Some people enjoy watching a favorite holiday film as an annual tradition. I have to say that I am in that camp, happily playing the Victor of Dibley’s Christmas and Sun Valley Serenade most years. This post is in similar spirit. I am pulling out some of my favorite images of this time of year. They have been enjoyed before, but there is something pleasant about revisiting the familiar.

Christmas inspiration

Interior designer Don Brady’s own home in Salt Lake City is one I like seeing for inspiration of Christmas cheer. He built on the blues and whites in the home’s décor with the holiday decorations, including the robin’s egg blue paper on the packages and white ribbon.

Christmas inspiration

The small packages on the table setting in the Brady home double as party favors and name tags

Christmas inspiration

Entering the home, the Brady décor includes a stenciled wall greeting. 

Christmas inspiration

In a Park City home designed by Kristen Rocke, she compliments the traditional design and warm colors of the room with holiday greenery accented with neutral shimmery tones. 

Here is the tree from the same home with its naturalistic ornamentation. 

Christmas inspiration

After seeing the preceding restrained and serene settings, here is somewhat of a speed bump, a case where too much just makes it better. This fireplace is in a historical Midway home, and former Hollywood set designer, the late John Told, drew from his seemingly endless supply of collectibles to fill every inch with cheer. The photo dates back to the 1990s when the publications I worked for wanted everything flashed, bright, and readily seen. The philosophy for styling then was ‘add more.’

Christmas inspiration

I turn my attention now to the Winter Solstice and the incredible low sunlight that introduces a magical quality to this late afternoon photograph of a barn library designed by Park City architect, Hank Louis

This same mysterious Solstice light makes one of the most charming cabins I have photographed even more intriguing. This cabin is located in Wolf Creek Ranch. 

From our home to yours, I extend wishes for very happy holidays. Stay warm, be safe, and find joy, beauty and the extraordinary in the days ahead. 

Photos by Scot Zimmerman


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