JAMIE KERN, ASID


Jamie earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Interior Design from Brenau University in Atlanta, Georgia and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance and Business Law from Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. She is an NCIDQ Registered Interior Designer offering her clients a comprehensive background with 15 years of interior design experience, 10 of those years as owner of her own design studio, and 15 years of experience in the financial sector of corporate business.

Kern’s body of work has been widely published. Her work has been recognized by the American Society of Interior Designers for design excellence and featured as a case study in the interior design textbook “Beginnings of Interior Environments” for the education of up-and-coming interior designers. Her work is featured in the hardback anthology “Modern Interior Design – American Collection” published in 2010.

Holiday Decor for Small Spaces . . Simplified


  With Thanksgiving rapidly approaching, the daunting task of holiday decor looms around the corner, threatening to transform the gaiety of the season into something more reminiscent of a Friday afternoon conference call . . . . . . the day before vacation.  The job can be especially frustrating in small spaces where the results often fall short on cheer and long on chaotic.  Fortunately a  few simple techniques can guide you in forming a game plan that will help you find the right  balance between festive and functional. 

  • First and foremost, I suggest using a monochromatic color scheme in your interior decor.   In simple terms, that means using various shades of the same color throughout to create a consistency in your decor and a flow through the space.    Too many colors introduced in a small space will appear cluttered.   Adding a sprinkling of  metallics in gold, silver or even copper tones will highlight your color scheme without adding confusion.   For a really elegant look, try using only gold and silver decor and spicing it up with hints of white.  
  • Transform your kitchen or dining room table from sensible to sensational.   An exquisite table setting can add pizazz  without sacrificing function.   Set the stage with a crisp linen table cloth in a neutral shade and everything on it will “pop”.   Create your centerpiece with a collection of wine decanters and perhaps a bottle of wine.  Add place settings with your favorite decorative dinner plates, wine or martini glasses, and silverware.   I love to use my mother’s antique depression glass dinner plates on high-gloss metallic charger plates with linen napkins and decorative napkin rings.  Top off your plates with a beautiful decorative holiday ornament and your table is not only stunning, it’s ready for holiday entertaining.
  • Forego the 8′ fir Christmas tree and add a little sparkle with small tabletop foil trees.   They are small enough to use almost anywhere, ranging in size from 10″ to 3 1/2 feet tall, and are available in a multitude of colors to compliment any decorative color scheme. 
  • Introduce clear holiday lights but do so sparingly and in focal areas where you want to highlight a vignette or architectural element – across a fireplace mantel or intertwined around a collection of tabletop foil Christmas trees.   
  • Adding a luxurious throw or changing out decorative pillows on your sofa for the season is a simple modification that packs a significant decorative punch.   Don’t go for the embroidered Santa or or felt reindeer.   Instead, look for lush, decorative fabrics, textures and detail – faux firs, silks, and ornate trims.  Check out your local fabric stores.   Some of the more sumptuous faux fir fabrics can be purchased by the yard for pennies on the dollar compared to the pre-made throws you’ll find in your local retail gift store.  
  • Replace your cocktail table books with a spread of vintage holiday record albums or old holiday children’s books.  Tabletop plate stands are another great way to display albums and books for optimal viewing.  Either way, these classic items have such wonderful nostalgic artwork and are certain to strike a chord with holiday guests.
     This year, avoid the media blitz with its high dose of sensory overload and cling to the old adage “less is more” as your mantra for seasonal decorating.   Make a plan for your home, keeping it simple, personal and appropriate to the functional needs of your family.