A Brooklyn Mantel Goes Vintage for Christmas
Holiday decorating diary: A New York designer takes inspiration from retro Christmas decor
Retro Christmas animation shows are often heartwarming reminders that the season is at hand. So interior designer Annie Mistak of Brontosaurus Inc. thought she’d bring a little of that old-school holiday cheer into her home. “I was inspired by the [vintage] Christmas decorations I saw at ABC Home and flea markets,” she says.
Those familiar animated puppets like Santa and Rudolph highlight the simplicity of Christmases past, when the technology may not have been sophisticated, but the message of holiday spirit captivated children and adults alike. That same simplicity and holiday joy can be found in Mistak’s retro holiday decor.
A familiar red-and-white color scheme brightens up the mantel and draws you in. Mistak found the reindeer and Santa at a flea market vendor aptly named Mikey’s Parents’ Basement. “They have vintage toys and things you’d find in someone’s parents’ attic,” she says.
The live Christmas tree full of vintage and quirky ornaments complements the whimsically styled mantel.
The kitschy mermaid ornament is from a flower shop in Virginia. “It reminded me of what my mom put on her tree in the ’80s,” Mistak notes.
Mermaid ornament: Flower Gallery of Manassas
Mermaid ornament: Flower Gallery of Manassas
Branches from the Christmas tree add real-life greenery to the reindeer vignette.
A gleeful fabric-covered Santa, red winterberry branches and vintage milk glass vases provide texture with a holly jolly vibe.
Vases: OllyOxes via Etsy
Vases: OllyOxes via Etsy
Traditional candlesticks, used with caution of course, accentuate the vintage decor with a cozy, winter-white feel.
The firebox is accented with a handmade Joy garland made by Mistak’s mother. Its fun vibe glitters with holiday prettiness.
Instead of using traditional wrapping paper, Mistak went with leftover designer wallpaper from the Decoration & Design Building as gift wrap. “I wanted it to be traditional, with a designer’s twist,” Mistak says. The leopard and Bethlehem-like prints highlight the warmth and spirit of the season.
Leopard-print wallpaper: Panthere, Pierre Frey
Leopard-print wallpaper: Panthere, Pierre Frey
Lights nestled in the firebox put the final touch on the scene.
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