LEARN FROM THE LOOK: Understated, Natural & White Holiday Home

Interior designer and founding editor of Milieu, Pamela Pierce simply has a way with white. Her French country holiday décor sensibilities provide much needed calm in these hectic times! In her own elegant Houston home, the Christmas color story is fresh green and white in harmony with natural European antiques and accessories. LEARN FROM THE LOOK: Understated, Natural & White Holiday Home spotlights timeless design elements shared within MILIEU. Ready to learn from the look, class?

Pamela Pierce's holiday decorated Houston home with modern French style and white!
Photo: Brie Williams

Primary photography: Peter Vitale for Milieu magazine

Pamela Pierce’s Understated, Natural & White Holiday Home

Let’s dispel any notion straight away that I’m a credentialed Christmas decorating expert poised to demonstrate how to master it. Nope. I’m a student too and need all the help I can get from seasoned design professionals who strike the right balance and create spaces that evoke wonder.

White Christmas decor in a modern French dining room with white roses and fresh greenery - Pamela Pierce for Milieu magazine. #christmasdecor #frenchcountry #elegantchristmasdecor

What I can offer? Sensitivity to beauty with a keenly creative eye for details.

Learn from the Look: DARE TO BE SPARE

It’s probably a more natural inclination to add MORE of everything around the holidays: more pillows, more color, more stimulation.

Modern French white living room of Pamela Pierce (Houston) decorated for Christmas in Milieu magazine. #pamelapierce #livingroom #christmasdecor #milieumag
Truly a divine interior on par with the lovely architecture and homeowner.

But there are tranquil possibilities if you are after a calm look with less. Notice in the living space above, there aren’t colorful plaid pillows with reindeer or festive sayings upon the sofa. The tables are not cluttered with sparkly ornaments or candlesticks. A pared down look exudes a sense of spaciousness and order–qualities I am ever seeking to elevate at home.

Learn from the Look: GARLAND ON STAIRCASE

One glance at the decked stairs, and I bet you’ll guess what I’m about to suggest!

Pamela Pierce designed home at Christmas. #frenchcountry #christmasdecor #pamelapierce
Photo: Brie Williams

Decorate at the base of the railings rather than on top of the handrail! And what could be more French than embellishing your fresh greenery with pears or green apples!

Not that there’s anything wrong with swagging your garland gracefully…Pierce shows us how to keep the look airy:

Pamela Pierce designed home at Christmas. #frenchcountry #christmasdecor #pamelapierce
Design: Pamela Pierce…in case you admire a white holiday home!
Ann Voskamp faith, Christianity, hope, and inspirational quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #inspirationalquote #faithquote #hopequote #annvoskamp #christianity

Learn from the Look: CUSTOMIZE CHRISTMAS TREE ORNAMENTS

Sometimes you can find the proper scaled ornaments, and sometimes you can find them in a color that is just right. If you can’t, customize them with paint. For the tree below, Pierce spray painted mercury glass ornaments white.

Pamela Pierce designed home at Christmas. #frenchcountry #christmasdecor #pamelapierce

Is there anything so understated and charming as white lights strung in deep green boughs?

Antiques, white, and fresh greenery decorate the elegant modern French home of Pamela Pierce for Christmas - Milieu magazine.
Old World style mixes with modern touches…certainly lovely indeed.

Colorful lights often feel more at home in modern style rooms.

LEARN FROM THE LOOK: White Roses at Christmas

The designer’s fondness for white roses is apparent the whole year through, but don’t underestimate the power of them during the holidays.

Modern French white living room of Pamela Pierce (Houston) decorated for Christmas in Milieu magazine. #pamelapierce #livingroom #christmasdecor #milieumag
European inspired elegance as well as collected antiques.

Hunt for vintage or antique earthenware to hold the roses. The bonus is you can live with the look all winter!

Ann Voskamp Christmas quote about faith and spirituality - on Hello Lovely Studio. #christmasquote #annvoskamp #quotes #christianity #faithquote

LEARN FROM THE LOOK: White Silk Ribbon

What a layer of luxury white silk adds to a variety of decorations!

Pamela Pierce designed home at Christmas. #frenchcountry #christmasdecor #pamelapierce

Gifts wrapped in silk, ribbon, and cellophane qualify as part of the lovely decor as well!

Lovely white Christmas gifts wrapped in silk and cellophane - Pamela Pierce for Milieu magazine. #whitechristmasdecor #giftwrapping #elegantholiday #milieumag #pamelapierce

LEARN FROM THE LOOK: Floating Evergreens

This is a look that feels as fresh and timeless as ever. What I love about this idea of suspending fresh evergreens with ribbon is that you need not have a chandelier!

White Christmas decor in a modern French dining room with white roses and fresh greenery - Pamela Pierce for Milieu magazine. #christmasdecor #frenchcountry #elegantchristmasdecor
Natural wood finishes also harmonize beautifully with shades of white.

Isn’t it a magical effect!?!

Psst. If you are new to Milieu magazine…ooh lala…indeed you will want to subscribe! (Also, it makes a perfect gift!)

LEARN FROM THE LOOK: Create a Nest on the Mantel

Just look at how evergreen branches form a snug nest for antique jars and pears on the fireplace. The fullness of the greenery softens the whole composition almost like a cloud!

Breathtaking with natural greenery, antique French pots, and pears, a stone fireplace is decorated for the holidays in Pamela Pierce's Houston home. #christmasfireplace #christmasmantel #frenchcountry #whitechristmas #christmasdecor #pamelapierce #milieumag

LEARN FROM THE LOOK: Angel Cookies

Is it truly as simple as baking or buying simply iced angel cookies and placing them on a white pedestal?

Angel cookies with white icing in Pamela Pierce's Houston home decorated for Christmas - Milieu magazine. #whitechristmas #christmascookies #frenchcountry #whitechristmas #pamelapierce

Give it a whirl and see for yourself! I found this cookie cutter collection in case you need it.

Also, for a beautiful scalloped bowl that I use for salads, baked goods, and everything under the sun…

tap image for buying info (I only earn a few pennies commission on these (boo!), but I highly recommend them!)

If you have been following along, you may know my inner sugar plum fairy delights in pinning holiday decor you can peek at HERE.

Thanks so much for re-pinning to spread the magic…you truly know how to make this bloggerina twirl...oh, and she is still dancing a happy dance about making the short list for Amara’s Interior Blog Awards! Please vote Hello Lovely RIGHT HERE.

Wooly ivory handmade pom pom wreaths with pale pink ballet slippers and candlelight for Christmas - Hello Lovely Studio. #christmasdecor #serenechristmas #pompomwreath #hellolovelystudio

ABOVE: Hello Lovely’s pom pom wreaths…in case you enjoy retro cozy.

Ann Voskamp Christmas quote professing faith and Christianity - on Hello Lovely Studio. #christmasquote #christianityquote #annvoskamp #spiritualquote

It seems this bloggerina must be reminded repeatedly with messages like the one above that productivity and performance are never the point.

Thank you, Pam. For sharing your personal home to bless our hearts, so very hungry for beauty.

Pin this post to save for future reference, and if you enjoy wisdom from author Ann Voskamp, find this and also other titles RIGHT HERE.

Have an extra moment for a timeless house tour?

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

Thanks for shopping RIGHT HERE to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

Hello Lovely is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

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Round Marble Side Table
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4 Comments

  1. Janice McGuire
    October 15, 2022 / 8:19 am

    Love Pam Pierce decorating. Her fireplace, decorated for Christmas, is the most appealing I have seen and I find myself just staring at it. It is simple, yet elegant. She has a way of combining articles that turn rustic elements into sheer beauty.

    • Michele
      Author
      October 15, 2022 / 7:42 pm

      I love it so much too. And I am so inspired by how she is able to decorate with greenery and it looks soft and lush rather than spiky and rustic. Can’t get enough of her home!

  2. October 15, 2022 / 1:26 pm

    Love all of her big pots. Looking forward to seeing more photos of Pam’s home for this year.

    • Michele
      Author
      October 15, 2022 / 7:39 pm

      Me too. I hope she shares this year’s scheme! Are you planning on visiting the Giannetti’s new shop when it opens? I may be in Franklin later this month.

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Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing