Interiors stylist/writer Tricia Foley, the author of more than a dozen design tomes, likes to juggle multiple projects: she’s currently in the midst of designing comedian Chris Rock’s New Jersey house, restoring a 19th century coffee plantation house in Bangelore, India, and writing a biography of 19th century suffragist and writer Mary Louise Booth.
When it comes to her own 1820s Long Island farmhouse, she finds it “more calming to live in monochrome, in an environment that’s a blank slate for adding and subtracting,” she says. Her approach to holiday decor is simple: “I like to layer texture and warmth using foraged greens from the garden, oversized wreaths, Ikea sheepskins, nothing too fancy or over the top.” Here are a few clever ideas for keeping it simple (and for keeping costs in check): Photography by Marili Forastieri.
1. Play with Scale

Above: Over the fireplace in her kitchen, Tricia hangs a 42-inch wreath from her local Home Depot. “I like the drama of a giant wreath used indoors,” she says. “Every holiday season, I pick up a stack of greenery at Home Depot that I hang in various spots throughout the house (on the back of a door, say).”
2. Stick to a Monochrome Palette

Above: A white Felt Stocking from West Elm is currently on sale for $13 (down from $19).
 
3. Raid the Garden

Above: “To add a touch of nature to my gift wrapping, I go outside and fill a basket with boxwood, ...