Adding Holiday Sparkle to Your Home All Year Long

As the days of December grow short and the leaf blowers have finally stopped, the holidays are truly upon us—which means it’s the perfect time to turn our attention inwards and to the interiors of our homes.

The Question: How can I refresh a tired powder room for the holidays?

The Answer from English Ivy Interiors: Add something gold, shiny and sparkly. As many of us will be entertaining, it makes sense to consider freshening up the powder rooms and bathrooms the guests will use.

My rule of thumb is “bring in the light,” which means including in any decorating plans items that shine and reflect light, bringing warmth and life into any room, big or small.

In your powder room, consider adding a crystal wall sconce with droplets and beading that catch the light throwing little rainbow colors all around the room.

Bring in shiny gold fixtures like the towel rail or ring, the toilet roll holder, switch plates, soap dish or hand towel tray. Even replace the faucet.

A shiny new wooden toilet seat gives a luxurious feel to any bathroom and is quite pleasant in these cold winter months.

These new pieces don’t have to cost a fortune to create an elegant and festive look that will last all year round. The photos here show items from Renovator’s Supply, Shades of Light, House of Antique Hardware, Bathroom Furniture Direct and The Light House in Manhattan’s Bowery District.

All of these businesses have websites, so sit down by the fire with your laptop, a glass of mulled wine, the retriever warming your feet and create a gold and shiny welcome for your guests this season.

Happy New Year!

Helen Lind is an interior decorator and home stager working in Long Island and Manhattan. You can contact her at (516) 922-518 for a proposal or consultation, or visit her www.englishivyinteriors.com.