FOR SELLERS: TIPS ON HOLIDAY DECORATING

On the drive home last night I took some time to admire the holiday lights. Most of the homes were tastefully decorated, but there were a few homeowners that went overboard. Holiday decor, or any decor for that matter, is based on personal preference. You really should do what makes you happy unless of course your house is on the market. In this situation, you should show a little restraint and use decor with mass appeal.

The AJC recently interviewed me on this very topic. Here's the advice I gave to sellers on decking the halls when the halls are for sale.

1. | Concentrate your decorating efforts on the front door, mantel, the kitchen, and dining room.
2. | Simple greenery does wonders for warming an entry. If you have double doors, please hang a wreath on each door.

via boston.com

3.| Keep decorations festive while also adding a few natural elements into the mix. Try to keep decor non-holiday specific.  You never know which holiday your potential buyer may celebrate.

via unknown

4.| Stacked logs and lanterns are an easy way to create a cozy atmosphere in your living room. Everyone can relate to cuddling fireside with a loved one or with a cup of cocoa. Save the holiday stockings for Christmas Eve instead of displaying them all month long. Potential buyers should be able to image themselves living in your home, not feel like they are intruding on your family's personal time.

via Kay Douglass / House Beautiful

 Have you every tried selling your home during the holidays? Did you make any changes to your holiday decor? Please share your experiences.

PRESS: AJC INTERVIEWS ERIKA WARD ON DESIGNING ROOMS FOR CHILDREN

I'm sending a huge thank you to Atlanta Journal-Constitution for printing my work and interview in the AJC Homefinder cover story, "Rooms to Grow for Kids: Designing Bedrooms and Playrooms with Kids in Mind."

Ironically, this summer I've been doing a lot of designing and writing about children's spaces so this feature was very timely. If you are in the process of decorating a child's room, check out a few of my articles for inspiration and direction! And if you are in the Metro Atlanta Area, contact me for a consultation. I'm looking forward to working with you!

"Working Solutions for Shared Kids' Spaces"
 

contemporary bedroom design by san francisco interior designer Artistic Designs for Living, Tineke Triggs

"Kids' Rooms: I'm A Big Boy Now"

 

modern kids design by san francisco interior designer Jute Interior Design

"Design Ideas for a Teen Boy's Room" 

contemporary bedroom design by  interior designer Tobi Fairley

"Designing Through the Eyes of a Child"

 

"Sophisticated Kids' Spaces"

 

contemporary bathroom design by austin architect Dick Clark Architecture

And if your kids have stuff all over this house, this one should help:

"Help! I'm a Minimalist, My Child is a Maximalist"
 

contemporary kids design by san francisco architect Cary Bernstein Architect

I'm also extending a congratulations to fellow designers and bloggers Lakeitha Duncan of Swoon Worthy Interiors, Jennifer Reynolds of Jennifer Reynolds Interiors, and Karen Soorikian of Soorikian Architecture who were also featured!