Tyler and Jessica Dawson, alongside interior decorator Elizabeth Yeager, transform their home into a sparkling holiday haven.
By Amanda Larch Hinchman
HQ 128 | Winter 2025
Dr. Tyler Dawson and Jessica Dawson, with help from interior designer Elizabeth Yeager, have transformed their modern French country home in Barboursville’s Knob Creek neighborhood into an elegant Christmas wonderland for the holidays.
“Elizabeth and I work together, and it’s both of our visions combined,” Jessica Dawson says. “I just love that organic feel.”
Walking into the Dawsons’ entryway, guests are immediately struck by the 12-foot Christmas tree, adorned with ribbon, light-as-a-feather shatterproof ornaments and more.
“It’s not just ornaments on her tree,” Yeager says. “It’s the faux greenery that flocks and sparkles so it’s textured and layered, and she has some beautiful, delicate ornaments that give it that final touch. It’s a really stately piece, and it doesn’t take away from anything else in the room.”
Built in 2023 by Cornerstone Builders, the 5,000-square-foot ultra-custom home has a seamless design flow, with each space uniquely themed. The main living room is filled with an elegant array of holiday decor in white, ivory and gold, lending a sophisticated air to the space. In contrast, the basement, including Tyler Dawson’s den, embraces a more traditional aesthetic, with reds and greens adding a touch of fun and whimsy.
“I wanted to go with that vibe of modern but rustic,” Jessica Dawson says. “For Christmas, we went for a very timeless, classic style. I wanted it to be modern, yet still have a traditional feel.”
Stepping outside, the deck is trimmed in a striking palette of gold, silver and a rich navy blue — a notable departure from last year’s Christmas display.
“Outside, with this beautiful, natural aesthetic and background of landscape, we’ve got frosted magnolia leaves — so it’s touches of elegance that carry, but with the woodsier feel on the porch, versus inside where it’s more upscale and formal,” Yeager says. “All the sparkles are still soft, but with everything outside, it’s really robust and pretty.”
Two additional trees adorn the deck, enhancing the festive atmosphere outdoors. Downstairs, the Dawsons’ son Lachlan helps decorate the family tree and even has a tree in his bedroom — a charming nod to his budding holiday spirit.
The home is arranged with both creativity and functionality in mind, allowing the Dawsons to swap out everyday accents in favor of festive Christmas decor in every room — including the bathrooms.
“She puts little touches on each of the console tables and little snowy greenery down the pots,” Yeager says.
In the eating area, snowy trees of different shapes, sizes and textures add a wintry charm. The staircase is draped in garland interwoven with ribbons, bows and velvet poinsettias, all carefully placed to ensure the handrail is still accessible.
“We zip-tie all of it instead of doing wires because it’s just a little more friendly to the wood,” Yeager says.
The Dawsons’ love of fireplaces is evident throughout their home, and each mantel is given a makeover for Christmas, sometimes with an asymmetrical drop, finished with large bells and pops of color throughout.
“She has all the ornaments in her store that I can go through and handpick, and they’re all gorgeous,” Jessica Dawson says. “Elizabeth has done a phenomenal job helping me with Christmas decor. I’ve always said everything she touches is perfection.”
Yeager and her team brought their holiday magic to the home last year as well and have had a hand in the home’s design process from the beginning. Elizabeth and Jessica share a longstanding friendship that has enriched their creative collaboration.
“As soon as we get our stuff out, I call her first because we’re such good friends,” Yeager says. “Even when I’m at market, I know Jessica like the back of my hand; and when we knew we were going to do Christmas, I saw things I knew she’d love. When she came to the showroom, she knew exactly what she wanted when she saw it.”
