JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Nov. 18, 2009) – Sisler Johnston Interior Design has several low-cost tips for decorating homes and surroundings with seasonal décor and holiday style.  Careful planning makes it possible to stay within a budget.

  “The holidays are a time for families to gather together and appreciate the true meaning of the season,” said Judith Sisler Johnston, president of Sisler Johnston Interior Design and ASID Allied Member.  “During the holiday season, it is important to decorate your home in a way that integrates holiday traditions while creating an environment that is pleasing and inviting to our friends and family.  However, finding the money to spend on decorations that are only going to be used during the holiday season is more difficult than ever.”

For money-saving ideas, Sisler Johnston turns to the website, Decorating Diva, which recently suggested five tips for holiday decorating on a budget: Take Inventory, Be Crafty, Think Multi-Purpose, Be Creative, and Shop Smart.

            Take Inventory:  Re-use holiday décor.  It is not always necessary to buy new decorations.  For example, fill a glass bowl with holiday ornaments.

            Be Crafty:  Adding a small change of color or shape to an existing piece can make it seem like new.  A bright ribbon will add new life to a wreath.

            Think Multi-Purpose:  If buying new décor is a must, purchase items that are versatile and can be used throughout the year. Choose neutral and metallic colors that are classic and adjustable with the seasons. Avoid decorations with specific holiday motifs.

            Be Creative:  Coordinate an arts and crafts activity for the children in the family.  These homemade artistic creations will help save money on buying decorations.

            Shop Smart:  Always shop smart by creating a budget and sticking to it. Also, consider shopping for decorations during the sales after the holidays.

When selecting holiday décor items, Sisler Johnston suggests choosing decorations that appeal to all five senses: sight, scent, hearing, taste and touch.  Festive colors will light up a space and scented candles will add a holiday aroma.  Add appeal to a room by playing holiday music in the background, enjoy the taste of delicious holiday treats and savor the touch of soft fabrics such as cashmere and silk.

The traditional colors of the holiday season – gold, red, green and silver – are a thing of the past.  Use bold color combinations, such as sea blue with gold or lime with silver, to add some spice to the décor.

Simple items can make stunning holiday decorations.  Use garlands to surround the front door or wrap around staircase rails.  Wide red ribbon can be woven through the spruce for added color.  Add a string of small white lights to the garlands for a festive touch.  A row of live or silk poinsettias near the front door will create a festive entry.  Large red bows added to outdoor lanterns also enhance style.  Large, clear glass canisters can be filled with candy canes, pinecones or red and gold ornaments for countertop décor.

For an elegant tabletop display, select a theme to complement the china and flatware.  Use ornaments for additional sparkle.  Adding evergreen branches, horsetail garlands, gold-tipped leaves and stems of coral with birch wood sticks will add interest and height.

Along with money-saving options, many want to select holiday décor and gifts that are environmentally friendly.  A new trend observed by Sisler Johnston this holiday season is using recycled or “plantable” holiday gift tags made from 100 percent recyclable materials.  Each tag contains a seed that can be planted into the ground.

Another option for staying green is to use Forever Lights when decorating.  These lights are made from LED bulbs, last for up to 200,000 hours and use approximately 80 percent less electricity than incandescent lights.

When shopping for holiday decorations, remember that one person’s trash can be another person’s treasure.  Before hitting the local department stores, go to thrift stores, yard sales or online purchasing/trading websites such as Craig’s List or eBay.

“Instead of throwing out old decorations, trade them at a thrift store or donate to a local church or charity,” Sisler Johnston said.  “The key thing to remember is always recycle.”

About Sisler Johnston Interior Design

Sisler Johnston Interior Design offers comprehensive interior design services for commercial and residential clients.  The company specializes in marketable designs for active adult and continuing care senior lifestyle communities.  Sisler Johnston Interior Design also designs community centers, builder model homes, private residences, hotel guest accommodations and office suites.

Judith Sisler Johnston, president of Sisler Johnston Interior Design, is an allied member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), the United States Green Building Council (USGBA), and is a Certified Green Professional (CGP).  She is Florida’s leading authority on designing spectacular environments that are inspiring, functional and contribute to the wellness and self-esteem of their occupants.  Sisler Johnston and the company’s team of licensed, talented designers work with clients to enhance their surroundings with designs that range from traditional elegance to contemporary classic.

Sisler Johnston’s design work has been featured in numerous books, newspapers, magazines and television programs.  The company has worked with clients throughout Florida for over 25 years and received more than 100 industry awards.

For more information about Sisler Johnston Interior Design, call (904) 288-0908 or visit www.sislerjohnston.com

Photography:

1. An example of the use of bold color for the holiday season is to create a soothing coastal-themed dining tabletop setting, as seen here in a Cornerstone Homes model home at RiverTown.

2. Garlands can be used to enhance multiple areas of the home, including doorways.  Not only are they versatile and easy to use, but a wide red ribbon can be woven through the spruce for enhanced color.

3. Garlands also can be wound around staircase rails for a festive touch. 
   
   
4. Large, clear glass canisters can be filled with candy canes, pinecones or red and gold ornaments for countertop décor.