By Smarty Interior Designer, Lauren Clement of Lauren Nicole Designs and Lila HOME
Traditions. Ornaments. Cookies. Stockings. Wreaths. Candles. Cinnamon. Garland. Oh My! The scents and style of Christmas all combine to create one of our most celebrated holidays. And the efforts that we all go through to create our own Christmas ‘feel’ in our homes is so special to each of us for different reasons.
Whether you put up one tree, or 12 like one of our clients, or you like to put a wreath on every window or just your front door, or if you like to deck out your mantle or create a simple stocking display, Christmas will transform your home.
Hopefully you have your décor up early in December to enjoy it all month long but not all of us are quite that organized! So when December 25th comes and goes and it is time to take down the tree, the stockings, the wreaths and the garland, your home might feel empty or unfinished. Instead of looking at what has gone missing, I like to focus on this situation as an opportunity. A chance to modify or improve upon your pre-Christmas décor.
You may see an opportunity to simply rearrange your furniture. Maybe you moved your great room furniture around to accommodate your tree? Once the tree, and the presents, are all gone, try placing your sofa and chairs differently to test out a new look. Always keep the flow of traffic in mind but do not be afraid to float your furniture. Pulling your sofa and/or chairs away from your walls and into the middle of the room can open it up and breathe new life into a space.
Does your mantle feel a bit naked now? Do not fret! Mantles are a great opportunity to make a statement. Try out some tall candlesticks or lanterns on either side. Remember that accessories like to be grouped in odd numbers but also try to push the envelope when it comes to symmetry. Everything does not have to match perfectly. The important thing is to create a kind of ‘flow’ amongst your accessories. And if you are lucky enough not to have to have your TV above your mantle then you have the opportunity to make a statement with a FAB mirror or piece of art. My best advice here: don’t be afraid to go BIGGER than you think!
Your Holiday décor is no doubt full of greenery, which is a key element of any successful interior design plan. So how do you get the natural effect once your tree and garland are gone? Consider a preserved boxwood topiary or a large floor plant to liven up a space. I also often use moss spheres as fillers in a bowl or tray that are always a nice pop of fresh in a room. And if you are entertaining or are just looking for a pick me up, a floral arrangement is always the icing on the cake…..and it does not have to be real! There are some amazing faux floral arrangements that will last for years to come and will always look fresh!
This time of year may also inspire you to accomplish other home décor projects such as window treatments, the ultimate finishing touch of a room, or new upholstered furniture, area rugs or lighting. If so, just remember to make a priority list of your wants and needs and then set out to make a plan. And that is where I can help! Having a plan to work on at your own pace makes decorating fun AND easy!
Sit back, relax, rest up from the Holiday rush and Watch Beautiful Happen!
1 comment
Great advice as I always hate taking down decorations. The house seems ro feel so bare. I am going to look at this as an opportunity to make changes. Thanks!