We spotted the gorgeous, simple elegance of Texas natives Cassidy and Brandon Lobaugh’s home last year when we sponsored the Junior League of Northwest Arkansas’ (JLNWA) Winter Dreams Tour of Homes.

Photography by Janet Warlick

 

The Lobaughs have lived in Fayetteville for nine years and in their current home for two. “I’ve supported the JLNWA since Kelli [Leander] moved to Fayetteville and became a member,” Cassidy Lobaugh said. Leander, a close friend, is practically considered family. “We were building the house, she was chairing the tour, and all the pieces just sort of fell in place.”

Lobaugh said when designing the family’s holiday décor, she keeps in mind how they use the spaces. “I chose to place our Christmas tree in the study because it’s comfy and cozy, and that’s how we’ll feel on Christmas morning. I also keep in mind that we’ll entertain quite a bit during the holidays, and while we want to create a festive atmosphere, we want to keep the main spaces uncluttered.”

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An Illuminating Experience

This is the family’s second dining space in the kitchen — a circular table with generously appointed highback chairs featuring nailheads. Metallic ornaments spiral down to a bowl full of antique ornaments and moss balls. “I have a huge collection of vintage, glass ornaments,” Lobaugh said. “I started collecting them 20 years ago, and I’ve used them in various areas.”

The room also includes an alcove, with elegant lighting and additional seating, and a wall of windows overlooking the outdoor dining area.


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Prepared to Toast

This wine bar is located in an alcove between the kitchen’s dining spaces. A red reindeer statue, a metallic “peace” sign as well as a silver cup with greenery bring holiday cheer. A bottle of wine with a specially designed label, as shown here, is an ideal gift.


Make a Statement

(Photo at top of page)

The main living area of this home is separated from the entry with a wall. On the entry side, Lobaugh used black and white photographs to create a collage in the shape of a Christmas tree. On this side a large abstract painting dominates the space with its size and color. The homeowner has employed subtlety to celebrate the season through her use of metallic branches set in vases and ornaments placed on a set of antlers. A traditional floral arrangement, situated on a table between the pair of chairs, brings a touch of red to the space.


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Outdoor Dining for the Holidays

“We spend as much time outside as possible,” Lobaugh said, “and we eat outside as much as possible, so I thought, why not during the holidays as well?”

So she set a classic table complete with chargers, monogrammed napkins, seat covers, antique water glasses and magnolia leaves and bright red amaryllis, creating a table that is welcoming and festive.


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A Place to Congregate

The kitchen is a decidedly sleek space with a neutral color scheme that lends itself to the use of many colors. Lobaugh chose metallic as the color base for this year’s Christmas decorations and added the bold colors of traditional crimson, white and ebony to add pop. Here, again, the touches are subtle: a beautiful bouquet of roses with magnolia leaves and red napkins, placed on a silver tray, which includes a little shout-out to the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville Razorbacks.