Tip-Top Trees

If you have been into our store recently, you have have seen the gorgeous trees we have out on the floor. Each one has a different theme or look to it and is beautifully dressed to impress! Not an inch of the tree is left bare and whether you are standing up close and taking in the details, or from afar and enjoying the radiant beauty, these trees are much to be desired this holiday season.

MORE IS MORE!

So how do you create a conversation piece like this in your home? Amber (Owner of Visions Home Furnishings, Consignments and Interior Design) says her philosophy is, "MORE IS MORE!"

Whoever came up with the idea that "Less is More" was not talking about Christmas Tree Design.What makes Amber's trees so beautiful and sought after is their fullness, their richness of color, along with sparkling and unique details one may never think to put in a Tree. Here's how she does it...

STEP 1:  After you have set up your tree in its desired location in your home, chosen your color scheme/theme, and added your lights, it's time to start dressing your tree. Amber like to use rolls of colored mesh and beautifully detailed ribbons. Choose different patterns and styles within the same color family, with sparkly accents that will reflect the lights in your tree. For maximum coverage, start with the widest roll first. Take one end tuck it into the top of our tree. Make sure that you push it into the branches and as close to the trunk as you can get. There's no real measurement here, its all a matter of preference, but choose how large you want your ribbon ruffles to be. Working your way down the tree, ruffle out the ribbon every few inches or so (or to your liking) and tuck it back through the branches and into the tree (again, getting as close to the trunk as possible). Once you reach the bottom, you can cut the ribbon and start again, or tuck it into the branches at the base of the tree and begin working your way up the other side. Continue this process for the rest of your ribbons/fabric (widest to thinnest). Don't be afraid to overlap, criss/cross and change directions.

After each step make sure that you stand back and look at your tree. Make sure there are no holes or gaps, or too much of one color on either side.

Porcelain-Faced Santa 

STEP 2: If you have chosen garland for your tree, this is the time to add it. Whether its thin strands of beads, leaves and holly berries, or ropes of tinsel, in this step you'll want to run your garland horizontally across your tree rather than vertically like your ribbons. Always starting at the top and tucking one end into the branches, drape your garland around your tree in big swoops and securing it buy tucking it into the branches as you go. As you go around the tree (working your way from top to bottom) your swoops should get longer with more space between.

STEP 3: Now it's time to freckle your tree with ornaments! Traditional bulbs, stars, Santas, Snowmen, Reindeer, Candy Canes, it really doesn't matter. MORE IS MORE! Start with the larger ornaments, scatter evenly through out the tree and secure to the branches. Step out of your comfort zone and add decorations that you wouldn't normally see in a tree! Anything goes!

STEP 4: Top it off! There's nothing wrong with the traditional star at the top of the tree, so if that's your thing, run with it! You can spruce it up with glittery wire strands, beaded accents, wiry garland, feathers, or just about anything that will stand upright!

Check out our Christmas Tree Album on FB to for more ideas!

However you decide to decorate your tree this year, make sure you share the finished product with friends and family! Happy Holidays from everyone at Visions!

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What Is Your Design Philosophy?

What is your design philosophy? 

For many of us, the idea that we even have a design philosophy seems foreign or out of reach; but that doesn't mean that we don’t have one.

Take, for instance, the design of your outfit. When you woke up this morning and thought about what you were going to wear today, how did you decide? Maybe you considered whether or not everything in your ensemble matches, maybe functionality was a factor, or maybe you just smelled it to make sure it was clean! Whatever the case, how you went about making that decision is an example of your philosophy to design. A “Design Philosophy” is just a fancy way of describing the way you make decisions about something you are creating. It can be something as simple and second nature as choosing your outfit for the day; or as complicated as designing and decorating your home.

When it comes to Home Design there are many approaches to consider, we have narrowed it down to three general philosophies the average person may embrace. 

Hooker Furniture

The “Set It and Forget It” person is captivated by a specific look usually shown as a set in a catalog, an ensemble already put together on a manikin, or a display in a showroom. Each major piece matches the other; accessories are already laid out for them to see and purchase in one stop. They are not interested in spending much time putting together a room themselves or even adding much to it later on. Instead, they would rather shop it all at once, set it up, and not give it much thought after that. To this person (who may be overwhelmed with the task of putting a look together on their own) there is comfort in knowing it all came together.

Ecliptic Design

The “Collector” is emotionally driven and loves everything that they purchase. They don’t shop for sets or make many purchases at one time. They choose each item in their collection because they love it and it doesn't matter if it matches anything else or not. This person usually has a story to go along with any piece you point out or notice (where they bought it, what stood out to them about it, maybe a memory of when they first saw it… we all know someone like this). To them, it isn't necessarily about style or fashion but the comfort of knowing they are surrounded by things that they love.

Surya Furniture

Do you find yourself wearing your favorite pair of jeans or blouse throughout the year and just changing your shoes or jewelry to fit the season? Maybe you have had the same couch and chair in your living room for as long as you can remember but are constantly changing out your pillows or art work for a fresh look. Amber Arias describes this person as “The Creative Genius”.  A creative genius is all about the accents and classic pieces. They love seasonal items, trends, and color (yes… beige, creams, grays and blacks are all colors!) that they can mix and match to completely change the look and feel of a room seasonally, yearly or otherwise.  At Visions Home Furnishings, Consignment and Interior Design Amber has embraced this philosophy and approaches design with simple yet calculated ideas. She truly believes that anyone can be a creative genius.

 In our upcoming blogs we will help you identify what kind of consumer you are and design philosophy that you embrace, prioritize your purchases and show you how to embrace the “Creative Genius” in you!