#fourthhome

Get to know the super stylish couple behind Fourth Home & Interiors. We asked them some intriguing questions when it comes to designing for the holidays, along with their favorite memories associate with this time of year. Enjoy! 

1.One of our favorite holiday memories is: 

We actually got engaged on Thanksgiving morning in 2015. When we went to Justin’s family’s for Thanksgiving lunch, Mike lost his ring in the field outside the house before we had even made the announcement about our engagement. So the family learned the news of our engagement through a family-wide search for Mike’s ring. Not quite how we planned to announce it, but in hindsight has become one of our favorite holiday memories.(1)

2. Favorite element of the house to decorate for the holidays:

The Mantle! This is the quintessential element of the holidays in our opinion. Our schedule tends to be hectic around the holidays, as we help many of our clients decorate their homes. Because of that, some years we don't put up our own tree at home, but will always decorate the mantle. A fresh pine garland layered over a mirror and flanked with holiday accessories provides the same warmth that a tree provides over the holiday season and winter months.(2) 

3. Do you stick with the classics when it comes to decorating for the holidays, or do you change it up each year when what is trending:

Our taste and style evolves year over year, as the design world changes. So while we have statement pieces that remain more timeless, you will often see us change out our ribbon, ornaments(3) and accessories every year or so to stay in sync with design trends. But what we always tell people is you don’t have to change out every piece you own every year to stay updated. Keep your essentials and just layer in updated accessories to give your holiday décor a brand new look.

4. The last thing we bought for our house was:

Probably pillows(4), since that seems to be a weekly purchase in our household. If you ask Justin, there is no limit on the number of pillows you can possess for your home. Mike is still getting used to the concept that there are pillows that are not meant to be sat on or laid on.

5. A common mistake when designing a home is:

Trying to mimic a room exactly as you saw it somewhere else. You should allow existing designs to inspire your style, but always make it your own and put your own touch on it. If you choose to hire a designer, be sure to trust them. They are there to take your inspiration and make it unique to you while also pushing the design forward. Just remember, this is their profession, so while it's important for you to give your input, try to no stifle their creativity or design or you will end up with just a duplicate of something that's already out there.

6. I'll never get rid of:

The sideboard in our entryway, which was Justin's first piece of furniture that he ever bought for himself when he moved out on his own. It has moved everywhere along with Justin, and has stood the test of time both durability-wise and style-wise.