Countdown to Christmas

Keep things calm and carry on with a holiday design scheme in harmony with your surroundings

“We wanted to achieve an elegant, yet tranquil atmosphere,” in line with the home’s neutral palette and earthy vibe, says designer Geneva Goldsmith.

“Go for the unexpected by using muted colors with metallics in your décor and ornaments,” Goldsmith says. She also suggests using invisible wire “so ornaments appear to be floating on the tree.” Using a pre-lit artificial tree also saves time — and hassle.

In this Spring Lake home by the sea, the goal was to bring a “celebratory holiday feeling” into a client’s home while remaining true to the interior’s overall neutral, organic vibe, says designer Geneva Goldsmith, president of Spring Lake-based Lightcodes Style.

“She wanted a dreamy and ethereal aesthetic that mirrored the serene, open feeling of the home,” favoring a pared-down palette over a traditional red and green holiday scheme, Goldsmith says.

A pre-lit artificial tree embellished with a faux fur skirt is festive but fuss-free and is surrounded by simple, recyclable brown paper packages tied with ivory yarn and ribbon. Clear ornaments are filled with natural dried flowers hung with twine for an earthy touch, Goldsmith says, adding that the contents of what is displayed inside can be reused or updated should the homeowner want to explore a different theme or color story each year.

The result is a calming and cohesive design scheme in a medley of white, cream and ivory with shimmery metallics. “Embrace and lean into the current décor of your home so that your holiday décor is an extension of that,” Goldsmith advises. “Take what you currently love in your space and build your holiday décor around that because that will bring you the most joy and look seamless.”

Sprigs of dried flowers elevate the look of simple brown paper packages tied with white ribbon and yarn.

Fill clear plastic ornaments with dried flowers or go with a wintry mix of natural materials or greenery. When the celebrations are over many of the components can be recycled or reused.