The holiday season is upon us, so this week, we asked five designers—William Clukies, Bradley Hüsemann-Odom, Aymee Kulhman, Shelley McIlroy and Jessica Risko Smith—to share how they make their clients’ festive season more joyful.
Love From Afar
“This is the hard part about living in one state, having projects in another, and clients in another. We don’t get to do the ‘with’ part, unfortunately. Instead, we opt for cards and gifts. Last year, we sent custom-scented candles in a marble box. I can’t tell you what we’re doing this year and spoil the surprise!” —Aymee Kuhlman, Light and Dwell, Corvallis, Oregon
Tailored Approach
“Many of our clients ultimately become friends—there’s a natural intimacy that forms when you help shape the way someone lives—but we’re also thoughtful about honoring that fine line between friendship and professionalism. During the holidays, we focus on gifts that feel considered and deeply personal rather than sweeping, one-size-fits-all gestures. For example, one design-savvy client who devours shelter magazines and podcasts received a subscription to The World of Interiors—a small but meaningful way of saying, ‘We see you, and we know what inspires you.’ We try to tailor each gift to the individual so the gesture feels unexpected, sincere and truly theirs.” —Bradley Hüsemann-Odom, Studio Dixon Rye, Atlanta
Giving Back
“Our gift to clients has been a donation to a charity organization for some time now. To celebrate this, we look to select charities that have significance for the times and send a custom holiday card. We hold an internal competition for the design every year, and the best ideas get developed with our longtime collaborator, [graphic designer] Tina Gianesini. It has become a tradition, and clients even tell us they collect the cards!” —William Clukies, MR Architecture + Decor, New York
Artisan-Made With Love
“I love celebrating the holidays with my clients by hand-delivering, whenever possible, a beautifully wrapped gift accompanied by a handwritten note. It’s a small but meaningful way to express gratitude and nurture the relationships that make my work so fulfilling. I’m especially fortunate to have dear friends who are artisans, and I take great joy in supporting their craft whenever I can. This year, my gift of choice is a set of elegant dinner napkins—scalloped, finished with intricate stitching, and personalized with each client’s monogram in a color that reflects their unique vibe. Thoughtful, timeless and personal, it’s a gesture designed to be both used and treasured long after the holidays have passed.” —Shelley McIlroy, Shelley McIlroy Design, Pittsburgh
Eat, Drink and Be Merry
“We like to thank our clients for their collaboration and support with a gift of food and wine to enjoy during the holidays as they spend time at home. We also support our local businesses, so we deliver a specialty cheese box from our local cheese shop (complete with snacks and wine) or a customized gift basket with our favorite finds: small-batch wine, coffee beans, olive oils, vinegars and gourmet dog treats.” —Jessica Risko Smith, JRS ID, Santa Barbara
