Dreaming of a White Christmas
Tracie Wichman opts for simple color schemes , elegance in holiday decorating
For the Wichman family and their four furry little ones , nothing welcomes the holiday season like a festive and cozy home .
Their holiday decorations , which evoke a feeling of elegance and sophistication , always go up early .
“ They usually go up the first or second week of November , definitely before Thanksgiving so we can enjoy it a little bit longer because the season flies by so fast ,” said Tracie Wichman .
She , her husband , Dr . Regan Wichman , a radiologist with Meridian Imaging , and their son , Austin , a 7th grader at Lamar School , are mawwrking their fourth holiday season in their home off of Old Poplar Springs Drive .
They moved in a week before Christmas in 2019 . With moving boxes needing to be unpacked and furniture arriving , Wichman called interior designer Tonya Davis that first Christmas seeking to add a little festive spirit to their new home .
“ I called Tonya , and I said I am moving into our house , and I don ’ t even know what furniture is going to be there , but can you please just put me up a tree ,” she recalled .
The family ended up enjoying the holiday despite the chaos .
Davis has returned each holiday season to decorate for the family , working with her sister and fellow interior designer Teresa Scarborough this year .
The house is breathtaking , decorated in the style of Christmas elegance .
The main family rooms feature white , gold and silver-based color palettes mixed with elements inspired by nature and wooden décor . Well-trimmed trees are decked out in simple color schemes .
Wichman seeks for her home to invoke a warm and inviting feeling for the holidays .
“ Last year , we had more reds , but we decided to do a little bit different this year to see how it would look ,” she said . “ We decided to go with lighter , more natural colors , and it turned out beautifully .”
In the living room , greenery with small pinecones and golden garlands soften the mantle ’ s hard edges . Layered textures throughout the room lend an air of cozy warmth .
The Christmas tree , the room ’ s focal point , is adorned in whites , creams and golds . Wired ribbon in white and gold gives a more elegant and refined look to the tree . Small green wreaths encircle a vase and candle on tabletops adding a touch of nature .
Three narrow trees of greenery and twinkling lights are tucked in the corner , making the dining room more festive . A white-and-silver display of wooden Christmas trees and ornaments on the dining table adds charm to the room .
In the kitchen , a grouping of Santas , deer and miniature trees , all in neutral tones , brings warmth and elegance to the oversized island . A figurine of an old-fashioned Santa giving a gift to a dog sits on a counter and harkens back to Christmases past .
“ That little Santa on the counter is pretty old ,” Wichman said . “ He was given to my husband before we were
6 • MERIDIAN LIFE