A Touch of Christmas in Every Room

1 For the holidays, Lisa Lynn Knights decorates the exterior of her Middletown home in traditional Buffalo plaids, natural elements and lanterns that illuminate and welcome guests.

of Christmas A Touch in Every Room

By Heather N. Russell-Simmons Photography by Walt Roycraft

Looking back to her childhood Christmas memories, Lisa Lynn Knight, interior designer and owner of Lisa Lynn Designs in Louisville, Ky., does not remember the gifts she received. “I remember decorating our home, I remember the arrangements my mom made for the dinner table, I remember sharing meals with my family,” she recalled. All of her life, Knight has loved the feel of a home decorated for the holidays. “It brings me joy, and it brings joy to family and friends who visit my home.”

Creating that feeling of joy begins at the end of October when Knight starts to transform her recently renovated, 4,300 square foot home in Middletown. “I like to enhance what exists in the room already,” she said. Over the course of four to six weeks, Knight goes room by room pulling from the aesthetic in her home to make every area feel joyful. To avoid clutter, Knight stores select pieces displayed on countertops and end tables throughout the year and also incorporates seasonal elements. “I’ll add evergreen to candlesticks, or ornaments and pinecones to greenery and give a Christmas feel to what is already there.”

Knight encourages that blend of seasonal and every day decor. “It’s OK to mix styles,” she assured. “People should not be afraid to do what feels good, what makes their home feel special at Christmas.” Garland, perhaps the most versatile trimming in Knight’s home, has a variety of uses. “On top of cabinets and buffets, in chandeliers, over the front door, on staircase railings and mantles,” she listed. “There are no limitations to garland,” she declared. Sprays and stems build volume and add composition. “I like my garlands big and thick and full of textures and patterns.” For her rustic hearth room garland, she uses oversized branches and burlap ribbons as decorative elements above the mantle. Garland in the formal great room is filled with shine and sparkle using satin and velvet ribbons as well as large feature items like detailed floral picks for impact. When decorating garland, Knight advised to build from the middle, “And make it loose as you go out, dripping off the sides and in front on the mantle.” Instead of a straight, short, uniform design, Knight embraces imperfection. “That’s where garland gets its character,” she said.

Character is also found at Knight’s home among the 10 trees, ranging from three and a half feet to ten and a half feet tall. “I love the flexibility of artificial trees,” she said, noting the ability to fluff and bend the branches with no restrictions, giving more control over how the ornaments and adornments are displayed. “Christmas trees don’t need to look like triangles,” advised Knight.

The addition of ribbons and ornamental picks allow homeowners to individually tailor trees. “My trees are designed based on the colors in the room,” said Knight, adding that the hearth room tree is an exception from the corals and blues found in other trees. “That tree has a farmhouse vibe,” she explained of the metal, burlap, cotton ball branches and metal bells. Regardless of the colors or theme, one thing remains true for all the trees in Knight’s home. “Whether it’s an angel or a star or a bow, I like a grand, elaborate topper.”

Although she adds to her collection each year, “Tradition is important,” Knight said of the items people cherish and use each year. Among her prized holiday decorations is a cardboard Santa candy container. “It must be 40 years old with a wobbly head and a beard that’s been replaced with cotton balls. It’s pathetic,” she laughed before adding, “And my brothers are still jealous that I have it!” An angel topper, a gift from her mother, has been transformed year after year. The foundation and sentimentality remain constant, “But she’s evolving with new ribbon and material as I change my décor,” Knight explained.

Knight said the key to a beautifully decorated home for the holidays is to add a touch of Christmas in every room. An elaborate tree as the focal point of a room, a swag on the back of a dining chair, an ornament hanging from a light fixture, a lantern or small holiday accessory resting on a side table, Knight recommends trying new things, mixing styles and doing what feels like home. “And candles,” she added. “Put them everywhere!”

2 The welcoming foyer opens directly into the home. A one-of-akind rug pulls in the home’s colors. Reflections from the light fixture are focal points that add an element of interest to the ceiling.

3 To make the fireplace stand out, the existing mantle was painted taupe grey while bricks and trim were added to frame the firebox. Knight enhanced the drapery by hanging the treatments above the height of the window frames. She chose two sofas instead of a sectional to provide more seating in the room and give her the flexibility to move the furniture around seasonally.

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4 Knight replaced the home’s old-fashioned cream-colored built-in cabinets and with a unique furniture piece. Floating hickory shelves and a hickory mantle extend the rustic glam from Knight’s kitchen into a warm and inviting hearth room.

5 Originally enclosed with a drop soffit and columns, Knight renovated this space into an expansive and inviting dining room for family and friends used year-round.

6 Another major renovation, a farmhouse island with plumbing was added to the kitchen. To balance the casual feel of the large island, Knight added glamorous chandeliers with crystals. “Rustic glam is what I call it,” she said.

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7 A massive remodel undertaking, the updated master bathroom replaced a corner jacuzzi tub with an oversized shower complete with marble inlay. The quartz countertop and vibrant white cabinetry keep the room bright and airy, even though the large mirror to the left of the shower covers a window.

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HOME CREDITS: Furniture, Lighting, Décor & Rugs Kitchen & Master Bath

Lisa Lynn Designs M & H Custom Cabinets

Design Manager & Interior Designer Darla Rissler, Lisa Lynn Designs

Kitchen & Bath Remodeling JNB Homes

Plumbing Fixtures Plumbers Supply Co.

Countertops Trademark Surfaces

Custom Window Treatments Cathy’s Curtains

8 Silver is the metal of choice in the master suite, giving the room a crisp feel. The one-of-a-kind hand knotted rug brings together the room’s palette seen in the blush accent wall, soft blue-grays and navy accents.

9 Copper mesh ribbon adds character and warmth to the garland above the mantle in the basement office. Durable luxury vinyl covers the basement’s concrete floors.