Seasonal sparkle

"Metallics are the biggest story of the season, and they are a great way to add holiday sparkle for any décor," said David Hacker, vice president of trend and color for Kohl’s.

Everything from aged golds and silvers to warm ambers, copper and bright silver can be used to accent the home for the holiday season.

"It is also the easiest way to update a room for the season," he said.

Still, you can never go wrong decorating with traditional colors.

"More traditional reds, greens and whites are still very much in favor and can be accented in different ways to create a unique look," Hacker said. "Add rich golds and regal purples for a modern twist on a classic look or punch up red and white with a shot of green, pink and orange."

"This year’s holiday color palettes offer plenty of room for decorating variety, from updated traditional looks to finishes and hues with a new twist," said Melissa Birdsong, vice president of trend, design and brand for Lowe’s. "We’re pairing rich reds with gold accents to help customers achieve an elegant look while golden metals with creams, browns and copper lend a natural feel. For those with a more contemporary style, shimmering whites and silver accented with iced blues and aquas work well."

Birdsong recommends placing silver and gold ornaments in a large, clear vase or bowl for a modern table decoration, or hanging them from lampshades and chandeliers to catch the light.

Making sure the home is properly lit is essential to creating a happy holiday environment.

"Lighting adds cheer and warmth to the house. At this time of the year, when it gets dark so early, lighting is critical in creating a warm, homey feel," Hacker said.

Birdsong agrees. "The more the merrier when it comes to lighting this year."

She said energy-efficient LED lighting means that lights can accent pretty much any place in the home, adding a warm glow and festive mood.

"Indirect lighting is less harsh than overhead lighting. Use lots of lamps and Christmas string lights to set off the darkness," Hacker added.

Strands of lights are an ideal way to convert an ordinary living room into a place to party, according to Lamps Plus. "From copper coils to aluminum stars, the room will sparkle with fun designs."

The lighting retailer also said changing out traditional lamp shades for red, gold or green shades sets the stage for holiday gatherings.

Hacker recommends using candles to help set the mood.

"Candles are a great way to incorporate the smells of the season as well as creating the finishing lighting touch."

For those worried about possible fire hazards, Lamps Plus said flameless candles that run on battery power are available.

Adding a mirror or mirrored tile behind or under the candles doubles the impact, Birdsong said.

When it comes to deciding where to put holiday decorations, pretty much anything goes. It just depends on personal preference, Hacker said.

"Tradition would say that you create the biggest impact in the ‘public’ spaces like the living room and dining room. You should start with the focal point of each room and add holiday touches that fit your décor. The mantel in the living room and the buffet or table in the dining room are great places to add garland and ornaments or centerpieces. It is also a great idea to group your favorite seasonal pieces on the surfaces to make a tablescape or vignette.

"Many people are taking to decorating every room in the house. Adding holiday touches to the bedroom and the bathroom are great ways to celebrate the season, and they allow for more personal touches. Adding 4-foot trees to bedrooms is a great way for kids to decorate for the season and to spread the season’s cheer throughout the whole house," he said.

Just like choosing a wardrobe, Hacker said selecting which decorations to use is a very personal decision.

"Holiday home decorating is all about choosing pieces that complement your personal style and traditions.

"Snowflakes, bells, poinsettias, angels and snowmen are always favorites of the season at Kohl’s, but you’ll also see pieces like glittering birds, hearts, beaded fruit and penguins that range from intricate and traditional to more updated," he said.