When it comes to the holidays, “more is more” according to designer Andrea Sinkin, who transforms her home with a mix of family pieces, antiques she has collected over the years, plus new items she has sourced. She happily blends Christmas and Hanukkah décor (her mother is Presbyterian, and her father is Jewish). “We are equal-opportunity holiday enthusiasts,” says the designer, who loves to treasure hunt for unique decorations and make giant bows. “Over the top is always my jam.”
All the rooms in her home brim with joy, including her daughters’ bedrooms. “My girls each have pink trees in their rooms that are decorated with Barbie dolls, My Little Ponies, and unicorns,” says Sinkin. “I let them pick the theme and we run with it.”
According to Sinkin, the only rules for holiday decorating are: Don’t use things you don’t love, and don’t buy matching sets. “Your home and your décor tell the story of your family,” she says. “Let everyone see themselves in your holiday joy.”
Setting the Mood
“We all love beautiful things, beautiful homes, beautiful fabrics, and beautiful spaces,” says Sinkin. “I think about, ‘How is the room going to feel?’ It’s not so much about the sparkle and going the over-the-top. It’s about how you want to feel and how you want others to feel when they are in your space. If you have that in the back of your head, it will be your compass and always lead you to the right decision.” In her living room, for example, where she often sits with a cup of coffee or drinks with friends, she chose more restful colors. In the family room, on the other hand, she has “funk and color” and nothing that’s too precious. “Things break, ornaments drop—don’t make the kids feel nervous. You need to know your audience and who you are decorating for,” says Sinkin.
Your home and your décor tell the story of your family. Let everyone see themselves in your holiday joy.
Her favorite detail in the living room is a wreath purchased through antique collectors in Atlanta. In the family room, she loves her antique glass terrarium vignette doll house. “It is electrified, and you need a key to open it. It has become a wonderful tradition for the girls to help set it up; then they play with it, redecorate it, and enjoy.”
A special item in the dining room is a huge crystal menorah that Sinkin found at Home Goods many years ago—proof positive that you can find good pieces anywhere and mix them to create the perfect look.
Holiday Hues
When it comes to a festive color theme, “There is no right or wrong,” says Sinkin. “My parent’s home is a very traditional palette, but our house is more colorful. When we no longer have young children, I am quite sure I will not be as colorful—maybe I’ll dial it back—but for the time being we have plenty of color and sparkle.”
On the home’s exterior, however, she keeps things classic with white lights. “Some people can do colorful lights outside and it looks tasteful, but I have never figured that out. We do white icicle lights on the porch. It’s quite simple but pretty to come home to,” she says.
Focus on Fun
While Sinkin loves to change things up for the holiday season, it doesn’t mean starting all over or buying all new items. “The way you style things can make them [seem] entirely new,” says Sinkin. “Think of a simple black dress and changing the accessories. It’s the same for the holidays. Don’t be afraid to be weird, that’s the fun part.”
The way you style things can make them entirely new.
Real or Faux?
Which side is she on when it comes to trees? Sinkin says both. “On our front porch we have a real tree with simple white lights, and it is almost no maintenance,” she says. “In our family room, we have a huge fake tree from Balsam Hill because we put it up the weekend after Thanksgiving and take it down in early January. A real tree would never last that long.”
Holiday Décor Dos and Don’ts
Buy Decorations Off-Season. “Always keep your eyes open for a deal or treasure.”
Set up a Holiday Closet. “If you have the space, having a holiday closet is a game changer,” she says. “I have a large walk-in closet for decorations so I can keep things organized and see what we have.”
Buy and Purge. “This is a never-ending cycle.”
Don’t Horde. “Pass things on, share the joy. Not everyone is fortunate to have beautiful decorations so if you are buying something new, consider giving something away.”
