Holidays & Occasions Christmas Christmas Decor The Madcap Cottage Designers Share Merry And Meaningful Christmas Tree Trimming Ideas Whimsy and wonder usher in a magical season at the High Point, North Carolina, home of John Loecke and Jason Oliver Nixon. By Pamela Brill Pamela Brill Pamela has been writing about lifestyle topic for nearly three decades. She has covered the design and renovation beat for the private club and resort industry for more than a decade and began writing about home design while freelancing for a Long Island, NY-based glossy. Pamela has toured several homes and had the opportunity to write about the fabled Grey Gardens estate on Long Island's east end. She also reports on new products and gifts for the home as a contributing editor for a specialty retail magazine. Pamela has developed a keen eye for home design and decor, having reported on renovations in the residential and commercial markets for the last decade. She has authored dozens of articles highlighting new home construction and renovation projects. Among the subjects she has covered are green designs, LEED certification and historic homes.Pamela is a professional journalist specializing in lifestyle topics, including home design.Contributor to several national print and digital outlets. Owner of Talking Walnut Media, a content provider servicePamela attended College of the Holy Cross and received a bachelor of arts from the State University of New York at Albany. She is a member of the Women's Media Group of New York. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on September 22, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. When John Loecke (left) and Jason Oliver Nixon (right) decorate for the holidays, they become instant storytellers. The duo behind the home-decor brand Madcap Cottage, which embodies their penchant for prints and patterns, hones their 10-plus years of interior design experience to create a memory-making season from beginning to end. These two are known for injecting whimsy and fun into every aspect of home design, and Christmas is no exception. A Madcap Cottage Christmas is full of vivid color, festive party decor, and surprising patterns. "It's all about the unexpected," explains Nixon. "Our cottage speaks to everyone. It evokes a spirit of adventure and brings that back home." To allow each Christmas tree in your house to look as splendid as the next, Loecke says, "Make it feel special and tell a story." Here, they invite us into their home and share four of their brightest ideas for trimming the tree. Hector Manuel Sanchez; Design: John Loecke and Jason Oliver Nixon; Styling: Kendra Surface 1. Branch Out with Materials Weenie, the pair’s rescue dog, admires the holiday finery. Hector Manuel Sanchez; Design: John Loecke and Jason Oliver Nixon; Styling: Kendra Surface A combination of baby blues and creamy whites makes a grand entrance in this high-traffic area. "It ties into the look of the space while creating a happy focal point," says Nixon. Keeping things simple, he and Loecke purchased paper honeycomb balls from a party-goods store and sequin garlands from a fabric shop to outfit the tree. The base, a Versailles Planter from Frontgate, carries an element from the garden into the foyer. The banister, adorned with cascading paper balls, draws the eye upward. The cheery cerulean palette and silver accents carry right over into New Year's celebrations. 2. Use Meaningful Mementos Hector Manuel Sanchez; Design: John Loecke and Jason Oliver Nixon; Styling: Kendra Surface The designers opted for a flocked tree in the living room. "It feels like it was just picked from the forest," enthuses Nixon. He and Loecke reserve this one to showcase ornaments from their travel adventures—from England to Florida to Morocco—and it's the only one with decorations that stay the same from year to year. "This is how most people's Christmas trees are—filled with memories and special meaning," says Nixon. To make a busy look seem less chaotic, incorporate consistent elements from top to bottom, like the layers of glass balls and candle ornaments hung on this one. 3. Experiment with Color Hector Manuel Sanchez; Design: John Loecke and Jason Oliver Nixon; Styling: Kendra Surface A playful getup with colorful punches complements the dining room's existing garden-inspired palette without feeling forced. "If you entertain, you'll be using this room, so bring a tree into it," says Loecke. Vivid 1960s beaded balls and star-shaped sputnik ornaments, culled from his parents' collection, are layered with strands of blue-and-white lights. A vintage planter serves as the base, while the angel topper (another of Loecke's treasured hand-me-downs) is a gentle reminder of Christmases past. 4. Put a Tree in Every Space Hector Manuel Sanchez; Design: John Loecke and Jason Oliver Nixon; Styling: Kendra Surface small spaces Even small spaces can deliver big holiday cheer. It's as easy as adding a few pops of color on a mini display. Buck the traditional red-and-green scheme for a pink-and-orange grosgrain-ribbon topper. "These colors are arresting, feel magical, and elevate the experience," says Nixon. Hand-painted balls (purchased by Loecke during a trip to India) and vintage Martha Stewart ornaments add a delightful twist to this Charlie Brown-inspired creation. "Who wouldn't love seeing a penguin or a turtle on a tree?" asks Nixon. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit