Retro Ranch Reno: December 2014

Ahhhhhh, it’s that time of year again….the Christmas edition of Lindsay's Blogger Stylin’ Home Tours has arrived!!

It’s one of my favorite blog hops!! If you settle in to check out each post, you’ll surely see why. It’s a fantastic collection of holiday cheer. All of the participants set the bar so high and leave me with so much inspiration! I mean, did you see Diane’s home?! If you are coming here from In My Own Style, then you know it is just stunning!!! I’m talking magazine-worthy, people! For real...she was featured in BHG’s Special Interest Publication Christmas Ideas!!

Seeing homes like hers, and all the others on the tour, can cause me to dream up some pretty lofty decorating ideas in my head. There is just so much beauty that can be created...I can't help but want to transform our holiday home into something new each year. Of course, this goes against not only our budget and our storage capabilities, but also against my whole "less is more" way of living I'm trying to focus on.

Thankfully, there are ways to get a fresh look each year without going out and buying all new decor. Last year our home was all about the traditional red (with some black, white and sparkle, of course). This year, I wanted to continue my love of bright colors for the holiday season...so I focused on pink!! I was a little nervous that hubby wouldn't be a fan, but I can safely say, he approves. :)

So how can you transform your decor without breaking the bank? I do it in a few ways:

1) Buy a base of decorations that are "neutral" for you. And no, that doesn't mean they have to be a neutral color...they should just be a basic color (or colors) that you will use for many years. For me, I have a base of gold, silver, white, black and disco ball decorations/ornaments that make an appearance every year. From there, I can add other colors, or just stick to those few to create my scheme. If you look online and in your local dollar stores, you can find shatterproof ornaments in almost any shape and color. The ornaments won't be something you'll pass down to your children, but they sure will make a statement on the cheap! :)

2) Have a good base of greenery. I use faux garland, wreaths and trees in our home and then swap out what I swag them with to create a new look each year. I never buy anything full price and always look for sales. Michael's usually runs a 50% off sale on their Christmas decor, and there are great online wholesale craft and Christmas shops to purchase wreaths, garland, etc. Of course, you could use real greenery here too....we've just opted for the fake stuff in our home.

3) Put a bow on it. Ribbon is one of my go-to's to create a cohesive color scheme throughout a space. You can add it to almost anything to tie elements together. Plus, it's relatively inexpensive. Michael's frequently runs big sales on ribbon, and I stock up then.

4) Create small DIY projects. Whether it's making a wreath, painting an abstract art piece or sewing a quick table runner...I don't shy away from doing a small DIY project that will add a little something to our decor. These small dollar projects can sometimes add high impact to a space.

5) And when in doubt, spray paint it. I'm never afraid to spray paint something to make it work for me. It's a powerful weapon to have in your decorating arsenal. ;)

Using several of my tips above, I created a simple, and pink, holiday home this year!!