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[Oznell]

Designer Holly Mathis did a charming Texas bungalow showhouse, decorated in an understated fashion for the holidays.  I thought it would be a fun counterpoint to the luxe New York apartment I posted the other day.  They are so different, and to me, both are lovely in different ways.

I envy them getting to have green Christmases all the time! Warning--  it's called the "True Blue" cottage, so its appeal may be more to those who enjoy blue and white in decor....

Love the mirror, and the cane-and-upholstered wing chair.  Note how we are quietly introduced to the season with the wrapped presents, casually displayed.

Analyzing the comfortable living room, there is a fairly light touch of Christmas-- the tree, the mantel greens, poinsettias, more wrapped presents, and a few Christmas stockings.   But to me, it has that festive feel!  

A starburst mirror and sparkly crystal chandelier in a dining room contrast with more rustic touches like checked slipcovers and sturdy table and French-influenced sideboard.

It's just a little thing, but for some reason I find this vibrant row of bottle brush trees so cheering--  just the right touch.

My favorite part of the house is the high-raftered kitchen.  Here is where the Christmas footprint is most pronounced, and there's a kind of cozy gaiety!

Love those vintage brass pendant lights.  That enclosed porch glimpsed through the door is tantalizing.

I do like a kitchen that has comfy chairs for sideline kibbitzers!

Sweet bedroom, with the only hint of seasonal excitement to come, the Christmas stockings hung by the bed...

An airy cottage version of the holidays.  Granted, as a "decorator showhouse",  it doesn't have to contend with the clutter and pile-up of day-to-day family living.

But it does suggest to me that a low-key approach to seasonal decorating can be festive in its simplicity.

[DREAMON]

I am in love with this bright, clean, airy, and perfectly decorated cottage. The kitchen is my favorite room but I like all of them. The Christmas Decor is tasteful and just right IMO.

[chessielady]

Love all of it !

[manny2]

This is a charming cottage. The kitchen is not my favorite. I do not like the curtain under the counter. In fact, it looks like a kitchen in the midst of change, but not quite finished. 

[author]

LOVE this! Absolutely charming and airy too, so "me." I'm busy decorating my home now, and have to say it is along these lines, simple, rustic, some glam elegance mixed in.

[Katcat1]

I absolutely LOVE the kitchen -- that's it.

[GingerPeach]

I love all of it, @Oznell 

The kitchen is outstanding. Can you say "outstanding" for an understated feel? Well, I say yes, especially if the ceilings are high and there is room for comfy chairs. 

I have a kitchen hutch similar to theirs, but I would not show you a picture as it's distractingly overstuffed. 

[Bhvbum]

I like this house but I don't love it. It's a put-together, pretty house, almost like a movie set. It totally lacks the long-term collections over many years, that give real houses true charm. 

[Desert Lily]

I find the decor light, cheerful, and not overdone. Nice!

[ECBG]

Beautifully understated and well balanced!