This Kentucky Cottage Proves Christmas Decorating Can Be Natural, Elegant, and Beautiful

The Hillenmeyers lean on fresh greenery and keep colorful frills to a minimum in their 1926 Lexington Craftsman cottage. As cliché as it sounds, there's no simpler way to explain Shannon and Joseph Hillenmeyer's holiday-decor ethos than "bringing the outside in." Joseph says, "There are so many fresh greens and berries with great textures and scents available to decorate with during this time of year." Of course, this duo knows just the right greenery to use. They're the owners of Joseph Hillenmeyer Garden Design, which they magically transform into the Hillenmeyer Christmas Shop, a seasonal holiday pop-up store complete with a live Nativity and a plethora of fresh greenery and trees. It's an old-fashioned but modern approach, just like their home. Here's how the couple spreads their down-to-earth charm in their Kentucky residence.