Whether you observe religious or family traditions, embrace the community spirit, love all things cozy and sparkly, or need to find a way to cope with the winter ahead, December design is distinctive. My approach to creating welcoming and inspirational holiday/year-end spaces is to design for all the senses.
A Vision to Behold
Use lights, colors, textures and patterns to build your unique look. Make it clean and modern with white, silver and gold twinkles, birch logs, and hints of bold color with a deep crimson throw, glass vases, fun candles, a cool bar set or awesome pillow. Or bring in all the traditional warmth and pageantry with plaids, houndstooth, bows, medium reds and greens, and larger multi-colored lights on your tree. Whatever your style, mix in family heirlooms like a manger scene, special ornaments or Hanukkah menorah for extra emotional impact.
Sugar and Spice…and Bubbles are Nice
Jars and pretty plates abundant with gingerbread and sugar cookies, warm cider and pots of hot chocolate — who doesn’t love holiday treats that bring you back to childhood? Add in a toast with a sparkling beverage for contrast, and you elevate the flavor profile and the ambience. Don’t worry about your culinary skills or budget. Luxurious chocolates, crunchy snacks, Prosecco and charcuterie elements are available everywhere from HomeGoods and Trader Joe’s to the finest bakeries and butchers!
Scent Sense
Of course, the aromas of the sweet and savory holiday foods add another layer to the spirit of the season. Cinnamon, clove and nutmeg warm. Sweet peppermint brings in freshness of the outdoors. Nuts roasting. Fruit pies baking. Irresistible smells. Beyond what’s edible, fragrant fir boughs or a Christmas tree, seasoned fireplace logs and natural candles offer additional layers of sensory appeal. Feature scents that uplift you with subtle hints or go full force!
Sleigh Bells Ring…
For a night at home or an all-out New Year’s Eve bash, music sets the tone. Search those Spotify playlists and you can find almost any style of holiday music from Bing singing “White Christmas” to any genre of vocal or instrumental interpretation. You can also find background sounds of jingle bells or other sounds to softly surround you and your guests for effect. Get sonically intricate with crackling fires, windows that are slightly ajar and crisp fabrics that can whoosh!
The Finishing Touch
Texture also enhances the vibrance of this unique season. Think velvet, taffeta, chenille, boucle, silk and all types of wool to bring warmth, comfort or fanciful elegance to you, your family or your guests. They (literally) give you a good feeling!
Embrace this strategy for seasonal home design now and for all the opportunities to explore your creative instincts, convey good tidings and energize for next year! Here’s to a beautiful and bountiful 2024!
