Typically thought of in larger cities, loft living is a relatively new concept to the Coastal Bend. Yet when combined with the vast coastline views from the Uptown bluff, it becomes ideal for convenient, comfortable living.
It is here that an urban dweller seasonally transforms his home of neutral tones and Neoclassical furnishings into a celestial realm of glittering lights and thousands of champagne and wine corks collected over 30+ years for a creative take on holiday decoration. Not typically thought of as Christmas decor, the cork has taken center stage in this owner’s decorating endeavors, proving that creativity and a bottle of bubbles shared among friends can create holiday perfection.
“It all started when years ago, I saw a cork wreath and really wanted one,” the homeowner said. “So I started collecting corks.”
After discovering his new interest, friends and family started saving their corks from vacations and parties. Eventually, he found himself with several dozen boxes and wanted to do something with them. Throughout the home, handmade pieces of cork decor are thoughtfully placed to showcase their unique beauty, including the entryway wreath inspired by the original that piqued his interest many years ago.
“There are so many memories and fun times associated with each of the corks … it’s special to think about,” he said. Although corks can serve as decor for any season, the classic Christmas wreath sparked the chain of ornaments that have become the primary theme of his holiday decorations.
Flanking the entryway, twig topiary trees wrapped in lit cork garland offer a warm welcome. A sea of twinkling lights woven through the exposed ceiling illuminate the loft’s sand and fog palette perfectly complemented by the gold and silver holiday garnishes. “I like to keep colors pretty simple,” the owner said.
The dining area hosts a large round table adjacent to an inimitable steel credenza that the owner acquired many years ago and remains a cherished item in the home; “I really love unique pieces … I find this one really interesting,” he mused.
Positioned between two canvases above the credenza rests the ultimate cork wreath, adorned in glittering ribbons and bows, “It has at least a couple thousand corks in it, it took a while to make,” he recalled, admiring the handiwork accomplished by many friends gathering together.
Between the dining and living room, the focal point of the loft’s decor is suspended from the ceiling. Varying sizes of cork spheres give the illusion of an upside-down Christmas tree, glowing from within via thousands of twinkling lights and reflective glass ornaments. The metal structure required due consideration since each handmade cork sphere bears a hearty weight.
“I had the idea for the tree because it saves space and it’s different … it also leaves room for more presents,” he said with a laugh.
Nearby a particularly meaningful bottle sits open on a Corinthian capital side table, waiting for the companion wingback chair to be occupied beside the soft glow from the “tree.” Behind it, a recently acquired Daniel Blagg landscape painting provides a touch of color to the otherwise achromatic environment.
While most of the Christmas decor remains in the dining area, smaller, more detailed cork crafts are placed throughout the open-plan kitchen and living room. Wall-to-wall picture windows offer a clear view over downtown to the Corpus Christi Bay. An expansive down sectional and settee with plump pillows encircle one-of-a-kind furnishings like the industrial scissor lift side table, while glittering Christmas globes accent a solid bronze Remington-style sculpture atop the glass coffee table.
For this urban dweller, the Christmas holidays are particularly meaningful, and the effort put into making his decor reinforces that sentimentality. With each new cork comes great memories of quality time spent with loved ones, a concept that defines the holiday season.
