Holiday Decorating
5. December 2007 by Parker.
Here is the article I just finished writing for this week’s Rockdale Citizen column:
Every year we go through the same holiday routine from the previous year: Locate unlabeled boxes in attic, unpack the plethora of mismatched decorations, find a home for them for the month of December, and viola, you’re done. Your home has officially been decorated for the 2007 holiday season. Congrats. Or should I say, “Whoa there Rudolph!” Just like Santa relies on his 8 trusty reindeer, you too should rely on these 8 quick design tips that may help you purge some of your old festoons and trade them in for a cohesive new style.
Formality: Decide whether or not you want a tree adorned with ornaments that your kids made when they were three OR a tree with a gorgeous velvet skirt and matching accessories that looks like it jumped right out of a catalog and into your living room.
Colors: Choosing a color scheme used to be limited to the basics of red and green but has since grown into an entire rainbow of colors. The best way to select a color scheme is to look at the items you already own and want to utilize in your holiday décor. If your living room is blue and white, try an elegant blue, silver icicle theme or a playful red and white candy cane theme for the family den.
Sizes: Alternate the sizes of all elements in your décor by combining small, medium, and large variations of everything. This is not limited to just ornaments; try gradual heights of pillars, varying light strands, or garlands in different thicknesses. Even precariously stacking presents wrapped in colorful papers and bows can become a decoration all in itself.
Textures: Don’t get so caught up in everything matching that you forget to add texture to your holiday décor. Use crystals and mirrors to reflect light, matte and shiny ornaments, velvet and knit stockings, pine cones and twig branches, and more!
Themes: Some people are so fond of certain items that they cannot get enough of them into their collection. If you are one of these people, a theme is a very easy decision. However, if you do not have the collectibles gene in your body, do not feel forced to choose a theme. Stick with complimentary colors and alternating textures to build your fluid space. And, for those of you that have 50 Santas or Snowmen, make sure you spread them out throughout the home and add other elements, like garlands, to break up the groupings.
Repetition: Consistency is the key to making any home look like a professional decorated it. So if you find a ribbon that you love, make sure you purchase enough of it to decorate all the rooms that get adorned. Likewise, use the same color palette throughout the home or gradually change it from room to room.
Numbers: Twos or threes have always been a matter of preference. People either want symmetry with two of everything or threes in varying colors and/ or heights. Just remember that symmetry implies a more formal atmosphere, whereas, odd numbers creates a relaxed, pleasing environment.
Patterns: Try to keep the use of patterns to a minimum. The basic rule of design includes coordinating a large pattern with a medium pattern and finishing it off with a solid or small stripe. Keep this in mind when purchasing items like ribbons, pillows, tablecloths, stockings, and even ornaments.
So now it’s time to pull all those dusty boxes from the attic and hit the stores looking for accessories that will tie them all together and create an inviting holiday space. And remember that you do not need to spend a fortune for your home to look fabulous for the season. Good Luck and Happy Holidays!
And, of course, picture is included of a house I just finished decorating last weekend.
