Hello and welcome to my 5th annual Christmas Home Tour! I am Michelle, the creator of MW Designs. I’m so glad you are joining us for a week of touring beautiful & inspiring homes for the holidays.
Christmas in Virginia!
My family and I have lived everywhere in the US, from growing up in Missouri to Alaska to Hawaii. We settled in Virginia because we love the ability to do anything within three hours and the history of the region. For our home, I try to blend the historical with the modern in a visual display that shows every personality in the family.
Welcome to our home!
Entryway
This year, our signature tree in the entryway received an upgrade. This is a King of Christmas flocked 10′ foot tree decorated with gold, silver, black, and blue. The tree fills the space, sets the tone for our Christmas decor, and welcomes our guests during this holiday season.
Living Room
Our living room is one of my favorite rooms in the house. The combination of rustic and modern, old and new, and masculine and feminine result in a room that reminds me of a well made men’s suit. The Christmas decorations add a festive touch that shows that this room [and suit] aren’t taking themselves too seriously.
The gray velvet ribbon is one of my favorites that I found at Merrifield Garden Center in Virginia. It’s my go-to local place to shop for ribbon.
This little oil painting is one of my new favorites. It shows Mount Vernon in the 1700s. Little details like this make a space.
Dining Room
This year’s theme for the dining room is roses. The tree is filled with roses and the napkins are rose shaped. The decor is very neutral, with strong patterns on the curtains and wallpaper.
The cute bows on my dining room tree are velvet and add a bit of girlishness to a very formal room.
Study
Buddy, our almost two- year- old fur baby, calls my study his home. He is greeting me as if I were a guest, so mannerly and prim and proper.
Kitchen
The kitchen is kept very simple for the holidays. I always have a big arrangement on the island that flows with the rest of my decor.
Side Entry
Like us, not everyone has a separated mudroom, and these spaces typically function as your “drop zone.” However, that’s no excuse to let them not be cute. A simple upgrade can be functional as well as stylish. If you missed my post on this updated space, click HERE.
Family Room
In the spirit of Virginia and in love of our great nation, I recently acquired a painting of our founding father, George Washington. We affectionately refer to him as just “George.” He watches over our fireside chats and movie nights, adding a touch of history and class to our family room.
This tree’s inspiration is Williamsburg. I tried to pull in old and new details, including decorating with dried fruit, beads, and ribbon to create a historical, yet modern, touch.
Space is nothing if it’s not livable. Our daughter’s faux kitchen is her favorite play time spot while we work or cook. There’s no reason it too should not be decorated for the season.
Our Nativity scene sits on top of the stairs reminding us why we celebrate the season.
Master Bedroom
I try not to overwhelm our bedroom with Christmas decoration but it’s too tempting of a space to leave neglected. A simple tree and a few wreaths give it that Christmas charm.
Madeleine’s Bedroom
Madeleine’s nursery has a whimsical princess theme for the holidays.
She enjoys her own personalized tree, complete with blush ribbons and Williamsburg blue silk ribbon.
Madeleine is already enjoying one of her early Christmas gifts. This Pottery Barn dollhouse was gifted to her from my parents and she absolutely loves it.
The magic of the season can really be felt after dark. The anticipation and magic seem to come alive through the lights and reflections of the trees and fireplaces during the Christmas Holidays.
My new favorite holiday tradition, since we aren’t always able to travel to see family, is having my sister’s family over Christmas Eve. While we stay home, we don’t use that as an excuse and still get all dressed up. Throughout the course of the night we have a wonderful dinner, enjoy each other’s company, open gifts, and have a gingerbread man decorating competition. It’s hyper-competitive but also a lot of fun and smack talking. Uncle Travis is the reigning champion [although the vote ended in a recount].
Thank you for visiting with me today! I hope you gathered some ideas and lots of inspiration!
My family and I hope your holidays are full of health, joy and all the things you wished for.
Tomorrow on the 2020 Christmas tour is Linda’s MO home. Linda’s style is traditional with a southern twist. You will find so much inspiration in every single room. Be sure to check out her beautiful home tomorrow on the tour.
Amy Alleva says
Michelle your home tour is fabulous! I love all of your Christmas trees and how you decorate with ribbon! So many beautiful touches! Thank you for sharing your home with us! Merry Christmas!
mwhitener says
Thank you so much, sweet Amy! I appreciate your kindest, and hopefully, one day, we can meet at Merrifield Garden Center and check out all of the gorgeous ribbons together. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Wendy M says
You think of every detail, and it shows. Every room is perfect. Hopefully, with your tour complete (minus this weeks postings), you can relax and enjoy the beauty you created.
mwhitener says
Thank you so much, Wendy. I truly appreciate the feedback and kind words. I absolutely love hosting the tour every year, and now I am ready to relax and enjoy the family. Merry Christmas!
Paula Brockwell says
Absolutely beautiful!
mwhitener says
Thank you for visiting the tour and for the kind words, Paula. Merry Christmas!
Linda hites says
Michelle, your home looks amazing! What a beautiful tour!! You must enjoy it so much. I wish we were there with you. Merry Christmas, honey.
mwhitener says
Thank you, mom, for always being my inspiration! Love you and look forward to seeing you when we can soon. I hope you have the Merriest of Christmases!
Judy Johnson says
What a wonderful way to start my Monday off to Michelle! Every single inch of your gorgeous home is perfect….you have “the touch” and it shows! I’m looking forward to all the inspiration this week….thank you for putting in the work to bring us inspiration during the Christmas season.
mwhitener says
You are always the sweetest, Judy! I appreciate you so much! Thank you for your kind words.
—Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Claudette Benavitch says
Michelle your home tour is simply outstanding. Thank you for sharing your home space and your decorating talents with the rest of us. When I thought I picked my favorite decoration, there was another, and another !
Merry Christmas ?
mwhitener says
Awe, thank you so much, Claudette. That truly means so much to me. I love getting my home ready for the holidays, and now I’m ready to sit back and enjoy
—Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Shelly says
Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful home. You have such a talent for creating stunning spaces that exude a timeless class. Looking forward to joining the tour all week! Merry Christmas!
mwhitener says
Thank you so much for the sweet compliment. I appreciate it so much! I hope you enjoy the tour this week! Merry Christmas!
Mary Kay says
As always, the tour of your home inspires ooohhhs and aahhhhhhhs! I am smiling at the end because a ‘walk’ through your house really does bring a very Christmas feeling! Beautiful!
mwhitener says
Thank you so much, MaryKay, for always leaving the kindest compliments. You and your family are the sweetest. I would absolutely love to have you visit us sometime. I hope you and Len have a very Merry Christmas.
Mary Rudge-Bailey says
Michelle, your home is stunning; filled with all your special touches.
Wish so much we could share another holiday with you and your family. I anxiously await the results of the Gingerbread competition!
And where might my son get THAT talent?!
Relax and enjoy the beauty you have created and have a very Merry Christmas.
Love to you all!?❣️
mwhitener says
Thank you so much, Mary! I appreciate the sweet comment so much. We would love to spend the holiday with you and Lee! We looked forward to that every year. It truly doesn’t matter how well we think we do; Travis is always the chosen winner! I’m sure he takes after his beautiful mother. We are sending love to you all this Christmas!
Paula Nicholson says
What a beautiful Christmas Home Tour! Every room has your touch sprinkled in it. Love your entry tree. It surely sets the tone for your lovely home! Merry Christmas Michelle! Hope you & your family have a healthy & happy holiday season!
mwhitener says
Thank you so much, Paula. I have always wanted a flocked tree and finally bought one this year. I appreciate your support of the blog over the past five years. It’s amazing how quickly time flies by! I hope you and Allen have a wonderful Christmas!
Gloria Snodgrass says
Michelle – you’ve outdone yourself once again in creating a winter wonderland in your home. It must take you a long time to create such beauty in each room. It’s SO beautiful!! Sending wishes to you and your family for a very Merry Christmas and a safe and healthy New Year!??
mwhitener says
Thank you so much, Gloria. It’s a job getting it all decorated, but we enjoy it so much when it’s done. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas! Miss you!
Becky Miller says
Michelle
Your house looks absolutely beautiful!!! I always will remember your Mom’s great Christmas decorations with a tree in every room. Thanks so much for sharing your home with us, Merry Christmas to you & your family!!!
mwhitener says
Thank you so much, Becky. So sweet of you! That’s what I keep telling Joe! I can’t help having multiple trees in the house. I grew up that way…haha! Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Charlotte Harris says
Michelle, your home looks beautiful this season! I’m in love with your new flocked tree in the entry. The colors you chose look amazing. I was definitely impressed with the addition of ‘George’ above the mantel. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!?
mwhitener says
Thank you for the kind words Charlotte. I have been wanting a flocked tree forever and finally decided to invest in one this year. George was a recent marketplace find from Alexandria and he makes me so happy above my mantel. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!
Keli Rudge says
Your home looks so welcoming and stunning! We are looking forward to celebrating the holiday in your beautiful home. Thanks again for putting in so much time to let this tour happen. It’s so fun for all of us to get to peek inside some festive homes.
mwhitener says
Thank you, sweet sister and thank you for always helping me out! I can’t wait for our cookie contest!
Jamie Gage says
Beautiful home! I love the updated traditional style you have. Everything is exquisite. I was wondering where you find the plaid rugs like the one in your living room. They are beautiful!
mwhitener says
Hi Jaime! You are so sweet. Thank you so much for the sweet compliment. I have most of the rugs in my home attached to my @liketoknow.it app. (MWDesigns). The Gray plaid living room rug I found at Wayfair. My mom has it in her dining room in a brown color.
Jamie Gage says
Thank you so much! I look forward to your tours every year. You never disappoint!