Holidays

Holidays are quickly approaching and many people have family coming to visit. So to get you ready, here are just a few things you can do to either spruce up your home or throw in some holiday cheer.

Table Centerpieces
Whether it is your dining table or your coffee table, everyone notices what is on it. If you have hurricanes, apothecary jars, or something similar, change out the filler to something festive. For Thanksgiving do fall colors using natural elements like nuts, cranberries or pine cones. For you table, use fresh flowers and/or fall colored candles.

These items are from Pottery Barn and can give you great ideas for your table, buffet, coffee table, entry or wherever!







Pillows
Fun pillows are an inexpensive way to freshen up your sofas and chairs. Choose colors that compliment your room and furniture, regardless of the holiday. For something different, try pillows with words like "family" or "love" to express your Thanksgiving spirit.

These pillows from Pottery Barn and West Elm give you an idea of how to be Thanksgiving festive..




Guest Room Bedding
With family coming to stay, this is always a good opportunity to spruce up the guest room. Get new linens, comforter, etc., even new pillows if the current ones look pretty sad. You want your guests to have slept well, not wished they had stayed in a hotel (unless you wanted them to stay somewhere else, then keep the flat, sad pillow).

These bedding options from Bed Bath and Beyond and West Elm can give your guest room a little lift...





Anytime your are hosting an event can provide the opportunity to make some changes. These quick, cost-efficient "fixes" will make you feel prepared for your guests.

Happy Thanksgiving preparation!

Balance

So much of what we do as designers is about balance. Whether it's balancing a room with furniture or a rooms color palette, balance is key. We often hear "I just need help" which is code for us that their room feels off kilter for them. How do you create balance?

Furniture

Elle Decor

Big pieces, like furniture, are the first thing. These large items are the first things you see and the first to affect you. If your furniture is too big or too small in your room, it can make the necessary empty space feel unbalanced. The same goes for too much or too little furniture. There is a harmony between the filled and unfilled spaces in every room. Plan your pieces before you buy them. One thing should not overwhelm the room. If all the furniture is on one side of the room, it can make it feel like the room is tilting.

Fabrics

House Beautiful

Too much pattern or color can throw your room off, also. There is a fine line between embracing and enjoying patterns and having an overload! As with furniture, too much pattern or color can fight for your attention and end up fighting against each other. Keep things simple with emphasis on fun pieces. And, choosing items within the same color palette allows you some wiggle room with more fun items.

Art

Pottery Barn

Art is important to any room. So many things can go astray when trying to place and hang art. Too high, too low, too far apart, to much or too little! As with furniture, a balance between filled and empty space is key. Most art should be hung with the center at eye level, unless over a large piece of furniture, such as a bed. When grouping items together, try to create a shape, so that your "unorganized" pictures actually have order.

While I enjoy and need balance, you don't have to create a mirror image of your rooms. Don't allow one side to feel "heavier" than the other... this simple idea will go a long way in balancing your room!

Until next week...