James and Sandy Newton, long time residents of downtown San Diego, recently moved from the Marina District to their new home on the 11th floor in The Grande Santa Fe South. As they prepared to spend the first Christmas in their new home, Sandy explained the concept of their stylish plan for the interior and showcased the effects of tastefully decorating for the holidays in a downtown condo. With a degree in interior design and seven years of experience working with clients to update or freshen their homes, Sandy experiences added pleasure in remodeling her new interior surroundings. “I began with the focal point — the view exposed by the floor to ceiling windows,” she said. Sandy had perfectly matched the intensity of the alluring San Diego Bay with the textural color pallet of rich dark chocolate, mocha and sand. To add contrast, she blended the darks with a multitude of light sources from fixtures, candles and mirrors. She has already decorated for the Christmas holidays. “I couldn’t wait,” she said. “Decorating is all about setting the mood by satisfying the senses.” The corner window was the perfect placement for the tree, and surprisingly, it was not real. “Growing up in Oregon, each year we would drive to a nearby tree farm and chopped down a tall fresh tree,” Sandy explained. “Living in Southern California, it makes more sense to have a smaller, more compact artificial one. I supplement the tree by placing fresh pine boughs and flowers on the table and counters, framing the mirrors with garlands, hanging holly wreaths and mistletoe to bring the smell of the forest indoors. I also light dozens of scented candles.” Sandy turned on the lights and the effect was awesome. The triple-pane windows created a multiplying effect with the light reflections shining in the glass. The shiny crystal ornaments and red balls sparkled. “When our daughter was younger, she decided we needed a tree-decorating theme,” Sandy said. “She chose musical ornaments; my husband, hummingbirds; and I picked angels. We use these ornaments year after year.” Sandy then described her family’s typical Christmas routine. “For us, Christmas is about sharing quality time with family, so we keep it simple,” she said. “We are joined on Christmas Eve by our daughter Ashley and son-in-law Russ. Following dinner, we sip hot chocolate and share a delicious dessert. We each open one present. “On Christmas morning, we cook a big brunch. Afterwards, the four of us take a long walk with our two dogs. Then we open presents. That evening, we go to a newly released holiday-themed movie.” With a broad grin, she said, “Next year will be different. We are looking forward to our first grand baby.” Just then, Chaz trotted into the room on all four legs. Sandy immediately cupped her hands around his face and relayed his story. “Mid-December last year, James asked what I wanted for Christmas,” she said. “My immediate response was a puppy. Not an easy gift to find on such short notice. Days before Christmas, James was flying home and the woman sitting in the seat in front of him had a Cavapoo puppy for sale. He is the best Christmas present I ever received.”