I love to decorate for the holidays! There is nothing like coming home or walking into your office and feeling festive. But, how do you walk the fine line of tasteful to make sure that you won’t want to hose down everything on December 26th?
One of my favorite ways of decorating is to bring a little glitz and glamour to your space. Adding greenery (live if possible) is a wonderful way to bring in some natural color into your space. I always love a beautifully decorated mantle with some fresh greenery, white lights and wonderful accessories. Candle holders of different heights will create visual interest and charm. If you are looking for a clean and classic look, go with all white and add in your favorite accent color. Purple is always a regal, majestic accent and by just adding a few shiny ornaments carefully placed among the greenery, you can create some drama. Wreaths above the mantle are always beautiful. Don’t feel like you have to decorate the whole wreath. A spectacular velvet bow can really make a splash. If your mantle already has a mirror above it, just add the wreath to the front of it. The reflective quality of the mirror will enhance the whole look.
Don’t feel like you have to go out and buy everything new! As a designer, when I am accessorizing a home, I always ask my clients this one simple question. “Where are your treasures?” You would be surprised to see what you already have. Most of us get used to seeing items where we place them. And if you have those one’s and two’s that used to be part of a set – holiday decorating is the best time to pull them out and create a new landscape with them!
If you are decorating your office, why not buy some of the small Christmas Trees you can find in your local market. I love to bring in several sizes (again, varying the height on each piece will create more visual interest) and place them in the lobby or in each office. Remember to think more seasonal than a one day event. With fresh greenery, you will be able to keep it in your office throughout January (the blandest month of all!). Poinsettias are beautiful for an office as well (I’m a little more careful about those in homes with pets). There is such a fantastic variety of colors and sizes available for these. Grouping 3 together – mix and match size and color can be very festive.
Decorators tip*: When grouping items together you have heard me talk about varying heights – Always accessorize with odd number of items: 3’s and 5’s work very well. The one exception is when you are creating a very traditional look. This style works better when using a symmetrical layout.
Above all, have fun! Don’t strive for perfect. Make your home a reflection of you and your family. And above all…love to come home.
By: Deborah Carducci, Interior Design enterprise expert.
Deborah J. Carducci is the President of Carducci Design Group, Inc. a full service interior design firm based in Natick, Massachusetts. Ms. Carducci started her business in 1994 as the owner of DesignBlenders specializing in window treatments. In 2007 she incorporated the business and renamed it Carducci Design Group, Inc. to reflect the journey of interior design into the full service firm it is today. In 2008 Ms. Carducci created and developed “Villa Lusso”, a product line based on her passion for Italy and its simple pleasures. The line currently includes soy candles, body products and luxurious imported linens from Italy.
Ms. Carducci has taught interior design at several adult education programs: Keefe Tech, Framingham; Natick Adult Education; Dover Sherborn. She has also lectured at the Boston Home Show.
For more information on Deborah and her company, visit Carducci Design Group.