Westwood resident decorates mantel for exhibit

When the holiday season rolled around, Holly Joe, interior decorator, said that she could not resist decorating a Christmas mantel as part of Van Millworks Mantels and Mistletoe Holiday Showcase.

A full-scale interior designer by trade, Joe often mixes classic design with modern twists. In her piece for the exhibit, Joe decorated the library, which she said was a mahogany paneled room with bookcases and corner cabinets.

The room exudes warmth from the mirrored sconces and gilded chandelier, she said. I decided to play up the gold by introducing silver. Mixing metal tones is an on-trend decorating style that I knew would work in this traditional space.

The library suite that Joe has decorated for the exhibit is one of nine individual suites that represent different styles and architectural periods. For Mantels and Mistletoe, different area designers decorate each of the suites in a holiday theme. The display is open to the public through Dec. 20 in the Van Millwork Needham Showroom. The event, which is free to attend, but suggests an unwrapped toy or article of clothing to donate, benefits Horizons for Homeless Children, Cradles to Crayons, and The Italian Home for Children.

I got involved with Van Millwork's Mantels and Mistletoe event because I believe in giving back to help a good cause, well, three good causes, Joe said. As a full-scale interior designer, I normally work on single rooms and complete houses, but I couldn't resist decorating a mantel for Christmas.

In order to decorate her space, Joe said that she began by clearing the room of accessories and then began to organize the pieces that would add a modern flair to the traditional appearance of the Library.

After clearing the room of accessories, I laid down an evergreen garland on the mantel and around the chandelier. I brought in gold-dusted silver evergreen boughs and cut them apart to add sparkle and dimension to the mantel, she said. Next came the mercury candleholders with battery-operated candles and a round gilded mirror.My design philosophy is all about symmetry, so I took out the bookcase shelves and placed a 4-foot lighted Christmas tree in both spaces. The trees are decorated with silver, platinum and white ornaments intermixed with glittered snowflakes. This cozy library also includes a small chesterfield sofa that I've decorated with gold and silver pillows and a faux mink throw. To keep the space from becoming too formal, I added a little whimsy in the form of a large greyhound statue complete with gold and silver bow.

By mixing metals with the traditional wood paneling, Joe said that she was able to brighten the room and bring hints of sparkle. Joe added her work as a designer was reflected in her mantel in the sense she believes in putting a modern twist on traditional design. She said that New England architecture contains a lot of history and tradition, but adding an unexpected color or space can turn a house into a cozy and inviting home.

Though this exhibit is for display to the public, Joe said that making design choices for the home is based strongly on personal preferences.

The most important aspect of design is to be true to yourself, she said. Cultivate a collection and decorate with accessories you love and colors that make you happy. Your home should be a collection of treasures you found, no matter their provenance.

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Westwood resident decorates mantel for exhibit