Special Occasion Decorating

Short on time or money? Transform your home with what you have.

Written by Martha S. Coffey

Photos courtesy of Décor by Denise

Ever been in a decorating pinch? The party's in a week and the house isn't ready for guests! Or maybe your realtor has delicately hinted that you need to undertake a quick (but thorough) cosmetic redo to sell your home. If either of these scenarios sounds familiar, then the concept of special occasion decorating should appeal to you. It's amazing the difference a few small changes can make.

Denise Willard of Décor by Denise in Vienna, Va., specializes in just these sorts of "interior transformations." Indeed, she thrives on them.

WH&G:What are some events that prompt interior transformations?

Denise: There are several seasons and life events that prompt homeowners to ask for help with home decorating. The fall is the most popular time to initiate design projects. Homeowners want to maximize seating and space for gatherings in anticipation of holiday entertaining, as well as enhance the aesthetic appeal of their homes. The other big season is spring when thoughts turn naturally to freshening up the interior to imitate changes occurring outside. Certain life changes such as the birth of a child, becoming empty nesters, marriage, and moving to a new home also prompt design transformations.

WH&G: What do you change to produce the most dramatic results?

Denise: First, color, and second, furniture arrangement. Applying new colors to walls, ceilings, and trim is one of the least expensive ways to make a dramatic change in the warmth of a room and the perception of its size. A well-developed color palette is the best way to weave together disparate rooms into a coherent design.

Changing the furniture arrangement is the second most effective way to make a big impact without spending a lot of time or money. Homeowners are amazed at the difference that can be made by pulling furniture away from the walls to create cozy conversation areas and additional space for other activities, lowering and regrouping artwork, and repositioning accessories. These are the kinds of changes that can be made in a day to significantly impact a home's appeal.

WH&G: Given the frequency with which we move, what tips can you provide homeowners who are preparing their homes for resale?

Denise: My company has an entire family of services dedicated to helping clients maximize the appeal of their properties. Often I recommend removing furniture to make rooms appear more spacious, editing family pictures, rearranging furniture and accessories to showcase a beautiful view or fireplace, pulling up rugs to reveal hardwood floors, and removing heavy drapes to allow for more light. Simple techniques like these help homes sell 30 percent faster and for 13 percent more, according to statistics published by Realty Enhancements International.

WH&G: Any advice for homeowners that want to decorate for a special event?

Denise: To begin with, I'd ask some key questions. What type of event will this be? Will there be food, drinks, games, or music? Will there be a theme? Do you want to create a casual or formal atmosphere? What is your budget for this event? The answers to these questions will help determine the overall plan. Whether it's a particular season or a special life event that prompts an interior transformation, success is going to depend on tying together function, style, and budget.