Interior designer Vivi Bang has transformed her historic villa in Nyborg, Denmark, into a sophisticated holiday retreat that perfectly balances minimalist design with festive warmth. Through a carefully curated symphony of natural elements and muted tones, Bang demonstrates how understated elegance can create the most magical Christmas atmosphere for her family.
From early December onward, a special tranquility settles into Bang's home, where bright walls, simple furniture, and natural colors maintain a calming atmosphere throughout the year. However, as the holiday season approaches, anticipation begins to illuminate every corner of the house. "I'm not really a decoration fan, not even at Christmas," admits the interior designer, though her two children, Hubert (6) and Frida (7), have different ideas about holiday festivities.
Gradually, festive glamour makes its way into the house as Bang balances her minimalist aesthetic with her children's desire for holiday magic. "My mother used to decorate for me when I was young," Vivi recalls. "I loved that tradition and want to pass it on to my children." As her children grow older, the interior designer finds herself loosening her grip on strict purism, allowing more decorative elements to enter their living space.
Bang's approach to holiday decorating follows a methodical process that maintains her commitment to clean, uncluttered spaces. Four weeks before Christmas, she removes existing décor items—vases, artwork, and candle holders—storing them in the basement. "I don't like clutter," she explains. "So I take things away before bringing new ones in." This clearing process allows her to thoughtfully arrange selected accessories and ornaments throughout each room, incorporating natural findings that complement her design philosophy.
The dining room becomes the centerpiece of holiday celebration, featuring a lavishly decorated table that serves as an island of joy for the entire family. A high-pile relief rug from Jotex pampers the feet while adding visual warmth to the space. The room showcases Bang's signature style through classic white amaryllis flowers and bowls filled with pine cones, which work together with the Christmas tree to create atmosphere in the living room.
Natural elements play a crucial role in Bang's decorating scheme, as she incorporates greenery throughout the home without creating an overwhelming effect. "I love green plants. They never feel intrusive," she notes. These natural components enhance the cozy atmosphere while standing up to the curious exploration of small children's fingers. Even the bedroom under the roof receives festive treatment through simple wreaths and candlelight that create Advent coziness.
Bang draws inspiration from American influencers and her own children's preferences when creating her holiday arrangements. Using a color quartet of red, white, green, and natural tones, she crafts harmonious displays throughout the house. Crystal glasses and ribbons transform each seating area into a gift-like presentation, while every step through the house reveals new atmospheric vistas.
Lush spruce garlands welcome the family at windows, staircase railings, and the front door. Despite their fresh forest appearance, these decorations are artificial—a practical choice Bang defends: "Real branches don't last through all the weeks without dropping needles. These stay beautiful all month long, and I can reuse them every year." Hand-embroidered Christmas stockings hanging from the staircase railing demonstrate how to create stylish holiday displays.
Even the kitchen receives festive attention with spruce garlands adorning the windows, while the entrance door and transom feature abundant spruce branches. This comprehensive approach ensures that holiday spirit permeates every area of the home while maintaining the sophisticated aesthetic that defines Bang's design philosophy.
The decoration collection grows each year as Bang incorporates new elements suggested by her children. "My daughter wants more glitter, so I'll take care of that!" she promises. Annual additions include new wreaths, candles, or furniture pieces moved from children's rooms to the living room, allowing the family's holiday traditions to evolve organically while respecting the home's minimalist foundation.
This thoughtful approach allows Vivi's minimalism to make room for festive warmth during the most beautiful weeks of winter. Her method demonstrates how contemporary families can honor both design principles and holiday traditions, creating spaces that satisfy both aesthetic sensibilities and children's need for magical seasonal celebrations. The result is a home that embodies the best of both worlds—sophisticated design and genuine holiday joy.
