Holiday Tastemaker: Caroline Gidiere

We are excited to feature our next Holiday Tastemaker, Caroline Gidiere. Caroline is an acclaimed interior designer based in Birmingham, Alabama. Caroline’s design aesthetic is a modern take on traditional interiors, using beautiful pieces and classic textiles to create interiors that are fresh and timeless. Caroline has developed her eye for design over a lifetime, from attending school in Paris where she studied architecture, art, and literature, to extensive travels throughout the European continent. Caroline is known for designing beautiful interiors that reflect both her keen eye for style and her clients’ personalities.

Caroline participated in the 2021 Kips Bay Show House in Dallas and Veranda named her as one of six “2021 Next Legends.” And, Caroline and her work have been featured in the pages and digital content of Veranda, House Beautiful, Luxe Interiors + Design, Flower, Southern Living, and Schumacher/Frederic.

Dogwood Hill artist Shanna Masters created the stunning artwork for Caroline’s holiday tastemaker collection entitled Salisbury. Shanna has an interior design background and is a long-time admirer of Caroline’s work, so the collaboration was a dream for her. “I wanted Caroline’s beautiful design aesthetic to shine, with nods to wallpaper, textiles and her iconic house to be found throughout. Her gorgeous Christmas tree and the paperwhites she uses for her holiday decor have prominent placement and make all the pieces feel warm and inviting.” You can shop Caroline’s entire tastemaker collection on our website.

We have included a peek at Caroline’s Salisbury collection below as well as our holiday Q&A with her. Also, be sure not to miss some of Caroline’s beautiful interior design work at the bottom of the post!

What was the inspiration behind your holiday suite?

I looked to the things that I love most about the Holidays and the way I like to decorate my home and to get in the Holiday spirit! In the South, we all love a bowl of Paperwhites or oranges around the Holidays, don’t we? And, for me, nothing really says Christmas more than a decorated Christmas tree, glittering with lights and surrounded by wrapped packages. Also, I am a fool for dark green and red in any season, but especially Christmas. I thought a Christmas-y ikat would be a pattern I could return to again and again and again for cards and invitations!

What was the process like designing your holiday suite with the Dogwood Hill team?

I went into my photo archives for images of my own home at Christmas and flipped through magazines and books for inspiration for finishing details. I sent these to the Dogwood Hill team who, in turn, sent them on to Shanna Masters, whose work I have been a huge fan of for forever! Shanna then used those images as inspiration for her own watercolors. In the end, I was really blown away with Shanna’s beautiful art and the lengths Dogwood Hill went to assure my vision was conceived just as I imagined it!! I am so proud of what we have created together!

What do you love most about the holiday season?

The parties, festivities and, of course, the decorations!!!

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

My favorite holiday tradition is going to church midday on Christmas Eve and then having a small group of our closest friends over for a big dinner before we tuck in for a long winter’s nap and the hope that Santa will slip down the chimney in the still of night!!

What is your favorite holiday song?

All I Want For Christmas by the queen of Christmas, herself, Ms. Mariah Carey!!

What (if anything) brings you a sense of calm during the busy holiday season?

A cup of hot tea in the evening by the fireplace. No better way/place to center myself!

Are you team real tree or faux tree?

Always real!

Are you team white lights or colored lights?

White and literally millions of lights!! The more the better!!!