The Finishing Touch

Trend Watch: Holiday Decor on a Budget

Holiday season is upon us! Well, it's definitely upon me as I prepare for my seasonal company (yikes) to arrive. It's always a little scary, getting ready for the masses to ascend upon me for some apple cider and figgy pudding. Okay, so I don't know what figgy pudding is. Or how to make it. But I do know a thing or two about redecorating on the cheap while making it look like I spent a fortune. I'll share a few of my recent purchases with you on one condition… don't tell my overcritical neighbor this is how much I spent.

1. Multiple prints in similar styles

This is a popular style right now, and I made it work with these beauties by Albert Koetsier. You can find many more prints like these at ArtSelect. They have one of the best selections I've ever seen, and if you get the prints unframed and just frame them yourself, it's really inexpensive.

2. Hang an exotic tapestry

I hung this piece from HomeDecorators.com in my living room and it's truly gorgeous. I'm a sucker for deep chocolate brown and blue combos. It's a great piece for the holidays; just rich enough to feel inviting and warm. This colors can easily carry into your spring décor. Toss some sky blue throw pillows on a neutral-colored couch for an instant change.

3. Add a pop of bright color

We've all become familiar with winter white… why not winter yellow? Imagine this yellow-rimmed mirror form HomeDecorating.com hanging in your living room, above the fireplace, in the entryway. Its unique design and color make it something your guests won't forget. They'll be envious of your design savvy! "Sunflower yellow in winter? How chic!"

4. Plant a conversation piece somewhere conspicuous

I cannot tell you how much I love this bowl. Love, love, love this bowl. Everything about it. The size (it's on the large side!), the color, the design, the price. It's my favorite purchase of the season thus far. Target has loads of fun goodies like this one, many available for under $100. Trust me, it will get your houseguests talking. Put holiday cookies in it, potpourri, or nothing at all. Mine is currently empty, and it looks beautiful. It stands alone quite well.

5. One of these pieces of furniture is not like the others…

It's plush, it's hot pink, and it's comfortable to boot. This bench is perfect for a second floor landing or entryway, but also as extended seating in your living room. It's so luxurious! It's risky, I'll admit, to add something so bold to your décor, but you'll be pleasantly surprised how well it blends. The material is uniquely patterned. Plus, I love that they ship to Canada. Canadians need pretty seating areas too!

Happy decorating,

John Derian for Target

The holidays are right around the corner and our schedules are all jam packed with visits from the in-laws, parties, and of course the usual holiday dinners.  I am not quite ready to succumb to turkey-printed china in honor of Thanksgiving and wanted to up the style quotient of my first real bachelorette pad with unique housewares that would impress and work for events from my housewarming, to cocktail parties and family gatherings.  

I became a fan of John Derian's decoupage work after reading his story in the New York Times last year, but needless to say my champagne taste and Diet Coke budget prevented me from becoming a large patron of his art.

Conveniently, starting September 15th, Target will be featuring a line by John Derian starting at only $5 for decoupage coasters at http//www.target.com/johnderian.

Best Bathroom Accessories Under $100

1)   Use your summer vacation to browse for unique home accents. Months later your finds will transport you to Rocky Mountain highs or memories of the Nantucket shore.  If you are staying close to home, here are our editor's top five  recommendations for bathroom accessories under $100:

With your formal style, you add a personal touch to every element of your house, so why stop in the bath? Your polished look demands gracious touches like fresh flowers, plush towels in your signature color and monogrammed soaps. On sale at PotteryBarn.com, 6 for 29.99 with a single letter or three letter monogram.

 

Want to redecorate, but afraid your landlord object to a major DIY project? Get the graphic impact of damask wallpaper in seconds without the fuss and fumes of wallpaper glue! India Rose’s 100% cotton poplin shower curtain is machine washable and reinvigorates your entire bathroom. Available at indiarose.com for $97.

Missoni’s “Izzy” Towel will keep your urban sophisticate swathed in luxury after those chilly runs in Central Park. $20-$55 at thisisautom.com

 

 

Even the most casual living spaces demand organization. Make back-ups of commonly used items like soaps, brushes, and sponges decorative decorations by storing them in hand-painted clear glass containers.  Clear up your precious cabinet space for items that can't be exposed to heat or light like perfume, medicine, and cosmetics. On sale at PotteryBarn.com from $27.99-$59.99.

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Featured in May’s issue of Metropolitan Home,this mirrored vanity set has enough sparkle to glam up the boudoir of any modern day bombshell. Available for $49.95 at ZGallerie.com