Artist’s Holiday Retreat

by Kelly Bennett

Sue McMichael came about her artistic talents rightly.  Her father was an artist and her aunt was one of the original Disney animators.  Their work, and Sue’s, is prominently displayed in her home for the annual festive Holiday Home Tour sponsored by the Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Health Home Tour League this year. 
Sue and Byron McMichael are nine-year residents of the Belcrest home in Stevenson Ranch.  The 3,600 square foot home features five bedrooms and four baths.  The décor, described by Sue as “traditional yet eclectic” features deep wine, lime green and gold tones.  The décor is a showcase for Sue’s creative talents, which include watercolors, interior design (she owned her own business for 12 years), woodworking, hand-painted murals and quilting.  The home’s wine, lime and gold color schemes lend a unique twist to a traditional Christmas theme on the Tour.
The McMichael dining room comfortably seats eight and features antique place settings utilizing Johnson Bros.’ Churchill china pattern.  As in much of the home, Sue’s hand-painted wall mural lends subtle elegance and charm to the dining experience. 
The family room, which joins the holiday-themed kitchen, has pillows wrapped like packages, a cozy fireplace, two Christmas trees, and her unique angel collection.  Sue’s paintings – not stockings—are “hung by the chimney with care.” The dinette including a buffet is ready to receive guests for that memorable Christmas breakfast.
The holiday theme is continued throughout the first floor of this second story home, which also has a guest room, guest bath, laundry room and pantry. 
After ascending the winding staircase, complete with a striking holiday garland and Sue’s Chinese watercolors (a new passion), McMichael guests will find the game room, which, again, features a hand-painted mural.  This mural is a tribute to Route 66 and the towns and shops located on this historic highway. 
The master bedroom is awash in soothing green and tan tones which compliments the lovely Santa Clarita landscape enjoyed with the a view of the valley.  Another mural adorns the master bath, a French countryside scene inspired by Martha Stewart’s entry to her home in Connecticut. 
In addition to the game room, three additional bedrooms are located on the second story.  One room is the “Grandchildren’s Room” with pale yellow and green décor (the custom fabrics and mural are featured in the November issue of Sunset’s ideas for great baby rooms); the “Blue & White” room with a silver tea service and more of Sue’s artwork; and an office.
The McMichaels started decorating for the Home Tour in July and, not surprisingly, all holiday designing was done by Sue herself.  “I have a passion for art and decorating and I’m happy to share our home for this festive philanthropic event!”
For more information on the Holiday Home Tour, call 661-253-8051.
 

Holiday Home Tour 2009

One of the greatest parts about the holiday season is seeing the gorgeous homes lavishly decorated for the occasion!  For 28 years, the Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital Home Tour League has made it possible for residents of the community to peruse some of the most opulently adorned homes in Santa Clarita, and this year, the tour is accompanied by a festive buffet dinner at the Tournament Players Club.  Tickets for the home tour alone are $25, however for $125 a ticket, residents can also purchase a seat at the Black Tie Preview Gala on December 4, where they will get the first glimpse of the homes on display.  All of the proceeds gathered this year will go toward Henry Mayo’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).  Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the holiday season with this unique community tradition!