Waukesha County Home

decorations is to decorate for the entire season as opposed to a single holiday. "This doesn't mean you won't have parts that are more specific to a certain holiday, but it's easy enough to remove those things afterwards without disrupt- ing the overall design," explained Nathan Wachtl, director of sales at S.J. Janis Company. "It's a little more flexible and a little more organic." You can try this by creating a surface collection on a mantel, shelf or tabletop, Wachtl said. Start with three elements. He used the example of mercury glass vases filled with votive candles for ambi- ence. Then add some simple ornamenta- tion like a small silver deer or other fig- urine. Last, incorporate some pine cones or acorns dressed up with silver leaf throughout the display. "It creates a really beautiful and organ- ic array of color and light and ornamen- tation that has a holiday feel to it, but can easily last the season," he said. Another simple way to add holiday cheer to your home's décor is to swap out the pillows and throws on your furni- ture. "Switch them out with either a holiday print or even a fabric that is a little more 'holiday,'" said interior designer Diane Nelson of Diane Nelson Interiors. "Any- thing with shimmer or shine or even a richer texture or deeper color." This idea can even continue into the bedroom where Nelson recommended swapping the usual linens and comforter for something that is either cozier (like flannel) or more elegant (like satin). "Even something as simple as switch- ing your comforter to one that is heavier or in darker shade of the usual color, say going from a light blue to a deeper shade of blue, can make the room feel more hol- iday," she said. Another idea: Highlight your home's architectural features and focal points with a simple garland. "Garland is not limited to the main staircase," Nelson said. "Add a pine gar- land or a dried berry garland above an arched doorway or above a mirror. I've also done little touches of it on a chande- lier, places you don't really expect to find that little bit of holiday cheer." Just keep in mind that less is more. "Resist the urge to hang garland about every doorway or every mirror in your home," Nelson said. Lastly, don't forget the tree. "When it comes to the Christmas tree, you have two choices," Wachtl said. "It's either a statement piece or it's a beauti- ful accent piece that works with the rest of the home's decorations and design." Whichever you choose, don't forget about the opportunity to incorporate the presents underneath into the tree into the overall décor. "For example, you might tie in the color scheme you're using in your other decorations with the color of the wrap- ping paper," Wachtl said. For the home with a more rustic or nat- ural theme, he suggested wrapping the presents with burlap. "You could then carry that burlap over into your table runner or use as a gar- land around the tree or the mantel," Wachtl said. Whatever you choose, all the experts agree: The best design is the one that accessorizes and accents what you already have but never loses the feeling of being home for the holidays. DECEMBER 2016 HOMES PLUS 3 248830001 Sara Rae Lancaster Make your collectibles fit the season. Home decorations: Making seasons bright, reflective of your personal style, taste Continued from Page 1

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