Designer Cassie Tonsmeire describes her style as traditional with a clean aesthetic. She eschews too much fussiness but does opt for a more feminine spin when decorating her own home. And she especially loves filling a space with treasures that tell a story, as seen in her dining room. Heirloom pieces include unique, carved dining chairs from her husband Burgett’s grandmother, as well as an antique buffet that was a wedding present from her in-laws. In the foyer, the designer placed a circa-1930 antique gentleman’s shaving mirror and stand from Burgett’s grandfather. After her in-laws passed away, she took their beautiful brass doorknocker engraved with “Tonsmeire” and had it framed as art.
In addition to the many passed-down pieces, Cassie makes a point to feature items that hold fond memories of her own. In the breakfast nook, her childhood dining table and rush seat chairs keep company with a special antique chandelier. “My siblings found the fixture in New Orleans and gave it to me for my birthday one year,” says Cassie. “It was originally a candelabra, and I had it wired.” The chandelier in the foyer was purchased on a shopping trip with her sister-in-law in Mobile. The candlestick lampshades in the same space came from a girls’ trip to Italy, and two wrought-iron lanterns were gifts from Burgett.
Among all of these meaningful items, Cassie layers in some very practical, comfortable pieces that cater to everyday living. The family room features a large sectional to sit at least six for football viewing. (Cassie also designs game-day home décor and fashion accessories—ctonsmeire.com) Two capacious blue-velvet swivel armchairs topped with animal-print pillows find their places at opposite ends of the room. “No home is complete without a dose of animal print,” says Cassie. “It’s like a neutral!” The rug in the sitting room is an indestructible cowhide in a mixed herringbone design, and in the family room, she chose a reproduction Oushak. And while Cassie loves the aged beauty of antiques, she does sprinkle in modern kitchen counter stools and pendant light fixtures to instill a little tension.
“Art is so personal, just like perfume. I would never try to pick anything out without my client’s say-so. I want each home to reflect the homeowner’s passions.”
—Cassie Tonsmeire
Nothing in the Tonsmeire home was chosen to make a splashy statement; instead, each piece nods to the others with a distinct but complementary demeanor. For Cassie, it’s the merging of memories and modern style that make her house one of a kind.
A Tonsmeire Christmas
Holiday Decorating
I love to incorporate the colors already in my house, so blue is a natural choice, along with cream, white, and gold. I like adding ribbons, textural elements, and fresh greenery. Orange is a favorite accent color; it pairs so beautifully with blue and adds a vibrant touch.
Traditions
We have always had big family gatherings, and I’ve taken over the role of host. On Christmas Eve, we go to our church’s candlelight service. Afterward, we come back to our house and enjoy my father-in-law’s famous milk punch, along with some hearty appetizers.
When the boys were small, we made reindeer food and put it in the front yard; we still do this even though they are 16 and 18! I also have their school pictures in ornaments that hang on the tree; it’s fun to see how they’ve grown. German, clip-on candle ornaments reflect our family roots.
On Christmas day, I make my mother’s breakfast casserole. We sit in a circle and everyone takes turns opening gifts. As the boys have gotten older, there are fewer gifts, but they still want to see the unwrapped Santa presents on “their” chair in the morning!
