Christmas Decor Tips and Tricks!


Christmas time is in full swing! In the stores, on the radio, 
AND in many, many homes full of garlands and glitter...

Each year, I try to add just one new holiday decoration
...and this year it is a white Christmas tree.

Yes, I did buy it off of Craigslist after the holidays last year, 
but don't snub your nose yet!

Take a look now-


and take a look back here to see the rest of my house...
taken last year but repeated now!

Do you ever seem to have a loss of ideas for how to make your Christmas decorations 
just a little bit different than last year? Here are a few ideas for table top decor, 
mantel garnishes, wreath making, and Christmas tree decorations and themes!

Traditional Colored Tabletop:

Bring out the reds and whites!
Use a small tree skirt as a centerpiece on your table and layer small snowmen and
mini Christmas trees around to create a winter wonderland. If you have a light
fixture above your table, bring out your craftiness and make a snowflake chain
to hang from the light!


Elegant Silver Tabletop: 


Looking for a softer, more subtle and formal tabletop decor?
Layer your place-settings with silver chargers and create different levels by using
different height candle sticks topped with a single ivory candle. White flowers with a touch
of pine tree garland will add the pop of color you are looking for.


Garland and Beaded Mantel: 

Cover that beautiful mantel with plenty of beautiful garlands! 
Even some colored garlands, such as this silver pine, can be quite excellent 
when matched with red tulle or fabric softly tossed in the background of the 
mantel. Use cranberry beads and garlands (found at any craft store) 
to drape asymmetrically  off the mantel.


Bannered Mantel:


Craft an elegant "banner" out of ornaments spelling out
"Merry Christmas" that you could even make yourself!


Want to spruce up your front door?

Try one of these DIY wreath tutorials by clicking the image to find the "how to"!


Snowfall Christmas Tree:

Combine all your traditional Christmas ornaments with a few new
icicle ornaments or short bead strands to create a "snowfall"
effect on your Christmas Tree


Theme your tree!: 


Choose a theme that reflects your family and traditions


Happy Christmas decorating!

Until next time,

New Face (Space) for Local Dermatologist!

Remember this project from a while back?  

This dermatologist office is now beautified and open for patients!

Fun job for Connell Interiors to take a commercial space from this-


to this-




And this-


to this...


We literally started from no color palette and found inspiration in the 
chair fabric... the rest unfolded from there.

From start...


to finish...


Incredible amount of details involved from selection of
cabinet veneers, counter top laminates, paint color, wood trim
granite slab, light fixtures, restroom tile, wood blinds, cove mold,
carpet, exam room details, wall finish... and not to mention-
furniture, lamps and artwork.

Several readers are patients at the "brother" space... literally... 
that I completed over a year ago.



The Selkin brothers now run two offices here- Center of Dermatology of Plano
and now the Facial and Skin Surgery Center, and several 
others in the Dallas Metroplex.

They say their patients don't want to leave the waiting room-
when does that ever happen?!


Until next time,


Shaping Up in High Point

It's Saturday morning... no volleyball games, no carpool, no client meetings... 
I'm finally catching my breath- and it feels good:)



I attended High Point Furniture Market a few weeks ago and have so much 
to share with your regarding new trends and updated classics.

As I look back at the 700 photos I took (yikes), I can't help notice
that I'm infatuated with the a few shapes that are frequently incorporated
into furnishings... Take a look-

There's the trellis pattern which is all over the upholstery lines-

Getting comfy with Taylor King




A modified version of the trellis design...


New intro from Hooker

Transitional look from Surya Rugs
Circles all over...

A few looks from John Richards



Spring introduction from Hekman

Another beauty from Hekman

A few new items from Fine Furniture Design

Got this one on order from CTH Sherrill

This one too in a darker finish... ahhhh

And lastly, some random geometric shapes that caught my eye...

Mirror collage by John Richards

Nice X back from Hekman

Etagere by Fine Furniture Design

One of my favorites from Drexel Heritage

Fun Hooker chest

In love with this Surya pattern...


So much more to share... but this is a start!

Until next time,

Like Mother, Like Daughter: A Future Interior Designer


...and I heard it Thursday morning when I woke up at 4:45 am.

Kitchen: An empty can falling on the floor

Me:  Hello in there?

Kitchen: Morning, mom?

Me: You are still up?

Kitchen: Yup, going to bed now.

Something is wrong when the 13 year old is going to bed
at 5 am on a school night!

A year and a half ago, I wrote about this same
school project... but it involved my son.

Check it out  here

Middle school English requires the parents students,
to create an autography scrapbook of their lives...

And here's a peek at Avery's creation-
(29 pages in all!)




Each photo page required an essay...

Here's my favorite...

Avery's goal to become an Interior Designer



How cute is she posing in her room when she was tiny...

Even with all the crazy hours and incredible workload,
my 13 year old can see the joy in her mom
and she works a career that is so fulfilling.

I'm so lucky to do what I do!!!


Do what you love... and the rest will fall into place-

Even though it may be a process getting there:)


Until next time,

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