Photography by Jamie Janos 

Styling by Carolyn Birchenall

"I suggest to my clients that they start at the street," says designer Diana Hudson of Devine Designs in Mentor. "Just doing something as simple as putting a garland of greenery and brightly colored ribbon at their mailbox will give their visitors during the holiday season a preview of what's to come in the house."

Focusing on one area of the house, such as the front door, infuses interest and allows for a variety of possible displays to suit different tastes and budgets. And you can't really go wrong with a wreath.

"I have clients that are very natural and like the primitive look," says Vickie J. Hamilton Springer of Adorn Ltd. in Canton. Here, she recommends a wreath or garland of natural greens and using pinecones or silk birds for accessories. "We're getting back to basics as far as that goes."

A little sparkle goes a long way on the exterior - and there's no rule that says a ladder must be involved. Lighting up the house is a lot simpler and more modern looking when using spotlights rather than the traditional twinkling bulbs. Hudson likes to place spotlights on a front door or on landscaping as an elegant alternative. "Putting a spot on trees looks beautiful when the snow comes."

Hudson is also a fan of word art - a new trend in interior and exterior embellishment. It's a fun and temporary way to "paint" words or phrases on flat surfaces of the home, either for a special occasion or as a part of year-round décor. A sophisticated "Welcome" sign and many other holiday-themed phrases can be found at Wonderful Graffiti (www.wonderfulgraffiti.com) in Columbus.

By Clare DeCapua

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