Ask the Designer

Sandy,

We have been in our house for a few years now and we loved everything you did for us when helping design our home. I love to entertain, especially during the holidays and I would love to have your input on decorations that we could add to make our home more festive and inviting during this wonderful time of the year. Thanks so much, Missy Gibson

Missy,

So good to hear from you and know that all of you are well and enjoying your home. Of course I would love to give you some ideas! With such an active family and social life you do have a lot of people in your home and so creating themes in different areas seems like an interesting way to go. So many times we start our holiday decorating with one color scheme and tend to take it all the way through the house but let’s step out there and have some fun. One thing to remember about your house is that the ceilings are very tall and the areas are very open so we need to think BIG in all that we do. Speaking of big, your front entry doors are tailor made for impressive detailing. A modern approach to the “wreath” is the long and opulent swag and staying in neutral shades just sets the tone of what is to come upon entering, actually allowing your first glimpse inside to be a “WOW!” Your entry is open and lends itself towards a more elegant approach. We selected classic, timeless furnishings and fabrics and they are easy for us to work with and even add a pop of color. For instance, in your rugs and in some of the fabrics there is a muted

blue that we can play off of by bringing in a brighter, more “today” version of blue. In keeping with the elegant surroundings we will use golds, silvers and let’s do angels! The angels on the tree will be showy but I think we go more dramatic with our entry chest angels. They will be heavenly. Your elegant staircase and dining room will also be in the angel theme. These colors and finishes will only enhance your home furnishings. Note how the blue is a central focus of the dining room art.

Now, off to the great room – stay fun and traditional in your colors of Christmas since this is where you gather most with family. Love the “Santa Stop Here” sign. This room will bring major smiles to all that enter. The energy of these colors and materials is boundless. The mantle will be in the same vein and add big pops of color with the stockings. You bet Santa’s going to stop here. I think it would be great fun if we let the kids create their own design theme for their rooms. Just think Candy Land. Okay, we have decked the halls and it’s time to curl up in front of the fire and watch your favorite holiday movie, and naturally that means something decadent to enjoy. Sending love, peace and happiness to all and to all a good night.