Making Your House Your Home – December 2014/January 2015

Having just spent almost a month in France and Italy, I can definitely say that I have a new appreciation for opulent decorating and also for simple decorating. Sounds confusing, doesn’t it?

Let me explain. The beauty and magnificence of the many gorgeous, over-the-top castles, palaces, churches, duomos, sculptures, fountains, mosaic floors, marble columns and chandeliers that we enjoyed seeing can become a bit overwhelming on a day-to-day basis in one’s home. As elaborate and beautiful as they are, most people would select a simpler and more affordable style of decorating with less fuss and less maintenance within their homes.

This time of the year, however, even the simplest of styles can be embellished with Christmas décor and not seem out of place.

Whether your look is traditional (warm and cozy) woodsy (neutral browns, muted greens and creams) a more glamourous look (shiny, mirrored items) a colorful whimsical look (bright pinks, greens and blues) or one of many other ideas for decorating to fit your personality and lifestyle; this holiday season, I recommend being consistent.

A consistent look within a space is a very important factor in making your decorating a success. Can’t decide on a look? You love them all? I suggest choosing a different room or area for each different look instead of jumbling them all together in the same area.

If your dining area and living spaces open to your kitchen area, keep these spaces somewhat color coordinated. You will have a much more cohesive, calming and put-together feel if you choose one look or color scheme. That doesn’t mean it has to be boring and all “matchy- matchy.” Introduce different ribbons, ornaments, objects or garland on your dining room table and something different on your fireplace mantle and your kitchen area that coordinates with your Christmas tree as long as they are in the same “family” of color or feel. Try to avoid doing your kitchen in a bright turquoise blue and lime green and your dining table in a muted red and green theme if your Christmas tree is done in a silver and gold theme. Get the idea? Consistency will make a huge WOW factor and you will be more pleased with your finished results.

If you don’t do a lot of decorating and prefer a simpler style, that’s okay, too…just be consistent with it. One well-placed and planned-out area will make more of a statement than many areas with a combination of “stuff” thrown into them.

If you choose to go as opulent as those palaces I saw in Europe, go for it! This is the time of the year when “too much” really isn’t too much!

Most of all, enjoy your family and friends this Christmas season and if we can help you to “make your house your Holiday Home,” please visit us or give us a call.

Merry Christmas from all of us at Eleglance Home Décor in Jacksoville!