Recently, Ellen Kurtz was honored by St. Louis Homes and Lifestyles and was awarded top honors for her design work within her home making it one of the magazines favorite spaces.  It is surely one of Ellen’s favorites spaces within her home.  The basement entertainment room houses family and friends often and is naturally the place that family will flock for the holiday.  Ellen kept with the Western theme of the room in her holiday motif.

The holiday tree is decorated simplistically coordinating the trending 2011 holiday colors of red and green in a natural design.  Notice the decorative tree topper that puts the finishing touch on a western style.

Tis’ the season to decorate! Accessories by DESIGN has just what you need to decorate your home for the holiday.

Do you remember helping grandma unpack that magicial star placing it  ever so delicately on the top of the tree?  Those holiday accessories that mean so much to you start with that signiture holiday accessory.  Make memories with accessories from Accessories by DESIGN.

Spend Black Friday and Saturday with Ellen Kurtz Interiors.  Be the first to view all Christmas Decor at 50% off.

The showroom will be open both Friday and Saturday from 10am-5pm.

Kitchen Interior Design

Many took the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Heart of the Home Kitchen self-guided tour and were inspired by fabulous kitchens. A special thanks to owner, Kay Haribson for taking part in JDRF’s tour.

Ellen Kurtz Interiors designed the innovative Kitchen with Jim Howard from Glen Alspaugh Kitchen and Baths designing the cabinetry.

See additional photos at stlmag.com.

Call the showroom for holiday hours.

Well, it seems to be that time again. Actually it was the time in August according to most retail stores.

This year the hot Christmas color trends are heading back in that traditional green and red theme. Ellen and I were in Dallas last January, and we saw a lot of Burgundy reds and moss greens flanking the trees and mantles.

Mantles are my favorite thing to decorate. During the Christmas season, it should be bedazzled in every way possible because a fireplace is always a foal point.

When decorating a mantle, a no fail look is to hang lighted garland with lots of ribbon, floral picks and ornaments. This always adds to your fireplace. If you have a mirror above you fireplace, I love adding a wreath to match!

Another idea that is always fun is if you are a collector of Santa’s, snowmen or trees, it is a great place to display your show pieces. Mix them up and have different heights vary. Then add greenery between them to give a little fullness.

-Jill Bolzenius

Ellen Kurtz takes a minute to discuss interior design.

Q: What trends or designers are you paying attention to?

A: Right now, I love the designer Candice Olson.  The simplicity and elegance of her lines are appealing to all.  Clients are calling to say they need a cleaner, fresher look and using Candice’s area rugs, lighting, and wall coverings can assist in achieving that look.

Q: Where do you see interior design trends moving?

A:  Currently, the “Garbo” look is favorite trend of mine.
1.  Interior design trends indicate the move away from faux finishes, stucco and an all-around heavier look to opulent fabrics and beautiful wall coverings.

2.  Velvets and silks, as well as, polished and pearlized backgrounds are the new rage.

3.  Rhinestone accents in trim, buttons and bandings are used for pillows and window treatments.

4.  Mirrored furniture and beveled on beveled mirrors are adding sparkle to the walls.

websites that feature products to achieve the “Garbo” look:
schnadig.com
howardelliott.com

Photos courtesy of aflighting.com