apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

What this architect/graphic design duo created was more like a modern birdhouse — complete with candy cane perch, grassy sugar knoll with peppermint path, and a forest of little chocolate bears. We thought it was festive, original and (to us) perfectly represented our holiday spirit. We even went to the trouble of making little homemade bird cookies to complete the scene.

Long story short: not only did we not win, there was a fuss over “interior structure” being used to reinforce the frail gingerbread cantilever and the office group didn’t really “get it.” Do we regret making our modern ginger-birdhouse? Absolutely not! Two years later we still think this thing was awesome but we learned a larger lesson that we now keep in mind with every holiday project. Don’t worry about what other people think, just make it your own. Some folks want a Post-it Note Christmas Tree, some want to decorate with handmade ornaments; it all comes down to how you want to celebrate the holidays.

Its so easy to get swept up in the commercial pressures to buy, buy, buy, we wanted to pause and remind you all to have a little fun this holiday season — even if its ridiculous. It doesn't take a lot of money to make unforgettable holiday memories so forget about traditional expectations and get creative. Just like any house tour here on AT, some folks may like it, some may hate it, but to the people who created it, its home.

Happy Holidays, Everyone! From Wes & Kayla