DREAMING OF A BLUE CHRISTMAS

An out- of-the- ordinary colour palette offers a modern spin on holiday decor.

An out-of-the-ordinary palette offers a modern spin on festive decor

When you think of Christinas, the first colour that comes to mind. The hue can bring stylish elegance to a home during the holidays, though, especially when you’re going for traditional with a twist.

“This home is so extraordinary that it requires an unexpected colour palette,” says interior designer Wendy Reimer of Reimer Design. She’s referring to the main floor of a storied Victorian mansion (think barrelvaulted ceilings and quarter-sawn herringbone floors) in Oakville, Ont., that she decorated in blue for the holidays with the help of event planner Laura Olsen.

From the cane-back French seating to the star topper on the tree, every beautiful bit hails from Bash Panache, Reimer’s posh Greater Toronto Area–based event-rental company. In the home, there’s nary a traditional red or green bauble in sight. “Instead, blue and white provide more memorable impact,” says Reimer. “The palette reminds me of the crispness and brightness of snow. I knew I could really make it sing by adding vibrant and sunny gold tones for balance and warmth.”

A good example is the cozy family room. Sparkly gold- and sapphire-toned ornaments are tucked into the tree that plays off the striking mostly blue (of course) painting over the fireplace. And where are the conventional garlands and stockings? “I intentionally left the mantel unadorned,” says Reimer, “so the painting, the furniture and the tree can be the focus.”

The result throughout the gorgeously glammed home is refreshing and festive. Or, as Reimer puts it, “fun, fresh, bold and colourful.” Who says blue isn’t for Christmas?