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Interior Decorator Liz Toombs Shares Trends and Tips to Create a Festive Décor without the Stress
By Carla Snuggs
Tired of dragging out the same old Christmas decorations? Are you hosting a party where you want to show off the trendiest holiday finery? Or, are you worried that your crazy busy lifestyle will make decorating a chore instead of a cheer? Don’t get your tinsel in a tangle.
Interior Decorator Liz Toombs shares her advice to make your holiday décor festive and fun without causing a lot of stress. The Kentucky-based Toombs is a Certified Interior Decorator who owns two companies: Polka Dots & Rosebuds Interiors and the DIY brand Out of the Box Room Design.
Toombs decorates dozens of homes and businesses for the holidays and begins planning with clients months in advance, “I love it when families are excited to unpack ornaments and other pieces they have had for generations. The holiday season is a time to showcase family heirlooms and personal collections, while mixing them in with trendy pieces. Put on some holiday music and have fun while decking your halls!”
Speaking of the decorating process, it’s not all green and red. Toombs is seeing these themes:
• Winter wonderland - It’s a white out! Flocked trees, white ornaments and garland add sparkle and shine to make things even more festive.
• Rustic charm - This trend has staying power. You’ll see ornaments and décor in the shape of woodland creatures such as squirrels, owls, birds, and deer. Pair these items with burlap and plaid ribbon for a cozy, homey decorating scheme.
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• Black and white check - For years, MacKenzie-Childs has used the black and white checker pattern paired with wild and colorful patterns. Now, the mass market is following suit. You will see checkered ribbon, ornaments, and tree skirts. Black and white check is classic and sophisticated on its own; when paired with other colors and patterns, it takes on a whimsical feel.
DIY Decorating Tips
• Pick a hot spot - Choose one room, or even one area of a room for focus, such as a mantel, chandelier, dining area, etc. Once you’ve chosen your hot spot, go all out!
• Incorporate current décor in a new way - Hang your favorite ornaments from a chandelier instead of on your tree or place them in clean cases to show off their beautiful hues.
• DIY centerpieces - A red cloth gathered underneath a grouping of silver candlesticks, Santas or reindeer, and a vine of glittery berries makes a stunning centerpiece for a large table. Or, cluster pieces that vary in height to add dimension to a centerpiece. You can even turn items on their sides to make things more interesting.
*About Liz Toombs, C.I.D. - Toombs owns Polka Dots & Rosebuds Interiors as well as the DIY service, Out of the Box Room Design. Toombs is a University of Kentucky graduate and Certified Interior Decorator (C.I.D.) who offers complete design services for homes, offices and Greek housing. Toombs’ work can be seen on campuses including the University of Kentucky, University of Maryland, and Florida State University.
