In the winter months, it’s even more important to create a homey, warm space for family and guests. What is your top advice for designing an inviting living space?
Cold winter days and nights are best enjoyed in front of a fireplace with down-filled pillows, cashmere throws and lots of candles. Essentially it’s the same room as before, except for the addition of those indulgent accessories and luxurious fabrics that work best when the snow is falling.
Holiday décor can easily enter the realm of ‘hokey’ or contrived. What are some important tips to keep in mind when decorating a sophisticated interior for the holidays?
When it’s time begin preparing for the holidays, plan ahead and begin decorating early, subscribing to the notion that when the house is set for the holidays before Thanksgiving, the rest of the holidays are reserved for celebrating. Coordinate trees with the décor in the room where they reside, and fill each with layers and textures creating details that make every branch interesting. To give each tree a brighter inner glow, weave multiple lights strands down the center. 'Less is more' certainly doesn’t apply to lights on a tree. More is always better.
If you could change one element of a room to improve people’s first impression of the space, what would it be? Why?
Rarely do you get a second chance to make a good impression, so those first moments in a room are invaluable. Start by editing a room’s furnishings and accessories to create a setting that doesn’t overwhelm the person seeing the room for the first time. It’s important to see the room and how it functions and not get lost in all the 'fluff.' Sometimes keeping it simple, clean, functional and tasteful is the best way to get noticed.
To learn more about Lisa K. Hays, visit her Haute Residence profile and website.
