JACKSONVILLE, Florida – The holiday season is the perfect time to make a home festive and special with seasonal décor.  With an increasing focus on environmentalism, more and more people are looking for ways to green their holiday decorating in eco-friendly style.

“We are seeing the movement toward green design and environmental awareness extend to the home and holiday decorating as we approach the holiday season,” said Judith Sisler Johnston, president of Sisler Johnston Interior Design and ASID Allied Member.  “Every year, more and more people ask me what they can do to freshen up their basic holiday décor and add design interest to their home while respecting the environment.  My approach is to recycle and reuse materials, giving them new life by incorporating them into holiday décor.”

While it is eco-smart to reuse any decorations from past years, many holiday decorating traditions are not environmentally friendly.  Therefore, more people are choosing to opt out of purchasing or using petroleum-based artificial Christmas trees, mass-produced, plastic ornaments or energy-draining strings of holiday lights.

“Think about the ways your ancestors decorated during the holidays using natural evergreens cut from trees, handmade ornaments and bowls of fruit, nuts or pine cones,” Sisler Johnston said.  “With a backdrop of poinsettias and other seasonal plants, this type of holiday décor creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere that is free of petroleum and chemicals.”

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

Garlands also are ideal for draping mantels and chandeliers.  Spruce garlands alone will typically provide a shimmering effect on brass chandeliers, but dark iron fixtures may benefit from added color.  Sisler Johnston suggests embellishing with recycled lights, berries, leaves and flowers from other floral arrangements to liven it up.

Vertical garlands can be used to drape a baker’s rack or open étagère displaying holiday serving pieces on every shelf.  A large wreath hung above the fireplace dressed with coordinating décor adds wonderful holiday atmosphere.  While most décor items can be purchased in craft or home improvement stores, look for ways to reuse or recycle what already is on hand.                       

Many families also have holiday collectibles that they cherish and re-use from year to year.  Ornaments are especially popular.  Many are handmade or produced with natural materials.  Some are projects parents can make with their children using popsicle sticks and extra buttons.

Photographs in small frames make wonderful ornaments and great gifts.  Along with holiday shopping, many travel during the holiday season.  An ornament from a vacation destination also provides a wonderful remembrance of special times with family and friends.

“Ornaments are a great holiday tradition to pass on to children and grandchildren,” Sisler Johnston said.  “It’s something they can keep and enjoy for years.”

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

ASID Allied Member Judith Sisler Johnston and her team of licensed, talented designers help clients enhance their surroundings with designs that range from traditional elegance to classic contemporary style.  Sisler Johnston is Jacksonville’s leading authority on designing spectacular spaces that are beautiful, functional and reflect her clients’ personalities and lifestyles.

Sisler Johnston’s design work has been featured in numerous books, newspapers, magazines and television programs.  Sisler Johnston Interior Design celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2004 and has been recognized with more than 100 industry awards.

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

Photography:

1. Judith Sisler Johnston, president of Sisler Johnston Interior Design, is seeing green design and environmental awareness extend to home and holiday decorating during the holiday season.

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. Vertical garlands can be used to drape a baker’s rack or open étagère displaying holiday serving pieces on every shelf.