THERE’S STILL TIME TO COMPLETE SEASONAL DECORATING PROJECTS
The weeks leading up to the holidays can be one of the busiest times of the year. With the time change, shorter daylight hours and all the planning needed to get holiday-ready, there doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day.
With six weeks to go before Christmas, now is the time to set the stage for a stylish holiday season with easy pre-holiday decorating projects that bring big impact to your rooms.
I hope these tips, from creating a focal wall to decking out the guest room, will help make your home a welcoming place these holidays. And if you’re anxious to bring on the holiday bling, don’t worry. We’ll be covering that in next week’s column.
ACHIEVABLE DECOR GOALS
If you still have some decorating to finish in your home, there are a few projects you can easily do before the holidays.
Setting achievable goals means you won’t overload your schedule in this already busy time. My advice is to concentrate on what guests will most benefit from seeing and experiencing. Leave projects they won’t notice for the new year. When deciding what to do, consider: expense (who wants major bills when you’ve got gift giving to do); the scope of the project (now is not the time for a kitchen reno, opt for easy fixes, like freshening chipped paint on door trims); and the labour required (don’t tucker yourself out, the season’s for celebrating and you need energy for friends and family).
PAINT A WALL
I’ve written it before, but it bears repeating: painting one wall in an accent colour can instantly update any room and inject major impact.
It’s so simple.
All it takes is painter’s tape, brush and roller, a can of your favourite colour and a day of your time.
Unsure about which colour to choose? Paint a focal wall in a richer, darker version of what’s already in the room to add drama without changing your colour scheme.
SLIPCOVER YOUR SOFA
Tired of that same floral-printed sofa you’ve had for what feels like a lifetime?
A slipcover is an economical and environmentally friendly way to update your furnishings without buying a new sofa.
A good slipcover will probably cost as much as an inexpensive sofa, but if you own an old but good-quality piece, a slipcover in a fabulous new fabric is a great option.
If you’re handy, try making one yourself, or have one made (make sure you leave enough time; it can take two to three weeks or more). Tip: Before sewing, preshrink your new fabric with a launder (following directions). After a few holiday parties, it will need a good washing and this way you won’t have to deal with shrinkage.
ART AND RUGS
Want to warm up your space? The quickest, easiest way is to add more art to the walls (can a room ever have enough art?) and rugs to the floor. My designer secret is to always choose a rug and art that mimic each other’s style. Love the look of black-andwhite photography?
Then add a black-and-white modern rug and the room suddenly takes on a hip modern look just by coordinating those two important accessories.
THE GUEST ROOM
The most decorating fun
I have before the holidays is to prepare my guest room, even if I’m not yet sure who will be visiting. It’s like setting a stage, and the bonus is I can take afternoon naps there and it’s like the holiday getaway, right at home.
First, remember the three must-haves for a guest room: a comfy, attractive bed (a bed skirt, headboard and ample pillows complete the look); closet space and hangers; and a privacy. This last point is especially important if your guest room does double duty as a den or office.
Then, to prep for the holidays, start with a thorough cleaning and add a few holiday decor items. I keep it simple by hanging a wreath on the inside of the guest-room door and filling a small bowl with vintage ornaments. Add some cosy flannel bedding and the room is good to go.
TIMELINE FOR TASKS
Feeling crunched for time? Here’s how to get it all done before the hustle and bustle of entertaining and celebrating.
Order everything online. Holiday ■ decor, groceries and gifts are easier than ever to order online, and you can do it on your own time, not just when stores are open.
Hire a cleaning person. Every ■
December, I treat myself to a cleaning service to do a top-tobottom clean of my house, which ensures everything is spotless before I start my holiday decorating.
Choose holiday baking favourites ■ that freeze well (think tourtière and cherry pound cakes). That way you can get this big chore done early in the season (promise not to sneak the treats!).
Do you have a decor dilemma or want to give feedback? You can contact Karl Lohnes on Facebook or Instagram at Karl Lohnes Designer, or via email at klohnesdecor@sympatico.ca. Karl has worked as a home decor specialist and product designer for 25 years. He appears Thursdays during the 8 a.m. hour on Global News Morning Montreal.