Mally Skok Design Profile in Boston Common Modern Luxury | Interiors

Home for the Holidays

Mally Skok shares her seasonal design tips.

Mally Skok works to bring global perspective to all of her designs.

by Matt Juul | published in Boston Common Modern Luxury | December 2019 issue. Digital Publication

As a native of South Africa who spent time in London before heading to the Hub, Mally Skok brings a global approach to her work as an interior designer. Through her eponymous, Boston-based firm, Skok inspires others to create elegant spaces with a twist of fun. Here are her tips for spicing things up for the holidays.

What are some simple ways to elevate holiday decor?

The smell of pine is so beautiful in your house—wind natural pine around your banister and just let that smell infuse the house. I love berries and nuts and scattering them over the table, making it feel festive but real at the same time. And, of course, fairy lights—you can wind them through anything and it instantly feels like a party.

Any trends you’re noticing?

Small white pumpkins and beautiful white lilies. Keep it real and make it feel like you’ve made the effort to make everyone feel like this is your gift around the table.

What other elements are important?

Lighting. Keep the lights low enough so people can see their food, but it creates a cozier atmosphere to have your lamps on, but not overhead lights. Also, it’s my favorite thing to offer drinks at the front door, something cheerful so people don’t stand around for 10 minutes and not know what to do with themselves.