If
you want to be in-the-know for the top decorating trends this Christmas season,
the key word is “DIY.” Here are some
popular themes you should see plastered all over online boards like Pinterest
that could pretty handily make their way into your home.
Chalkboard Art – Chalkboards continue to be all the rage, whether
it’s a framed chalkboard hanging on the wall or a section of wall painted in
chalkboard paint. For Christmas, drawing
out scripted seasonal messages, as well as adding chalk accents around a wreath
or a series of hanging ornaments will both be attention getters.
Lettering – Using a computer program like Publisher or
Photoshop to make your own Christmas wall art (or simply ordering someone
else’s completed piece online) is a simple DIY decorative idea. Using different lettering sizes, colors, and
fonts, words and phrases of the season are grouped together in collections,
typically in paragraph form with justified margins, allowing you to make and
print an 8”x10” or 11”x14” and then frame as a single or a collection of a few
pieces of wording wall art. These would
look great in the dining room, near the Christmas tree, or as part of your
entryway décor.
Feathers – Four colly birds, three French hens, and two turtle
doves get a fresh take this season with feather décor being a popular
trend. Feather wreaths hanging on the
front door or from the mantle add a modern twist on the typical greenery.
Open Frames – We’ve seen them before, and they are still hanging around; open frames make great
backdrops for loose ornaments hanging from thin ribbon strands. Spread them out along the top of the frame,
or bunch them together and tie a grouping in the middle. Hang the 3-D art on the wall or in place of a
wreath on the door. Frames also set the
scene for string strands strung (say that 5 times fast) from side to side with
small clothespins holding little squares of cardstock with the days of the
month printed on them. Let the kids
count down the days to Santa by removing one number each night.
Off-Season Collections – red and green are traditional, but a whole
collection of bright colors like pinks and blues, summery seashells, or a
monochromatic theme can deck your halls, walls, and tree as well. You may not be into snowmen and
reindeer. Find alternative decorations,
carry your theme throughout, and have an off-white Christmas all your own.
Crafts – Crafts in general are popular this month, and they go beyond
classroom artwork of the past. Look into
options for making your own accents and accessories like small Christmas trees
made out of a wide variety of materials, painted or decoupage ornaments,
handcrafted wreaths, and custom centerpiece components.
Your
imagination’s the limit when it comes to options for making your home merry and
bright this holiday season.
DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star December 8th.
