Meaning of 工夫をこらす

Question

Regarding decorations at a 七夕 festival:

道の両側には、工夫をこらした飾りがぶらさがっていた。
On both sides of the street ??? decorations were hanging.

I can't understand what 工夫をこらした means. I saw this question. Perhaps the meaning is similar? Maybe, "Decorations of ingenious design"??

Is this a set phrase or can I understand the meaning from the separate parts?

Answer 1

In this particular context, I would use "elaborate" over anything else.

"elaborate decorations", "elaborate ornaments", etc.

The essential meaning of 「工夫をこらした」 is "not simple or plain".

To me at least, "ingenious" would be too big a word for this.