As some of you may know by now, at ACI love writing about celebrations. From decorating for Diwali or planning your Thanksgiving tablescape for hosting dinner, ACI is here to provide useful tips and tricks to help make your home feel collected, curated, and ready to entertain! Decorating for the holidays can be fun and exciting for some, or stressful and nerve-wracking for others. Whether you're one or the other or find yourself falling somewhere in between, this guide is for you! #1 A Tree of Any Size & a Skirt This one is super obvious we know, but picking out a tree, big or small creates an instant focal point in your room. It also serves as a purpose to place gifts under the tree and even if you don’t decorate much else around your home, at least you have a larger piece of nature filled with beautiful and memorable ornaments to showcase!  Also, don’t forget about what's under the tree, a skirt can completely transform the look you’re going for. You can opt for choosing something busier such as plaid or burlap, or something more minimalist and modern that's a solid color like McGee & Co down below.

Include Lanterns (Of All Sizes!)

Copious amounts of candle-lit lanterns sound like the perfect way to cozy up this holiday season. Whether you opt for smaller lanterns to place on your dining table and mantel, or larger ones for the floor, lanterns are a great way to create a warm, festive look.

Including greenery where you can is so important during the holidays, and similar to indoor wreaths, you can place garlands in many different places around your home. Some of the most common areas are on staircases or mantels. There are so many different combinations of garlands nowadays, one of our favorites includes garlands from a western red cedar tree because it boasts splays of delicate, sculptural leaves with a delicious aromatic scent. This one specifically from Williams Sonoma is stunning! Dressing up the garlands by attaching ribbons or ornaments is another way to add an extra festive touch. 

If you’re continuing to work from home or beginning to, consider updating your office space into one that inspires and motivates you. 2020 brought many changes and one of those being the shift from working at the office to working from home.

Your workspace should be a place that you get excited about, and here at ACI, want to help you achieve this so that you can be happy and productive! Your interiors, whether you know it or not, can have a significant impact on your attitude, and by making these simple and easy changes, your office space can shine just like you.

Ideally, you will want your office to be in a separate room, where you can have closed doors and privacy from others. However, we understand that this isn’t always possible. Instead, opt for a quiet corner or nook where you can place your desk. We suggest staying away from having your office in your family room or bedroom, these places can be very distracting! It’s also good to have separation from work and play, and this simple tip will help you to focus more. 

Below are some beautiful work spaces that we absolutely love!

Tips to Keep in Mind

1). Notice the amount of natural light in these spaces? It is so important to have a window if you can in the space you’re working in. Studies have shown that natural light has had great impacts on energy levels and productivity, and can help reduce the intensity of job-related stress. Having ample artificial light is also very important, there’s nothing worse than trying to read in the dark or straining your eyes at your bright computer. Layer your lighting with a desk lamp, floor lamp, and a pendant for a curated and efficient look.

2). Keep your area organized and clutter-free. Your day will be more productive if you develop an organized system for your belongings. Opt for pen and pencil holders, a filing system, trays, and shelves so that your area is neat and tidy. A messy working space can lead to an overwhelmed and stressed mind!

3). Bring nature in with some greenery. Having indoor plants will help clean your air and assist in producing oxygen, which can have a significant positive impact on your work. Aloe vera, spider plants, and snake plants are very easy indoor plants to take care of that require minimal water. Dipsis is one of the most popular indoor palm trees. This houseplant with juicy leaves helps to saturate the air with moisture, which is especially important in the winter months.

4). Invest in good seating. If there’s one item you need to spoil yourself with it’s a good chair. Good posture is so vital, at the end of the day you only have one back!

5). Remember that although it is a workspace, still keep your style and personality in it, whether that be a color scheme you prefer or including family photos. It’s all about making a space that is both motivating and encouraging so that you’ll want to visit it every day.