Mark Justice's Robinson Ranch home is shared with daughter Molly and dog Cooper, but come mid November, you'd think that he also housed a handful of Santa's elves.

Nearly every room is touched by holiday brilliance, with woodsy shades made elegant with rich gold and copper accents. Still, the look supports the casual California lifestyle so important to the homeowner. "I'm not a very formal guy. I want to be able to put my feet up on the table," says Justice.

When the holidays arrive, so too do Christmas pros who help the homeowner craft a festive design in nearly every room. It's well worth the effort, especially to Justice. "My favorite time of year is between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The decorations go up in the middle of November and they don't come down until around the middle of January. I love to look at them," says the homeowner. "This is the time of year when we can better focus on family, spirituality... I want my home to be as warm and inviting as possible, so that people can come over as they are and enjoy every moment."

And at the Justice home, those moments are extended beyond the turn of the calendar. "Everyone is so busy during the holidays. That's why I host an 'after the holidays holiday party' in mid January. We get together and can really relax without the pressures and commitments that lead up to New Year's."

Holiday guests are treated to the sight of stunningly-dressed trees (Including one hanging from the ceiling.), nativity displays and greenery-topped mantels. Even ceiling lamps play a role, illuminating the glittering garlands that wrap around their fixtures.

Of course, there's no shortage of reasons to drop in anytime of year. Besides the affable host, the home boasts one-of-a-kind details like an ornate carved-wood buffet and even a master bed made from a singular piece of twisted tree. "I like things that are very unique," says Justice. "Some of my favorite pieces are very different and I've had them for years. It's less, 'This is the perfect spot for that!' and more, 'We need to find a spot for that!' They've moved around with me."


ABOVE: The formal living room really is anything but. "This is a very comfortable space," says the homeowner. "You can kick your feet up in here." The "upside down" tree epitomizes this philosophy, turning tradition on its head. The room's remarkable mirror and torchiere was procured from Douglas Furniture.


ABOVE: Leather accents and a brightly-dressed tree provide balance in the cozy family room. The coffee table was selected from Douglas Furniture.


ABOVE: The 10-foot tree in the entryway flanks the dramatic maple staircase.The formal dining room sees little use compared to the home's expansive backyard, which is more befitting of the homeowner's casual California lifestyle. Two oversized nutcrackers tirelessly hold their posts, welcoming guests to the festive home.


ABOVE: The masculine master bedroom's focal point comes courtesy of the dramatic bed, made from a single piece of twisted wood. The one-of-a-kind element fulfills the homeowner's affection for pieces that are distinctive and entirely unique. The master's sitting room is anchored by a coordinating buffet, dresser, and mirror from Douglas Furniture. Landscape art and a festive miniature tree add a dash of color to the otherwise neutral space. A plasma screen television nearly disappears from sight as the eye is drawn to a impressively-dressed holiday mantel.


ABOVE: A sizeable nativity collection rests atop built-in cabinets. "I've had this hand-carved piece for years," says Justice. "It's one of my favorite pieces," he says, of the memorable table that sits adjacent to the home office.