If you’ve ever fallen down a rabbit hole of interiors on Pinterest, there’s a good chance you’ve come across the unmistakable warmth and whimsy of mStarr design. Founded by Emily Starr Alfano, the studio began crafting design-focused events and has grown into a beloved interiors brand known for spaces that feel lived-in, layered, nostalgic, and—above all—intentionally imperfect. From bows tied just-so (or not-so) to garlands hung asymmetrically, her philosophy centers on the idea that the magic lives in the details, and often in the imperfections.
With the holiday season in full swing, there’s no one better to talk about creating magic at home. Read on as Emily shares how she thinks about layering, light, color, and tradition—and why she believes holiday decorating should evolve just as we do.
I suppose the same way it translates to any type of decorating: that there really is no “perfect” space, at least as one might typically define perfect. Beauty is in the imperfections–a bow formed from ribbon ripped rather than cut or sewn, a wreath hung not on a door or wall but a bookcase or hanging from a sconce, a garland hung asymmetrically.
So much of my approach is rooted in the belief that small details and curated moments matter, and that’s where character and charm come from. Bows never go out of style and this year I’m experimenting more with mix and match fabric / ribbon (a great way to make use of those random scraps so many of us have lying around). My go-to for years are preserved ferns that I use to make wispy garlands, for accenting wreaths and floral arrangements, even tying them on lighting. Handmade decor is also important and it doesn’t have to be fancy— think pomander oranges or dried fruit slices. Really I think it’s about the unexpected touches and evoking a feeling of nostalgia, whatever that might be.
The key is to learn about their holiday “vibe” and lifestyle. What traditions do they cherish and how can they play into the overall design. Are they looking for decor to last through New Year’s (or beyond)? Do they want to invest in pieces (i.e. faux garlands) that can be used year to year or focus more on live elements? Do they host? And so on.
Ha, it’s never done! Seriously, at least in my own house, I’m constantly adding and swapping things, right up until the end. That’s what makes it fun! Maybe I receive a package that is wrapped in pretty ribbon and want to add it to the tree. Maybe I saw a DIY on Pinterest I want to try. Layering, for me, relies on plenty of instinct and getting that feeling while decorating. If it’s a bigger install or space, for instance a fireplace mantel, I rarely stick with my first attempt. I may do it up more than I want and remove. Or start sparse and add in. I do recommend snapping a pic because a camera picks up what the naked eye can’t and it can be helpful for things like spacing!
For sure. There’s a lot of synergy between events and interiors because at the end of the day both are meant to be a reflection of who you are. A home of course is also reflective of how you live and crafting a space that works for you now and is able to evolve as your family, needs, and wants change. Designing tablescapes was hands down my favorite part of doing weddings & events, and something I will always do at home.
It really just needs to work with their lives and of course the aesthetic of their home. I’m not one for sticking to any one theme or aesthetic because I find joy in blending elements from many BUT a Ralph Lauren holiday may be tough to pull off in a super contemporary space. So maybe it’s simply incorporating some plaid ribbon.
“At the end of the day, holiday decorating should be fun, memorable, and magical!” - Emily Starr Alfano
This is an interesting question because admittedly it doesn’t always work out, at least to start. There are certain colors that may only work inside or materials that only work outside. I think having a varied color palette or intended vision is helpful. But think beyond the tangible...meaning the green paint you might choose for your entry could be a shade pulled from the landscaping seen right outside its window.
Sometimes I do let a particular color dictate (like this year I’m using a cobalt blue velvet ribbon on everything!) but it inevitably evolves. I don’t think every room or space in your home needs to be in the same palette, in fact I don’t recommend it, but naturally you want all the colors to complement each other, especially when rooms are visible from others. A fun way to experiment without mixing actual colors is to do so with various shades. For instance, a light blue on the walls and a darker shade of the same color on the trim. And there are always ways to incorporate colors that feel risky in accents such as pillows and art.
It’s not that I don’t factor in artificial light when designing but natural light is so important to me. And when it comes to artificial light, it needs to be multi-functional (dimmable etc.) and warm. When choosing paint colors for clients, I make sure we all like every iteration of a color: in natural light, artificial light, when it’s sunny, when it’s overcast etc.
We chose Hunter Douglas woven woods for our current and previous house. I just love the natural textures and they’re a great way to add “pattern” that isn’t a printed pattern. The neutral colors we went with are beautiful enough to stand on their own but work with the various colors and patterns in the house. We didn’t line the shades in the kitchen, dining, and living areas, which makes for the absolute prettiest filtered light when shut, and a decor element in its own right during the holiday season.
I’d say I typically lean towards a British cottage holiday but I always switch up some things from year to year. Whatever suits my (and my daughter’s) current fancy!
At its heart, Emily’s philosophy is simple: holiday homes should feel warm, welcoming, and a little bit whimsical. Not perfect, not overly themed—but full of meaning.
Follow along with Emily on Instagram for more holiday inspiration and everyday magic.
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