De-Stress Your Holiday Decorating (Bonus: Some Favorite Family Traditions)
Hey there! I visit your inbox each week with some decorating advice and photos of my recent design projects in the Dallas area. A women’s business magazine recently quizzed me about my business start and about holiday decorating. Want a sneak peek at my responses?
Q: How did your career as an interior designer begin?
A: I actually graduated from Baylor with a license in social work! But I had always been a creative person and started decorating friends’ houses (and our social work offices!) just for fun. I eventually landed on a TLC tv show. From there, my schedule began to fill with people asking me to help them with their homes–and with incredible support from my husband and family, I was able to turn my side hustle into a thriving business. I truly never thought I would be making a living doing what I love so much.
Q: How would you describe your interior design style?
A: Refined rustic– with a side of glam. I especially love to use a client’s personal and special mementos to give their decor meaning and joy.
Q: Dallas has an array of interior designers with impeccable and eclectic style. What makes Courtney Warren Home stand out from competitors?
A: When I survey my clients, I hear feedback that they love my friendly approach, timely and dependable communication, and easy-to-follow process from start to finish. I truly believe design should be fun, and I set out to make the process enjoyable and relational. It’s important that the clients I take on feel that we are on the same team, working towards a common goal–to help them love their house! I also believe it’s important to offer options for every budget. I have both DIY and full service packages to fit every lifestyle and budget. Because I don’t believe only the wealthy should have beautiful homes.
Q: What are your holiday decor must-haves?
A: I have a growing collection of vintage Santa Clauses. There is something sweet and special about the quality of things made decades ago. In my holiday arsenal, I rely on several pieces. I always collect many Christmas trees of every size, beautiful ribbon, fresh garland, monogrammed stockings and of course, the handmade ornaments my kids make! As long as I have those items, I can make any room look ready for the most festive party.
Q: What are your top three tips for busy moms to save time and money on holiday decor?
A: 1) Enlist help. Decorating is a team sport- get the whole family to pitch in. When everyone expects mom to do it alone, it feels overwhelming and lonely. Teenagers may complain, but they will have the memories to look back on (and perhaps discuss in therapy! HA!)
2) Keep it simple. You don’t have to rival Martha Stewart to have a festive home. Give yourself grace in this busy season. That might mean that some years putting up a tree is as good as it gets while your kids are small. Christmas comes every year–you can do it big next year.
3) Don’t stress. Let the joy of the relationships be what you remember this year–not the need to outdo your neighbor’s outdoor lights. If you do it right, a little can go a long way and leave you more time for what really matters.
Q: What are your favorite family holiday traditions?
A: I have two: I love the Christmas Eve candlelight service at church, and reading the Christmas story from the Bible on Christmas morning with my kids. I like the things that help me remember what the season is really about and keep me focused on the meaning of what we are celebrating.
Q: Where do you see Courtney Warren Home in five years?
In 5 years I would love to have my own tv show, helping people achieve their biggest dreams while living in their dream homes. Combining people’s passion for life with the place they raise their families would be a dream for me.
Q: What advice do you have for a mom who wants to start her own interior design business?
Start small and don’t compare. You will not be perfect and you will learn just as much from the mistakes as the successes. The biggest lesson life has given me is there is no such thing as overnight success. It’s like a diet- you might lose a pound a week and feel like it’s nothing. But if you can chip away bit by bit, suddenly 15 pounds are gone and you are in a smaller size dress! This lesson has been a tough one because I want all my hard work to produce results now! I have to remind myself of the quote, “Most people overestimate what they can do in a year and underestimate what they can do in 10.”
Feeling like you need a Christmas decor assist? Have you downloaded my Holiday E-Book to guide you through? Be sure you get these helpful hints! Find it here!
And as always, I offer a complimentary, no-strings-attached phone call consultation. Just click on Let’s Talk to email me. We can book a time to talk and start making design fun!