holiday decorating lessons from terrain

While down in Pennsylvania for Thankgiving at my parents' house, I was beyond excited to find that they are not far from Terrain at Styer's in Glen Mills. I didn't have to do much convincing to get my mom to come. She's as into decor as I am, and probably where I got my love for it, not to mention my skills. If you're anywhere in the greater Philadelphia area, I highly recommend a visit. It was the perfect after-holiday day trip, and even Dad enjoyed it. That's telling you something.

One of the first scenes to greet you in a series of outdoor rooms. Wood lanterns, simple string lights, and an eye-catching wreath display.

If you're not familiar with Terrain, they also have an online shop with both vintage and new garden, home, kitchen, and bath and body products. And if you're wondering about the look and feel, it definitely comes from parent company Anthropologie. The real world location is all that you would imagine: hip, creative, layered, warm. The vibe hits you, at least this time of year, the minute you park your car, when you first get a whiff of woodsmoke from the campfire they keep going. Oh, and the campfire scene is complete with stumps you can set down on for a bit and Pendleton blankets to wrap yourself in. And so it begins. Terrain is all decked out for the holidays right now, and the effect was magical. I'm telling you, I never wanted to leave!

Happy Christmas lights, vintage boxes, and beautiful oversized baskets

Aside from just absorbing the general atmosphere, and shopping til you're broke, you could spend your time here, and I did, absorbing the abundant design creativity. Here are the best ideas I found, and that I plan to borrow this season.


{1} Burlap: These wreaths hung with simple burlap ribbon are stunning yet natural and effortless-looking. I also really love, and would love to find some way to copy, the rich persimmon red wood panel behind the wreaths that make them pop against the barnwood.


{2} Stacked wreaths: Instead of one large wreath, grab a few small ones and hang them vertically, connected with ribbon. Here, burlap again stands in for ribbon. So charming. I love it!


{3} Birch poles: These look stunning just standing all together in a half barrel, but can bring a lot of natural drama indoors the same way. Lean a few in a corner that needs some attention. The white bark has such graphic appeal and would look great in against a richly painted wall but just as stunning in an all-white room.


{4} Mirrors in multiples: Cover your wall with mirrors and multiply the holiday sparkle and glow. Another lesson here: hang your lighting or create your own, with rope.


{5} Vertical display: When creating any display, think low, middle, and high and make sure you have interest at every level to keep the eye moving.



{6} More is more! Layering items lends interest. I am usually into editing things down and keeping design spare, but if there is a time for abundance it is the holidays. So, add a few more acorns. You can't go wrong.


After a long shopping visit, here's Dad getting ready to make one of many trips to the car. And now that I'm back in Massachusetts, I have told Mom and Dad to not tell me if they go back here without me as I will be insanely jealous. Am I wrong?!

8 comments

Southwest Cottage Designs said...

I love this place and all the rustic decor! No wonder you had a great time there.

Julie said...

It must be heavenly to be there in person. I adore adore this place from afar and to be there during Christmas season???

Beth said...

oh wow - beautiful shots! I love the look of their asthetic. You are definitely not wrong to be jealous if your parents go back without you! Thanks for the decorating inspiration!

René said...

Thank you for sharing these inspiring photos. You have certainly given me an idea or twelve. Perfectly natural and doable ideas.

-Rene

gina said...

I was not familiar with this. Thanks for sharing. I wouldn't want to leave either. Too bad I am so far from it.....guess I'll have to check out their online store.

Anonymous said...

Oh my! i was at Terrain this fall and absolutely fell in love with it! So happy to see their holiday vignettes. Thank you for sharing!
Best,
Amy Meier

Shannon @ Project Shannon said...

I am so jealous you got to go! That place has been appearing on blogs left and right, and I'm bummed I don't live close by!

Fran said...

Absolutely gorgeous! I have yet to make it to this place, but I want to some day! I love the idea of a simple burlap ribbon to hang a wreath!