It can be a real challenge to meet the holiday seasons with good taste that enhances – not harms --your year-round environment. Whether you are planning for residential or business celebrations, take the time to think it through-- for good presentation and good use of funds.
You will want to put enthusiasm and holiday spirit into all your efforts, but not compromise your basic decor, color scheming or furnishings. Many of the things available for holiday ambiance come with some risk. Some even present subtle forms of wear and tear to existing finishes and flooring.
Be cautious about flecks of metal working their way into the fibers of your carpeting, setting it up for small sharp damage. (Vacuum carefully after the parties—be it a home or business setting.) Glues, tapes and tacking can do real damage to your investment in wall covering. Dyes on some holiday items can run and stain if wet. Some items are easily flammable. Be sure that all those lovely holiday lights have the approved tags for safety. (Nothing can spoil the season like a fire.)
Some items have built-in planned obsolescence. Read the labels and buy smart. It is one thing to knowingly purchase for one-time or limited use. It is another matter to purchase with many future holiday occasions in mind and then discover you have bought an expensive dud. Read warranties for large elements and buy from firms you know and trust.
On the other hand, contemporary holiday decor has gone way beyond basic red and green, and way beyond just the simple charm of handmade elements and traditional fixtures!
Take a few moments to look again at your basic color schemes; then, think about how you can tastefully enhance them with some of the newer holiday colors and accessories.
When overseeing a remodel or refreshment project, your design team has more than "right now" in mind. Professional design experts consider your year-round environment! While it may not come up directly in your conversations, it is part of the responsibility of your designer to learn about family and business trends.
Obviously, retail establishments depend on the holidays for a large percentage of their yearly income. It is vital to think ahead to how that facility may address seasonal adjustments. Inventory size fluctuates for holiday consumption; accommodating holiday decors will vary throughout the year; and, the increased volume of shoppers affects floor layouts. These are large considerations for the construction and design teams.
Our culture has made holidays an important part of our business and personal lives. It can surely be disruptive, but for the most part, the goal is beauty, celebration, gathering with associates, family and friends -- and fun!
The holidays need not damage or clash with your existing environment investment.
Not only retailers have increased business traffic during holidays. Enhancing your commercial environment for holiday support is part of your promotional image and marketing. Let's do it right!
If you need some guidance and creative input, your design resources are there to help.
Robert Boccabella, B.F.A. is principal and founder of Business Design Services and a certified interior designer in private practice for over 30 years. Boccabella provides Designing to Fit the Vision© in collaboration with writingservice@earthlink.net. To contact him call 707-263-7073; email him at rb@BusinessDesignServices.com or visit www.BusinessDesignServices.com or on Face Book and Instagram at Business Design Services.
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