The tree often serves as the centerpiece for your Christmas décor. Whether real or faux, Christmas trees now come with a variety of different styles so that you can customize yours to fit the look for your farmhouse. Flocking is one such option. Consider the following before taking the plunge on a flocked tree.
PROS:
• SIMPLICITY. Perhaps the biggest perk of a flocked tree is the effortless charm it instantly adds to your tree, whether faux or real. The look of the “snowy” branches brings a sense of warmth and classic Christmas vibes to your home. You can even leave the white-dusted branches bare of ornaments for a minimalist, rustic look.
• DIY-ABLE. Want a fresh festive look for your tree this season? Create your own fun family holiday décor project by looking up one of the many flocking tutorials online.
• REUSABLE. If stored properly, a faux Christmas tree with flocking can be a great addition to your holiday décor for years to come.
CONS:
• MESSY. Even if the flocking has been done properly, with the hustle and bustle of the holidays there is sure to be some shedding of the faux snow from the branches. There are ways to minimize this in how you handle the tree, but keep in mind that there will be extra clean up involved.
• TOXIC. Most flocking is not harmful to humans, but some can be harmful to pets. If your pet won’t leave the tree alone, flocking is not a good option.
• LIMITING. While on the one hand, the beauty of an unadorned flocked tree may be appealing, to those who love displaying their vast ornament collection, it may feel a bit overdone and overwhelming.
FUNCTIONAL UPDATES
With four bedrooms and four bathrooms, Janan’s spacious 4,000 square foot home in Coto de Caza, California was built in 1996. Upon purchasing the home, Janan and her husband made some changes to accommodate their family’s needs. Inside, they remodeled the kitchen for better flow and function, replaced the existing flooring and repainted the interior to create a neutral canvas. Outside, they renovated the backyard and decking as well as painting the exterior.
" I like to keep everything cohesive
DECORATING FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Getting her home ready for the holidays is no easy task, but Janan has come up with a method to help. “I start by laying out all my décor and deciding on a theme or style,” she says. “Once I envision what I want the house to look like, I typically start decorating smaller areas and adding those décor pieces around the house to make sure I really like the style and feel.” After the smaller areas are complete, she tackles the main focal points: the tree, mantel and front door. This layered approach helps her to bring together old “staple” pieces as well as new finds to create a fresh feel each year.
Color palette plays a big role in how Janan crafts the Christmas look for her farmhouse. With a predominately-white scheme throughout the home, any color pops against the backdrop. In the living room, greenery on the mantel serves as the focal point of the space, adding color and texture alongside the soft white stockings hanging underneath. In the children’s room, Janan brings in different shades of red and other Christmas hues for added festive fun. “I like to keep everything cohesive and make sure each room flows well with the next room,” she says.
" I find so much joy in organizing and decorating, especially during the holidays.”
(left) they see. “I love having a tree in this room because it creates a grand appearance,
similar décor and colors. “I added some décor to the seating area to tie in the
In the family room, Janan opted to add another time. “I typically put the second tree in the formal living room, but I wanted to experience what it would feel and look like with a tree in our main family room where we spend most of our time,” she says. “The kids absolutely love this tree behind the couch, and it just makes the room feel so much warmer and cozier.”
(left) Santa mug, mini tree, wreaths and candles
While much of the greenery in her home is faux, Janan chose real greenery to adorn the dining room table. “I purchased it from Trader Joe’s, and I love the fresh smell of pine it gives that room,” to complete the look of the dining room table.”
Faux greenery takes center stage in the kitchen, popping against the light and bright palette. “I added holiday candles, darker wooden serving boards to create a contrast against the white countertops and a dark vase in the center of the island, along with some Christmas kitchen towels and a candle,” Janan says.
(top, left) Janan holds her daughter Camryn in the spacious and festive kitchen. “I love how open and airy and bright it is,” she says.
(above, right) Festive greenery and Christmas-themed knickknacks light up the wet bar, which is and creates the illusion of a bigger space,” Janan says. “This area is great for putting a Christmas countdown calendar, and lots of mini decorative objects, like the farmhouse pickup truck, mini trees, mini window wreaths, little light up white houses and candles to bring in that holiday scent.”
In the children’s room, Janan quickly discovered that her kids had their own ideas for decorating. “A couple of times, I tried to put some matching ornaments from the downstairs trees so it would match their tree upstairs, and every time I was caught by the kids, and they put back up their own ornaments and decorations,” she says.
(above, right) This little swing in the children’s room is the perfect place to curl up while reading. “Considering their room is neutral (my daughter and son share the room), I thought it would be festive and bring some Christmas cheer to throw on a cozy blanket and colorful pillow for them to enjoy,” Janan says.
(above, left) These Christmas books served as the color palette inspiration for the children’s room. “The kids have a bookshelf in their room with their favorite books they like to read year-round,” Janan says. “During the holiday season, I like to switch out their books to get them into the
(top, left) Small touches add charm and festivity to the children’s bedroom. “I decided to hang a little wreath on top of their ‘I love you more’ wooden sign, and I added two Christmas pillows to each of their beds to create a cozy and holiday feel,” Janan says. spirit of Christmas and to familiarize themselves with books related to the holiday. It’s a simple tradition we like to do, and the kids get excited to pick out and read a new Christmas book at night before bedtime.”
Janan opted for faux greenery in the primary bedroom, giving the space a welcoming yet elegant feel. “I wanted to bring in some Christmas charm and cozy décor to the room,” she says. “I used a chunky and pinecones and a holiday scented candle.”
After decorating the primary bedroom, Janan wanted to continue the festive vibes into the primary bathroom. “I had a plain green wreath that I wasn’t using and decided to add some red to brighten up the bathroom and give it more of a rustic-glam look and feel,” she says.