words and photos by Scot Zimmerman
I’m a guy who prefers things a little over the top, and therefore, I adore the holidays. Moderation gets set aside with the sweets, snacks, parties, music, and, of course, decorations. One of my favorite winter celebrations is the solstice. The idea that fire, lights, greenery, and reverence for the earth expressed in good cheer can lure back the sun for longer and warmer days really appeals to me.
Holidays are a time when extremely creative people get even more inspired and have a broader palette to work with to add accents. Anne-Marie Barton Design took inspiration from the woodsy mountain site in Wolf Creek Pass to festoon a mountain home she had designed and was unveiling to the client. The natural greenery added to the setting, and I can imagine anticipating the return of the holidays only if it means to bring the tree and sprigs back inside.
For his own home, Don Brady, owner of Don Brady Design, drew upon his bold talent and his wife Sinikka’s Finnish background as inspiration to create a study in white and pale tones of robin’s egg blue.
The simple unified design resonates joy and harmony. Multiple people have commented to me that this is their favorite home I have shot for Utah Style and Design.
Another favorite mountain home also emphasizes solstice greenery with the addition of bright flowers woven into the chandelier’s branches. A Park City ski home designed by Mary Jane Price, the tree decorations incorporate ski poles, gondolas, and skiers among the ribbons, berries, and pine cones.
I wish you joyous holidays, and consider celebrations that might be just a little over the top. It’s the season for excess.