Holiday Decorating Florida Style : Interior Design Blog

Decking the halls can be a design conundrum, especially for Floridians and most especially for seasonal residents. No, people like us are not Scrooges. We’re just holiday-decorating challenged. For years most of us have collected all manner of ho-ho-holiday tchotchkes: ornaments we’ve had since childhood, grandma’s tree skirt, the suddenly affordable Christmas tree star discovered at Neiman’s post-holiday sale and on it goes. The problem is that for the previous eleven months of the year, most of us have been cultivating an interior design plan with a color palette, specially chosen pieces of furniture and just-right accessories. Are holiday decorating and tasteful interior design at odds with each other?


As Robb & Stucky Creative Director, I live and breathe interior design every day of the year. It’s my job and it’s my passion. But, I am also a bona fide Christmas junkie. It’s my very favorite season of the year. I’m happy to report that I have found a way to reconcile what might be conflicting passions for some. Today, I’d like to share some ideas on how to honor a sophisticated design plan AND deck your halls.

• First, always try to layer holiday objects of delight into your current design plan. Not the other way around. The home you love 364 days a year is the key reference point. As an example, fill glass bowls and vases with collected bulbs and ornaments. Maybe even a sparkling string of lights. It’s a way to showcase your memorabilia without creating clutter.

• Don’t be afraid of swag. I love draping boughs of holly over a mantle or other architectural features. Green is the color of nature and works with so many color palettes.

• Collect, don’t decorate. Let me explain. Cluster holiday decorating objects together rather than spreading them out all over your space. You’ll appreciate them more as a unified statement. Clutter creates confusion.

• Honor thy color palette. Neutral color schemes are popular today. Add Christmas RED or Hanukkah BLUE to great effect. Don’t go crazy with holiday color. Simply consider how your favorite holiday hues can work to enhance your overall approach.

• Edit! I happen to think MORE is MORE during the holiday season, but it pays to strike the right balance. Sometimes the ghost of Christmas past just needs to go away. Considering passing cherished collectibles to the next generation. After all, Christmas future awaits you.

The holidays are a time of jubilant excess. I believe you can still get your glee on without overwhelming the décor you enjoy all year long. There’s actually an added benefit for Floridians. Most of us don’t have Santa’s Workshop-sized attics and basements. The hall-decking approach I suggest – transforming everyday objects with pops of Christmas or Hanukah – also means less stuff to store. At the end of the day, what we all want for Christmas is peace on earth … and at home. Go forth and make merry!

ABOUT MARK STUART: People impressed and inspired by the Robb & Stucky showroom often wonder where we get our ideas. Meet our creative mastermind (and holiday guru), Mark Stuart. As Robb & Stucky creative director, Mark is responsible for the floor plan and visual display of all Robb & Stucky International stores. In his spare time, he also shops the world for accessories and engages with our amazing buying team on wood and upholstery selections so our stores enchant as a unified, beautiful experience. According to Mark Stuart, red ignites a neutral palette and permeates your room with holiday cheer.

ABOUT MARK STUART: People impressed and inspired by the Robb & Stucky showroom often wonder where we get our ideas. Meet our creative mastermind, Mark Stuart. As Robb & Stucky creative director, Mark is responsible for the floor plan and visual display of all Robb & Stucky stores. In his spare time, he also shops the world for accessories and engages with our amazing buying team on wood and upholstery selections so our stores enchant as a unified, beautiful experience.