Date: November 22, 2016 | Photography: Rett Peek | Styling: Chip Jones |
Floral designer Tanarah Haynie of Tanarah Luxe Floral infuses a family home with natural, down-to-earth décor for the season
In the cold winter months, a walk through the front door of this West Little Rock home feels like putting on your favorite sweater. The rich green and taupe palette along with the rustic charm of this spacious equestrian-inspired house provides the perfect backdrop for Tanarah Haynie of Tanarah Luxe Floral to create a lush and natural traditional holiday setting. When Haynie first began working with the homeowners, it was obvious that family memories and tradition meant everything to them. With five grown children, many Christmases have been celebrated here, and it’s always a joyful season of togetherness. “I really like to create a special environment for the kids at the holidays,” the homeowner says.
Upon entering, the home already has a sense of warmth and elegance, even without the addition of Christmas decorations. Haynie was able to play off of this by focusing on existing elements such as family heirlooms and the space’s rustic architectural features. Holiday décor flows seamlessly from the entry to the kitchen, where greenery sprigs and pinecone garland are carried onto the kitchen island, table, and console. This large gathering space is a favorite spot for nibbling on Christmas cookies or last-minute gift wrapping, so it was important that it be just as festive as the home’s den.
In the living room, the tree takes center stage in both stature and beauty. Vaulted ceilings allow for a whimsical twig tree topper—an unexpected detail that adds a more approachable, not-so-serious touch to the home’s sophisticated décor. With plaid ribbons, wood accents, red details, and a touch of glam from the homeowners’ ornament collection, the tree brings together many of the elements found throughout the home to create a stunning display of meaningful pieces. “America is getting back to an old-fashioned Christmas, incorporating handmade items and things from travels,” Haynie says. “Holiday in someone’s home is not about what it feels like to walk in a store.”
A dramatic mantle adorned with deer antlers and greenery, which amplify the home’s elegant yet rustic ranch look, anchors the living room. “This home has very deep mantels, some between 20 and 24 inches. It was important for the garlands to match the scale,” Haynie says.
In a house built for entertaining, the dining room is an especially revered space. With seating for 12, this room is ready for large family celebrations and gatherings. Tanarah introduces red roses with birch branches as a centerpiece for the ornate farm table, a fresh alternative to the expected red flower of this season. A staple for Tanarah, her “faux real” style incorporates elements out of nature with permanent botanicals. “We foraged from the woods around the residence to bring in natural elements. I love to cut clippings to add to a faux tree or garland. It makes environmental sense and creates a high-end, real look,” she adds.
With the magic of Christmas in the air, and an added touch of whimsy from Tanarah, this family always looks forward to the holidays. “We think the world of Tanarah. She always helps to pull all of our Christmas together and give it a very natural look,” the homeowner says. “We decorate early so we can enjoy it longer throughout the season.” What does Tanarah think about that? “You should keep Christmas up all year long if it makes you happy!” she laughs.
Design Resources
Architect Gene Levy, Cromwell Architects Engineers, Jonesboro, (870) 336-0536, Little Rock, (501) 372-2900, cromwell.com
Contractor Jack Hartsell, Jack Hartsell Construction, Little Rock, (501) 376-2871, jackhartsellconstruction.com
Christmas décor Tanarah Luxe Floral, Little Rock, (501) 372-1400, tanarahluxefloral.com
Interior design Christy Snowden Davis and Elaine Green, Wonderful Things, Little Rock, (501) 765-0244; Marshall Clements, Little Rock, 501) 954-7900, marshallclements.com
