As we enter the holiday season, I wanted to share one of my favorite custom holiday decorating projects and how a client's personal inspiration can become the starting point for a completely unique design.
This client loves Chanel and came to us with a very specific request: “I want a Chanel Christmas tree.”
I immediately loved the idea, but I did not want to cover the tree with logos. In my opinion, repeating a luxury brand’s logo everywhere can make a design feel less sophisticated and sometimes even cheapen the overall look. I wanted the tree to capture the feeling of Coco Chanel without having to announce it.
Before creating the design, I studied the materials, colors, and details that are so closely connected to Chanel. Pearls, quilted fabrics, black velvet, bows, feathers, rhinestones, and the classic combination of black, cream, and white all became part of the inspiration.
We started with a black, white, cream, and silver color palette. The ornaments were carefully selected in different sizes and finishes, including matte black, soft white, metallic silver, rhinestone-covered pieces, and ornaments with quilted textures reminiscent of Chanel handbags. Crystal drops and reflective ornaments caught the light throughout the tree, while pearl details added another layer of femininity and luxury.
Velvet was used throughout the design, especially in the black bows woven between the branches. At the top, we created an oversized black velvet bow with a rhinestone center and dramatic white feathers behind it. It was bold and glamorous, but it still felt elegant.
One of the most special elements was the custom treatment around the bottom of the tree. I designed it to resemble the skirt of a beautiful dress. Layers of soft cream fabric and white fur created the shape, while strands of pearls were draped across it like oversized Chanel necklaces. We added smaller black velvet bows between the pearl swags, connecting the base of the tree to the details above.
Lighting was also extremely important. We added approximately 3,000 additional twinkle lights to create that rich, magical glow. Once the lights reflected against the silver ornaments, rhinestones, crystals, and pearls, the entire tree sparkled from every angle. The illuminated branches surrounding it extended that glow into the room and made the display feel even more dramatic.
Every detail was intentionally layered, from the clusters of black and white ornaments to the crystal icicles, pearl garlands, textured spheres, feathers, and velvet ribbon. Even though the tree included many decorative elements, the controlled color palette kept it from feeling busy.
The client was completely blown away when she saw the finished design. Most importantly, this tree does not exist anywhere else. It was designed specifically for her, based on something she loves, and created to complement her home.
That is what our holiday decorating service is about. We do not simply decorate a tree. We take a client’s inspiration, personality, and home into consideration and create a holiday design that feels personal, elevated, and completely one of a kind.
Bionki Interiors provides custom holiday decorating and seasonal design services in Newport Beach and surrounding Southern California communities. From the initial concept to the final installation, we create holiday designs around each client's home, style, and personal inspiration. If you would like to create a custom holiday look for your home this season, contact me, Pantea Bionki, at Bionki Interiors at (909) 706-5347.
