Lakesha Rose

Photo Credit: L Rose Interiors

Lakesha Rose, founder and Principal at L Rose Interiors, recently appeared on Daytime Chicago's TV program to share some helpful holiday hacks for seasonal decor. Haute Design decided to get some of her input from the television appearance and jot down some holiday decor inspiration while we were at it.

Haute Design: How did the opportunity to appear on Daytime Chicago come about? How often do you make TV appearances?

Lakesha Rose: I was asked to come on the show by the show's producer and co-host. They know of my work as an interior designer in Chicago. Pre-pandemic, I would often make appearances on television programs. I would cover topics such as interior design, cooking and home entertaining.

HD: What is your go-to advice for holiday decoration? 

LR: You do not always have to use the traditional red and green, if that does not agree with the decor of your home. I like to use winter whites, golds and silvers, along with white lights and holiday greenery. This creates a wonderful warm and festive feel and these colors will fit into any home color palette.

HD: What are three easy ways to refresh the concept of holiday decor?

LR: Even though I am a designer, I do not have a lot of time to decorate my own home. So, my easy go-to is using inexpensive items that make a large statement. I buy lots of holiday greenery and put it in a medium or large vase and place it on my kitchen island and console table. Because it is all one color, using a lot of it will make a large holiday statement. I also get holiday red berries in bulk and separate them into three small low vases and add them to the dining room table. The red berries are also beautiful around the home, in my guest rooms and in bathrooms. 

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

HD: Do you have a not-so-secret design hack for holiday decorating? 

LR: Yes! Get holiday pots. If you are not good at it, hire someone who is, like my wonderful flower guys, who plant my front outdoor pots each season. My holiday pots are some of the prettiest on the block because I was smart enough to hire a professional.

HD: Could any of these design concepts apply to New Year's Eve? 

LR: Of course! Especially the warm winter whites, silver, gold and holiday greenery palette.

The post Easy And Affordable Holiday Decoration Hacks Courtesy of L Rose Interiors appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

I recently tried a wild experiment. My husband and I invited friends for cocktails and when they asked what they could bring, I said “nothing but yourselves!” They asked again, I replied the same way. The experiment failed, miserably. Not a single guest came without food. It is a kind sentiment but it was just a cocktail party and as a host, I felt confident I could provide enough sustenance to compliment champagne for two hours.

So, here’s a wild suggestion: the next time someone tells you to bring nothing, how about show up with a host gift? It’s old school and elegant- Miss Manners would be proud.

Previously a freelance journalist for prestigious media outlets such as  Architectural Digest, T: The New York Times Style Magazine, Departures and Women’s Wear Daily, Alicia Brunker recently founded The Scope, a private members club that puts the designer’s story at the forefront. The site curates an exclusive collection of luxury furnishings and decor from established and emerging designers that they believe are the icons of our generation. Their goal is to educate buyers about the artful aspects of design.

Haute Residence checked in with Brunker to ask for her top five recommendations for hostess gifts this season. Here are her luxurious suggestions sure to please any hostess.

Trakata Candle Holders by Farrah Sit

Credit: TheScopenyc.com

I always think it’s better to gift a candleholder as opposed to a candle, because its presence is permanent rather than fleeting. And Brooklyn-based designer Farrah Sit handcrafts solid brass and white rhodium variations with a timeless appeal that suits just about any aesthetic. $480

Element Wall Hanger by Anna Karlin

Credit: TheScopenyc.com

Overnight guests can earn their keep with designer Anna Karlin’s polished brass and leather wall hangers. The display rings’s geometric shapes offer a chic storage system for extra throws or hand towels in the guest bathroom. $400

Placemat with Brass Corners by Slash Objects

Credit: TheScopenyc.com

An asymmetrical shape and brass detailing add the ideal amount of glam around the dinner table. Meanwhile, the placemat’s terrazzo rubber surface makes cleaning up a cinch — a quality your host will be especially grateful for. $38

Paper Bowls by Christopher Gentner

Credit: TheScopenyc.com

During the holidays, it’s essential for a host to place mini bowls of peppermint candies and chocolates around the house, and these hand-forged brass bowls by Chicago designer Christopher Gentner are an innovative stand-in for traditional serveware. For extra glitz, a 24K gold option is available upon request. $150

Decanter by Anna Karlin

Credit: TheScopenyc.com

An elegant decanter is an absolute necessity during a dinner party. From cognac to egg nog, this handblown borosilicate glass vessel by designer Anna Karlin is anchored by a polished brass stopper that can easily be removed for refills.  $170

The post Top Home Decor Gifts To Give Your Host This Holiday Season appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

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?

We are fortunate to be located in the Caribbean. The climate in the Turks & Caicos Islands is so moderate, people are not looking for the warmth of a crackling fire, but rather the calming sound of a lapping sea on the beach. Our homes focus on outdoor living night and day.  The beach on Provo at Christmas can make for an unforgettable experience.

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?

Our homes live outdoors. Xmas lights on the exterior radiate the spirit of the holiday season and in my opinion entering the realm of hokey or contrived makes it even better.  Under all other circumstances, we do not miss snow, but overindulgence in Xmas lights helps fill the void of the northern climates.  Find the tallest Xmas tree you can find and load it up with lights on your beach deck.  Magical after dark!

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

In all my designs, I strive to present an element of surprise on entering a new space; something that immediately catches your attention and cannot be overlooked. In the majority of cases, I use the exterior beyond the space.  In the tropics it is easy to create unusual exterior features. The difficulty is effectively connecting it seamlessly to the interior.

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

Home Theaters / Media Rooms. Technology is allowing us to transform ordinary living space into awesome A/V experiences without the need to dedicate it to a special purpose room.  We are having a lot of fun with “outdoor home theaters."

Learn more about R.A. Shaw Designs by visiting their website and Haute Residence profile.

The post R.A. Shaw Designs Talks Holiday Decor and Design Trends appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Crystal Sleigh by Jimmy Crystal ($9,995) and MacKenzie-Childs Snow Father Christmas ($575)

Aviva Stanoff Rock Star Holiday Tree Skirt ($448) and Crystal Five Light Candelabra (2,249)

Chandelier Beaded Christmas Stocking ($129) and Faux Flocked Lighted Tree ($799)

Happy Decorating!

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Photos courtesy of frontgate, pottery barn, horchow and barneys

The post Ready Your Home for Christmas with These 6 Holiday Decor Picks appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.