Bliss at Home is the brainchild of design enthusiast and wife, Kristin. She started the blog in 2012 as a means of inspiring readers to look at their homes in a new light, and to encourage others to embrace their personal styles. Kristin describes her design aesthetic as “daring but lovely” – as she has a passion for taking the traditional and classic, and combining it with fresh and modern elements.
She is also known for her talent for creating glam spaces that mesh well with family living. Learn more about Kristin and her inspirations in our Q&A.
BH: What do you love most about blogging?
Kristin: I love the real friendships that I have gained from it. I’ve met some women who even if I never blogged again, we would still talk all the time.
BH: Tell us a little bit more about your decorating style in general.
Kristin: I really love traditional foundations. It’s definitely a mix of furnishings and styles from mid-century modern to chinoiserie to luxe. I really just bring in all the things I love, and find a way to make it all play nicely together.
BH: How would you describe your holiday decorating style? And how has it evolved through the years?
Kristin: I really like a glam holiday with lots of gold and sparkle. I do have a rustic side though. I would love to have a cabin to deck out for the holidays! I used to be very red and green in my decor since I grew up with it, but now I find I love to mix up my colors. Holiday can be whatever you want it to be in your home.
BH: What holiday decorating do’s and don’ts can you share with our readers?
Kristin: I don’t have any. The truth is if it makes you happy and you love it, then just do it. It’s your home.
BH: Is there a holiday memory that left an impression on you from your childhood or recent years?
Kristin: Before we were married, my husband gave me an album that he had all my friends and family write letters to me in and add in photos. It was so special and meaningful. I definitely knew he was a keeper after that.
BH: What is your must-have ornament or piece of Christmas décor, and why?
Kristin: We have a German Christmas Pyramid. We get laughs all the time and comparisons to National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, but it is something special for us since I am mostly of German descent.
BH: How did you go about choosing your Balsam Hill tree and ornaments?
Kristin: I don’t have a lot of space and I need easy things this time of year. I love the slim tree and that it is so easy to put up and already has lights.
BH: What do you like most about your Balsam Hill tree? How do you plan to decorate your tree?
Kristin: I’m sticking to what I have loved most over the years. Gold, silver, and black looks so luxe in our home. I may throw in a pop of vibrant red velvet in small doses, but I’m not sure yet.
BH: Are there any holiday traditions that you enjoy doing with your loved ones every year?
Kristin: Oh, yes! We have so many. One thing we started with the kids is the day we put our tree up, we have a slumber party by it. We also do this the last night we have it up. We all pile our sleeping bags on the floor and play games and watch Christmas movies. I love it so much.
BH: What can we look forward to on your blog this holiday season? Do you have exciting new holiday decor or party ideas?
Kristin: I will have a new kitchen to cook and play in this year, so you can expect I’ll be loving that and sharing it a lot.
BH: Can you tell us in a sentence what Christmas is to you? (Christmas is…)
Kristin: Christmas is the celebration of my faith. I am saved, a believer in Christ. I know Jesus was brought into this world for me to have a choice and the gift of salvation. I am so grateful for that every day and it is a great time of year to show extra love to others. It’s great to decorate and exchange gifts, celebrate with family and friends, but it is more than traditions to our family, it is a show of how much we love God.
Kristin decorated her holiday centerpiece with a combination of lustrous metallic hues and elegant black accents, as seen in this sneak peek photo. Visit Bliss at Home for a closer look at her Balsam Hill tree and details on how she put together the look.
