Welcome to the home of Mary Allison Prehn. Allison has generously opened her home to us for the season, to be inspired by her romantic style and the holiday vignettes throughout.
{Photo, courtesy of Pritish Savant, of Allison in her 1920's French chaise}
Allison describes her style in her own words:
"I would use these words to describe my style: antique, French, vintage, cottage, shabby chic, Victorian, and a little country. My thought process in acquiring furniture is that it can be painted and reupholstered, thus I have focused on finding pieces that I love in terms of shape, quality and detailing… I am very particular about detailing. So, my home is in its “raw” state. My vision is for everything to be in shades of white and gray… one day!
Some day my home will reflect more accurately that I love the color white - pearl white. I also love aged items and using pieces however I feel - not specifically for the purpose of reinventing them, but for the sake of using what I have for whatever function is needed, or for whatever is beautiful to my eye. I am inspired by natural light and aged items. I am drawn to the stories they contain, their connection to the past, and that something mysterious that cannot be labeled. I love asymmetry when done right and I believe scale is the most important thing in any space of any style."
Now let us tour Allison's home, as she guides us in her own words along the way...
"Welcome to my home...
Simple greenery above the frame and an asymmetrical holiday duo on the coffee table provide enough holiday cheer without being overwhelming.
The first to greet guests is a wee little Santa on the coffee table with a holiday greeting nearby- a special one sent to a great aunt by my grandfather many years ago. The bowl of goodies is accompanied by a single hydrangea for a delicate, simple pairing.
Snowflakes, doves, pearls, icicles, feathers and shiny ornaments all adorn the tree… all things pure, delicate, lovely, winteresque and of course, white...
“True” is the title of this framed sheet music. Truth is what is worth displaying and searching out all year long. Triple layered frames give this piece the prominence it deserves. A simple stalk of kale is reminiscent of the green elsewhere, but gives a visual break from the holiday theme.
This cherub is one to behold. Its creator pieced together the column, the figure {formerly a statue}, and a chandelier to create this sculpturesque lamp. For Christmas, all this cherub wanted was a stocking, containing a hand painted egg brought from Salzburg by a dear friend. On the floor are recent treasures from Round Top. They don’t draw attention, but add to this small space by creating a little more of a backdrop for the cherub to shine.
“Madame Winter” is the name I have given her. She came in the form of a Christmas card several years ago, and before I opened it to read, I knew she would be displayed for many Christmases to come. The large frame is backed with a simple fabric and stapled to the frame. The smaller frame hangs from the larger to create a layered effect.
This Santa found a great place to perch on a plant stand… no accessorizing needed. The wall hangings behind him are reproductions of vintage Christmas cards, a few ornaments and some angel wings {as seen in the background of other photos}.
This plant stand rarely holds plants in my home. For this season, simple metallic ornaments give the pots something to hold. The contrast of the shiny globes against the aged terra cotta and metal speaks to the underlying theme in the rest of the house.
I came across these holiday dishes and just loved them. I bought two of the small plates, two large ones and then mixed in dishes I already had to create this look - one that hints at Christmas without being too overt.
I find myself using this cake stand and glass dome for all sorts of displays. This grouping was quite simple: it started with the sweet little winter child, the greens were clipped from a tree outside to tie in with the minimal greenery throughout the house, and a few ornaments and jingle bells added the final touch.
The placemats are laminated sheet music with romantic titles such as Beloved that are used throughout the year.
Place cards displaying reindeer names such as Dasher and Blitzen add a whimsical touch.
I recently came across this Santa and adopted him immediately. He currently resides among other seasonal décor, including rosemary, and overlooks the affairs of the kitchen. He needs no further introduction other than “my favorite.” He looks like he knows something; like he has a story.
Simple frames outlining the background window give texture to the wall. A framed plaster “Last Supper” above the window is a reminder of the Christ in Christmas, and is appropriately located in the dining room.
A letter opener awaits holiday greetings atop an old postal scale. The scale also doubles as a fruit “bowl” when new groceries arrive. Next to the kitchen sink sits an old cheese box with a bottle of soap and dish brushes. Fresh dill sits in a creamer and adds a little green to the space.
A mixture of candles and ornamental trees provide a simple taste of the season and invites the winter white to come inside.
Many years ago, I was at a lovely home where the utensils were kept in jars on the table, instead of in a drawer. That had always been in the back of my mind as something I would love. In moving into my home, I quickly realized there was only one drawer in the whole kitchen- perfect! This was the best excuse {somehow I thought I needed one} to display my silverware on the counter in this manner… because everyone knows you have to have a junk drawer in the kitchen, which of course left no room for these! A few jingle bells dress this up perfectly for the season… little reminders in an unexpected place of that fun Christmas carol.
Simple holiday reminders are displayed in the guest bedroom...
Noel - God is with us - ‘tis the reason for the Season!
An old phone alcove holds the manger scene in the hall connecting living spaces to the bedrooms… the perfect transitional place for a small reminder that God truly is with us.
These are battery-operated candles that create a wonderful glow at night in an otherwise dark hallway… a perfect little touch for guests as they pass by to the restroom.
The baby in that manger is the one who has set me free. He is my King!"
"Merry Christmas to All and to All a Good Night!"
Thank you to Allison for the lovely tour of her holiday home and all of the inspiration found there. And from Romantic Vignettes to you and yours, we wish you all a very happy holiday season!
