Designer Tips for a Holiday Home Makeover

While playing host to family, friends and visitors, we often realize that, albeit comfortable, our homes are more shabby than chic.

Here are a few tips to help deck the halls and make the home merrier this holiday season.

1. De-clutter: "Are you living in CHAOS? (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome)," asks the FlyLady. Come home to a neat and tidy house. My favorite tips and advice for removing clutter come from Marla Cilley, aka the FlyLady, in her book, "Sink Reflections." She shares her system of conquering CHAOS—it all starts with a shiny sink!
2. Is your house on the gift list? Whether it was naughty or nice, give your home a gift this year. Ideas: New bath towels, new bedding, organizational shelving, carpet cleaning, a new front door mat, and anything else your house needs or just wants. 
3. Ready, set, go—you never know who's dropping by, so be ready for anything! Keep the beds made, the table set and seasonal music just a play button away. Keep ingredients or readymade items on hand to whip up a quick dessert or snack for hungry visitors.
4. A home makeover: You've seen it on TV. A team of professionals come in and an hour later (including the commercials) they redo the entire house—viola! Isn't TV magical? While a large construction project, and the price tag that comes with it, probably isn't what you want right before guests arrive, give your home its own magical makeover with an easy swish of a wand. Keep it simple and just pick one of these ideas:
   • Change the lighting. Did the builder select your dining room chandelier? Go out with the old and in with the new. There are thousands of beautiful lighting options. Buy local or order in and start by getting excited about your options. Browse an online lighting store. I recommend Bellacor. 
   • Be as snug as a bug in a rug by adding or replacing an old rug (I said, rug—not carpeting or flooring. Those decisions should not be made in haste).  Beautiful rugs pull a room together, liven it up, add color, style and character. Invest in a beautiful Persian from the Alex Cooper Gallery of Rugs in Towson or Senneh Knot Fine Rugs & Home in Timonium. 
   • Change your art or add new art. Find an original piece or print, old or new family photos, update old framing, showcase your child's masterpiece, prominently hang inspirational or heirloom pieces, contrast a contemporary piece in a traditional room. Let the art speak to you and change the room.
5. Before and after: It's easy to have a finished room when it's decked out with all the holiday trimmings. Sadly, when it's gone, it can look like the Grinch stole it. Will your room miss having the glow of a lit tree, the glisten of shiny ornaments and the warmth of family treasures? Take note of what made the room look and feel complete and apply that finished feeling all year. Perhaps the tree is replaced by a floor lamp. Add shimmering gilt picture frames or a reflective mirror and keep some cherished family pieces out all year.

Most importantly this season, love your home.

Laura C. Kimball, CID, ASID is an award-winning interior designer and owner of LCK Interiors, based in Perry Hall. She is available by appointment only by calling (410) 262-7419.