Simply Vintage Home at Christmastime

exterior of vintage home at Christmastime with wreaths on the doors and windows

Written by Laura Shimko

Photography by Bret Gum

Styled by Sharon Brand

This new-build home in Southern California transforms into a vintage home at Christmastime thanks to antiques and vintage holiday finds.

Few things define the holidays as much as family. Whether large or small, creating festive spaces for gatherings and celebrations is a key part of gearing up for the Christmas season. Homemaker and farmhouse-décor stylist Sharon Brandt enjoys making her home cozy and inviting all year, but especially at Christmastime.

As the mother of four boys, and the grandmother of eleven grandchildren, Sharon got the decorating bug at a young age. “Even as a little girl, I remember rearranging my dresser and my bedroom on a weekly basis just to enjoy a different view in the room,” she says. “The process of putting together different textures and elements and seeing that final end result for everything coming together is so satisfying.” Sharon’s vintage-inspired farmhouse gets an upgrade during the holidays when she incorporates flea-market finds into her décor.

outdoor sitting area of vintage home decorated for Christmas — Outside the garage, Sharon set up a charming seating area with white wrought-iron chairs so passersby can catch a glimpse of the stunning design style inside the home.

Family Festivities

Sharon’s home itself is a testimony to the importance of family in her life. Constructed by her husband and sons, it sits between two of her sons’ homes. The design and layout are the result of a focus on family gatherings. “I wanted an open farmhouse floorplan that could accommodate all our kids and grandkids,” she says. “We have weekly family dinners, and I wanted to make sure it was comfortable and had seating for everyone.”

garland and Christmas village on top of vintage apothecary chest next to Christmas tree — For one half of her front room, Sharon went with a “White Christmas” theme for the tree and surrounding décor, playing off the white vintage apothecary chest. “I wanted a snowy winter with lots of frosted pinecones, mercury- glass ornaments and frosted berries,” she says. “I also used pencil trees to make a winter scene with my white lighted village.” The chandelier is an antique piece that Sharon sourced locally.

Childhood holidays have fueled Sharon’s creative inspiration for her vintage Christmas home designs. “I remember making caramel popcorn balls with my mom and wrapping them in red cellophane, tied with red yarn to hang on our tree, along with candy canes and all red lights,” she says. “I really loved Christmas and I wanted to replicate those same feelings with my family by making our home beautiful and warm.”

living room in vintage home at Christmastime with Christmas tree and White Christmas on TV — Open shelving in the family room provides the perfect opportunity for displaying Christmas odds and ends. Sharon intersperses lots of faux greenery and twinkle lights alongside vintage pieces. “I love using vintage pieces, such as framed sheet music, old tins and the green plaid picnic basket,” she says. The sign above the fireplace is a piece she made with her Cameo. The lights here and throughout her home are remote operated for ease of use.

Decking the Halls in the Vintage Home at Christmastime

These golden memories also serve as the starting point for Sharon’s vintage Christmas collection. Always on the hunt for a good find, Sharon finds most of her holiday pieces on Facebook Marketplace, eBay and in antiques stores. “Typically, when I buy something new, it’s something I see that triggers a childhood memory that I want to remember and feel again,” she says. “Of course, sometimes it’s just something I see and love!”

sitting room with beadboard walls and Christmas tree

Sharon’s Christmas decorating begins the first week of October—a tradition since her children were young and she spent much of the holiday season decorating other peoples’ homes. “I would do my house first because I would be too tired after doing so many other houses,” she says. “Now I just do it early because I truly love the way it makes me feel.” The process takes about a week, and she loves to soak in every minute of it.

Expanding on her year-round style that features vintage furniture, Sharon’s Christmas décor includes a classic palette of red, green and white, as well as various collections like her vintage postcards, antique advertising tins and Shiny Brite ornaments. “I’m a traditional girl at heart,” she says. “Old Christmas décor 200 years ago was greens, berries and white candles; this speaks to me.”

vintage ironstone and cornices and Christmas figurines in white chest with natural cedar garland

natural pine wreath with red and white ribbon and collection of vintage bottlebrush trees in home at Christmastime — Next to the front room, Sharon shows off vintage bottle brush trees alongside several vintage cow bells and a festive wreath.

home with vintage kitchenalia at Christmastime with natural garland on high cabinet — In the kitchen, the classic color palette of red and green plays off the white for more Christmas magic. “I love the focal point of the garland over the hood vent,” Sharon says. Simple touches like candy canes, a wreath and red bows give an instant, easy festive feel.

vintage sign and Santa cutout in dining room with wreaths in each window — In the dining room, vintage and vintage-inspired pieces take center stage for a cozy, charming feel. The cheery Santa in the corner is a reproduction, while the sign above the window is a DIY by Sharon. “I made it with my cameo-die cut machine and then hand painted it,” she says.

hutch with vintage Santa mugs and ironstone with natural garland — This old Irish pine hutch is Sharon’s favorite piece. She uses it to display her ironstone collection as well as vintage Christmas advertising tins. “The malted milk cracker tin looks so festive with all the red-and-white graphics,” she says. A lighted faux garland completes the holiday look.

vintage repurposed windows add vintage charm to home at Christmastime — As one of Sharon’s many Christmas trees, the family room tree features green and red; it includes a variety of décor pieces such as a felt garland, ball ornaments, frosted pine cones and ribbons. “I am for sure a red and green girl,” she says.

red green and white paper under tree in home with vintage touches

red and green felt garland and Christmas gift wrapping supplies

red bells and throw pillow on bench seating in vintage home at Christmastime — Sharon’s large walk in-pantry is the perfect storage spot, as well as a cute nook for décor. Tins, greenery and pops of red add holiday charm to the space. “I store all my vintage tins on the upper shelves, and of course all of our food,” she says. “The bench under the window opens up, which is where I store all my gift-wrapping supplies and ribbon.”

bedroom at Christmastime with cedar garland on headboard and small potted tree — Cool greens complement Sharon’s light, bright palette in the primary bedroom, where she added simple touches of greenery for a holiday feel. “I wanted a peaceful, restful feeling,” she says. The vintage stadium bench to the left of the bed is a cherished piece she found a local yard sale.

white bathroom with small potted tree and snowflake garland — In the guest bathroom, Sharon added small red and green touches to make the vanity feel special, including some whimsy through sign art and a vintage Jack Frost.

If you loved this vintage home at Christmastime, you may also love this DIY Christmas Farmhouse in Michigan. Of course, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for your daily dose of farmhouse inspiration!

Simply Vintage Home at Christmastime

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