Expert Holiday Home Decorating the O’Hara Interiors Way

The Dowell family, consisting of Rebecca, Jeremiah, and their sons Deacon, Wyatt, and Ryder, along with their boxer Rookie, recently relocated to La Grange's Heather Ridge neighborhood to be closer to Oldham County Schools due to their sons' involvement in football and other sports. Jeremiah, a Realtor at Keller Williams Louisville East, had long admired the five-level Avery model by Fischer Homes. The family purchased a four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom, 3,229-square-foot multi-level home built in 2023, which offered the ideal blend of shared and private living spaces. The Dowells undertook several customizations to personalize their new home. They installed luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout and equipped the kitchen with GE Café appliances. A significant change involved moving the fireplace from a corner to the center of the great room, opting for a gas fireplace. This tan brick fireplace, extending to the 18-foot ceilings, is complemented by a matching column in the basement office and an entryway arch, creating a cohesive design. Trim and sconces were added to frame the fireplace, creating symmetry, with a frame TV displaying a black and white family photo when not in use. Jeremiah emphasized the desire for the room not to be solely focused on the television. Rebecca, an independent travel advisor, established an in-home office in the basement. This space features a large, T-shaped desk with two chairs, shelving, and his-and-hers display cases. Rebecca's side showcases whimsical travel and childhood mementos, while Jeremiah's side displays award plaques and framed degrees. A wall-mounted TV in Rebecca's office streams live views of various locations, like New York, beaches, and castles, adding light and an outdoor ambiance to the space. The opposite side of the lower level is dedicated to a workout area, with a discreet entry to a large storage space. The family's love for football is evident in the rec room, which includes a large TV, ample seating, an NFL Blitz arcade game, and a wall adorned with a mural of the Caesars Superdome, reflecting Rebecca's New Orleans roots. The room also features dozens of mini football helmets, which previously were scattered in the children's rooms. The 10-foot ceiling in the rec room was a major selling point for the family, as it provided an expansive feel typically not found in basements and connected seamlessly with the kitchen. Exterior customizations were also undertaken. Initially, Rebecca found the original brown exterior with shutters too busy. After consulting an artist on Etsy for exterior renderings, they chose Sherwin-Williams Oyster Bay, an algae-hued neutral paint with slate-blue undertones, to enhance the home's curb appeal. Jeremiah, being in real estate, considered resale value in all their modifications. While the Dowells anticipate moving again in the future, they are currently enjoying their customized home, particularly its open floor plan, which facilitates family gatherings and entertaining, as exemplified by a Derby party where Rebecca could remain engaged with guests while in the kitchen. Key distinctive elements of the home include an entryway with a tan brick archway made with German schmear, quartz countertops, large kitchen cabinets with trim to the ceiling, a custom pantry mirroring the kitchen with a mini-fridge, and a second pantry for dry food and appliances. The first floor features custom luxury vinyl plank flooring. Other notable features include floor-to-ceiling trim in the great room and entryway, a custom mudroom, a renovated basement with an office, gym, bathroom, large framed TV, and ample hidden storage. The primary bedroom boasts a brick wall, a custom 4K electric fireplace, tiled bathroom floor, custom vanity, and custom closet. The backyard includes custom pavers and a gas fireplace, while the garage has an epoxy floor. The Dowells enlisted various professionals for these customizations, including Fischer Homes, Andreanna for LVP flooring, Olde Town Chimney for the gas fireplace, Wes Stutz for fireplace installation and trim work, Wes Stutz and Chris Barber for storage solutions, Jeff Hancock of Triple Trade for electrical and plumbing, Coronado Stone for the primary bedroom brick wall, Kilo’s Painting for interior and exterior painting, Earthscapes LLC for pavers, and Epoxy Dude for garage flooring. #HomeDesign #CustomHome #MultiLevelHome #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #FischerHomes #OldhamCounty #FamilyHome #HomeCustomization

As the holiday season approaches, many homeowners strive to create a festive and inviting atmosphere. However, everyday household items such as tangled cords, blinking routers, and visible radiators can detract from the desired aesthetic. Design experts emphasize that the goal isn't to completely conceal these elements but rather to integrate them stylishly into the holiday decor, making them blend seamlessly with the seasonal sparkle. One effective strategy involves disguising cords and technology. Tidy up messy cords, particularly those around a Christmas tree, by using slim fabric cord covers along baseboards. Excess cords can be neatly gathered inside a lidded box wrapped with a festive ribbon, transforming a functional item into a decorative accent. Routers, often a visual disruption, can be placed within rattan baskets and topped with a tray of ornaments or other small holiday accessories. Alternatively, draping a decorative textile over accent tables can effectively hide tech gear underneath, adding texture and warmth to the space while keeping eyesores out of sight. Another approach is to strategically use garlands and greenery. Garlands serve more than just decorative purposes; they can act as clever visual guides to divert attention from electrical outlets, cords, or less attractive architectural features. Instead of overwhelming a space with excessive greenery, designers recommend incorporating garlands in areas that frame focal points or guide the eye away from visual clutter. For instance, running a garland along the back of a console table and tucking cords behind it with small hooks can hide them effectively. Incorporating small LED lights into the greenery can make the area appear more purposeful rather than merely concealing something. When using greenery for larger eyesores like radiators, it's crucial to exercise restraint. Tailored, less bulky evergreen garlands, perhaps draped over a mirror or bookcase, can soften edges and conceal outlets. For radiators, greenery should only be added to those with covers to prevent direct contact with heating elements. Styling around practical features, rather than attempting to eliminate them, is also a key recommendation. Unmovable items like vents can be integrated into the decor with a few thoughtful design tweaks. Giving practical items a "handsome uniform" means housing routers in lidded rattan, lacquer, or fabric book boxes that provide ventilation. Radiators can be topped with a marble tray holding candles and matches, while pet gear can be tucked into low, lidded baskets or stage ottomans next to the Christmas tree. The principle is to elevate the container if the item cannot be completely hidden, making it worthy of display. The best decor works doubly, enhancing the holiday spirit while also serving a functional role in concealing utility items or cluttered areas. This approach turns an annoying home eyesore into an intentional part of the holiday theme. Finally, for those with limited space or renters who cannot make permanent changes, soft layers and smart storage offer flexible solutions. Removable and multipurpose pieces are ideal. Folding screens can temporarily partition off pet or children's play areas during gatherings. Skirts on side tables or linens draped over console tables can effectively conceal clutter underneath. Utilizing existing items, such as hooks and ribbons to hide cords along moldings, a tea towel as a seasonal runner on a small table, or a fabric remnant or wreath tied around an unsightly chairback, can make a space look considered rather than makeshift. Ruthless editing and embracing negative space are also emphasized as a luxury in home decor. #HolidayDecor #HomeDesign #InteriorStyling #Decluttering #GuestPreparation #SmartStorage #SeasonalDecorating #DesignTips

HGTV's "Fixer to Fabulous" hosts Dave and Jenny Marrs offer insights into seasonal decorating, home improvement trends, and managing renovation expectations. Jenny Marrs advocates for personalized seasonal decor, emphasizing that individuals should only engage in elaborate decorations if it genuinely brings them joy. She suggests simple, natural elements like branches with turning leaves or pumpkins for autumn, rather than feeling pressured to create content-worthy displays. The couple also highlights the importance of cozy elements like chunky blankets and candles for creating an inviting atmosphere. Their overarching mantra for seasonal decor is to prioritize peace and enjoyment over guilt-induced efforts to achieve a picture-perfect home. In terms of home improvement, the Marrses observe a shift towards permanence, with homeowners opting to renovate their current residences to better suit their needs rather than focusing on resale value or rapid home flipping. They note a growing appreciation for preserving historic homes, even smaller ones, as people move away from the trend of building large houses with numerous formal rooms. The couple encourages homeowners to embrace the existing aesthetic of their homes, rather than attempting to force a different style, such as trying to make a ranch-style house look like a farmhouse. They stress the importance of understanding the inherent character of a home and working within its natural design. The Marrses acknowledge the challenges posed by social media and curated DIY content, which can create unrealistic expectations for home renovations. They advise homeowners to have a well-defined plan, reasonable expectations, and a flexible timeline for any project. They illustrate this point by mentioning that for every 43-minute episode of their show, they film 120 hours of footage, underscoring the unseen complexities of renovations. Dave Marrs advises adding a buffer of several months to initial project timelines to account for potential delays due to product availability or unforeseen structural issues. He emphasizes that a house involves numerous components and contractors, necessitating careful planning and communication. To ensure a smoother renovation process, the Marrses recommend starting with a detailed, drawn-up plan from a contractor or architect. This plan serves as a clear guide for all parties involved and can be used to solicit bids from multiple contractors. They suggest that draftsmen or architects can offer valuable guidance on the feasibility of design ideas, potentially saving significant costs. For finding reliable contractors, Dave Marrs recommends seeking recommendations from friends, neighbors, or local lumberyards, as these sources often have insights into reputable professionals. Finally, the couple notes that autumn is an ideal time for many home projects due to cooler weather, which allows for open doors and windows during interior work, and offers opportunities for discounted trees and perennials at garden centers for fall planting. #HomeImprovement #SeasonalDecor #HomeRenovation #HistoricHomes #InteriorDesign #HGTV #FixerToFabulous #HomeStyling #RenovationTips