Decorating for the Holidays: One Room, Three Looks

Your Holiday decor doesn't have to be the same every year.  Switch it up by adding a few key pieces to bring in the Holiday feel and use accessories to create your colour scheme.

1.  Classic Red

Here, we used the traditional colour of red to decorate the room.
The sofa is layered with red cushions and a soft plush throw.  The tablescape sets
the tone for Christmas with a reindeer and more accents-- poinsettias,
a pillar candle with pinecones and Christmas ornaments, all in red.

2. Modern Blue

For a fresh, contemporary look, blue is a popular choice if you want to
move away from the traditional colours of Christmas.
Again, layering the sofa with cushions and a throw to bring in the blue.
 Adding blue accessories and changing the artwork punches up the colour even more.
 To bring in the element of Christmas, we added accessories that sparkle
and decorated the candles with evergreen sprays.

3.  Naturally Beige

If you like a more natural and rustic feel, add accessories made with natural materials.
A light, creamy beige is the accent colour here and we've used accessories made with natural elements--
the wrought iron candle sticks, burlap and linen covered cushions, and a wool knit throw.
The distressed framed art and a rustic bouquet, made with birch bark,
twigs, and pinecones, are the perfect finishing touch.

What colour are you decorating with for Christmas? Do you have a preference out of these three styles?  Which look is your favourite?

--Imelda

If your home is being listed over the Holidays, restrained Holiday decorating is key.
Add just enough Christmas decor to signal festive but keep it to a minimum.
For a home staging consultation, please contact me at
imeldasmithhomestaging@gmail.com or 416.464.1781

Photos:  Imelda Smith

Busy, Busy, Busy

We've got snow outside and all the holiday trimmings up!  It's beginning to feel alot like Christmas! ♫♫♫  Now all I need to do is finish checking off the gift list... my timing is just perfect for the Black Friday sales.  Yes, Canada is embracing the whole idea of Black Friday which, I think, is a good thing!

Happy Thanksgiving, America! And to everyone celebrating Hanukkah, enjoy the season in health and happiness!

--Imelda

Although it's a busy time of the year for everyone, don't put off planning the sale of your home if you want it done in the new year... January is just around the corner!
I'm a phone call away...

DIY Holiday Urns

As I get older, I despise the cold weather we have during the winter season and I dream about one day moving closer to my sister who lives in southern California.  There is, however, something to be said about being in the cold climate during Christmas... it just doesn't feel right otherwise.  And seeing the snow fall on Christmas Day-- there's nothing more perfect..with all the Christmas lights and decorations, I get the warm and fuzzies and suddenly the cold isn't so bad!

One of my favorite things I love to see this time of the year are winter urns. They are perfect for bringing life to your front entry and help create a warm and inviting feeling for your home.  Here are my winter urns and I've decked them out with red touches for the Holidays...

Supplies:  an urn with soil, pine, cedar, spruce, dogwood, magnolia leaves, decorative balls and mesh ribbon. The spray bottle is a product called 'Wilt Proof' and you apply it on the greens to prevent moisture loss.

And, here is how you put it together...

Season's Greetings

Like snowflakes, my Christmas memories gather and dance - each beautiful, unique and too soon gone. ~Deborah Whipp

Hope this greeting finds you well this holiday season. Thank you for a great 2012. And I look forward to serving you in the years to come!

Imelda :-)