The holiday season is the perfect time for families and friends to gather together and appreciate the true meaning of the season. Seasonal ornamentation can add joy and warmth to your home, creating a harmonious look that reflects the spirit of the season. Applying basic design principles, including scale, contrast and style, will get your holiday decorating off to a solid start. Judith Sisler Johnston, ASID Allied Member and president of Sisler Johnston Interior Designs offers advice for sprucing up your holiday décor.

“When selecting holiday items, choose decorations that appeal to all five senses: sight, scent, hearing, taste and touch.  Festive colors will light up a space and scented candles will add a holiday aroma.  Add appeal to a room by playing holiday music in the background, enjoy the taste of delicious holiday treats and savor the touch of soft fabrics such as cashmere and silk. The traditional holiday hues – gold, red, green and silver – are no longer the only colors of the season.  Use bold color combinations, such as sea blue with gold or lime with silver, to add some spice to the décor.”

Additionally, simple items can make stunning holiday decorations. Fill a glass bowl with holiday ornaments or add a bright ribbon to bring new life to a wreath. Use garlands to surround the front door or wrap around staircase rails.  Wide red ribbon can be woven through the spruce for added color.  Add a string of small white lights to the garlands for a festive touch.  A row of live or silk poinsettias near the front door will create a festive entry.  Large red bows added to outdoor lanterns also enhance style.  Large, clear glass canisters can be filled with candy canes, pinecones or red and gold ornaments for countertop décor.

For more expert design and decorating advice, visit www.sislerjohnston.com.