Although this Overland Park residence is celebrating the season in grand style, perhaps the best decoration it inspires is the smiles it brings to the heart.
Story by Ann Butenas | Photography by Matt Kocourek
When it comes to decking the halls for Christmas, Beth and Marty Cole can certainly get into the spirit of things. They understand the best way of spreading holiday cheer is to give their home a festive layer of color and casual elements of warmth.
Like her good friend Melanie Falbe (also featured in this issue) did, Beth called Christy Renner and the floral design team of Picture Perfect Interiors, to assist her with her annual holiday decoration installation. Just as Christy enjoyed working with Melanie, she took equal pleasure in creating the spirit of Christmas in Beth’s living areas.
“This cheery and traditional home exemplifies this homeowner’s love of color,” indicated Renner. “This lovely home, nestled in the Club Villas of Lionsgate, is full of stunning architectural features, where playful plaid ribbon, bright and colorful bulbs, and the homeowner’s unique St. Nicholas collection provide a fun and inviting atmosphere for creating many special moments with friends and family.”
Beth has utilized the quality interior design services of Renner and Picture Perfect Interiors for several years, especially at the holiday season, and appreciates the talent of this team.
“We have been in this house for eight years, and before we built it, I told Christy I could not do this myself unless she helped me,” noted Beth, who actually has somewhat of a knack for doing this sort of thing, however. She worked for a designer for a few years and gained some experience in creating some holiday pieces.
“I have made some floral designs with a friend in the past, but I would not call myself a professional,” smiled Beth. “I just really like doing it.”
A fan of candles, Beth incorporates a variety of these into her holiday décor theme, but with a slight twist.
“Most of the candles in the home are flicker flameless and can be operated with a remote,” she explained. “This allows us to turn them on and not worry about them when we are away. However, I do use a couple of real candles during the holidays for the seasonal scents they provide.”
Beth has acquired a significant part of her holiday décor collection from Picture Perfect Interiors and begins showcasing her pieces the week of Thanksgiving, leaving it up until the first week in January. She does admit, too, that she still enjoys adding to her collection of holiday décor items when she can.
“I like what’s new and cannot walk into Picture Perfect Interiors without getting something,” she emphasized.
An integral part of Beth’s holiday decorations includes her Santa Claus/St. Nicholas pieces, which she has collected since she got married in 1975. Now that she has her first grandchild, she is excited to share these with the next generation of her family.
“I love to see all of the decorations and enjoy decorating my home,” reflected Beth. “We feel blessed to have this home and we just love it.”
Picture Perfect Interiors’ floral designers Linda Forsythe and Madeleine Thies also applied their artistic touches to the Cole’s home. This dynamic team played on the color palette chosen by Beth, which includes the standard reds and greens, along with pops of gold and silver and a hint of creams and whites.
As for her friendship with Melanie, Beth emphasized there is not really any competition when it comes to sprinkling the holiday spirit throughout each of their homes. They both simply enjoy it and decorate according to their own individual styles and tastes.
“I think Melanie and I appreciate each other’s décor,” Beth said. “I love her house, but our styles are totally different.”
