• Home
  • About White Webb
  • Portfolio
    • Private Residences
    • Public Spaces
    • Current Projects
  • Books
    • Italy of My Dreams
    • Books by Others
  • Shop
  • Press
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

White Webb

Matthew’s Classic Christmas

Design Log

18 Dec
Christmas

Christmas for me will always be filtered through my imagination and memories as a small child. Delicious aromas from the kitchen, trees burdened with decorations, branches of fragrant evergreens tied with bows. What I dislike is the commercialism. My secret for maintaining the magic is to escape manufactured “holiday cheer” and keep madness at bay by concentrating on home.

Classic ChristmasIdealized imagery always inspires me, and Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker remains a major influence. As a former ballet dancer (who did more than his share of roles in that ballet) I can still revel in the glorious snow scene at the end of Act I. I also love Ingmar Bergman’s 1982 film, Fanny & Alexander. It has a Christmas party scene that goes on and on and is beyond wonderful (even taking into account the family drama). I guess it’s notable that both of these visually lavish works of art are steeped in 19th century European traditions. Visually and emotionally they really hit home (click on the above links to see if you agree).

My great inspiration, however is Italy, and my Christmas decor reflects this. On my mantle stands three magnificent kings from an 18th century Neapolitan crèche. Adding layers of decoration to my tree are bits of Venetian glass, miniature Sicilian puppets, tiny gondolier hats and even Venetian masks. Rather than a star on top, I have a life-sized, artificial swan that was made in Venice as part of an elaborate carnivale costume. Instead of keeping it hidden in the attic, I pull it out every December for its regal holiday appearance. The “Christmas Swan” has a bird’s-eye view from the top of my 16’ tree as he surveys the festivities below. Our view from ground level isn’t too bad either.

ClassicPop-Up

Previous Post: « Smoke Signals
Next Post: The Allure of the Library »
Deliciously inviting, the Dunmore Pineapple House Deliciously inviting, the Dunmore Pineapple House in Scotland bloomed in 1761 and continues to be a treat to the eye.  Via: @cindygreenenyc  #whitewebbinteriors #entrywaydesign #welcomehome #entrance #modernentrance
#hudsonvalley #dutchesscounty #capitaldistrict #westernnewyork #hudsonvalleydesign  #hudsonvalleydesigner #newyorkinteriors #newyorkdesign #newyorkliving #moderninteriors #designerlife #moderndesign #homedecor #classicdesign #traditionaldecor #luxuryliving #luxuryinteriors #homedecoration #traditionaldesign
A whimsical journey for Meringue, the lamp with pe A whimsical journey for Meringue, the lamp with personality. Courtesy of @bureaubenjamin  #whitewebbinteriors #bedroomdesign #bedroomdecoration #bedroomdecor #modernbedroom #bedroominspiration #masterbedroom #cozybedroom #hudsonvalley #dutchesscounty #capitaldistrict #westernnewyork #hudsonvalleydesign #hudsonvalleydesigner #newyorkinteriors #newyorkdesign #newyorkliving #moderninteriors #designerlife #moderndesign #homedecor #classicdesign #traditionaldecor #luxuryliving #luxuryinteriors #homedecoration #traditionaldesign
Soft curves and soft color contribute to a serene Soft curves and soft color contribute to a serene setting in this house we designed in upstate New York.  Photo by @artgrayphoto  #whitewebbinteriors #livingroomdesign #livingroomdecoration #livingroominspiration #luxurylivingroom #livingroomgoals #hudsonvalley #dutchesscounty #capitaldistrict #westernnewyork #hudsonvalleydesign #hudsonvalleydesigner #newyorkinteriors #newyorkdesign #newyorkliving #moderninteriors #designerlife #moderndesign #homedecor #classicdesign #traditionaldecor #luxuryliving #luxuryinteriors #homedecoration #traditionaldesign
For a project in Woodstock, NY, we added to the li For a project in Woodstock, NY, we added to the living room’s artsy vibe with this unique, vintage coffee table. With its mix of textured metals and its mysterious, incised pattern, it is a true conversation starter.  Photo by @readmckendree.  #whitewebbinteriors #livingroomdesign #livingroomdecoration #livingroominspiration #luxurylivingroom #livingroomgoals #hudsonvalley #dutchesscounty #capitaldistrict #westernnewyork #hudsonvalleydesign #hudsonvalleydesigner #newyorkinteriors #newyorkdesign #newyorkliving #moderninteriors #designerlife #moderndesign #homedecor #classicdesign #traditionaldecor #luxuryliving #luxuryinteriors #homedecoration #traditionaldesign
Superb use of warming monochromes for this Tribeca Superb use of warming monochromes for this Tribeca apartment.  Design: @workshopapd for @archdigest
Photography: @readmckendree  #whitewebbinteriors #livingroomdesign #livingroomdecoration #livingroominspiration #luxurylivingroom #livingroomgoals #hudsonvalley #dutchesscounty #capitaldistrict #westernnewyork #hudsonvalleydesign #hudsonvalleydesigner #newyorkinteriors #newyorkdesign #newyorkliving #moderninteriors #designerlife #moderndesign #homedecor #classicdesign #traditionaldecor #luxuryliving #luxuryinteriors #homedecoration #traditionaldesign
Time has stopped - we are hypnotized by this piece Time has stopped - we are hypnotized by this piece from László Lukácsi, 'Twisted Time'.  'Twisted Time': @lukacsiglass  #whitewebbinteriors #hudsonvalley #dutchesscounty #capitaldistrict #westernnewyork #hudsonvalleydesign #hudsonvalleydesigner #newyorkinteriors #newyorkdesign #newyorkliving #moderninteriors #designerlife #moderndesign #homedecor #classicdesign #traditionaldecor #luxuryliving #luxuryinteriors #homedecoration #traditionaldesign
A quiet listening room with a resounding palette f A quiet listening room with a resounding palette for our clients in the Catskills.  Photo by @readmckendree  #whitewebbinteriors #livingroomdesign #livingroomdecoration #livingroominspiration #luxurylivingroom #livingroomgoals #hudsonvalley #dutchesscounty #capitaldistrict #westernnewyork #hudsonvalleydesign #hudsonvalleydesigner #newyorkinteriors #newyorkdesign #newyorkliving #moderninteriors #designerlife #moderndesign #homedecor #classicdesign #traditionaldecor #luxuryliving #luxuryinteriors #homedecoration #traditionaldesign
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Copyright © 2023 White Webb · About · Contact