Think Outside the Tree: Non-Traditional Holiday Decorating Tips

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By Kimberly Reuther, founder of DesignSpeak St. Louis  

At a young age, we are taught to “think outside the box” and discover our own uniqueness.  However, when it comes to interior decorating, many people have a hard time finding their vision.  I’m here to offer some ideas for non-traditional ways of decorating for the holidays.

Color is a good place to start.  Many homeowners have asked for ways to incorporate holiday themes without adding in green & red.  My answer to that is usually texture and sparkle!  But really all white dinnerware deserves a touch of color, it doesn’t have to be red (see image below), it could be blue, purple, aubergine, whatever matches your kitchen & your personality!

I saw this table display at Pottery Barn, hanging the white platters on the solid color wall, and I thought it was a great idea.  Now, you don’t want all your serving platters hanging when you need to use them for serving but you could replicate this look with a mixed match set of dishes or things found at a flea market.  You could also add a bit of holiday flare by hanging ornaments randomly on 3-5 platters/plates.  This is actually a fun look that could work through all seasons.

Another display that caught my eye was this one at Pizzaz 2 Interiors in Lamp & Lantern Village.  I just discovered this little store/interior design firm and I love what they have to offer.  Lots of great ideas big & small in such a small space!  Anyway, I love the contemporary deer head with a simple wreath offset with the very elegant and colorful bowl of ornaments.  That’s a very easy thing to accomplish, as we all have extra ornaments laying around.

 Turquoise is the hot color for 2010 and we are already seeing it show up in fashion and home accessories.  These are great examples of holiday scapes without the traditional red & green.  A collection of white vases, urns, and objects feels crisp against the deep blue & lime green color combination.  To the right, the fireplace mantel with soft aqua lamps is very unique in that a flamingo is the focus rather than a winter wreath. Both photos were taken at MKS Designs in Lamp & Lantern.

Which brings me to the seashell holiday tree from Wisteria.  I love it!  I love the soft blue mixed with the natural khaki and white tones.  The flocked tree goes against anything you would see in Florida yet it works beautifully!

So, who says you have to hang a wreath on your front door?  The entrance to MKS Designs shows off these unique overscaled baskets filled with large ornaments and a bit of pine greenery mixed in.  What a statement! 

Speaking of wreaths, I love this wreath with silver branches instead of greenery.  So fun & festive!  Also, this boxed topiary is a cute little addition to end table and it still pulls off the holiday spirit with a unique shape and animal print container. 

Lastly, another easy tip for your front door is the bronze pot filled with tree trimmings.  Replace your summer flowers with extra branches from the bottom of your tree and you’re done!  If you want to add sparkle ornaments or lights that would be a nice touch as well.

Happy Holidays!

To learn more about Kimberly, visit http://www.designspeakstl.com/team.htm

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