Christmas begins at the front window of Zane Platt-Faulkner’s home. A glowing tree sits beneath an arch of decorative glass, visible from the snowy street outside. Wreaths suspended from red ribbons dress the upper windows, while another welcomes visitors at the iron gate. Against the red brick of this 1889 Queen Anne in Newport, Kentucky, those simple touches feel perfectly at home.
Zane admired the house before it became his home. He and his husband, Michael, were living nearby when he wrote to its owner to express their interest in buying it. That letter eventually led to a purchase. Building on an extensive restoration by the previous owner, the couple continued work on floors, woodwork, and a fireplace. Zane shares the house and its details on Instagram as @historically_zane.
At Christmas, his decorating brings the warmth of the woodwork into focus. Deep reds and evergreen branches carry through the rooms, connecting the seasonal displays. In the sitting room, brown leather armchairs gather near a tiled fireplace, softened by plaid pillows and a red throw. Lighted garland follows the mantel, with red stockings hanging below. A beaded chandelier adds sparkle overhead, while a glass coffee table keeps the center of the room visually open.
The tree brings a playful quality to this elegant setting. Warm white lights illuminate character ornaments, touches of red, and fine strands of silver tinsel. A metallic star rises above the branches, and a teddy bear waits among the presents underneath. There is something to discover at every height, from the smaller ornaments tucked into the greenery to the patterned packages below.
In the dining room, the table deserves a closer look. Patterned holiday plates are layered over metallic chargers, with clear stemware and tall tapers alongside them. A dark plaid runner grounds the arrangement, while evergreen branches, red berries, fruit, and dried citrus bring texture to the center of the table. A second Christmas tree glows near the window. Across the room, the mantel mirror reflects candlelight, letting the sparkle mingle with the patterned wallpaper and substantial wood trim.
Some of the most memorable details occupy only a small corner. Beside a stained-glass window, a round wood table holds stacked books, a silver-toned vessel of winter stems, and a single taper in an ornate holder. The arrangement leaves room to appreciate the glass behind it. That balance runs throughout Zane’s Christmas rooms: the decorations draw your attention toward the house’s beautiful features.
For readers drawn to this look, start with the colors and materials already in your home. Repeat one ribbon color across wreaths and arrangements, bring greenery to a mantel or side table, and layer warm lighting at different heights. Pair a favorite patterned textile with ornaments you enjoy seeing each year. The smallest detail in Zane’s home offers an especially lovely place to begin: a few seasonal stems beside a stack of books, ready to brighten a quiet winter afternoon.
For more inspiration, follow Zane on Instagram @historically_zane
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