Home Decor Ideas

With the holidays coming, you probably have enough on your plate. Between sending cards, shopping for gifts, cooking large meals and entertaining guests, it can get to be a lot this time of year. One way to simplify your holidays is to go for some minimalist home decorating. With a few key design principles and ideas, you can have your home decorated with as few as one or two large focal point items. Other ideas rely on smaller accent items that are easy to place in the home. Take a look below for several minimalist holiday decorating ideas.

Ornaments of all kinds are an easy way to add festive cheer. Image: Cortney Bishop Design

Minimalist rafter ornaments

If you have exposed rafters in your space, hanging larger ornaments from them is a great way to get some easy holiday spirit into your space. This works especially well in a rustic chic design, like the space above. The ornaments are a wonderful festive accent and hanging them from ribbon looks simple and traditional. They also go well with the oversized red ornaments on the tree.

Even if you don’t have exposed rafters, you might think about this easy idea in other types of spaces. For instance, you could place a larger ornament in the middle of a wreath. You could arrange large ornaments in clear vases. You might also consider hanging them from the pull chains on ceiling fans. Any way you incorporate them, ornaments add an easy festive cheer that works as a great holiday accent.

Subtle wreaths can match the existing color scheme in the room, leading to less decorating effort. Image: AMR Design

Minimalist holiday decorating with subtle accent hangings

Another idea is to simply hang some accent wreaths in the space. Wide red fabric for hanging them adds some festive color. This is a great idea if you have a certain accent color in your space, like in the photo above. In that case, you can match the fabric the wreaths hang from to whatever accent color is in your space. This gives you a festive look and keeps to the overall style of the room.

Part of going minimalist for the holidays is to simply add accents to the room. Since you’re using fewer holiday items, you will not be able to overpower the usual style of the room. You simply want to add a bit of festive flair to the style you already have in the space. Another good example of this principle is the festive-themed wall hangings next to the window in the photo above. They keep to the red accent color that’s already in the room, but the holiday sayings add a festive look.

A larger garland makes a strong focal point. Image: Regina Gust Luxe Seasonal and Floral Décor

Colorful garland

Another key principle for minimalist holiday decorating is to find a piece that works as the focal point. As an example, the garland in the photo above is suitably large enough to stand on its own. Because it hangs from the mantel, it also takes advantage of the fact that the mantel is already a natural focal point in a room. The garland doesn’t have to work to draw attention away from natural focal areas.

With this idea, you can either hang the garland alone or find other subtle ways to add festive cheer. For instance, the ornaments in the tray on the coffee table and in the vases next to the fireplace are nice additional accents.

Go for branches over a traditional tree for a stark, minimalist look. Image: Carousel Media

Getting creative with branches

If you really want to go stark and creative with your minimalist holiday decorating, you might think about substituting your Christmas tree with a branch, like in the photo above.To make it festive, a garland and some ornaments hang from the branch. A neutral-colored present even sits underneath.

You might be wondering why anyone would possibly want a branch instead of a full evergreen tree. For starters, the stark look of the branch immediately gives a sense of minimalism. It’s a creative idea that works well in unconventional, artsy home designs. The neutral tone to the branch also helps it fit in with a neutral color scheme, meaning you don’t have to play with color too much. And a natural texture like a branch works well in rustic and country-themed homes, too.

Twig decorations are a classy, subtle idea that fit just about anywhere. Image: GreenCraft Associates

Subtle twig displays

If you’re looking for minimalistic holiday decorating ideas for your outdoor displays, the photo above shows how some twig designs can work wonders for keeping things simple. The twig reindeer set an immediate festive tone. The twig balls help add a playful style. However, the neutral color and natural texture of the twigs help the look stay minimalist.

You could even put some white holiday lights around the balls and reindeer to light them at night. Going for white lights keeps the look classy and minimalist. The trees in the photo are actually faux Christmas trees with lights on them. The stands are buried out of view.

The post 5 Minimalist Holiday Decorating Ideas appeared first on Freshome.com.

If you want to go for a Christmas color scheme that isn’t the traditional red and green, the second most popular option on the list is a cool blue and white scheme. The icy blue and the snowy white go well with the tones of winter. One way to have a blue and white Christmas is to go with a nautical holiday theme.

Most nautical themes make use of blue colors to match the sea, so a blue and white Christmas goes great with nautical decor. Whether you have a nautical theme in your home now or you’re planning one in the future, take a look below to see how to make seasonal decorating work with this popular home style.

Hanging oars on the walls gives an instant nautical feel. Image: Robeson Design

Blue and White Tree with Oars

The photo above shows how well a basic tree with blue and white colors pairs with a nautical theme in the living room. The blue on the tree matches the blue tones in the ocean painting on the wall. The white tones on the tree also match the white sands in the painting.

This photo also shows how easy it is to get a nautical theme in your home if you’re thinking of trying it out. By placing a simple painting with a water theme under some wall-mounted oars, you have an instant oceanic look. And that can go great with your blue and white Christmas.

Go subtle with collage wall art that has water themes. Image: Home At Last Interiors

White Tree and Nautical Art

Another idea for a nautical holiday theme is to go a little more modern and subtle. In the photo above, you can see how a simple white tree with blue ornaments makes an easy, minimalistic blue and white Christmas. The ornaments also match the aqua blue candle on the table and the blue throw pillow.

What gives this space a distinct nautical feel is the wall art. Part of the collage has a fish and there’s a sign pointing to a beach. The beach sign matches the other blue elements in the room. By choosing collage-style wall art with some water elements like in the photo above, you can easily create a subtle beach or water theme.

Seashells make wonderful additions to a Christmas tree. Image: At Home

Seasonal Seashells

The photo above is one of our favorite ideas for a nautical holiday theme. It incorporates blue seashells right onto the tree itself, making your Christmas tree a natural part of the nautical home theme. If you look closely, there are even textures that look like coral, as well as ships and a life preserver on the tree.

The tree goes well with little wall accents like the nautical wreath and the seashell mirror frame. The throw pillow on the chair also has a fish theme. And then there are the “NOEL” and “JOY” pieces on the table with sand dollars as the Os. It goes to show how you can get a nautical holiday theme with some easy decor choices.

Create a feeling of vacations near the water with a conceptual holiday diorama. Image: Jamie Merida

Diorama

The photo above is an interesting idea for a nautical holiday theme on a porch. The compass on the wall and the lantern on the table already give a nautical look. An evergreen wreath around the lantern gives an instant holiday feel.

But the real showstopper is the interesting diorama under the compass. The small trees and little holiday trailer give a look of holidays spent at the lake for some ice fishing. The white snow, trailer and trees combine well with the blue in the windows of the trailer, too. It even matches the white and blue-gray on the trim and siding of the home.

A tree with white decorations can fit with a blue and white nautical theme. Image: Jamie Merida

White Tree for a Nautical Holiday Theme

You could also try just going for a tree with white decorations since those are easier to find (not all stores carry blue and white Christmas themes). By adding some simple white decorations to a regular green tree, you can help it fit in with a blue and white nautical theme. If you have enough blue in the rest of the space, like the blue ship painting and upholstery in the photo above, you’ll naturally end up with a blue and white Christmas.

On the mantel, you can also see how natural evergreen fits around nautical elements like the lighthouse lantern and netting. Again, it just goes to show how surprisingly well nautical items fit with Christmas decorations.

The post Get a Nautical Holiday Theme Using Blue and White appeared first on Freshome.com.

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Etsy has a wonderful collection of home goods and gifts. But many are one-of-a-kind and go fast. If you’re shopping for someone who loves objects that look handcrafted and natural, check out these boho-chic gifts for the Etsy lover.

1. Blue Agate Coasters (Set Of 4) at Amazon, $28

These natural coasters make beautiful art objects when not in use.

2. Green Owl Vases at Pier 1, $10 – $20

Whimsical owl vases in one of the most popular colors of the year: sage.

3. Amped Fleece Throw Blanket at Urban Outfitters, $49

This fleece throw is soft, inviting and chunky in texture. Plus, the color works well with nearly any decor.

4. Opalhouse Diamond Rattan Pendant at Target, $70

This easy-to-install pendant light adds a modern bohemian look to any space.

5. Olivewood 2-Piece Salad Serving Set at Crate & Barrel, $25

Each set of handmade, eco-friendly olive wood salad servers is one of a kind.

6. Water Hyacinth Placemat at Pier 1, $8 each

This placement is lightweight and versatile. Use it at your table setting, as a centerpiece or even hang it on the wall.

7. Tamsin Wall Hanging at Anthropologie, $68

This handwoven tapestry adds a global bohemian vibe to any room.

8. Charest Chunky Knitted Throw at Wayfair, $100

This chunky throw would make a wonderful Christmas gift for cold winter nights.

9. Hanging Glass Terrarium at Crate & Barrel, $30

A hanging glass terrarium with a no-maintenance faux succulent arrangement inside can be hung in a corner or window.

10. Janel Foo Glassworks Modern Geo Suncatcher at West Elm, $54 to $88

These handcrafted stained glass suncatchers work well on a wall or, better yet, hanging in a sunny window.

11. Opalhouse Decorative Natural Basket at Target, $20

This handmade, natural fiber basket can be used for many purposes.

12. Papetal Floral Plate at Anthropologie, $16

These unique, hand-painted plates have a zen feel.

13. Opalhouse Round Rattan Mirror at Target, $50

Rattan is one of the best-selling materials on Etsy and this rattan mirror would work well in nearly any setting.

14. Opalhouse Macrame Velvet Throw Pillow at Target, $30

Luxurious velvet and macrame fringe add an artisanal, bohemian vibe to this throw pillow.

The post Freshome Holiday Gift Guide: Crafty Boho-Chic Gifts For The Etsy Lover appeared first on Freshome.com.

If you look at the most beautiful Christmas tree displays, you’ll notice the trees are lit to the nines. Designers and visual display experts know that loads of lighting is what makes a Christmas tree magical. You’re about to get a crash course on how to light a Christmas tree in 10 simple steps. Your tree will never look better.

1. Match your light cables to the color of the tree

Homeowners used white light cords to hide in the silvery grey tree. Image: Jennifer M. Ramos

This one sounds like a no-brainer, but many people don’t think about it. Have a flocked white tree? Go with a white cord. Traditional green pine? Use green cord or cable. Your tree will look far more magical when it looks like the sparkles just float.

2. Use more lights than you think you need

This stunning tree is all lights and no ornaments. Image: Rikki Snyder

The Christmas trees you see on TV and in magazines look magical because they are dazzling. When lighting your tree, more is more. LED lights are safer – they don’t heat up like traditional lights – plus they tend to last longer and cost less to run. And nowadays, LEDs are fairly inexpensive, making them worth the upgrade.

As a general rule of thumb for how many lights you’ll want to use, get two to three 100-light sets for every foot of your tree’s height.

3. Check your lights BEFORE you hang them

One of the most common (and annoying) mistakes is to string your lights on the tree only to discover some don’t work. Lay your lights out on the floor or a table, plug them in and check them before you hang them.

4. Use a special tree light extension cord to make life easier

The Woods 9-outlet extension cord for Christmas trees is only $8 on Amazon and will make lighting your tree easier.

If you have several strands of lights to work with, pick up a 9-outlet Christmas tree cord. String it up along the trunk of the tree with outlets at the bottom, center and top of the tree. Using this trick saves you from having to run all your plugs to the bottom of the tree.

5. Put your lights on a timer

A timer will let you enjoy the glow of the tree longer and will turn the lights off automatically when everyone’s in bed. Image: Balsam Hill

A simple timer helps you enjoy your tree more without having to keep your tree on at all hours. Set which times you’ll be coming and going and enjoy waking up in the morning or coming home from work to your beautifully lit tree.

6. Focus on lighting your tree in two places

Colorful lights add a whimsical look to your Christmas tree. Image: Unexpected Interiors

Most people string their lights along the outer branches. This works well, but the inside of the tree will appear dark. Consider lighting the inside of the tree by stringing lights close to the trunk to cast an outward glow.

For a cool light display, consider lighting the trunk in white and the branches in color. Keep tabs on which plug powers the sections so you can light each section separately. Wait ’til you see how cool your tree will look late at night if you only power the trunk lights.

7. String your tree with the lights plugged in

When you light your tree, leave the lights on and step back regularly to look for dark spots. Image: Llama Group

If you’re working with LED lights that don’t heat up, light them up before you hang them. It will help you see how the lights are looking as you go. Step back now and then, squint your eyes to assess how you’re spacing the lights out, find dark spots and adjust as you go.

8. String your lights vertically and in sections

Focus on lighting small sections of your tree one at a time. Image: Regina Gust

Most people spiral their lights around the Christmas tree horizontally in circles until they get to the top. The lights often end up too close to the trunk, with most of the twinkly glow getting lost inside the tree.

Visualize your tree in three sections: top, middle and bottom. Run lights up and down each section. Your lights will sparkle more and will be easier to remove later. As you run your lights vertically, wrap around branches and slightly zig-zag your lights so you don’t get an obvious line.

9. Strategically place your ornaments

Place reflective ornaments near and behind the lights to reflect the glow. Image: Robeson Design

To create the best Christmas tree glow, hang your shiniest ornaments deeper in the tree and next to a light bulb to reflect the tree lights back out.

10. Don’t skimp on the bottom of the tree

Light the bottom of the tree well enough to showcase presents and floor ornaments. Image: Lorde Interior Design

Use plenty of lights underneath the lowest branches to create a downward glow that highlights your nativity scene, presents and more.

Now that you know how to light a Christmas tree like a pro, let us know how your tree looks and which tip helped you the most.

The post Here’s How To Light A Christmas Tree Like A Pro – In 10 Steps appeared first on Freshome.com.

You’ve probably got the basics down on how to dress up your porch, decorate your Christmas tree and set your table for the holidays. If you live in a two-story home or loft, decorating your stairs for Christmas should also be on your list. It’s easier than you think and makes a huge impact.

We’ve got 25 decorating ideas featuring creative Christmas decorations for stairs to bling out your banister this holiday season.

How to add Christmas decorations for stairs

Depending on the weight and size of your Christmas decorations, you may need double stick tape, wire, hooks, clear fishing line and twist ties to attach your ornaments. Choose supplies that blend in with your banister and decorations.

The secret to adding Christmas decorations for stairs is layering.

Start by twisting garland around the banister and continue adding some of these to the anchored garland:

• lights
• Christmas tree ornaments
• monogram letters
• candy
• ribbon and more

Wind garland on your stairs to create a sturdy base for hanging the rest of your Christmas ornaments. Image: Anna Mackie

A simple arrangement of florals, garland and ribbon at the base of your banister can be all you need to to decorate your stairs. Image: Traditional Home Magazine

Add Christmas garland to your stairs

Garland should be the base of your Christmas decorations for stairs. You can use fresh garland or artificial, wired garland to get the look. Drape or twist the garland up the stair railing and add other elements like ornaments, ribbon or lights to complete the look.

Freshly cut, live garland hung on the banister is both fragrant and beautiful. Image: Lisa Gabrielson

To get this look, add other rustic, natural elements to your stair garland like Eucalyptus leaves, pinecones, burlap and linen ribbon. Image: Martha Stewart

Besides the natural garland on the banister, paper ornaments are hung on the wall to replicate the look of snowflakes. Image: Martha Stewart

A simple holiday look featuring garland, lights, small ornaments and a red ribbon to complete it. Image: D For Design

For the ultimate Christmas staircase, generous amounts of lightly-flocked garland are strung with lights, gold ribbon and tree ornaments. Image: Twenty Two Fifty Interiors

Decorating with ribbon on your stairs for Christmas

Ribbon is a fast, easy way to add some holiday cheer to your stairs. Choose large ribbon with wiring so that you can easily mold the ribbon. Take a close look at these Christmas decorating ideas featuring ribbon.

A mesh ribbon with silver, sparkly accents was layered over ordinary green garland. Tie in the whole look by adding color-coordinated decor like wall art, floor-standing ornaments and vases. Image: Rikki Snyder

Put a big red, plaid bow as the finishing touch to your completed Christmas decorations for stairs. Image: D For Design

Layer different colors and textures of ribbons on your stairs for an elegant Christmas setting. Image: Twenty Two Fifty Interiors

The gold ribbon strung through the banister adds a festive Christmas holiday look to this staircase. Image: Tobi Fairley

Christmas decorations for stairs using lights and candles

Decorating with string lights and candles adds a warm, homey feel to your home for the holidays. If a power outlet is not nearby, or you’re worried about having candles near kids or pets, choose battery-operated LED string lights or faux LED candles.

A combination of string lights and candles light the stairwell of this Nordic Christmas setting. Image: My Scandinavian Home

Decorative candle holders are placed on each step to create a warm glow. To keep them from falling, you can also place a small amount of Blu-Tack or putty under each candleholder. Image: Lowes

Hang lights up and down your stair railing like a waterfall to create a Christmas Wonderland effect. Image: HGTV

Wind lights around your garland before hanging them on the rails to make decorating your stairs for Christmas easier. Image: On Sutton Place

Creative Christmas decorations for stairs

Want to do something unexpected? Decorate your stairs for the holidays with non-Christmas objects like the ideas below. This is a great option if you’re crafty or want to involve the kids in creating ornaments to hang around the house.

Paper pinwheels made with newspaper and decorative paper are hung with simple branch garland on the stairs. Berry twigs in a vase also complete the look. Image: Ballard Designs

Visit your local party supply store for unique supplies you can use to decorate with. These big paper pompoms are lightweight and add a one-of-a-kind look to your stairs. Image: HGTV 

Christmas decorations for stairs featuring stockings

If you don’t have a fireplace mantel to hang your stockings, you can also hang them on your stairwell!

The striped stockings add a fun Holiday vibe to the small living room. Image: Magnolia Home

Add ribbon and tree ornaments in colors that coordinate with your stockings to complete your banister decorating for Christmas. Image: Lowes

Advent calendar Christmas decorating ideas for your banister

The kids will love checking the stairs for their daily treats from a stairwell Advent calendar. You’ll need a stocking, basket or holder for the 25 days of Christmas and goodies to put inside.

For a rustic, country look, choose small copper buckets and add a small card featuring the day of the month. Image: Ideal Home

Small baskets or mugs filled with treats can be labeled with the day of the month or the person they’re for. Image: Good Housekeeping

Christmas tree ornaments to decorate your stairs

Pull together your tree and the rest of your decorations by hanging some of your ornaments like candy canes, balls or snowflakes on your banister.

Mid-Century Modern Christmas decorating featuring garland with vintage glass ball ornaments and stars. Image: D For Design

Use oversized tree ornaments, hung with colorful ribbon, to decorate your stairs and the wall. Image: Live Laugh Love

Pairs of Christmas ornaments, hung at different heights using ribbon, add a great finishing touch to this banister. Image: Lowes

Nordic-Style paper snowflakes in different shapes and sizes are attached on the stairs for a modern, white Christmas. Image: Ideal Home

Have fun decorating your stairs for the holidays with these Christmas decoration for stairs ideas. Don’t stop at the railings – you can also add ornaments and decor to the edges of the stairs, hang decorations on the walls and create a setting at the landing. You’ll enjoy the look every day you go up and down the stairs this Christmas season.

The post 25 Ideas for Christmas Decorations for Stairs appeared first on Freshome.com.