Designer Lisa Kooistra
Like many, I adore the holiday season. Decorating your home for the holidays can be tricky – like there isn’t enough going on already at this busy time of year. We find ourselves caught up in all the nostalgia and excitement of the season; thus, it’s easy to go overboard in the décor department. But resist the urge to overdo it with “festive flair” this year. It is possible to holiday at home, all while keeping it classy. Here are some tips to help you decorate like a designer this winter.
1. Choose a theme & scheme.
Choose a colour scheme and décor theme, and stick to it. Unfortunately, this can be challenging since people like myself often collect and inherit décor and ornaments through the years. You don’t have to display everything all at once. Choose your colour scheme for the season – a classic red and green, a contemporary silver and gold, or a contemporary colour combination. Choose, and then stay consistent.
TIP: When you select a theme and scheme, please consider your existing decor. Most of your furnishings will stay in place, so your positive choices should complement a seamless seasonal style transition.
2. Be subtle.
When it comes to interior décor, I’m a big proponent of the less is more motto. This goes double for holiday décor, which can sometimes be bold or border on brash. Incorporating festive pieces in small doses, layered among your existing décor, will keep it seasonal but subtle. Just remember to follow the “one in, one out” rule: for every new piece introduced, remove one, to avoid overcrowding.
3. Lean into nature.
Fresh evergreens are a perfect way to carry the seasonal theme throughout the home, so go green in faux or real garlands, swags, bunches and balls. A lovely and natural complement is natural wood, such as wood bowls and candle holders.
4. Get cozy.
This trend is admittedly more seasonal than “holiday,” but a few cozy additions can really crank up the cozy factor in a home. Layered pillows, heavier throws, and area rugs underfoot all contribute to that cocoon effect. Look for lush, plush-weighted fabrics and textures like velvets and corduroy wool faux fur. Be sure to stay within your chosen decorating theme and colour palette.
5. Light it up.
As a designer, I can attest that lighting is essential in warming up your space, even if only in visual terms. Could you lay your lighting with a combination of ambient lighting and lamps? Warm-coloured light bulbs and dimmers do wonders for ambiance! A flickering fireplace or candles are great, but in their absence, strings of white lights are a great alternative. Could you add some metallic or reflective elements to your display to amplify the light?
6. Hit every room.
Aside from the customary areas of festive focus, such as a garland-wrapped banister, candle-clad fireplace mantel and the dining table centrepiece, don’t forget to add a touch of the season into unconventional areas, like the mudroom, bathrooms, bedroom and front entrance. Home-made crafts and ornaments make for charming and economical additions, apply them in small doses.
There’s no denying that decorating for the holidays is an undertaking, but it doesn’t have to be complicated, and it’s certainly worth the effort. Be sure to find joy throughout the process. Decorating with family, cooking and crafting with friends, and enjoying the festivities with loved ones are how memories are made. Happy Decorating!
Lisa Kooistra is the Creative Director and Principal Designer for Lisa Kooistra Design.
This multi-disciplinary sought-after GTA design firm has become known for creating exceptional well-curated interiors, and custom builds. www.lkdesigns.ca @lisakooistradesigns
