By David Cieslak
David Cieslak Designs

With the holidays fast approaching, you may be looking around your house wanting to do a little sprucing up before your guests arrive. Here are five simple fixes you can do that can Restyle and Redesign your home while still saving room for plenty of presents!

1. Change out your current throw pillows with fresh, festive patterns. It’s amazing what a little “pop” of holiday color can do. Don’t worry, if you’re not a fan of green and red, there are plenty of options out there. Think icy blues, rich fur and even add a little drama with some sparkle! While you’re at it, add a luxurious throw for those chilly nights in front of the fire. (Shown here: Chocolate & French Blue Harlow pillow, $49.95 at Z Gallerie.)

2. Freshen up your main entertaining area with a fresh coat of paint. For under $50 (and a few hours of your time) you can give a room a whole new look. Update that dated or dull color with the latest trend, or just brighten your space up. Another good idea while you have all that art off the walls…rehang all your art in different places. You would be amazed how different a room can look with the same art and accessories in different places. If you are covering a “difficult” color, I recommend Aura by Benjamin Moore. This paint has a built in primer and covers in one coat.

3. Add holiday scents. Candles create a very inviting and cozy space when entertaining. From apple cinnamon to pine scented, many retail stores have a variety of options. Don’t forget there’s also potpourri and room diffusers in many of the scents available as candles to create more layers while the candles aren’t burning. Some of my favorite scents are at Pier 1 Imports. For an added touch, put your candles on a mirrored tray, or festive candle holder to enhance the glow.

(Shown at right:  Nickel-plated aluminum Manzanita Candelabra, $99 at West Elm)

4. Another great way to restyle your home for the holidays, and help others, is to clean house and donate what you no longer need to your local charitable organization. You would be amazed how different a space can look once the clutter is gone. Not only that, you’re giving back to others who may be looking for presents, or sprucing up their home for the holidays, but on a very strict budget.

Once the clutter is gone, move the furniture around, put that bedroom table in the living room … break the rules and have fun! You might even put the tree in a space you never thought possible.

5. Bring those branches inside. I remember going to a party a few years back here in Chicago. The host had an amazing chandelier in his dining room. However, for the party he took some thin branches (you could also use grapevines) and gave his chandelier a festive look by weaving the branches through the fixture. With the addition of some greenery and beads mixed in, not only did it look amazing, but it was the conversation piece of the party. You can also trim any extra branches off your Christmas tree and use on a mantle, or for a centerpiece on your dining table.

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If you are pressed for time and want to freshen up your home, try a restylist. Having restyled homes from one -bedroom condos to vintage multimillion-dollar homes, my company can help you in as little as one day. You could go to work in the morning and come home to a new space! For more information, call 312-730-7799, or e-mail info@davidcieslak.com.