Fast interior design fixes for the holidays

The holidays are a time for merry-making, excitement, anticipation, and love. They are also a time for unexpected calls from relatives who say they’d like to come visit and they’ll need somewhere to stay the night. Unfortunately, our homes aren’t always magazine-ready and the news that we have to play host to a guest during such a busy time of year isn’t always welcome. That’s why you’ll want to know these quick fixes for your holiday decor to make your home fresh, attractive, and full of holiday cheer in no time.The fruit centerpieceFood isn’t just a Thanksgiving theme, it’s part of the whole holiday season. A fruit or veggie centerpiece can be colorful, decorative, and edible all at once. Find a tall vase, cake stand, or other vessel to hold your chosen produce. You can either choose a theme—all red and green, for instance—or include as many shapes, colors, and sizes as possible, from apples to lemons to limes. If you have the option, including part of the stem and fresh leaves makes the centerpiece especially interesting.The taper candleCandles, whether lit or not, make great decorations. If you have an empty end table or space on your display shelves, use candles to fill up the empty space. Taper candles have an antique feel and can be incorporated as light sources or as pure decor. For a festive feel, choose a mini pumpkin, apple, or bell pepper and carve out the center to fit the candle and serve as a base.Throw pillowsYou’ll find any number of decorative pillows at Wlamart or other decor stores. They’re affordable and they add an instant splash of color and texture, besides making your couch look more inviting and comfortable. Pillowcases are the easiest of all sewing projects to make, so if you can’t find a throw pillow that suits your style, you can choose your own fabric and make some.Shadow boxesHave an empty wall you don’t know how to fill? Get a couple shadow boxes from a local craft store and fill it with the mementos or curios you’ve been collecting but haven’t figured out a way to display. Cathy Hobbs, an interior design and home staging expert, said, "Postcards, treasured photos, and holiday cards all work [in shadow boxes], especially when paired with multi-dimensional items such as buttons, coins, souvenirs and mementos."Interior Decorating and Remodeling News Brought to You by BaseBoardRadiatorCover.comSource: knoxnews.com/knoxville/life/add-design-elements-to-decor-on-a-budget_27096619

Xenia Cowell, New York City, Writer. Have an empty wall you don’t know how to fill? Get a couple shadow boxes from a local craft store and fill it with the mementos or curios you’ve been collecting but haven’t figured out a way to display.