holiday decorating at the American Swedish Institute
This year we found ourselves jumping into the holiday spirit a little earlier than in years past. We connected with the American Swedish Institute in September as they looked for a local collaborator to decorate trees for their 73rd Holiday Experience. The Institute’s exhibit team had already developed the theme for 2023 - Once Upon a Mansion - highlighting Nordic and winter traditions, myths and tales. We were excited to come on board to pair the historic interiors of the Turnblad Mansion with the holiday experience theme and create a magical and cohesive experience.
Our role in the holiday decorating involved the imagining and execution of seven trees within the Turnblad mansion. These seven trees bring holiday spirit and whimsy to the breakfast room, parlour, salon and nursery.
The Once Upon a Mansion experience begins in the breakfast room. The three trees in this space take inspiration from the softness of the room’s paint palette, the flocked trees in the mansion entry and the glow of Lucia’s candles. The neutral mix of white, silver and pearls are intended to reflect light around the room making visitors feel calm, enchanted and curious for more.
The palette of the parlour is made up of cream, yellow, blue and pink. Blue is the defining color on this tree that draws a connection between the room and the Royal Copenhagen holiday plates on display. If you take a detailed look at the space, the ceiling geometry radiating from the light fixture is captivating and the rigid lines stand in contrast to the soft scrolling moldings throughout the rest of the space. In addition to the blue ornaments, clear glass ornaments with thin gold linework bring attention and connection to the unique ceiling geometry.
Adjacent to the parlour is the salon. Designed as an initial space to host guests, this room also has a soft and welcoming palette. Again seeking inspiration from the colors and motifs within the room and furniture, this tree sparkles with ornaments of green, champagne and rose. The draping of pearls loosens the decor and helps draw your eye around the tree, highlighting the long, green-turned glass ornaments.
The upper floors are filled with unique exhibits and experiences by local creators and groups, but we had the opportunity to decorate the two trees in the nursery that frame the view to the Ice Queen installation by Studio Moss. The tree decor in the nursery is intended to be playful and whimsical while still highlighting the architecture and color palette of the room. Here, to draw your eyes up and toward the Ice Queen, we created a color gradient of ornaments that transition from pink to gold to white.
We feel honored to have been invited to participate alongside many talented local artists, volunteers and contributors. We’re going to check it out tonight at their Julmarknad event and we’ll likely be returning to cherish and celebrate the holiday season in Minnesota’s only castle.
Happy Holidays!