As a creative person and lover of design, I’ve dabbled in decorating for clients and enjoy making transformations in our own home and lake house. With both of my parents born in Italy, I grew up in a home where food, fashion, and everyday life were infused with Italian flair, which sparked my appreciation for aesthetics and creativity early on. That influence continues to shape my approach to decorating today, resulting in a simple yet elegant style.
I’ve been married for 34 years and have two beautiful grown children, Lauren and Danny, along with our sweet dog, Maize. I’m recently retired from teaching and now enjoy being a content creator on Instagram at The Styled Home, sharing my home décor and everyday inspiration. In addition, thrifting, traveling, gardening and family time at our lake are the best!
Our 51-year-old Georgian-style Colonial, which we’ve called home for 27 years, is nestled on a treed lot, on a third of an acre in Michigan. In our state, we enjoy each season to the fullest, from sunshine to vibrant fall foliage to a magical winter wonderland. Each year, as the trees drop their leaves and the air changes to a crisp coolness, to downright cold…a warm glow begins to settle in our home as the holiday trimmings make their way.
A fresh, green wreath with red berries and velvet bow hangs on our front door framed with urns of fresh greens, one on each side. A spotlight shines upon the wreathed door as mini lights are peppered throughout our shrubs and trees creating a beautiful glow for this wonderful season.
Foyer
An abundance of nutcrackers fills a china cabinet in the foyer, one of several holiday collections displayed throughout our home.
Family Room
This year, our home features three Christmas trees, beginning in the family room. The most colorful of the three, this tree is filled with jewel-toned ornaments in shades of yellow, blue, fuchsia, and warm brown. Red and gold faux clip-on candles add an extra punch of color to the flocked branches.
Dining Room
The second tree, in our dining room, is styled with a vintage flair and adorned with red velvet bows, tinsel, framed vintage pictures, and old-fashioned clip-on candles that add a warm glow to the lit branches.
Natural and faux greenery is layered throughout the home—draped from chandeliers, sconces, artwork, the mantel, and along the stairway railing.
Candles are layered throughout as well—from Christmas tree shapes to peppermint stick tapers in festive holiday colors.
Kitchen/Sitting Room
The final tree is our cozy kitchen Christmas tree, styled with faux sugared fruits and ornaments in warm brown hues, mustard, and copper, interspersed with satin and gingham bows. Wicker bells fill the top, while tiny copper details—measuring cups and small egg holder goblets—finish the look.
Walnuts and dried oranges are layered on trays and arranged in cloches, adding a natural, seasonal touch.
In the kitchen, Santa mugs are stacked inside a large glass cloche, creating another fun holiday collection on display.
Stephanie’s Family Tradititon:
A tradition I have carried on since the late 1970s is decorating Christmas cookies from an amazing recipe we discovered on a Domino’s sugar box.😂 My sister, her husband, and my nieces arrive from different destinations. We all get together a couple days before Christmas as my husband, kids and I host dinner and afterwards we roll up our sleeves and let our artistic energy flow decorating cut out Christmas sugar cookies with plenty of hot chocolate and Christmas music flowing. This is one of my favorite days of the year.
Tomorrow on the MW Designs Christmas Home Tour, I’m featuring Kristen, who is currently living in Germany. As a military wife who has moved eight times over the years, creating a warm and welcoming home wherever her family is stationed has always been important to her. This holiday season, Kristen shares how she blends collected vintage pieces with European Christmas charm to create a cozy, festive home filled with meaningful details and tradition.
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I enjoy following Stephanie on Instagram and I really enjoyed seeing larger format photos. Her home is beautiful in every season!
Your home looks so warm and cozy❤️thank you for letting us tour!
Your home’s exterior looks like a Christmas postcard with your sparkling lights shining down on the snow. I loved all your bottle brush trees in the various silver pieces! Cozy and beautiful! Thank you for sharing. Merry Christmas!