Who says that Christmas lights are just for Christmas trees? In fact, why should they be limited to just one month of the year? Renowned designers across the globe are using miniature white lights-traditionally used only for Christmas time-to create unique and unforgettable statements in their client's homes. But you don't have to be a designer (or hire one!) to learn how to use Christmas lights in your home dcor. These versatile decorating tools can be used to create a whimsical look in a laundry room or bathroom, or a more formal look in your living or dining room. Take a look at the suggestions below and then scope out your own home-are there areas that could use a little "lighting up?" Your Kitchen Most kitchens are decorated in order to produce warm, friendly environments that friends and family can gather in and feel comfortable and at-home. That's why they are the perfect environment for Christmas lights. We've all grown up with Christmas lights on our trees and automatically relate to them with a feeling of warmth. Try stringing a strand around that tall plant in the corner or along the bottom of your kitchen shelves. Your Dining Room A dining room is generally more formal, but that doesn't mean you can't use Christmas lights there, too. If you have formal draperies with a swag try running a line of tiny white lights along the inside of the swag. It will create a demure lighting effect that is sure to charm your dinner guests. Your Bedroom A bedroom should be decorated with quiet and peacefulness in mind. Imagine snuggling down under a canopy bed with lights gently trailing along the rim. If you don't have a canopy you could create a "light forest" in the corner of the room. Simply place an odd number of large potted plants in the corner and string small Christmas lights around them. You can connect them all together for a more whimsical look, or string them separately for a formal design. Living Room If you want your living room to speak casualness or even whimsy, then Christmas lights add a great effect. If you have a fireplace, consider placing the lights along the mantel, then decorating it with greenery. If you carefully choose the dcor that you place on top, it won't look at all Christmasy. For example, you could place modern statues along the mantel, or country-style wooden dcor. Your Bathroom Your bathroom is the perfect location for strands and strands of Christmas lights. But beware! This decorating idea isn't for the faint-at-heart or conservative. Especially if your space is small, Christmas lights can open up the room by creating an airy look. Start by stringing the lights around the mirror, and then along the cabinets. If you're really daring, create a fabric wrap-around your stand-alone sink, and then lay a strand of lights around it. Garden Finally, don't limit Christmas lights to the inside of your home. If you have a garden in the backyard, what better way to show it off than to illuminate it with beautiful lighting? Wrap the trees, large bushes, and walkways with either traditional white bulbs, or go all out, and use coordinating colored ones as well. (You're not just limited to red and greens anymore!) However you use Christmas lights in your decorating styles, your home will be sure to stand out above the crowd! |
