We are continuing our Holiday Tastemaker series today with Content Creator and Boutique Owner, Kyong Millar. Kyong collaborated with our Creative Director and Artist, Lucy Young, to create a stunning collection of cards, stationery, and more as part of our Maison de Frédéric Collection.
Kyong is based in Salt Lake City where she owns and operates her women’s clothing boutique, Koo De Ker. When she’s not traveling the world and sourcing fabulous pieces for her customers, she and her husband spend time in their newly remodeled, charming home in the South of France, Maison de Frédéric, which is now available to rent.
When creating the artwork for the collection, Lucy pulled so much of her inspiration from Kyong’s French residence. “Kyong masterfully layers pattern and texture, and I wanted to make sure to incorporate that into her paper suite,” said Lucy.
From florals, to gingham, to stripes – the medley of patterns found throughout Maison de Frédéric are showcased on each card in Kyong’s collection. The finished collection radiates the warmth and elegance of the inviting home Kyong created in Provence.
“Kyong provided me with a wonderful palette to use for inspiration, and she was such a delight to collaborate with on this collection of cards. I love how it all turned out!” said Lucy.
Continue scrolling for a preview of Kyong’s holiday tastemaker collection as well as our Q&A with her.
You can shop the entire Kyong Millar Tastemaker Collection on our website.
Kyong’s Holiday Q&A
What was the inspiration behind your holiday suite?
My love of the south of France, and our home Maison de Frédéric. I was inspired by all the beautiful textiles we used.
What was the process like designing your holiday suite with the Dogwood Hill team? What was your favorite part about the process?
It was like Lucy Young read my mind. She immediately understood a Provençal Christmas and was able to translate that into her beautiful illustrations. It was exactly what I had envisioned.
What do you love most about the holiday season?
Spending time with family and friends. We love to host holiday dinner parties. It’s such a festive time of year.
What is your favorite tradition?
We always spend Christmas Eve with my family, and open presents on the 24th. Now that we have two nieces and a nephew, the holidays are even more special.
What is your most memorable holiday and why?
I would say the first holiday after we renovated our home in Salt lake City. It was a dream to finally have a house of our own to decorate.
If you had to pick one holiday movie to use as inspiration to decorate your own house, what would it be?
Grahams’s house in The Holiday! Runner up would be Iris’ Cotswolds cottage.
What is your favorite holiday song?
“Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas”
What is your go-to holiday hostess gift?
A Christmas ornament
What kind of holiday shopper are you – Black Friday, Christmas Eve or year long stasher?
Year long stasher. Since we travel so much, I love to collect gifts throughout the year.
What brings you a sense of calm during the busy holiday season?
I love the time between Christmas and New year. No urgent emails to attend to, most people are out of office and I can finally exhale.
Are you team real tree or faux tree?
Faux. I put our tree up so early that a real tree would never survive.
Are you team white lights or colored whites?
Classic white lights please.
What is your favorite holiday recipe? Would you be open to sharing?
White Chocolate Chip Ginger Snaps
Is there one holiday entertaining hack or secret you can share?
I’ve hosted a few parties where I just do appetizers & dessert. It’s a lot less stressful and everything can be served at room temperature.
Who is your dream holiday party guest?
Ina Garten of course.
What are you most thankful for this year?
My family and our health.
What is one item on your wishlist this holiday season? I have everything I need. I’m looking forward to the day when my whole family can visit me at our home in France