We recently got to spend a weekend with our Alabama crew and were happily surprised to see their cute, cozy home all decked out for Christmas! Since I’m a little behind in the decorating department this year, I thought you would enjoy seeing and hearing about theirs. You’re going to find some fun ideas that will inspire you!
An Early Christmas Gift
Keighlee’s mom has treated each of her three daughters to a fabulous gift–having their home decorated by interior designer Angela Lancaster. (You might want to add that idea to your list–to give or receive! I don’t know how you’d add it to your Amazon wishlist, but I’ll bet you can figure it out.)
I had the opportunity to chat with Angela and ask her about her work. She said she feels like she’s been designing forever. She worked at Condon’s, a locally-owned department store in Charleston, N.C., when she was a teenager. She used to design the front windows and other displays occasionally. As far as Christmas decor, she’s been spreading holiday cheer for about eight seasons.
Read on to hear about what inspires her and what the trends are this year…
Inspiration
So, what inspires Angela’s choices in decorating?
“I really try to lean into the personalities of the families I work with,” she said. “I want their homes to be a reflection of them. My heart’s desire is for all of the homes I do to look different from one another. Some clients love a traditional look. Others want something unexpected like bold colors, materials, or a theme.”
I think she nailed it with Keighlee and Brent who excel at fun! Even Molly felt right at home amidst the decorating.
Trending in 2022
What are the trends for this year’s Christmas decorations?
“I am seeing quite a bit of blue incorporated into decor this year, especially royal and navy. Chinoiserie is definitely spilling over from home decor to holiday decor. People are also opting for kelly green over lime or hunter. Ginghams and traditional plaids are popular as well.”
FA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LA
Isn’t this a fun greeting? Angela painted a 24″x36″ canvas with bold cherry red and fuchsia stripes using painters’ tape. She found the paper maché letters at Hobby Lobby and spray painted them gold. Here’s her tip for how to add glitter: “On the second coat, while the paint is wet, you sprinkle the gold glitter on. Then you glue the letters to the canvas. That’s it! So easy!”
I love the brightly-painted wood house blocks, festive pillows in the bright color scheme, and the wreath hanging on their dramatic mirror that leans against one wall.
As far as economical tips, Angela says “yummy” ribbons can make a huge difference in pulling your eye around a tree or room. “You can take simple ball ornaments from a dollar store and add bows. Boom! It totally changes the look of an inexpensive ornament. Another tip is to look for sales. Many stores mark their decor down early. Hobby Lobby marked their Christmas decor down 50 percent mid-October.”
Go BIG with JOY!
Angela decorated corners and nooks and spaces I would never have thought to touch–like one corner of the curtains and a mannequin bust. How fun is that?
I asked her why she thought it was worth it for folks to “go big” in their Christmas decorating.
She said: “I think BIG can mean different things to different people. The focus of Christmas is Jesus. I think about it as if I am decorating for His birthday party. Who doesn’t like a party?! It should always bring JOY whether your decor is big or small.”
JOY is a key word when you see this home decked out for Jesus’ birthday! What about you? Do you keep the same color scheme year to year or do you like to change up your Christmas decor?
Andrea
Love it! So young and fresh!
Brenda McElroy Mcelroy
I’m a traditionalist it’s but I love all the bright colors and joy! Regardless of your style it’s fun to do something new every year! So keep these blogs coming. They inspire me!
Tracey Buchanan
It’s fun to see different styles! 🎄
Brenda McElroy Mcelroy
I’m a traditionalist it’s but I love all the bright colors and joy! Regardless of your style it’s fun to do something new every year! So keep these blogs coming. They inspire me!
Lisa
Love the beautiful decor! I remember when someone special came and did the same to my home many years ago! Time to “Deck The Halls”!
Tracey Buchanan
Their house is chockfull of personality! Fun memories of Deck Your Halls!!