Designers offer tips for holiday home decor

Even though designers promote new color schemes for Christmas decorating each year, William J. “Buzzy” Heroman says people in Baton Rouge generally prefer the traditional.

“Most of the people we see go for red and gold or red, green and gold,” says Heroman, owner of Billy Heroman’s and the fourth generation of his family in the florist business.

That’s not to say there aren’t those who want a tree decorated in apple green and white or even one with an LSU theme.

Every family has its own tradition when it comes to decorating the Christmas tree. Some prefer the monochromatic look with ornaments all in the same color or theme.

“Some people have trees with every homemade ornament their children ever made,” says Heroman.

The first choice people have to make is whether to get an artificial tree.

“So many men want an artificial tree, but the wife wants the live tree,” says Heroman, who has the perfect solution.

Get the artificial tree and a Fraser fir-scented candle that smells exactly like a fresh tree.

“Everybody is happy,” he says.

Buying an artificial tree or any artificial greenery is an important purchase that requires some study, Heroman says.

He recommends items made of a combination of silk and polyvinyl.

“The harder plastic doesn’t look as nice as you want,” he says. “The better stuff is a blend — a blend of five or six different textures. With proper care and storage, these trees can last for many years.”

Sometimes, when the children are grown and families downsize or move to smaller homes, they no longer want to decorate as elaborately as they did in the past.

“Put a small tree on a box or crate and skirt it down,” recommends Heroman. “Or take a lamp off a table and put up a three- or four-foot tree. You don’t have to have a seven-foot tree.”

One of the biggest trends in Christmas decorating over the past decades has been the rise of Christmas collectibles.

Santas, elves, religious figures and angels are among the most popular items. This year, Heroman’s has a new collection of porcelain carolers.

“People still love the Annalee Christmas dolls that have been hand-painted in New Jersey for 75 years,” he says.

His advice when considering collectibles is to go for the best quality.

“Buy one nice item a year,” he said. “That way you will acquire a really fine collection.”

If you have only one piece, put it on the mantel or on a small table.

Over the years, as you acquire more pieces, you can create the display on a larger surface.

Heroman traces his family’s business to his great-grandfather, Fred Heroman, who had a shop across from St. Joseph Catholic Church, now St. Joseph Cathedral.

“He started selling religious articles,” Heroman recalls. “The story is that he knew a man who knew a man who sold mums (chrysanthemums). They asked him to decorate the altar at the church for All Saint’s.”

That led to other holidays and what is now “the oldest business as a family in Baton Rouge,” he says.

Heroman and his wife, Susie, are already planning for Christmas 2014.

In January, they will go with at least seven family members and employees to market to purchase items that will be delivered in early summer.

“We walk a million different miles,” he said. “We don’t miss a showroom. We don’t want to miss a thing.

An apartment that is an ever-changing design lab

If you study the residential work of Allan Greenberg – all those colonnaded front porches, Palladian windows and formally landscaped lots with stables and grand driveways – a theme emerges. You would expect to find the architect himself living in equally classical surroundings, perhaps in Virginia horse country or among the hedge-fund set in Connecticut.

And yet, the man whom The New York Times once called a “master of literal classicism” lives in the kind of newly built, generic apartment tower that unimaginative developers have been filling Manhattan’s skyline with in recent years. He shares a one-bedroom, 1 1/2-bath, 1,000-square-foot space with his wife, Judith Seligson, an abstract painter.

“Frank Lloyd Wright was always living in environments he designed himself because it was a sales tool,” Greenberg, 75, said. “I don’t feel the need to do that. I like to have city streets and dirty air around me.”

While his job as an architect is to fulfill his clients’ dreams, he said, his own domestic dreams do not involve the baronial country life that so many of his houses suggest.

“I like to live in a very toned-down milieu,” he said. “I don’t want to collect 18th-century furniture or whatever. My idea of paradise is a house or an apartment in which you live with art around you.”

To that end, the couple bought the nondescript apartment eight years ago, for $1.6-million (U.S.), drawn to its windows on three sides, its head-on view of the mouth of the Queensboro Bridge and the opportunity, as the first occupants, to customize the standard builder’s unit. They have treated the space as an art gallery and a design laboratory.

“When we moved in, it was Allan’s playpen,” Seligson, 63, said. “It has evolved in different ways.”

Greenberg cited as an example a pantry closet in the open kitchen-living area.

“These were four really bland steel doors,” he said. They have since been painted in a vibrant pattern that Seligson designed in collaboration with her husband.

A voracious reader, Greenberg also built bookshelves into the breakfast bar and added a small table to orient his breakfast view away from the appliances.

Where there are no windows, the walls and other surfaces are covered with Seligson’s paintings. A load-bearing concrete column in a corner of the living area has been dressed up with one of her text artworks. A custom curved bookcase in the bedroom is filled with smaller works.

Some of the changes they have made are almost imperceptible, like the wooden hardware on a closet door or the recessed lighting above the bed, while others are dramatic.

Greenberg’s daughter, Ruth Frances Greenberg, a ceramist, created a tile mosaic of roses, birds and trellises that covers the walls and ceiling of the half-bathroom; the floor is made of glass tiles imprinted with a photograph of grass.

“You feel like you’re in an English garden,” Allan Greenberg said.

Occasionally, an experiment goes awry, as when he had the bedroom walls and closet painted in a green checkerboard. He was inspired, he said, by a French designer who used marble squares to decorate a wall. “I wondered what that design would look like with paint,” he said. “But it’s too much.”

But even when an experiment fails, the couple agreed, it is part of the joy of living in a home that serves as an ever-changing design lab.

“I want a space which is going to allow me to do the things I love the most,” Greenberg said.

“Which is being an architect, reading and writing about architecture and looking at art.”

In fact, in the half-bath, Greenberg said, he is thinking about getting rid of the tile and “putting down AstroTurf.”

Seligson laughed, and said, “Please tie his hands behind his back.”

Home: no place like it

I was on the road a lot, for a few years, selling books like a salesman sells brushes (except these, of course, are magic brushes), and one of the great pleasures of being a writer on the move is that you can talk to anyone. People tell you things.

Sometimes, at a foreign book festival, it would be my job to talk to the money, which is how I found myself, in the years after the crash, sitting beside one or other jet-lagged Master of the Financial Universe and keeping the conversation going, which is to say talking about him.

These men have their problems too. One guy is living in Hong Kong, the tax rate is 16 per cent but he can’t let his children outdoors because of the smog. Another is based in Singapore, where real-estate prices are through the roof. He has an enthusiastic number of children who have to be educated in three or four countries, with all the attendant expenses, whether Oxbridge, or Ivy League, or some liberal-arts place in Pennsylvania that no no one has ever heard of.

It is clear this man feels guilty about the amount of money he earns, and trapped by the amount of money he needs to earn. He lives in an international space. He wakes up in the middle of the night and does not know which hotel he is in or whether the bathroom is to the left or the right. So I say, “Why don’t you go home?”

“Home?” he says. Home is New Zealand. It is a beautiful place. The schools, he agrees, are mostly free and mostly fine. But no, he cannot go home. His brother is there – an architect. An out-of-work architect. There is nothing for him to do in New Zealand. He cannot go home.

I might have pointed out that it was men like him who put men like his brother out of work, but I am struck by his melancholy, the way he lifts his eyes and sees New Zealand, somewhere on the white tablecloth between the floral display and the bottle of red wine. He looks like Odysseus remembering Ithaca, or Dorothy Kansas: he is pining for a place he is too rich to live in any more.

Of course Penelope is faithfully waiting for Odysseus to return, and Auntie Em could never stop worrying about Dorothy. Home is the place where a woman loves you from. But although it is my all-time favourite thing to do to a man, I do not ask this very rich, slightly disoriented man about his mother. He has problems enough as it is.

You see them at the front of the plane, a global community of money men, tethered to the planet at one or other tax point, effectively stateless. As the money washes over and the money washes back, they move with it, and all of them are going to retire some day to a place they can call their own. As opposed to one of the many places they just own.

At least that is what they say they want to do, but I have my doubts: I don’t think they are ever going to make it back to Kansas.

At another one of these festivals, in Germany, I meet a young woman called Alice, who is studying transnational fiction. This is a very trendy academic area – a friend in the United States says that Irish studies are in decline there, it’s all transnational studies now: migrants, emigrants; it is all about the intercultural experience; exile, alienation, flow.

Alice says this is all very well, but it suits people to say that we are free to move around now. Information moves across borders and money moves across borders and we think that people move too, but if you are, say, a Somali refugee in Dadaab refugee camp (population nearly 400,000) then a border is a very real thing and being “stateless” is very far from being trendy or unfettered.

The Brass Revival in Home Decor

"At some point, people looked at yellowish metals and thought they were too mums-y and traditional," said interior designer Cliff Fong, a co-owner of Galerie Half in Los Angeles. "The '80s was an era of stainless steel and gelled hair. Everything was hard and slick." Homeowners embraced the clean look and easy upkeep of silvery stainless steel appliances and nickel hardware, and they clung tight. Meanwhile, technology was increasingly influencing design trends. As Apple's computers morphed from creamy beige to pale aluminum, silver tones became firmly associated with high performance and revolutionary thinking. Yet, along the way, these icy, futuristic finishes became so ubiquitous that, for some, they began to look cheap and dated. These days, a silver iPhone can seem almost quaint.

Brass, however, evokes the pre-digital era of hand-wrought craftsmanship. "In a traditional setting, nothing authenticates a room like brass," said Atlanta-based designer Stan Topol, who particularly likes brass sabots on the feet of chairs. "It is the hallmark of a quality piece of furniture." In more minimalist design schemes, brass adds romance. "There's a history to brass that can feel unbelievably classic, like an old French hotel," Michael S. Smith, a Los Angeles designer, observed.

Ms. Kirar sees brass as an essential component of what is being called organic modernism, a more textured, luxurious look that is rooted in natural materials such as leather, stone and wood. "It is not as cold and austere as the minimalist aesthetic that emerged in the 1980s," she said. Low-slung white enameled media units need not apply.

Unless it is lacquered, brass tarnishes, and most designers are just fine with that. "The fresh take on brass is to use it un-lacquered," said Mr. Berman. "Let the metal age and turn gorgeous tones of bronze, brown and olive green with a dull luster that is soft and velvety." Mr. Dixon likes to use brass in hardware and pieces that can be touched, which speeds up the tarnishing process. "Boomers are embracing the softer and more mottled qualities of brass," added Mr. Berman, "not polished or lacquered, but aging gracefully like the generation buying it."

As the home-furnishings market gets brassier, designers are finding other applications for the metal. Manhattan architect Matthew Bremer recently upgraded a standard stainless steel elevator to brushed brass for a 160-year-old townhouse. "This is not the shiny polished brass of past decades that appeared showy and fake," he explained. "It's contemporary but has the authentic beauty of an orchestra instrument that shows its wear from hours of practice."

Increasingly, manufacturers of bathroom fixtures are offering warm metal finishes again (see sidebar below), and many designers are specifying shower door frames in brass instead of nickel. Even in the kitchen, where copper pots and sinks are status symbols, brass, which is naturally germicidal and antimicrobial, is making inroads. Los Angeles custom homebuilder John Finton, author of the 2013 book "California Luxury Living" (Images Publishing), recently completed a kitchen inspired by a black-lacquer and brass La Cornue range. And Kelly Wearstler installed a 1/8 -inch-thick brass countertop with an integrated sink basin in the glossy turquoise kitchen of her client Cameron Diaz's Manhattan apartment.

"I can't see brass appliances being very far away," declared Mr. Dixon, who built a brass bar that can seat more than a dozen for chef Jamie Oliver's London steakhouse, Barbecoa. "We've clad existing refrigerators in sheet brass and they look like Donald Judd sculptures."

Christmas Lights Go Pro

At Christmas time, Shirley Pepys often sits across the street from her home in Newport Beach, Calif., and covertly listens to the oooohhs and aaaahhs of delighted passersby.

Ms. Pepys, a retired business owner, has been decking her home with boughs of holly—and much more—for the past 20 years. With each year, the décor has become more elaborate. Her display now features twinkling lights, illuminated snow, a family of faux penguins and a four-minute light show coordinated to "Carol of the Bells." Everything is custom built. But not by Ms. Pepys. For the past two years, she has enlisted Dillon Wells, an audiovisual professional, and his family to put together the full display, paying under $15,000 for the whole shebang.

More Americans are forgoing the difficult and sometimes risky endeavor of installing their own holiday lights, asking professionals to take their place on the ladder. National chain Christmas Decor, which has 40,000 clients across the U.S., says it has seen sales increase 11% every year for the past four years.

This shift means that holiday displays can get even more extravagant and elaborate. Many installers say they have worked on décor that cost as much as $80,000. Prices are typically based on the number of lights and the size of job.

Vance Brand, a Christmas-light specialist in Salt Lake City who works with 1,500 clients in Utah and Colorado, offers his customers 10 shades of white LED Christmas lights. With schematics planned out using computer models, the bulbs dance and twinkle, often to coordinated music. Mr. Brand, who says his business has grown 22% a year since 2008, installs and takes down the lights after the season is over. He says he has even rappelled over a cliff to hang strands on one precariously situated holiday enthusiast's home.



A self-described perfectionist who draws inspiration from nearby Disneyland, Mr. Wells says he was determined to interpret Ms. Pepys's vision into an extraordinary reality, rather than the do-it-yourselfers' version with exposed cords and hardware. It was a challenge, he says, to ensure that her home looked as great during the day, when many visit, as it does at night. But as he watched the lights display run for the first time a few days after Thanksgiving, he says it was his "Walt moment."

Scores of people come to view Ms. Pepys's home on Balboa Island, an area known for all-out decorations. Old and young have their pictures taken in front of her display and many return year after year. One man, standing next to a plush penguin, even asked his girlfriend to marry him, Ms. Pepys says.

For Ms. Pepys, these moments make the effort and the price tag worth it. "The amount of people it brings joy to people," she says, "it's worth the whole thing."

This year, she upped the ante and incorporated a vintage look into the theme to celebrate her home's centennial. There are 17 different floodlights and spotlights. The strings of lights, reminiscent of those along the nearby boardwalks, can be controlled individually and had to be ordered from Hong Kong.

The magic of Christmas lights remains rooted in holiday nostalgia, says Chuck Smith of Light-O-Rama, a South Glens Falls, N.Y.-based company that produces the software that syncs lights and music for displays. "It all boils down to that thing almost everybody remembers from when they were a kid," says Mr. Smith. "Everybody would jump in the car and drive around looking at Christmas lights. There's always one house that's decorated more than anyone else. A lot of people think back and decide they want to be that house."

Building a Sustainable Brand -- One Thoughtful Step at a Time

ere you sell.
It’s hard to say “no” when first starting a company, White admits. But as HAVEN gained more publicity, many flash-sale sites and sample-box subscription companies have approached her about selling HAVEN products through their sites. At first it seemed like a natural way to generate publicity. But White realized that many such sites wanted to heavily discount her products, undercutting prices offered through retailers. Some of these sites also didn’t lead to many sales. White says she’s learned to be more selective about which sites she works with and has found that sites that allow her to showcase her company’s background and mission—such as OneKingsLane.com—provide the best value. “Each one of those experiences can go differently,” she says. “You can make a lot of money, or you can have experiences where you just see nothing and put all this money and energy into it.”

Lesson #2: Listen to your customers. White is committed to selling highly sustainable, all-natural products, but discovered that she needs to somewhat balance that goal with ensuring the products are consumer-friendly. For example, the company originally sold its all-purpose cleaner refills in large recycled plastic bottles with enough concentrated solution to refill three spray bottles. But many consumers were confused about how to use the refills. The company has decided to switch smaller glass bottles instead that contain one refill each. “A big part of growing is learning how to make it easy for consumers,” White says. “The most sustainable [model] would be to have the three refills in one bottle,” but that’s not a smart solution if consumers have trouble using it. “As you go through the motions of growth, you start thinking a little differently,” White adds.
Building a Sustainable Brand--One Thoughtful Step at a Time
Refills for HAVEN's all-purpose cleaner came in large bottles that made sense for the environment but not to customers. As the company grows, it is learning how to balance what's environmentally friendly and customer needs.


Goal #1: Don’t lose sight of your core values. As HAVEN grows quickly, White says it can be easy to lose sight of the company’s original mission. For example, one of White’s goals is helping people to see that they only need a few types of cleaning products for their homes. They don’t have to purchase separate products to, say, clean different rooms or amenities. But adhering to that mission also means the company must resist the temptation to offer more cleaning products than consumers really need. Instead, she says, the company plans to grow its product lines by focusing on complementary types of products, such as soap dispensers and home décor items.

She’s begun partnering with other craft-fair makers to offer their unique products through HAVEN’s web site. Moreover, White says she must ensure she’s working with retailers who are a good fit for selling HAVEN products—which probably aren’t big-box stores like Wal-Mart. “I have to stay rooted to the real reason that I did this,” she adds. In the year ahead, she plans to add a few more employees to her staff of three, but wants to make sure they are, as she calls them, “HAVEN mavens”—people as passionate about sustainable cleaning and the brand as she is. She is also looking to move the company’s manufacturing from its current small Brooklyn loft in Williamsburg’s industrial section to one that’s two-and-a-half times bigger.

As she hires people, it will give her more time to focus on being the visionary and ensuring the growth is handled with care.

COUNTY: Holiday decor at six homes featured during Dec. 11 Christmas Walk for charity

Ever wish you could get a close look at the Christmas trees and other decorations you see through your neighbors' windows? There's no longer a need to admire a few Macomb County homes from afar, thanks to an upcoming event.

The Macomb Charitable Foundation's first Christmas Walk will feature six private homes within Shelby, Macomb, Ray and Washington townships on Dec. 11, from 3 to 10 p.m. Tour-goers will have the opportunity to explore the homes and admire their beautifully decorated Christmas decorations.

"At their homes you will experience the grandeur and warmth of Christmas. From the opulent to the quaint, each home offers warmth and charm," said Shelly Penzien, president of the Macomb Charitable Foundation. Penzien's Washington Township home will be featured in the walk.

Tickets cost $50 per person and may be purchased by calling Tracy Kowalski at 586-242-0509.

The goal of the Macomb Charitable Foundation is to alleviate the suffering of Macomb County children and their families by providing financial assistance for items like food, clothing, personal care items, rent and utility bills, vehicle repair, education assistance and more. The foundation also provides spiritual and personal mentoring.

Homeowners agreed to feature their decor for this charity event, with all proceeds going toward foundation. Some have decorated for weeks in preparation for the walk, including Macomb Township resident Sherry Brodowsky, who has put up three trees, each with a different theme.

"There are also a few small trees that are nestled in the decorations. The fireplace mantel and staircase have lots of greenery, twinkling lights and glittery ornaments. This year I have put a few more decorations up because of the Christmas Walk," Brodowsky said, adding that she's excited to offer decorating tips to those who are interested.

"I want people to enjoy the visit and also get a few decorating ideas that they can incorporate in their own home this year. I look forward to sharing my decorating how-to's with others during the walk," she said.

At another home, a Christmas tree is adorned with traditional German decorations, while yet another house features a Victorian theme. Penzien's trees are covered with wind-up toys and reminders of her daughter's September wedding.

Participants drive to each home. The houses are located between 22 Mile and 27 Mile roads, and between Shelby and Broughton roads. The ticket lists each home in proximity to each other. Guests may follow the route that is most convenient for them. Refreshments will be served along the way.