See How This Texas Home Keeps Family at the Heart of the Holidays

Text by Holly Seng

When Jody and Larry Cochran set eyes on this 1950s ranch-style home situated on a sizable corner lot in a charming neighborhood in San Antonio, Texas, they knew it was the perfect place to raise their three daughters. Now empty nesters, the Cochrans—and their two goldendoodles, Chula and Murphy—enjoy the holiday season as it brings the family back together under one roof.

Since purchasing the home 24 years ago, Jody has worked with designers to brighten the interiors and impart her love for prints and patterns. “The home itself was very dated—it needed a lot of love,” says Jody. “We’ve kind of redone every single thing in the house over the years.”

Initial changes were made with the help of San Angelo, Texas, designer Richard Round, a close friend of Jody’s late mother. Outfitting the walls of the entry, Courtalin Arabesque by Schumacher blends Jody’s affinity for pattern with her flair for traditional style as it sets a warm tone for a beige-and-muted-burgundy palette. While a pair of cheetah-print chairs imposes a more modern touch, the Rose Medallion lamp and vase Jody inherited from her mother bring an added layer of antique charm.

As far as sprucing up her décor for the holidays, Jody turns to nature as her go-to accent. “I just love bringing the outdoors in for Christmas,” says Jody of the swags of fresh greenery tucked thoughtfully throughout her home’s interiors. “You can use elements from outside that you don’t get to use any other time of year.”

In addition to boxwood wreaths and magnolia garlands, festive throw pillows infuse the living room with a jovial spirit while complementing the soothing scheme. Built-ins were added during the home’s more extensive renovation, led by designer Melissa Morgan of M Interiors, creating a cozy nook for the mocha-colored sofa. Ample seating offers plenty of spots to sit and take in the spectacular tree, decked in Old World Christmas and Christopher Radko ornaments.

While ordinarily, it would be the pink leather on the dining room chairs capturing guests’ attention, at Christmastime, it’s the sentimental collection of sterling silver ornaments that steals the show. Given to Jody’s children over the years by her godmother, the ornaments enhance the beauty of the scene as they reflect the tree’s enchanting glow.

In the breakfast room, an English hutch draped with a magnolia garland showcases other heartfelt treasures—from the verdant green majolica dishware to pieces from the Department 56 Santa Comes to Town collection Jody receives each year from her father-in-law.

Once dark and gloomy, the family room now exudes a light and airy welcome thanks to a coat of crisp-white paint on the brick fireplace and surrounding paneling. Velvet furnishings add a dash of luxury while stacks of coffee-table books hint at Jody’s love for style and reading.

Each of the bedrooms draws inspiration from a particular print—like the main bedroom’s custom drapes that serve as the room’s centerpiece, framing the picture window that overlooks the patio. From timeless toile to classic gingham, the guest rooms convey Jody’s prowess for incorporating pattern all while ensuring designs that endure.

Thanks to mild Texas winters, entertaining extends outdoors to the Cochrans’ cabana, where those gathered can draw near to the warmth of the fire. Powder blue cushions with white piping contrast with the black wicker furniture for a look that lends Southern vibes—especially when paired with chinoiserie accents. Poinsettias and topiaries adorned with red bows add a final festive flourish outside.

Through years of thoughtful renovations, the couple has created a welcoming abode that serves as the backdrop for making meaningful holiday memories. Come Christmas morning, the family assembles in front of the living room tree for perhaps their favorite tradition—a laid-back brunch featuring homemade cinnamon rolls and mimosas.