From my personal experience as an interior designer for decades it has become my position that one’s personal taste (what one likes) for the interior design of one’s residence is like water in that it always finds it’s own level and settles there.

    For the holiday season, which we are now experiencing, that position rings true in spades.

  People let themselves go uninhibitedly at full speed and with a great deal of enthusiasm to express what they are aesthetically with no restrictions. Everyone has an opinion that needs to to be expressed and they get a snug satisfaction from being involved, expressing themselves, and doing it.

  The range of expressions in quality and aesthetics is widely varied around the world and often manifest itself in overkill, tradition, a low level of aesthetic quality, repetition, cheapness, and a lack of any kind of design composition.

  How many lights and decorative objects are needed for street views? (They don’t belong in this neighborhood. That belongs in Las Vegas.)

  With plastic greenery you can use it for years and it doesn’t shed. And when the holiday season is over  you can take it apart and store it in the attic. (So it looks tacky, cheap, artificial, has no fragrance, and is as common as dirt. Who cares?)

  We got these when we first got married. Aren’t they cute? Just look at that. We always have these and do it this way. It’s a family holiday tradition. I did it and made it myself. (And the list of examples goes on and on.)

  Try to be consistently aware of what you see as prevalent in all of the holiday season celebrations and go toward that which best expresses the spirit and reason for the holiday and try to avoid the vast too much, over done, too bright, ought to do, have to do, need to do, on sale, et cetera manifestations.

  Go with that which is real, appropriate, true, significant, and a quality designed composition. Avoid the too early done, overly commercial, and pressured expectations of the rest.

  How you choose to decorate your residence for the holidays is a manifestation of your aesthetic taste.

     It’s a holiday. Relax. Enjoy. Celebrate. Share.

  Food for thought.