Freshen up your home heading into the holidays!

Wrenda Goodwyn • special to the Fort Myers News-Press• December 3, 2011

It always happens just as we are heading into the holidays.

I receive calls from clients who want to do a mini home makeover before the out-of-town guests and friends arrive.  Everyone wants their home to look its best but we are all surprised that the holidays came upon us so fast and before we have time to redo our home into absolute perfection!

Wait.  Stop.  Take a breath!

We can’t do it all so I have come up with a short list that will refresh your home before you begin your holiday decorating.  Not a total makeover but some easy and painless tips:

This stylish table from Pottery Barn is perfect for bringing organization to busy family spaces. With a compact profile and simple silhouette it is perfect for smaller entry areas.• Start at the front door.  Literally with the door! Transform the entry to your home with a new paint color.  This is inexpensive and fun. It will be a nice change for a boring front door that has been the same color for far too long.  The color depends upon your exterior color but if it is a neutral tone, try a red, turquoise, blue or orange shade.

• Add some new plants to the front porch and clear out any that have seen better days!

• Before you bring out your décor items, give your home a quick decluttering. Take 15 minutes and put items away that are taking up extra space on surfaces that you will need for your holiday treasures.  

• If new bedding is on your list, now is a good time.  Nothing transforms a master bedroom and guest bedroom like new linens and comforters.  And when the holiday stress sets in, a beautifully made bed to sink into is pure bliss!

• As much as you would like, you probably do not have time for new window treatments but you do have time to order a beautiful cornice for a window or two.  Pick out some beautiful fabric find an upholsterer and they can help you with a cornice that will change the room. Or do it yourself with some easy step-by-step directions that are readily available online.

• Open the windows and light scented candles, add potpourri and seasonal aromatherapy.

• Since we all have guests over the holidays, make sure that you have a place in your entry near the front door where visitors can put their bags and purses.  A chair or a bench or a wide table. Takes away that awkward “what do I do with my bag” moment when guests arrive. And make this a permanent part of your entry.

• This is a good time of year to add some new pillows and throws to your couches.  Try out a new color that pops and compliments your wall color (no, you do not have time to repaint!).

• Freshen up towels and rugs in the master and guest bathrooms. With the holidays approaching, you cannot go wrong with white for a clean, crisp spa look.  Add new candles and scents.  Some fresh flower. You have a bathroom makeover!

Before you put up decorations and lights, be sure to check your task/reading lighting. I find that most of the lighting problems in my client’s homes are solved simply by increasing the wattage of the light bulbs!

Make your list, check it twice. Keep everything simple and easy.  And enjoy the season!    Next month we will talk about decorating resolutions for 2012.

Wrenda Goodwyn is a Southwest Florida interior decorator. Visit her website at spectacularspaces.com. Call her at 949-1808 or e-mail wrenda@spectacularspaces.com. For more decorating tips and photos, visit spectacularspaces.com/blog