Holiday Decorating Ideas for Palos Verdes and South Bay Homes
Many of the estate-scale homes in Palos Verdes, along with the coastal properties in Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach, give homeowners a strong architectural canvas for holiday decorating. The house itself does most of the work, so the goal is elegant, restrained decor that supports the structure instead of competing with it. This matters even more if you are listing during the holidays: tasteful seasonal touches can make a home feel warm in photos and showings without distracting from the property itself. As both a broker and a CSLB-licensed general contractor with Levine Homes Real Estate & Construction, I look at holiday decor the way I look at any finish work: it should respect the architecture, not fight it. A few ideas for doing that well this season.
Dress Up the Mantel
A mantel is the easiest focal point in the house, and in older Palos Verdes and South Bay homes it is worth checking before you hang anything heavy. Confirm whether the mantel is structural masonry or a lighter decorative surround, since that changes how much weight of garland, candlesticks, and ornaments it can safely hold. A simple wreath or wall piece above, with candlesticks and a low garland across the top, is usually enough. Gold and silver read well against most South Bay finishes, but do not be afraid to bring in color. If you are using real candles near a wood mantel or a home with older wiring, battery-operated lights are the safer call.
Garlands Galore
If you have a staircase or a long railing run, a garland along the handrail reads well in person and in listing photos alike. Secure it with ties rather than nails or staples so you are not leaving holes in a finished railing, which matters if you are decorating a home that is on the market. Battery-operated lights woven through the garland avoid running extension cords across a staircase, which is both a trip hazard and something a buyer’s inspector will flag if they happen to walk through during a showing.
Simple Centerpieces
Choose a large, clear glass or crystal bowl and fill it with ornaments, then place the bowl in the middle of a coffee or console table. For even more elegance, line the bowl with fluffy pine boughs so that some green peeks through. Gold and silver ornaments are simple and elegant, but colorful options also look beautiful here.
Be Judicious With Your Décor
Candlesticks, wreaths, garlands, and ornaments are just the beginning. Beautiful and luxurious Palos Verdes and South Bay homes deserve elegant holiday décor, so it is important to be judicious about what goes on display. For additional ideas for holiday decorating or staging your home for sale, contact the Levine Homes Real Estate Team at 310-796-9088.