New festive trends
LESLEY TAYLOR has some fresh ideas for Christmas decor this year
THERE are many things I love about Christmas. The traditions, time spent with nearest and dearest, and of course, the copious amount of lip-smacking food. But being an interior designer, I have to say decorating my home for the festive period fills me with incredible joy.
It will come as no surprise that for Christmas, I go all out for festive décor.
Every room is given its own yuletide makeover which, I might add, is planned months in advance.
You see, just like autumn/winter and spring/summer, Christmas brings with it its own seasonal trends.
Here is my take on the looks that are going to be huge this year.
ALL NATURAL
WITHOUT a doubt, one of the hottest looks this yuletide is inspired by nature.
This look brings together warm white lights as a beautiful backdrop with woodland-inspired creations and decorations in a plethora of autumnal hues.
Sustainability is at its heart and there is a definite focus on homemade decorations, whether it’s a wreath for your front door, a gorgeous table centrepiece or a bauble or two.
Making your own decorations is a lovely activity for the whole family. Head to Pinterest for inspiration or look to YouTube for online tutorials showing you how to make your own yuletide decoration. Then, simply head to your favourite park and get foraging for good-looking twigs, sticks and greenery before heading home for some up some hot chocolate and crafting. It could become your family’s new festive tradition.
If you did want to invest in some new pieces to complement your handmade creations, the shops are
filled with lots of beautiful woodlandinspired decorations to bring your tree to life, from cute creatures to adorable avians. After all, nothing says Christmas like a robin perched upon a Christmas tree.
But a quick word to the wise. Sustainability is key here so don’t be tempted to throw out your old decorations simply because they don’t ‘fit’. Instead, you could simply store them away for next year, or use them to decorate another area of the home.
GET THE BLUES
ELVIS Presley lamented it being a Blue Christmas. But this year, a blue Christmas is something to celebrate. In a bit of a break from tradition, blue is going to be one of the hottest shades this yuletide and the shops are packed with decorations in all manner of blue hues.
There is a plethora of choice if you’re thinking of investing in some new decorations, personally, I think the darker and stormier the better. Combine these moody hues with metallic elements for a contemporary finish that will really zing.
WHITE CHRISTMAS
IF you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, don’t rely on nature. Create your own.
Snowscape takes the rustic charm of the natural theme one step further, by creating a white Christmas inside.
Combine warm white lights with off-white baubles and trinkets to decorate your tree and add texture. If you want to break up the sea of white, choose an accent colour that will enhance, such as a cool silver or an on-trend grey.
Use thick church-style candles to create centrepieces around the rest of the home and if you really want to throw yourself into the trend (and don’t mind a bit of mess), use fake snow around your windows and mirrors as a finishing touch.
This is a classic look that will suit a wealth of interior styles – especially the current greyscale look. It won’t overwhelm the space and will instead add a timeless sense of festive style.
If you’re one for storing presents under the tree, make sure your wrapping paper follows the same colour scheme for a complete look.
■ Lesley Taylor BIID is Lead Designer at EDIT Home and Design (edithomeanddesign.co.uk)