Christmas in the Desert
Real Simple|December 2024
This Palm Springs home may be low on snow, but it's big on holiday cheer.
- ERICA FINAMORE
Christmas in the Desert

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in the Mindell home-even though it's 80°F out and the sun is bouncing off the patio. Kelly Mindell, the blogger behind Studio DIY, and her husband, Jeff, bought this hacienda-style home in Palm Springs, California, in 2021 and filled it with their signature rich colors (they've been known to mix cobalt blue and bright pink, for example). First they brought in more adobe via terra-cotta floor tiles, then they coated the walls in saturated jewel tones. “Everything in the desert is so bright and sunny. I liked the idea of retreating into a moodier space that feels calm and relaxing," Kelly says. Come Christmastime, they add lots of faux garlands (remember: desert!) and hang stockings for themselves and their son, Arlo, 7. They cover the tree in ribbons, glass balls, and ornaments they've collected or crafted over the years. And they dream up a Technicolor holiday. Let's see how else they deck the halls in the heat.

Living Room

The beams were the first thing Kelly and Jeff adored about this home, so they complemented the wood with a goldenrod wall color. "I love this one because it feels really rich but not vibrant," Kelly says. "Even when the sun is shining, it doesn't feel overwhelming." And it happens to look especially nice with holiday greenery and pops of red.

SHOP THE ROOM

Wildflower Honey DET 486 Paint, $73 per gallon; shop .dunnedwards.​com Neva Sectional, from $5,599; sixpenny.​com Noel Plaid Rectangular Pillow, $120, Antigua Pillow, $168, and llana Kohn Fuzzy Blanket, $115; archivenewyork.​com Sanibel Spruce Tree, $999, and Light Brown Woven Tree Collar, $199; balsamhill.​com Red Pom Pom Stockings, $62 each; craftspring.​com The Original Norfolk Pine Garland, $39; afloral.​com

Dining Room

この蚘事は Real Simple の December 2024 版に掲茉されおいたす。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トラむアルを開始しお、䜕千もの厳遞されたプレミアム ストヌリヌ、9,000 以䞊の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしおください。

この蚘事は Real Simple の December 2024 版に掲茉されおいたす。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トラむアルを開始しお、䜕千もの厳遞されたプレミアム ストヌリヌ、9,000 以䞊の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしおください。

REAL SIMPLEのその他の蚘事すべお衚瀺
Cool-Weather Cruises
Real Simple

Cool-Weather Cruises

If you can't take the heat...you can still have boatloads of fun on the open seas! Just board a ship headed to one of these chill spots.

time-read
1 min  |
February - March 2025
IS IT OK TO RECLINE YOUR SEAT ON AN AIRPLANE?
Real Simple

IS IT OK TO RECLINE YOUR SEAT ON AN AIRPLANE?

Everyone's got thoughts! We collected yours, then called on the experts to settle the debate once and for all.

time-read
2 分  |
February - March 2025
THINGS COOKS KNOW CHOCOLATE 101
Real Simple

THINGS COOKS KNOW CHOCOLATE 101

A short and sweet lesson on one of our favorite baking ingredients

time-read
3 分  |
February - March 2025
Fun Friendcations
Real Simple

Fun Friendcations

No matter who's in the group, these destinations have a little something for everyone.

time-read
1 min  |
February - March 2025
Best of the Rest
Real Simple

Best of the Rest

Sleep is a serious business, which is why we made it our business to very seriously test the latest and greatest sleep gear. We laid our heads on pillows cushy and firm. We buried ourselves under blankets weighted and not. We dozed on sheets soft and silky and crisp. These are our favorite finds.

time-read
6 分  |
February - March 2025
SWEET & SPICY CAULIFLOWER "MEATBALLS"
Real Simple

SWEET & SPICY CAULIFLOWER "MEATBALLS"

Everyone's a winner when these are part of the spread!

time-read
1 min  |
February - March 2025
Modern Manners Advice for Your Social Dilemmas
Real Simple

Modern Manners Advice for Your Social Dilemmas

My friend often reaches out with texts like \"Hey! Are you free on Saturday?\" The issue: I don't know whether she's asking if I'm free to hang out with her or if I'm free to dog-sit or babysit. And it's often the latter. How do I respond in a way that gives me the option to hang out but maybe not dog-sit?

time-read
2 分  |
February - March 2025
Brooke Shields has some things to say about aging
Real Simple

Brooke Shields has some things to say about aging

At 59 years old, Brooke is bringing it, with a sharp, funny memoir on getting older, a successful hair care line for midlife women, and refreshing thoughts on the pressure we feel to stay young forever.

time-read
9 分  |
February - March 2025
3 COMMON TAX MISTAKES & HOW TO AVOID THEM
Real Simple

3 COMMON TAX MISTAKES & HOW TO AVOID THEM

They totally happen. Yep, even if you're using an easy-to-follow software that holds your hand through the process.

time-read
5 分  |
February - March 2025
DINOSAURS
Real Simple

DINOSAURS

They're not just for kids! If you aren't already a dino fanatic, you're about to become one.

time-read
1 min  |
February - March 2025