One of the many great things about being an interior decorator is being able to apply seasonal touches to a home that create a warm, welcoming atmosphere for family and friends. The holidays are the most special time of the year when bonds are re-established and the emphasis shifts from the world outside to the people and things around us that matter most. Some of our most enduring memories are the simple ones created in the home during the holidays. As such the value of adding seasonal touches to the interior decor can’t be overstated. In this post we’re going to take a look at ways of dressing up the stairs for the holiday season.
Dress your Stairs for the Holidays with These Interior Decorator Tips
As any interior decorator knows the stairwell is one of the best places to make a holiday statement, especially if yours is centrally located and has an ‘open’ aspect to it. That is, at least part of the stairway opens onto the foyer, front hall, living room or other public space and there is a railing that can be dressed up. Here are 7 touches to consider for the stairway whether you live in Hamilton, Burlington or anywhere else in the GTA:
- Wreaths: Who said wreaths should only be hung on door? Hang a number of wreaths at regular intervals either on the railing or on the wall leading up the stairs. Create unity by tying them together with decorative, holiday themed ribbons.
- Garlands: We’re thinking particularly about ribbon garlands. These can be easily made by using ribbons of varying widths, lengths, colours and textures and attaching ornaments, flowers and the like at the top of each. Attach them to the railing at regular intervals.
- Stockings: Intersperse attractive Christmas stockings among the garlands on the stairway and add a fun new dimension to the proceedings. Stockings add just the right holiday colour to the stairway and make the whole family feel included.
- Swags: Make or purchase a number of door swags and repurpose them on the stairway. These can be used in place of wreaths or stockings or alternated with stockings along the railing to create movement and loads of visual interest.
- Potted plants: If your stairway is wide enough to host potted plants without them interfering with safe passage then this can be an excellent way of bringing a bit of the outdoor feel of the holidays indoors. Use miniature Christmas trees or poinsettias and embellish them with colourful holiday bows and even lights, if safety considerations allow it.
- Flowers and Fruit: Take flowers and berries and gather them together with twigs, pine cones and ribbons in a series of unique decorative clusters. Space them evenly along the banister and tie them together using holiday themed ribbons.
- Don’t forget the lights: Christmas lights fancifully deployed along the railing will provide a touch that can’t be achieved with anything else. Weave your lights in and around any garlands, wreaths or swags but keep the colours (and the blinking lights) to a tasteful minimum.
The holidays are an excuse to indulge your sentimental, family-loving interior decorator side by bringing all your warmest, homiest impulses to bear on seasonal decorations. Turning the stairway into a holiday showpiece is a great, simple way to make everyone feel relaxed and welcome and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Isabelle Tremblay is perhaps Greater Toronto’s most experienced, most sought after interior decorator. If you are looking for ways to ramp up the holiday spirit in your Hamilton or Burlington home call Decor Isabelle on (416) 573-2301. For the good times.
