All too often we see holiday decor that is laden with bad taste. From cheap metallic tinsel, to blinding red and green and cheesy tchotchkes, it can be hard to hit a chic note. But fear not, whether you’re a regular Martha Stewart or a holiday newbie, follow along for some of my favourite tips and tricks…….
A little sparkle goes a long way. Small holiday embellishments throughout the home create a festive atmosphere but try putting the main focus on one or two rooms. Limiting decorations will make those rooms even more special. Try incorporating a mix of styles, old and new or vintage with contemporary for a well-rounded look. Switch up your throw pillows for rich leather ones and pair them with soft velvets and jacquards (I love NEIVA throw). Add some fur throws to the living room to up the cozy factor. Swap out a few of your favourite art pieces with ones that enhance the holiday feel. Look for decorations in a range of rose gold, silver, and bronze. Mixed metals are festive and chic and adapt to any color palette.
The Christmas tree should always be the focal point of your holiday decor. Stay true to your personal style by dressing your tree to reflect the style of your home but don’t be afraid to take risks. Ornaments don’t have to match perfectly to look flawless. Incorporating a combination of vintage ornaments with store-bought decorations will create a whimsical feel. Oversized ornaments are also great and have huge impact. Colour is life but try opting for anything but red and green. It’s too predictable.
A mélange of colourful ornaments in all shapes and sizes work well together with an overarching theme. Colour not your thing? Fear not, you can never go wrong with a palette of black, white and mixed metals.
A Mobilia Christmas
Create a warm ambiance.
While it may seem like a minor detail, lighting can dramatically improve the atmosphere of any room. From candles to dimmer switches, to the warm glow of a crackling fireplace, lighting adds an inviting allure and elegance that can’t be beat. When entertaining, try pink light bulbs for a warm, sultry vibe. Highlight your mantlescape with a cluster of candles and some simple greenery for an effortlessly chic feel. Use scented candles in balsam, pine or frankincense to add a festive touch. Also, consider rethinking your dining room lighting before the entertaining begins, for holiday 2017, the SPOOT pendant light is my new personal fave and I think will instantly update the home.
The holidays often call for multiple gatherings. In lieu of constantly refreshing your floral arrangements, opt for long-lasting bouquets of evergreens, natural birch branches or even palm leaves. Holiday wreaths can often look over done when glitter and mini ornaments are involved. Instead, try using a multitude of elements found solely from nature. Is your space in need of some dramatic flair? Incorporate arrangements with marvelous height and dimension for a sense of grandeur. Forget the floral centerpieces and utilize in season vegetables or fruit like oranges, persimmons or pomegranates. Lastly, you can never go wrong with a simple garland. Whether it’s hanging from an oversized mirror, descending a staircase or draped over an entryway, a garland is a simple and stylish way to up the holiday feel.
Forget the floral centerpieces and utilize in season vegetables or fruit like oranges, persimmons or pomegranates.
Think outside the box.
Short on a few place settings for your dinner party? Don’t be afraid to mix and match china patterns or glassware for an eclectic feel. Pattern mixing establishes a sense of artful, easy elegance. If you are in small space, consider hosting a coffee table party-take inspiration from Moroccan style dinner parties. Throw pillows and ottomans (like the on trend velour SANA ottoman) are ideal seating and give a space a chic and relaxed vibe.
Most importantly remember to trust your gut and have fun. Unexpected choices give a space spirit and edge that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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Janette Ewen, Interior stylist and The Style Blog collaborator (at Mobilia, we just LOVE everything she does!)
From her start as an MTV set stylist to her successful career as a designer, design editor, TV host and ambassador for brands such as Moet, Mobilia and PANDORA Jewelry, Janette has continually sought to entice audiences to design their own eclectic experiences and celebrate life to the fullest. Janette’s personal mantra “stay interested, be interesting” guides her exciting life—full of design, travel and creation. Janette’s adventures and passion for style and good taste have been featured in the LA Times, Nylon Magazine, The Globe and Mail and House and Home magazine.
As a design partner at Parker Barrow Design studio, Janette is “over the moon” to be creating spaces that would find a happy home in her fast-paced, whimsical life.
Janette’s fans enjoy keeping up with her adventures through her popular social media pages including Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Her blog is a go-to for trends setters and tastemakers alike. In her spare time Janette loves traveling, rally car racing and hiking throughout North America.
