This month marks 20 years in business for Kelly Cruz Interiors, based right here in Cornelius, NC.  Interior Designer Kelly Cruz begins planning her holiday decor projects in January when the wholesale showrooms in Atlanta open to the trade only, sharing what’s new for the next holiday season.

Her team places orders at this time to ensure delivery of their Christmas product by September.  Christmas in July is something we hear often from retailers.   It’s a very good time for homeowners and businesses to plan ahead for the upcoming Christmas season because the showrooms open again for “last minute” buyers.

Christmas décor is a lot of fun for Cruz, especially the projects featured in her photos here. For this client, December is a month-long celebration of birthdays, an anniversary, and of course Christmas.  During December, this home boasts 170’ of pre-lit garland, 5 decorated trees each over 7.5’ tall, several smaller decorated trees, approximately 10 wreaths, and the client’s endless supply of holiday collectibles.  The holiday décor in this lovely home is enjoyed by many at holiday parties hosted by the homeowners throughout the month of December.

Cruz says it’s not too late to purchase Christmas decorations for this year, and many creative people are available to help with the labor and ideas to add festive flair to your home.  There are many local retail stores with an array of pretty holiday décor including Peppermint Forest Christmas Shop in Charlotte, Pier 1 Imports, World Market, and Target. Some interior designers and home stagers may still have time slots available and access to more creative holiday décor projects.

Lake Norman has been Kelly Cruz’s primary residence for the past 15 years and has called Charlotte home since finishing interior design school. She likes to say she’s not originally from the south, but she got here as quickly as she could. The laid back lifestyle in the south and specifically Lake Norman mirrors her personality so she’s very happy to call it home.

Jamie McNeilis is an Accredited Staging Professional and owner of Centerpiece Home Staging in Cornelius. Email Jamie at Jamie.McNeilis@CenterpieceHomeStaging.com for home decorating and improvement topics you would like covered in Home Decor