This grand home in Brighton Heights has endured more than a century of Pittsburgh winters. When you step inside, there’s a love letter to the city’s Christmas traditions of the past. It’s a Christmas special episode of Feeling Nebby with Houses of Pittsburgh: We’re exploring Jon Ebeck and Ray Carter’s North Side home. Built in 1892, the house went through major renovations in the 1990s. The couple has embraced the resulting mix of styles, honoring the home’s history through the decades. At Christmas, that is more evident than ever with decorations that evoke the Victorian era alongside nostalgic pieces from more recent celebrations. The living room features a re-creation of the beloved Downtown Pittsburgh department store, The Joseph Horne Co. A vintage Sputnik chandelier hangs from the ceiling with garland flanking the sides — an homage to the store that became a landmark during its 145-year history on the corner of Penn Avenue and Stanwix Street. The room also includes several prints from artist Linda Barnicott featuring the Horne’s Christmas tree plus the Kaufmann’s clock and window displays. Photo from Horne’s department store courtesy of Senator John Heinz History Center. Another moment of nostalgia appears in the couple’s entertaining space. Once a parlor when the home was built, the front living space now houses a full bar installed during that ’90s renovation. The couple has put it to good use hosting parties with friends and family. The holiday decor here is inspired by Maurice Sendak’s production of “The Nutcracker.” The space is filled with whimsical details, including a train set that sends little puffs of smoke into the air, an ornate gilded mantel clock and even a poster of the room’s inspiration, the Pacific Northwest Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker.” For Jon, the goal is timelessness. He wants Christmas here to feel nostalgic, the way it did when his mom and grandmother carefully transformed their homes for the season. That sentiment shows up in the living room’s fireplace, where garland is adorned with his late grandmother’s pin collection. It’s a beautiful moment of remembrance, leaning toward family rather than trendiness. The post Feeling Nebby: Re-creating Horne’s department store in a Brighton Heights home appeared first on NEXTpittsburgh. ...read more read less