This post is written in partnership with Sunbrella.
Although I’ve taken some time away from (online) work over the last few months, I did take on a fun styling project several weeks ago and wanted to share some behind-the-scenes shots as well as a few of the final photos. I recently teamed up with Sunbrella to help style their holiday photoshoot at this year’s Southern Living Idea House in Asheville, NC.
The house (designed by one of my personal favorites, Lauren Liess) was already a beauty. My job was to add some holiday touches to pair with Sunbrella pillows and furniture pieces to create a few different festive looks.
1. Sailcloth Sailor 2. Paradigm Stone 3. Pique Persimmon 4. Cast Moss
Although part of the photoshoot was on the home’s screened porch and centered around the white(!) sofas covered in Sunbrella, we created the feel of an indoor living room with window sheers, a Christmas tree and lots of cozy layers.
As a mom of messy people, I was already a fan of Sunbrella before this project. In case you’re not familiar, their performance fabrics are known for their durability, color retention with built-in UV protection and its resistance to stains. While you might normally think of Sunbrella only for outdoor spaces, I actually love the idea using it indoors on sofas, ottomans and pillows because it can stand up to extensive use from kids (and pets) and is easily cleanable while still being soft to the touch.
It was fun to watch the models (and the exceptionally well-behaved dog) at work. I did some quick pillow and coffee table accessory changes between shots, creating a bolder, more graphic look on the sofa and a more neutral scheme, using a traditional plaid. It’s a good reminder that a neutral base makes it super easy to create different looks by bringing in color on your pillows and accessories.
I pulled in my friend Carey (floral designer extraordinaire) to create the huge fresh wreaths for the project.
Outside, we focused on the front porch sitting area and the back patio. Taking my cue from the green front door, I added bright persimmon and moss green pillows to the bench. (Christmas red and green can take on lots of variations!) I flanked the spot with two potted evergreens and stuffed magnolia leaves into the base to play off of the big wreaths we hung on the windows.
The house has a spacious back porch with pretty wooded views so we kept everything neutral, using a wintery mix of grays on the white Sunbrella sofa. The magnolia and green theme was repeated here again with simple fresh swags on the lights, a moss centerpiece and potted trees.
You can see all of Sunbrella’s performance fabrics (and order samples) here.
Beautiful work! I would love to get up to the house before it closes…seems every weekend gets occupied before you even get to it sometimes. I always enjoy seeing your work and seeing an email from you in my inbox brings a smile to my face. Merry Christmas to you and your family
Thank you :) Merry Christmas!
Are you BACK?
Good to see you!
Thanks! :) Probably not on a regular basis just yet but we’ll see how the new year goes. . .
PLEASE SHARE WHERE THOSE HUGE/GORGEOUS PINE CONES ON THE MANTLE CAME FROM!!!
They came from my friend’s stash who also made the wreaths. I think maybe she said someone brought them to her from cross country. . .
Glad to “see” you again. Miss your practical and beautiful tips.
Merry Christmas!
Love it all!
Beautiful Emily….you still got it girl! Love your style….Merry Christmas to you and your family:)
Merry Christmas Sherry!
Everything looks so nice!! I’ve always been a fan of Sunbrella fabric too! Love the patterns and colors you picked!
Everything is so beautiful-so natural and tasteful! Well done, you!
Your blog is greatly missed.
Please post whenever you can!
Merry Christmas and thanks!
You did an incredible job! I love all the neutrals and that beautiful wreath on the fireplace! Stunning!
Shelley
This post just makes me realize how much I’ve missed you! Thank you and Merry Christmas!
Lovely job Emily! Merry Christmas1
This is fabulous!