Austin realtor Barb Cooper of Redfin recently gathered advice from local designers and landscapers for her guide, 7 Holiday Curb Appeal Ideas: Quick Exterior Upgrades Before Family Visits. We were glad to contribute our thoughts on holiday lighting.
Our Tip: Let the Architecture Lead
Our advice starts with the house itself. As Christine shared with Barb, "Let your home's architecture guide your theme." A midcentury ranch, a Craftsman bungalow and a contemporary new build each call for a different approach, and seasonal decor works best when it reinforces the lines that are already there.
For lighting, Christine recommends that homeowners "choose warm white lights around 2700K on a timer instead of cool white or blinking strands." Warm white flatters wood, stone and plaster, reads as welcoming from the street, and feels calm rather than busy. A timer keeps the glow consistent every evening without anyone having to remember it.
More Ideas From the Guide
Barb's guide covers seven quick upgrades to make before family arrives: tidying beds and walkways, sizing the front door wreath to the scale of the entry, layering greenery with varied height, and keeping the color palette restrained. It also includes advice from several Austin designers and landscapers that is worth a read.
Getting Your Home Ready for Guests
If you are preparing your home for the holidays or planning a larger refresh in the new year, contact Breathe Design Studio to start a conversation.