Deck the halls…the living room and the dining room
Welcome to our top trends of 2022 for the best home festive makeover.
‘Tis the season to be jolly creative when it comes to giving your home a fabulous festive makeover, so our Show Homes stylist, Richard Ornelas of Abode Interiors has explained what’s trendy when it comes to colour and other decorative ideas for transforming your home into a Christmas wonderland.
Natural Christmas Colours
One of this year’s trends is towards natural tones, colours with a more earthy hue, like woody browns and terracotta, but brought to life with a splash of festive gold or silver.
“Natural tones always feel warm and cosy, which is what you want at Christmas, but don’t forget those beautiful festive greens too and bring them into the mix,” says Richard.
“I am the first to say experiment with a variety of different colours that you might not necessarily associate with the Xmas season, but there is always a place for traditional colours too.”
This greenery could be in the form of plants, like the traditional festive favourites, such as mistletoe and holly. But for variety, Richard also suggests that while you’re out on a winter walk, keep an eye out for natural decoration ideas from the world around us. It could be interesting branches, adorned with fairy lights, fir cones as table decorations, or as a centre piece for a coffee table.
“Be as imaginative as you want to. It’s always good to experiment with something a bit different, alongside your traditional decorations of choice,” Richard added.
Festive Brights and shades of lavender
If a cool Yule isn’t really your style, then don’t worry, you’ve got a festive friend in Richard who is all for a riot of traditional primary Christmas colours.
“Bright reds, yellows, pinks and blues’ are still all the rage and a lot of the high street retailers are bringing all the primary Christmas colours out with retro inspired decorations,” said Richard.
“Natural tones give that stylish look, but who doesn’t love making a splash with some great Festive Brights that really lift everyone’s spirits, young and old.”
One of Richard’s particular festive colour favourites is lavender, a calming influence in your Christmas colour palette. “We have seen lavender grow in popularity across many aspects of interior design recently. In contrast to light greens and blues, it does have that more calming effect that’s perfect for the home environment,” said Richard.
“In terms of Christmas, it works really well sat in the middle of a display featuring natural tones and festive brights. Try teaming it up with rustic decorations or striking metallics too.”
Paper Decorations to help the planet
Doing your bit for the planet at Christmas with recycled or recyclable décor.
Richard is a big fan of brown ‘Kraft’ paper wrapping for gifts, which a lot of High Street retailers are stocking this year. It’s sophisticated and easily recycled, but the real bonus is it gives you a blank canvas to personalise the wrapping for that special someone. “Go to town I say and let your imagination run riot,” said Richard.
“Be it recycled fabrics for the bow, foraged branches and pine cones for a more natural decoration, you can really make a statement with your gift wrapping using this eco-friendly paper. After all, we all need to do our bit for the planet – and it’s no different at Christmas time,”
Branch out into alternative trees
The festive tree adorned with tinsel and baubles, and sparkling with fairy lights is the centrepiece of any home at Christmas time.
Real trees will still be on the wish lists of many a traditionalist, but Richard has also noticed the artificial snow-covered trees are growing in popularity this year – and some of them look just like the real thing. “You get all the wonder of a white Christmas, in the comfort of your own home,” he added.
If you think you’ll miss the fresh smell of firm tree, pick up scented sticks from John Lewis, Dunelm or B&Q.
And finally…go Maximalist!
Who wants minimal when you can take Christmas to the max!
The calming, stylish look of a beautifully colour co-ordinated Christmas home isn’t everyone’s cup of mulled wine.
“Bring in lots of colour, clashing patterns and basically display all the interesting items which you’ve acquired from Christmas past. It can really bring a playfulness and inspiring look to your home over the Christmas period and young children love it,” said Richard.
“Remember, Christmas only comes once a year…so go for it.”
Inspired to give one of our Christmas makeovers a go? Tag us in your photos on Instagram and Facebook, and we’ll share our favourite designs on our stories – we look forward to seeing them!
Photo credit: Unsplash
