As a paint color expert, I am thinking about how I can adjust both outside and inside paint colors of walls, ceilings, trim molding, soft furnishings, art, accents and more in order to craft the perfect ambiance or feeling that my clients are seeking in their home or workspace.
Choosing colors at this time of year is a whole different story.
During this time of year, I spend more time helping people with interior colors as people are getting ready to entertain. It is unlikely that people are thinking about their exterior paint colors, and many people aren’t going to want to start up a large-scale paint project during the holiday season. You have enough to think about with the typical holiday stress. Painting is often the last thing on someone’s mind. Up north, painting outside is of simply out of the question.
That doesn’t mean that decorating for the holidays isn’t on your mind!
Holiday color schemes are important for creating the right atmosphere in your home for the upcoming holiday season. But if you can’t (or don’t want to) paint, then how can you implement a holiday color palette? Here are a few ideas to get you started!
Before you start implementing your holiday color palette into your home, you need to have an idea of where to begin. That’s where color inspiration can be priceless!
The classic option is the red, green and white color scheme. This is going to be easy to do since many (if not most) decorations and holiday themes go along with these colors.
We can do so much better!
So much better, as there are many other options, ranging from brilliant to elegant! Metallics like silver and gold are perfect for the holiday season. Combine those with deep blues and white for a holiday color schemes that goes beyond Christmas’ red and green.
Blues can be a refreshing touch, whether you are using a classic royal blue, or mixing it up with teals and blue greens. These colors can be a perfect touch alongside metallic silvers for a clean and fresh approach.
If you want something to look a little more classy, try maroon or cranberry red over bright red options along with deep forest greens and off whites. If you have little ones running around, go for more whimsical colors like a lime green or purples along with a shiny silver.
These are just a few ideas to get you going but the main takeaway is this: choose something you like and not something that necessarily screams “holiday”. There are ways to incorporate the classic feeling of the holidays without having to go with a strict red-green-and-nothing-else style.
Now, onto the tips!
The outside of the home is the first place that guests, family and friends are going to get the hints of your holiday color scheme. While you might have more possibilities indoors, it’s important not to forget the exterior colors when decorating.
Start with a classic: lights. White lights are traditional, but there are tons of other color options that can match any color palette you choose. These can go along the roofline, on your railings, walkways, mailbox and more!
If you have trees or bushes, or plants outside, those are perfect places to hang lights. Not only that, but you could decorate your outdoor trees just as many people decorate an indoor one around the holidays. Outdoor-friendly ornaments, bows, stars and more are a great way to decorate and implement your color scheme.
Your front door is another place where you can add a bit of holiday color!
You can frame the door with pine bows or a garland, or hand a traditional wreath. This could be an evergreen, one made of pine cones or even a floral one depending on where you live. Check out these three awesome options for making your own to completely customize the colors!
Plants are an excellent way to add pops of your holiday color scheme for both the exterior and interior colors of your home.
I already mentioned decorating the trees and bushes outside of your home as well as adding a wreath or garland to your front door.
Inside the home, a Christmas tree is the most classic option. If this is what you celebrate, it can add the perfect holiday green to your living space. Then, decorate with ornaments, bows, ribbons or more that match your holiday color palette. You can see a few creative examples of tree design here.
Pair that with presents wrapped in paper and bows that match the tree and your holiday color palette will be complete!
If you don’t celebrate Christmas or don’t have a tree, there are other ways to use plants.
I have always been a big fan of white branches. I have bought birches, or spray-painted branches to be white, then placed them in large pots. It’s simply beautiful!
White plants are another option, paperwhites add a delicate and intricate touch of pure white to any space. Poinsettias bring that vibrant red and deep green that goes with many holiday themes. Finally, an appropriately named “Christmas Cactus” is another obvious choice.
You can also go for purple, white, pink and red flowers. Greenery like holly, mistletoe, and even rosemary plants can add to these color schemes as well. Combine these things with nice pots and decorated planters for the finishing touch!
One of the staples of the holiday season is a family dinner. Whether this is with your relatives or your chosen family of friends and loved ones, the dinner table is somewhere that should definitely match your theme.
Candles, plates, silverware, glasses, coffee mugs, centerpieces, table runners, tablecloths, napkin rings… the list of decorating options goes on and on for table decor. This doesn’t even include the seats, side tables, candles, art in the dining room, serving dishes and platters, and the food itself!
Now that you have some actionable tips from a tried and true color consultant, it’s time to put them to work. Start by doing a few things here and there and before you know it your entire home will be decked out and matching your chosen holiday color palette without using a drop of paint!
Want a color specialist to help you choose the right holiday color scheme? Want to know how to match your decor and plants to the paint in your home? Contact me and I can help you craft the perfect holiday ambiance for your space!
