Calm and Light or Eclectic and Bright

Lisa Luby Ryan

I'm in a Christmas decorating quandary. I ponder this same question every year: whether to decorate in traditional reds, greens & golds, or to put a whimsical spin on those colors with brighter greens, deep pinks and purples for a more eclectic look, or to make a departure from these altogether with calm creams, silver and shades of muted green. If that were not enough to scratch my head over, the plethora of beautiful images of homes decked out in these schemes, proving that each are splendid in their own rites, only adds to my state of indecision.

Designer Lisa Luby Ryan, published many times by Veranda and Traditional Home, including this month's edition of Traditional Home, is clearly a master of making rooms merry and bright with restful hues. Every room is so beautiful, and I'm instantly enraptured.

Then there are those gorgeous traditional Christmas decorations, red flowing into green and gold. The color of Santa Claus and Christmas trees and glitter. They make me feel instantly at home. Red & green are the colors you associate with Christmas as a child, and seeing a house decked out in them makes me remember Christmases past-- getting that long-dreamed-of rainbow bike with the long streamers on the handles, my baby brother getting a little red barn complete with all the animals, the quilted Christmas stockings my mom made and hung in front of the fireplace every year and homemade eggnog.

What's not to love about Christmas decorations that put a spin on the traditional, still using bold and contrasting colors but in shades that are modern and young and using non-typical items to decorate. Behind the doors of this beautiful French home featured in Campagne Decoration are arresting colors and creative ideas, all in the Christmas spirit.

Planters painted a deep shade of pink and the matching ribbon on the front door greenery hint at what is to follow inside. The lit steps, the porch lights and the interior lights streaming from the inside make this place feel warm and welcoming. 

Deep pink is mixed with broad strokes of white, silvery mercury glass and fur throws for and unmistakable wintertime and Christmas look despite the absence of "traditional" color.

The Christmas tree is not loaded with ornaments nor does it need to be. The bright colors of the ball ornaments and complementing ribbons on the presents beneath combine with the lampshade, sofa cusions, draperies, even the drinking glasses for a room that has plenty of fun color.

In the living room there is a departure from the bright colors but not from the whimsy. A pear tree joins the other Christmas decorations and is decked out in silver, cream and icy blue.

What is your Christmas decorating style? Does it change from year to year or do you have a favorite that you stick to? Whatever your holiday decorating plans, I hope you're having fun putting everything together!

xo Keri