In the winter months, it’s even more important to create a homey, warm space for family and guests. What is your top advice for designing a cozy, inviting living space?

To warm up your home for this beautiful season filled with holiday parties, family and friends gatherings we advise adding seasonal décor as well as accessories such as  candles, pillows and throws. Another great way to create an inviting, cozy atmosphere is a throw rug . And it does warm up the cold floors….

Also Whether they fill empty space on a bookshelf or are placed on a coffee table, books and photo albums create a ‘lived in’ look and feel. It makes people want to wrap up in a blanket and snuggle on the couch while reminiscing through old albums. Important  tip – do not overdo it or it will look cluttered.

Holiday décor can easily enter the realm of ‘hokey’ or contrived. What are some important tips to keep in mind when decorating a sophisticated interior for the holidays?

It is very important to not over decorate but create a cohesive and sophisticated holiday décor . Try to keep the colors and themes limited to a couple . Don’t use too many  Christmas lights around or the end result might look like a gas station from the 1950s.

And think about the environment –use LED lights or eco friendly faux tree.

If you could change one element of a room to improve people’s first impression of the space, what would it be? Why?

Windows! Adding or changing window treatments could completely transform a room.

Are there any design trends you’d like to see disappear as quickly as they came?

Yes: Neon Walls and Furniture. Don’t start the neon trend. We should leave the colors in the ’80s where they belong.

Learn more about IS Designs by visiting their Haute Residence profile and website.