Courtney Warren is a Texas-based interior designer whose work has been featured in Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, Good Housekeeping, Apartment Therapy, and Today.com. She is a frequent consultant on Fox 4 TV’s Good Day program in Dallas, was ranked in the top 3 percent of interior designers in the US by Houzz.com, and starred in the Dallas episode of TLC’sFour Houses. She delights in helping overwhelmed clients create beautiful spaces—and will never turn down a warm chocolate chip cookie or Diet Dr Pepper.
1. Start with a Statement Piece:
Every room needs a focal point. It could be a beautifully decorated tree, an elegant wreath, or even a festive fireplace. Find that one item that grabs attention and build around it.
2. Layer Your Lights:
Instead of one bright source, use multiple sources of light. String lights, candles, and even strategically placed table lamps create a warm and inviting ambiance that a single overhead light can’t achieve.
3. Mix Textures and Materials:
Don’t stick to one kind of ornament or fabric. Mix rustic with glam, plush with metallic. Variety adds depth and visual interest to your decorations.
4. Use Odd Numbers:
Designers often use odd numbers for arrangements. Three candles, five ornaments, seven pinecones—it’s visually appealing and creates balance in your decor.
5. Incorporate Fresh Greenery:
Real greenery, like pine branches and holly, not only smells fantastic but also adds a touch of nature’s elegance. Use them in wreaths, garlands, or as table centerpieces.
6. DIY Customization:
Personalize store-bought decorations. Add your own touch with ribbons, glitter, or paint. It not only saves money but also makes your decor unique.
7. Mindful Color Palette:
Stick to a cohesive color scheme. Whether it’s traditional red and green or a modern blue and silver, having a unified palette ties everything together for a polished look.
8. Create Vignettes:
Instead of spreading your decorations thinly, group them. Create little decorative scenes on your mantle, tables, or even windowsills. It tells a story and feels curated.9. Scale and Proportion: Consider the size of your decorations concerning the space. A tiny table might be overwhelmed by a giant centerpiece. Similarly, a massive tree might dwarf small ornaments.10. Less Can Be More: Sometimes, simplicity speaks volumes. Don’t overcrowd your space. Let some areas breathe. A few well-placed decorations can have a more significant impact than an overload of glitter and tinsel.
9. Scale and Proportion:
Consider the size of your decorations concerning the space. A tiny table might be overwhelmed by a giant centerpiece. Similarly, a massive tree might dwarf small ornaments.
10. Less Can Be More:
Sometimes, simplicity speaks volumes. Don’t overcrowd your space. Let some areas breathe. A few well-placed decorations can have a more significant impact than an overload of glitter and tinsel.