After moving from his home in Kansas, Mike opted for a more carefree, downsized design where color and company felt welcome. “Muddy shoes? No problem. I chose what I consider ‘lighthearted’ décor when I moved here,” he says. “I wanted to get outside the box and simplify…simplify. I wanted this space to be inviting, and I feel I’ve really achieved that.”
Style Idea:
To minimize Christmas clutter, Mike suggests selecting only items that bring you true joy. The sweet St. Nick in this wagon, for example, was handmade for him by a friend more than 30 years ago.
![“I think my own personal style is a bit of French design [and] a little bit of English, but I just love that overly collected, curated, layered space that looks lived in and comfortable,” Paige says.](https://thecottagejournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Photo-May-05-2022-2-46-08-PM_OTR-feat-218x150.jpg "Designer Paige Kontrafouris Layers Her 100-Year-Old Home with Collected Treasures")
