Romantic Homes

In a house decorated with a mix of vintage and modern pieces in whites and metallics, the traditional red-and-green holiday theme simply wouldn’t fit. Instead, homeowner Stephanie Vogler, co-owner of the Vancouver interior design firm and boutique The Cross, fully embraced her style to create a shimmering Christmas home trimmed in her favorite pieces.

The downtown apartment, which offers views of Vancouver and the North Shore Mountains, is a study in white-on-white decorating. By bringing in a range of textures and finishes, Stephanie makes the look pop. At the holidays, a flocked tree, plush throws and Scandinavian-inspired ornaments bring a classic wintery touch to the space.

“There is so little snow in Vancouver I thought they’d have fun if I brought a little bit of the white stuff inside,” Stephanie says. “The tree is my way of letting [my family] enjoy that classic Christmas feeling at home.”

“If I want a bit of glamour, which I love, I just drop in touches of silver and gold,” she says. “Against a neutral background, their shine makes a room feel special.”

Though sleek and elegant, this is a family home (Stephanie shares the apartment with her husband and two young children), so comfort is a must. All of the furnishings are cozy and inviting. Even aspects of her holiday décor, like giftwrap, has a casual quality to it.

“The kids and I often make our own giftwrap, using craft paper and metallic stamps,” she says. “I like the contrast of homemade craft wrap with sparkly ribbon.”

By accentuating her personal style at the holidays, Stephanie is able to create a warmly welcoming spot for her family and friends to enjoy throughout the season.

“I love my work and love playing with textures and colors, but I want home to be about spending time with my family,” she says. “Everything at home is casual and spontaneous. I don’t worry about the kids spilling drinks on the sofa or setting a fancy table for friends.”