TREASURED YULETIDE
Meet a couple of history buffs who draw inspiration from both the United Kingdom and Colonial Williamsburg to evoke a sense of the past and create holiday cheer in their modern Virginia home.
History buffs decorate their Virginia home with inspiration from Colonial Williamsburg and the United Kingdom.
TThe holiday season is particularly special for Bethany and Jason Mickel. The Staunton, Virginia, couple not only enjoy preparing their home for winter festivities but also look forward to celebrating their December wedding anniversary. “Christmas is so magical and our favorite time of year,” Bethany observes.
Both Bethany and Jason are academic librarians with a keen interest in English and American history, and those influences can be seen throughout their everyday and holiday decorating, from their antiques and collectibles to their Colonial-style garlands and wreaths.
The couple initially had hoped to purchase a historic home, but instead found a newer custom-built brick residence that blends modern design features, such as 28-foot ceilings, an open floor plan, expansive windows and skylights, with traditional elements, including oak and slate flooring and a bluestone fireplace.
After moving in, Bethany and Jason faced the challenge of making the newer spaces look old. Luckily, the pair had gathered plenty of ideas during annual trips across the pond and frequent visits to Colonial Williamsburg. “I attribute much of my inspiration to travel and the adopted philosophy that home is what you make it—so you should make it as comfortable and cozy as you can,” Bethany explains.
One of the first projects that the book-loving pair tackled was converting the carport into a snug library, complete with brick walls, plenty of bookcases and a built-in window seat. Though they had the help of a contractor for that particular task, Bethany and Jason also put their DIY skills to work. They installed faux fireplaces in the library and dining area and made upholstered cornice boards for many of the home’s windows.
During the holidays, the home’s warm, neutral palette is a rich backdrop for Colonial-style fruited garlands and wreaths as well as themed trees, holiday artwork, Santa Claus figurines and carolers. “Mustards, blacks and wood tones run throughout the house and make seasonal decorating easy,” Bethany explains.
Once Christmas is past and the trimmings are packed away, Bethany and Jason welcome the new year by poring over books, delving into history and planning their next trip, which is sure to provide fresh inspiration as well as cherished pieces that will add to the story of their home.