Blush-and-Gold Holiday Dream: Lisa Bailey and Marie Wright Bring Festive Glamour to Theresa Bruno’s Mountain Brook Home

Lisa Bailey is a senior floral and interior designer with over 14 years of experience. Marie Wright works with Wright Design Co., specializing in elegant interior design. Together, they are celebrated for their tasteful, elegant, and layered design approaches.

By
Cathy Still McGowin
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A linear chandelier with soft drum shades casts a warm, flattering glow that balances the modern geometry of the dining space with the softness of holiday decor.
Photography by Art Meripol //

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On the front entry, she joined a cedar garland with magnolia and draped it along the curve of the limestone archway.

To ensure fullness in garlands, Lisa combines two strands by securing one on top of the other. She takes a similar approach with wreaths, often setting a slightly smaller magnolia wreath atop a cedar one. 

PRO TIP: Cedar wreaths typically last longer than mixed greens, and Lisa extends their life even further by applying a coat of Pristine Floral Preservative Spray. As for faux? Some are definitely better than others, she says. “If a client prefers it, I am happy to source top quality garlands that are up to our standards,” says Lisa

Going With the Grain

There’s no need to reinvent a design scheme when decorating for Christmas; Lisa and Marie took cues from interior selections by designer Laura Vogtle with Vogtle Design Group and Odette. “Laura did a terrific job sourcing beautiful vintage pieces from Italy and France which helped create a look that is an amalgam of modernity and antiquity,” says Theresa. “She also sourced gorgeous mohairs, alpaca, and velvets for a rich, yet subdued approach with fabrics.” For the holiday décor, Lisa and Marie harmonized their selections, repeating the color palette and leaning into Theresa’s personal style with the addition of noteworthy accessories. 

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PRO TIP: Store this year’s magnolia wreaths in a cool, dry space. They can be reinvented next year with an application of gold spray paint. 

The garland adorning the den’s fireplace is magnolia atop cedar. The cedar curtains the front of the fireplace with an icicle effect, while magnolia leaves create a cradle on top. Natural and gold pinecones, gold bows, and an assortment of ornaments finish off the ends. “I love seeing both sides of a magnolia garland,” says Lisa. “The natural beauty of the bronze and green give it a wow factor.”
Gold and pink hues repeat colors found in upholstery and Theresa’s china (Coralla Maiuri). The scheme comes to life through ornaments, gold-painted magnolia leaves and pinecones, and ribbon.
Contemporary accents such as the etched glass hurricanes, metallic tabletop trees, and glass tube candelabras from Circa Interiors & Antiques underscore the home’s elegance. 

PRO TIP: In lieu of a tall centerpiece, Lisa draped the dining table with a long cedar-and-gold-magnolia garland so guests could easily converse across the table. The glass candelabras with extra tall candles offer height without blocking views.

Make it Sing

Theresa’s piano room speaks to feminine lines and modern leanings. A pair of pink upholstered chairs flank the fireplace while a citron kidney-shaped sofa curves into the space. Lisa and Marie decked these halls with greenery and plenty of pink accents. Pink velvet bows anchor the cedar garland on the mantel while an assortment of pink and pearl ornaments—some glittery, some shiny, others matte—along with stands of gold cording and festive gold feathers introduce playful layers.

A tailored evergreen wreath tied with a ribbon adds architectural balance against the pale stone surround. The living area exudes understated luxury while welcoming the holiday spirit.
Lisa uses strands of 100 lights per foot of a tree, wrapping every limb in and out. Her light preference? Warm LED Lights.

Create a Scene

An antique cutting board (or any tray) is an ideal base for building a holiday tableau. Centered on the kitchen island, this one features vintage Chandon Champagne buckets filled with amaryllis and partnered with a scattering of ornaments and accessories.

Silver and metallics are especially pretty when they reflect candlelight.  

Resources

Floral design: Lisa Bailey; China and tableware: Table Matters; Renovation architect: Heath Clements; Renovation builder: Brook Russell

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