Local design experts share their advice on decorating your home, inside and out, for the holiday season.
Written by Emily Welly | Photographed by Joe Worthem
Decorating for the holidays can be an infinitely daunting task, but it is made easier with some expert advice on how to incorporate a festive look throughout your home. We spoke with Kalyn Bean of Staggs Interiors about achieving elegant and interesting yet practical holiday decor. Turn to page 62 for advice from Phyllis Smith of Something Southern on creating an ornate and welcoming seasonal entryway. Special thanks to both of these local retailers for their assistance with this article.
INVITATION: Greenery is incorporated almost everywhere in this home. Do you recommend using real or faux greenery, and what does it achieve?
STAGGS: When you start holiday decorating in November it can be hard to find real greenery to use in your decorating. While decorating this home we used faux greenery — you can always add some touches of real greenery later. I love to go into my yard and cut things like pine and magnolia leaves to add to my displays closer to Christmas. I think greenery helps to achieve the classic Christmas look. Greenery is a staple in Christmas decor, and it helps evoke memories of holidays past.
INVITATION: There are several shiny objects used in your holiday decor to add sparkle. Can you reflect on how to best incorporate that look?
STAGGS: Sparkle can add the wow to any look. A touch here or there can really elevate your home’s holiday decor. Don't be afraid to mix silver and gold — it can create an elevated and curated look.
INVITATION: What items can add texture to holiday decorations, and what are some things that pair well together?
STAGGS: An easy way to add texture is with greenery and ribbons. Another great way to add texture in any space is by creating arrangements in vases, bowls and planters. You can use a mix of real and faux greenery. Then, add things like decorative floral picks, ribbon and ornaments to create your own arrangement.
INVITATION: Can you talk about how layering ribbons is important in decorating?
STAGGS: Layering your ribbons can help incorporate colors, textures and finishes that already exist in your home. A good rule of thumb is to find a solid ribbon, a patterned ribbon and a textured ribbon — try to incorporate tones that already exist in your home to create tailored look.
INVITATION: Many of the decorations pictured are in very accessible places throughout this home, but it doesn’t look cluttered. How does a homeowner achieve that with their own decor?
STAGGS: Don’t overcomplicate decor-ating your home for the holidays! Start by mapping out key areas in your home you see every day — your kitchen island, an entry way table, your powder room counter, etc. Place decorative items in those spaces. It is OK to store your nonseasonal decor to make way for your holiday decor. This can help make your spaces feel less cluttered.
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