The Chairish Podcast: Holiday Decor—the Ultimate Design Challenge?

Release Date: December 10, 2024
Host: Michael Boudreau
Guests: Lindsay Anyon Breyer, Charlotte Barnes, Denise Porcaro Tupper

1. Introduction to Holiday Decor in Interior Design

Michael Boudreau opens the episode by highlighting the dual nature of holiday decorating in the interior design industry. While festive decor can create joy and memorable spaces, it also poses challenges for designers grappling with client expectations, creative pressures, and resource management during a busy season.

Key Points:

• Holiday decor adds a festive atmosphere but can be a source of stress for designers.
• Designers face questions about the extent of their involvement in holiday setups.
• Balancing tradition with innovation is a central challenge.

2. Guest Introductions and Backgrounds

Michael introduces the guests, each bringing a unique perspective to holiday decorating:

• Lindsay Anyon Breyer: A San Francisco-based designer known for contemporary spaces with classic restraint. Lindsay has a fresh and modern approach to holiday decor.

• Charlotte Barnes: Originally from a fashion and jewelry background, Charlotte founded Charlotte Barnes Interior Design and Decoration in Greenwich, Connecticut. Her work blends tradition with comfort and color.

• Denise Porcaro Tupper: A New York native and founder of Flower Girl, Denise is an acclaimed florist known for lush, whimsical arrangements with a distinct edge. Her clientele includes high-profile brands like Vogue and Chanel.

3. Navigating Holiday Decor as Emerging Designers

The conversation begins with Charlotte Barnes reflecting on early career challenges, where clients had heightened expectations for holiday decor.

Notable Quote:

• Charlotte Barnes [02:55]: “I think we all work harder, sort of. We work differently when we're new and beginning.”

Lindsay shares her selective approach to holiday decorating, emphasizing quality over quantity and leveraging positive client experiences to gain referrals.

Notable Quote:

• Lindsay Anyon Breyer [03:34]: “I really enjoy doing it for a few [clients].”

Denise highlights the significance of trust and long-term relationships in managing holiday projects efficiently.

Notable Quote:

• Denise Porcaro Tupper [04:34]: “There's a factor there of trust, and it makes things go a lot smoother and then you can kind of have fun.”

4. Balancing Tradition and Innovation

Guests discuss the delicate balance between maintaining traditional holiday aesthetics and introducing fresh, modern elements.

Charlotte Barnes [10:21]:
“We don't necessarily do religiously Christmas decorating at all, but... when we're installing at Christmas, somebody really wants their house ready for a big party.”

Denise emphasizes understanding client preferences, especially when dealing with repeat clients, to innovate without alienating them.

Notable Quote:

• Denise Porcaro Tupper [08:40]: “If it's a first time client, you're going to get all the information from them... it's about reading your client.”

Lindsay talks about focusing on greenery and floral aspects to avoid cliché decorations like excessive tchotchkes.

Notable Quote:

• Lindsay Anyon Breyer [07:38]: “Decking the halls for me is really about, like, beautiful magnolia garlands and fresh Trees and big moments with florals.”

5. Managing Resources and Ensuring Profitability

The holiday season can strain resources, but effective strategies can turn it into a profitable period.

Charlotte Barnes [05:45]:
“We bill separately... help guide them or tell them where to go and get the greatest latest thing.”

Lindsay echoes the importance of separate billing and utilizing external resources to manage workloads.

Notable Quote:

• Lindsay Anyon Breyer [17:46]: “We would just bill our lead bill separately for that as well.”

Denise confirms that the holidays are among the most profitable times for her business, attributing it to both regular and seasonal clients.

Notable Quote:

• Denise Porcaro Tupper [19:32]: “It's definitely very profitable.”

6. Trends and Creativity in Holiday Decor

Guests explore current trends and the tension between adhering to tradition and experimenting with new styles.

Charlotte Barnes [15:21]:
“I think that also the nutcracker and there are certain traditional things that are so important, but for all of the creative people, there are so many new things that you can do with a candle...”

Denise discusses the importance of seasonal appropriateness in floral choices and resisting the urge to force trends that don’t align with the time of year.

Notable Quote:

• Denise Porcaro Tupper [33:58]: “I try and stay tried and true to what's available and what you'd wanna see.”

Lindsay shares her experimentation with different floral arrangements and vessels to keep holiday decor fresh.

Notable Quote:

• Lindsay Anyon Breyer [29:13]: “I was Thinking about doing. I saw a pampas grass tree, and my store is pretty light and minimal and sort of white gallery walls. So I think I'm going to try that this year.”

7. Defining a Successful Holiday Gathering

The guests agree that successful holiday gatherings hinge on several key factors beyond just aesthetics.

Charlotte Barnes [22:56]:
“Lighting is so important... candles, beautiful flowers, great food.”

Lindsay adds that thoughtful lighting adjustments can significantly enhance the ambiance, even in unexpected settings.

Notable Quote:

• Lindsay Anyon Breyer [23:37]: “I've actually been known to change the recessed lighting at holiday parties.”

Denise emphasizes the role of good food and the host’s preparation in ensuring guests feel well cared for.

Notable Quote:

• Denise Porcaro Tupper [24:55]: “There's something so nice that her guests know that she's taking care of everything.”

8. Sustainability and Seasonal Appropriateness in Floral Design

Denise brings attention to the environmental impact of out-of-season flowers, advocating for seasonal and locally available blooms.

Notable Quote:

• Denise Porcaro Tupper [32:25]: “Unfortunately, they just are.”

She stresses the importance of aligning floral choices with the natural seasons to maintain aesthetic integrity and ecological responsibility.

Charlotte Barnes [30:04]:
“I love jewel tones... Black flowers... It allows that entry room to kind of just look like it had a Christmas tree, even though we didn't have room for the tree.”

9. Final Insights and Best Practices

In wrapping up, the guests share practical tips for designers to make holiday decorating both manageable and profitable:

• Separate Billing: Clearly delineate holiday projects from regular design work to ensure proper compensation and resource allocation.

• Client Relationships: Leverage long-term relationships to streamline processes and foster trust.

• Creative Flexibility: While maintaining a foundation of traditional elements, infuse each project with unique touches to keep designs fresh and engaging.

• Resource Management: Utilize external contractors and specialists to handle the increased workload during the holiday season.

Notable Quote:

• Michael Boudreau [29:06]: “I want to make sure that it's not a drag? It's a very busy time... How do you manage that?”

Conclusion

The episode offers a comprehensive exploration of the complexities and rewards of holiday decorating within the interior design industry. Through the insights of experienced professionals, listeners gain valuable perspectives on balancing tradition with innovation, managing client expectations, and ensuring profitability during a demanding season. The conversation underscores the importance of thoughtful design, client relationships, and creative adaptability in making the holidays both joyous and professionally rewarding.

Notable Quotes Summary:

• Charlotte Barnes [02:55]: “I think we all work harder, sort of. We work differently when we're new and beginning.”
• Lindsay Anyon Breyer [03:34]: “I really enjoy doing it for a few [clients].”
• Denise Porcaro Tupper [04:34]: “There's a factor there of trust, and it makes things go a lot smoother and then you can kind of have fun.”
• Charlotte Barnes [10:21]: “We don't necessarily do religiously Christmas decorating at all, but... when we're installing at Christmas, somebody really wants their house ready for a big party.”
• Denise Porcaro Tupper [08:40]: “If it's a first time client, you're going to get all the information from them... it's about reading your client.”
• Lindsay Anyon Breyer [07:38]: “Decking the halls for me is really about, like, beautiful magnolia garlands and fresh Trees and big moments with florals.”
• Charlotte Barnes [05:45]: “We bill separately... help guide them or tell them where to go and get the greatest latest thing.”
• Lindsay Anyon Breyer [17:46]: “We would just bill our lead bill separately for that as well.”
• Denise Porcaro Tupper [19:32]: “It's definitely very profitable.”
• Charlotte Barnes [15:21]: “I think that also the nutcracker and there are certain traditional things that are so important, but for all of the creative people, there are so many new things that you can do with a candle...”
• Denise Porcaro Tupper [33:58]: “I try and stay tried and true to what's available and what you'd wanna see.”
• Lindsay Anyon Breyer [29:13]: “I was Thinking about doing. I saw a pampas grass tree, and my store is pretty light and minimal and sort of white gallery walls. So I think I'm going to try that this year.”
• Charlotte Barnes [22:56]: “Lighting is so important... candles, beautiful flowers, great food.”
• Lindsay Anyon Breyer [23:37]: “I've actually been known to change the recessed lighting at holiday parties.”
• Denise Porcaro Tupper [24:55]: “There's something so nice that her guests know that she's taking care of everything.”
• Denise Porcaro Tupper [32:25]: “Unfortunately, they just are.”