We hope you're having a happy holiday season and that you enjoy the post we've got for you below!
‘Tis the season for giving! And we decided we certainly wanted to give to you, so we pulled out a very special trump card and are featuring an excellent article written by Erik Braunitzer of Douglas Elliman Real Estate Company, Agents for New York City Rentals. We hope you enjoy the piece, and thank you, Erik, for your great contribution!
Making Your Home Beautiful for the Holidays
If you’ve become bored with the same old routine of dragging out old decorations every winter and putting them up in the same manner that you’ve done for years, it’s time to come up with a new plan. Holiday decor shouldn’t be dull and monotonous! Liven up your home this holiday season by creating beautiful and tasteful designs that reflect you and your family.
1) Take stock of what you already have. Bring out the old decorations and evaluate their true worth and appeal. If you have an ornament that is a family heirloom, for instance, hold onto it. Do the same for decorations that have sentimental value, such as the centerpiece that your little one made years ago. If you have decorations that don’t really thrill you and have no special meaning, weed them out of your collection and donate them to your local thrift store.
A great example of using interesting and off-season colors to make a statement during the holidays!
2) Consider a holiday color scheme. Of course, the traditional Christmas colors may be red and green, but that doesn’t mean that you have to use them. Think about which colors really please you and which tones complement the existing color scheme of your home. Decide on one or two related shades and mix these colors with a neutral cream or a shiny metallic tone. If your den primarily consists of neutral shades of tan and white, pull together decorations that feature a darker and a lighter shade of deep burgundy or wine, then add gold accent pieces, such as bows or garland, to give the theme a pop of pizzazz.
3) Small details make a big difference. These details don’t have to break the bank either. For instance, walk around outside and gather some pine cones, holly branches or other plants that remind you of the Christmas season. Mix your collection in a large glass bowl and use it as a centerpiece. Replace your existing Christmas lights with ones that twinkle or blink on and off. Some home stores even offer money off of your lights purchase if you bring in your old lights. Add a few jewel toned throw pillows to your furniture that reflect the colors of your Christmas decor. Light some inexpensive scented candles and play some Christmas tunes to add to the festive atmosphere of your home.
4) Explore the unexpected. For example, rather than lugging one huge Christmas tree into your home, place three to five small, live trees at various locations in your house and spread the old decorations among them. Make it an event for family and friends! If you have a family gathering , divide the group into smaller teams of two to four people and give each team a small tree and a bag full of decorations. You could even let your guests get creative with art supplies! You’ll end up with unique, customized decorations that remind you of a specific, festive event.
Avoid the stress of trying to make your home look like some cookie-cutter version of a Christmas postcard this holiday season. Instead, use fresh ways of decorating your surroundings with your old favorites and new artistic vision!
The last step? Enjoy the holidays in a home that truly feels like your own.
-Erik Braunitzer of Douglas Elliman Real Estate Company, Agents for New York City Rentals.
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