest in glass apothecary jars that sit on a antique silver tray. Maribel, who is an avid DIYer, transformed the silver chest that the tray sits on with paint.
The back of the home is filled with natural light that welcomes the Barkers each morning. More greenery and touches of red can be found throughout the kitchen.
The built-in bar provides space for plenty of wine, most of which comes from local wineries throughout our area and the state.
Maribel is an avid collector of antique milk glass, which can be found throughout the kitchen and used in different ways. I love the way she used a milk glass goblet to hold a little plant.
The large stone fireplace and mantle is the perfect setting for more silver home decor. Pops of red continue around the family room from the stockings to the pillows on the comfy sectional sofa.
The living room is open to the foyer and family room, which was quite a change from the original home. The Barkers opened up the space (and other spaces throughout the home) to let in natural light while creating more of an open floor plan. It also gives every room a view of the lake where the home sits.
The classically decorated Christmas tree sits front and center in the living room. Other decorations around the room welcome in the holiday season.
The Christmas tree is home to many sweet memories. From Mark’s boyhood, the treasured Mickey Mouse ornament can be found on the Barker’s tree each year.
The double decker bus was a find while on a trip to London and the red ball below holds a snowmen handprint of their son’s from when he was a child. Many other special ornaments adorn the tree while red balls create a cohesive look.
One of my favorite things to see when I go into different homes decorated for the holidays are the photographs from years past. A little picture of Santa with the Barker’s children is a reminder of special memories.
Thank you Maribel and Mark for letting me tour and share your beautiful holiday home! Happy Holidays!
