Right around the end of November, most of us get extra impatient to begin decorating our homes for the winter holidays.
Though the decoration is mainly there so we can align ourselves with the holiday spirit and celebrate the coming of the New Year, aesthetics is an important aspect, too.
If you want to make sure your home looks fabulous this holiday season, watch out for these 10 mistakes!
1. Not Keeping the Surface In Mind
It’s important to keep in mind the sheer size of the surface you’re about to decorate.
It’s one thing to layer a string of garland above your fireplace and another to frame the entire entrance of your home with it.
The above garland isn’t thick enough to leave a real impact. I’d even venture to say that the rest of the exterior decor – which is awesome, by the way – would look much better without it.
So what should you do, then?
Perhaps you could measure the surface you’re decorating, or try the decor out before you throw away the bill.
2. Not Having a Color Scheme For Your Tree
I am a maximalist but I also believe in a strong color scheme. A combination of two or three colors is sure to give you the best results.
Having a color scheme will make your tree appear stylish and thought-out rather than packed full of whatever decor you had lying around.
3. Leaving the Tree Barren
Perhaps you’re decorating a natural tree or you just happened to buy an artificial one with lesser volume – either way, the branches should look thicker.
For instance, you may wrap green tinsel around the middle branch to create the apparition of thick volume.
These holidays are all about joy and abundance. Who wants a modest Christmas tree?!
4. Flowers?
Don’t get me wrong. The above arrangement looks positively lovely… for spring.
Flowers are beautiful, but they have absolutely nothing to do with the winter holiday spirit. More than anything, I find the above tree to be confusing.
5. Straying Too Far From the Classics
A lot of us, I included, have an artificial Christmas tree simply because it’s long-lasting, economical, and requires no care whatsoever.
Still, you want your tree to at least look somewhat natural. Because of this, I personally draw the line at the white-sprayed green tree, though the classic green is my first choice.
Some people love white Christmas trees, too. However, any other colors aside from that run the risk of making your decor appear cheap.
6. Losing the Sight of Proportionality
This one is probably individual. Some may consider such disproportional decor a mistake, while others may view it as a creative accent.
Though I understand where each opinion comes from, I’m a little more inclined to side with the first.
7. Unintentional Asymmetry
Asymmetry can be a real show-stopper when it’s done right.
The issue is that it’s quite obvious when asymmetry is intentional and when it’s due to a lack of skill or commitment.
8. Overdoing It
I love bows as much as the next girl, but enough is enough. The same goes for any other kind of holiday decor.
It’s important to learn the balance between abundant decoration and overkill.
9. Halfhearted Decoration
Minimalism is one thing, and scanty decor is another.
In my opinion, the above wreath would look much better with some string lights or matching holiday decor placed about the room.
10. Too Much DIY Stuff
DIY decor looks great in two instances: if you’re really crafty so the onlooker can’t even tell the decor is handmade, or if you’re subtle.
If you wish to nail the DIY look in your home this winter but don’t have the skill, look into buying some handmade decor.
It shouldn’t be expensive and can give your holiday set-up some real homey charm.