It’s time for another holiday home tour! If you enjoy seeing beautiful holiday decorations as much as I do, you’ll love Raquel’s charming home. She invited me to visit her house and see her sophisticated yet family-friendly holiday decorations.
Raquel lives in North Reston with her husband, Dave, and their five-year-old son, Fletcher. She is the President of the Board of Directors for the Robert E. Simon, Jr. Children’s Center, a child care center and preschool in Reston. Raquel and Dave have lived in Reston since 2000, and bought this house in 2002.
When you arrive at the house, you are greeted with potted Christmas greenery and a lovely pine wreath on a copper hanger.
Garlands with white lights are draped along the bannister in the foyer, and lead the eye to a gallery wall of family photos upstairs.
The garland continues to the loft space that overlooks the living room, where a huge Christmas tree reaches toward the vaulted ceiling. The other focal point of the living room is a large painting of Raquel and her sister, created by an artist who was commissioned by her father years ago.
The Christmas tree is a 9-foot artificial tree that looks remarkably real. It’s lush and full, and it fits beautifully among the large windows and tall ceilings.
The tree is decorated with an impressive count of 1600 lights and 324 glass balls. She collected the ornaments at various places over the years, using a consistent color theme of red and gold. To further unify the ornaments, she tied them all with matching gold ribbons. The overall effect is so grand that I was surprised to learn that a majority of the ornaments were purchased at Michael’s craft stores, and the ribbons were Martha Stewart brand from Kmart.
The dining room is set with red charger plates and tartan linens. The dishes are an adorable and casual set that feature Santa’s reindeer, and Raquel found them at a Pottery Barn outlet store. Candy canes in champagne glasses and striped ornaments add to the playful feel in the dining room.
Shelves in the hallway are filled with the family’s own Christmas cards from earlier holidays. It’s fun to see them change over time, especially in the years since Fletcher joined the family.
Fletcher even has his own Christmas tree in his bedroom. The tree is decorated with ornaments that he picked out, and he even hung them all himself.
I loved looking through the ornaments that represented things beloved by this little boy. This year’s additions included Captain America and a digger truck.
One of the sweetest details was Fletcher’s idea to cover his old changing table with lights, and display his favorite Christmas books on the shelves. Of course Fletcher and the Snowflake Christmas was front and center.
Even the patio outside is beautiful decorated with holiday-themed cozy blankets and pillows. The patio furniture set is completed with a blue outdoor rug and small Christmas trees. With this unusually warm December that we’ve been having, they’ve had plenty of use of the outdoor space!
If you love this patio, please stay tuned, because we have an upcoming article about its before-and-after renovation. It’s quite the transformation.
Raquel’s friend Christina was visiting on the day that I was there, and she had some great things to say about Raquel’s home. “It does not cost a lot of money to have good taste. Some people just know how to put it all together, and Raquel has that vision.” I have to agree, Christina! Raquel’s ideas are approachable and inspiring for those of us who are seeking an elegant but comfortable and livable style.
Many thanks to Raquel, Dave, and Fletcher for inviting us to see your beautiful and festive home!
Would you like us to visit your home for a home tour? We are always looking for interesting houses to feature, of all types and styles. Please contact us at [email protected] with your ideas.
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