It is that time of year to bring down the dusty well worn
containers from the attic, filled with years of holiday decorations to once
again add holiday cheer to your home. Sure, the Santa figurine may have seen better
days, and the faux greenery has turned an interesting shade of blue- green, but
is it time to freshen up your holiday decor? Is there a new way to display
ornaments made by the lovingly hands of our children without the guilt of
putting them at the back of the tree? How much holiday decor is too much and
does it have to be red and green? Could an interior designer be the key to help
with our holiday decor woes? The simple answer is yes!
Webster Dictionary defines an ornament as... “As
an accessory used to beautify, enrich, or improve the appearance or general
effect of an object.” But with today’s designer themed trees what can be
done with vintage or made
with love homemade ornaments
that may not fit the new motif of the tree, are they doomed to the land of misfit toys?
“Absolutely not” said Bob Mead of Bob Mead Interiors, a valued
designer of 36 year’s for the Decorators Show House and Gardens. To help with
this seasonal dilemma he has offered his expertise for displaying or repurposing
sentimental holiday ornaments.
He suggested, “Antique toppers can be placed in candlestick
holders and displayed on the mantle along with some favorite obelisks.
Some other ideas can include grouping ornaments in glass apothecary jars
or large decorative bowls throughout your home. Another idea is to put tags on
each of the special ornaments with names and dates on them. He went on to say that
every year when he brings the ornaments out, and then again wraps them at the
end of the season, I am filled with wonderful memories. When friends visit they
enjoy looking at the tree and often ask about the story behind certain
ornaments. Plus the decorative tags give the tree a new look.”
Bob went on to suggest “ that adding new ribbon and a few updated
items can be a great way to add new life to “tis the season” decor. As
for color, does it have to be Santa’s favorite colors of red and green?
“Holiday decorations can be any color however, they should complement your
home’s personal decor.” Primary red and Kelly green decorations mixed with home
decor in russet colors of orange and brown only works for homes in “Whoville.” Additionally, Bob mentions, “decorations can be mixed as long
as they are in separate vignettes. He personally believes that religious
symbols should be separated from the more commercial items. It’s much like
looking at paintings in your home. A traditional masterpiece often does not
show well right next to surrealist artwork, but if across the room, and not
seen at the same time, they can live in the same room.”
There is still hope for and time for finding the right holiday
decor for your home and a great way to do that is seek the help of an interior
designer. When asked the question of why hire an interior designer for holiday
decor, Bob stated the following “the obvious advantage of hiring a
designer is that you will have a beautiful home without all the stress.”
Maybe this is one of the better gift’s you can give yourself during the
holiday season!
Please visit Bob Mead’s room #20 at this year’s Decorators Show
House and Gardens, located and the childhood home of Kurt Vonnegut from April
29th-May 14th.
For additional decor ideas Bob can be reached at:
Bob Mead Interiors
bobmeadint@aol.com