Designing for the Holidays - Design Tips by Carriann

Decorating for the holidays Can you feel that new vibe in the air? Decorations and colors of all kinds for every holiday are creeping their way into retailers. One store has up Christmas trees, the other already has lit up pumpkins on clearance and now fashion retailers are starting to promote Spring fashion! It’s a crazy time that can frantically drive someone right to Pinterest just to obtain some visuals on this madness. Even as an interior designer, I can spiral into a panicked dance like that of a squirrel trying to cross the road (and then changes his mind to dash back to the ditch). This is that time of year where we start thinking about all of the holidays that are fast approaching. And it seems that once Halloween is upon us, the ball starts rolling and our homes become the stage for gatherings, festivities, hosted parties, and tons of hungry mouths. From our dinner tables to our fireplaces, our homes become the backdrop for 4 wonderfully fun holidays – Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. And if you’re like me, you like your home to keep you, your family, your friends, and your guests in the holiday spirit! With all the craziness and hectic schedules of our lives, sometimes the simple things like sipping a hot apple cider on a Sunday afternoon, smelling the aroma of a nutmeg candle on November 21st, or hearing a crackling fireplace in the middle of December can sooth our soul like nothing else. But before you daydream of those blissful moments, let’s plan. The stage is our home and I’m happy to navigate you through the process of Decorating your Home For the Holidays! (This is a good time to set the mood by playing your favorite music in the background while you read the rest of this article. : )

Step 1 – “The Swap”

Holiday candles It’s easy to incorporate new seasonal décor but how do you avoid that cluttered look? Swap out items already in your spaces with seasonal items. Don’t just add items without subtracting others. For example, if you are decorating for Thanksgiving, swap out your current candles or centerpiece with one that is filled with Fall colors. Change out plain white candles with deep red ones or butterscotch colored candles. Swap out your everyday sofa pillows with seasonal pillows. Exchange your standard white lamp shade with a red one at Christmas, and so on. Think of ways to incorporate your theme and colors of the season and swap them out with fun, festive items!

Step 2 – “Compliment and Coordinate”

I’ve seen far too many people make the mistake of incorporating Holiday décor into their existing styles and not take their existing space into consideration. They love their holiday décor and they love their everyday décor but they don’t like when the two come together. Here’s how you avoid this common mistake … choose seasonal and Holiday décor that compliments or coordinates with your existing colors and styles. For example, if you have a modern living room that has dark blues, browns, and ivories in your color palette, don’t add the traditional red and green Christmas decorations. Consider adding all silver décor, gold décor, or even blue décor. It’s out there, trust me. Christmas colors are no longer just red and green and Thanksgiving colors are not just orange and red. While shopping, I’ve seen fun things like purple pumpkins, lime green pilgrim statues, and even a solid orange Santa Claus! Take some time, shop wisely, and you will find just what your space needs to compliment your existing style.

Step 3 – “Quality Over Quantity”

Our homes can start looking more like we are having an indoor garage sale than celebrating the current holiday. Your home will look like your hired a Designer when you keep things simple and choose your holiday décor wisely. I’d rather see a huge holiday wreath over your mantle filled with quality gourds, tasteful colors, and a unique flare to it (and that’s ALL), than a living room that’s filled with 25-20 small items crammed on to every end table, coffee table, and hanging from the ceiling with colored string. This is a time where less is more. Invest in a great holiday accent item that makes a statement. Thick outdoor garland with ample amounts of lights on it streaming around your front doorway with a natural pine wreath will look far nicer than a front porch that has so many plastic blown up holiday creatures you can barely stand on the porch with them. Save the front lawn for that, it has more room!

Step 4 – “Don’t Forget Those Shades!”

I’m not talking sunglasses here. Take a moment and pause … and think of that busted cord, the discolored shade, the blind that no longer works, the window covering that you despise but have been putting off its replacement … what about that window covering that doesn’t block that nasty winter draft? You know who you are and yes, I’m talking to you! Hasn’t it been long enough? It’s time to take some action. I’ve already done some of the work for you. When that time comes that you’re sitting in your living room celebrating the holidays, you’ll thank me as you gaze upon your windows and can’t take your eyes off the gift that you purchased for your home … WINDOW COVERINGS! Here are some of my recommendations for great windows shades for this time of year. Not only do they provide an insulating component and help with those nasty drafts, but they look fabulous!

Wood Alloy Shades

Wood alloy shades add warmth Not only do wood alloy shades add richness and elegance to your space, but the fit just about any style! These are great for a variety of styles such as Traditional, Coastal themes, Modern, and even Cottage Style. The thickness of each wood slat provides the perfect barrier for any drafts. The S-Curve option adds a new dimension and an elegant look to the blind. The no holes privacy option is also available on these wood alternative blinds.

Love this Blind? It’s the 2″ Wood Allow Blind from the @Home Collection by Carriann Johnson in color “Rocky Mountain Maple” …

Get these wood alloy shades at selectblinds.com now

Designer Screens

Stylish designer screens These stylish window shades will compliment any space! I promise you won’t regret selecting these in your home. These shades gently filter sun light providing UV protection and minimizing glare while maintaining your view outside. They also allow the beauty of all Seasons to be seen, even when they are lowered. These are perfect for styles such as Coastal, Modern, and transitional. Ideal for living rooms, theatre rooms, bathrooms, and bedrooms.