Christmas is fast approaching but there’s still plenty of time to bring festive cheer to your home. Brio’s interior designer Anna Perivolari shares her top tips and ideas for Christmas decorating.
Add a personal touch
Festive decorating is all about bringing back memories and creating new ones, so personal touches are a must. From Christmas tree decorations that remind us of friends and family through to knitted stockings hung above the fireplace, it’s the pieces that mean something to you which can make your home truly unique at Christmas.
Create some sparkle
No matter what style or colour theme you choose, there is always a place for some sparkle. As the days get darker, Christmas decorations can definitely brighten them up.
Tinsels, glitter baubles and sequin ornaments are all perfect for enlightening a space and getting everyone in the festive mood.
Keep it cosy
Muted earthy tones instead of very bright and bold can create a really cosy atmosphere and are ideal if you’re seeking a shabby chic style. Choose neutral cushions with festive patterns, wooden ornaments, and baubles in natural shades to create an intimate environment.
Weave in traditional colours
The traditional red and green combination is integral to every Christmas decoration scheme. Green foliage and a burst of berry colours in candles, ornaments and soft furnishings are Christmas trademarks that shouldn’t be missed.
Mix it up
Use your imagination and play around with different objects, colours and textures.
Pick a colour scheme that can be combined with rustic elements, distressed wood, pine boughs, flannel and hessian fabrics. A wreath on your door can be made from an assortment of flowers, leaves or even fruits depending on your colour and style preferences.
Also remember that decorating isn’t just about what you can see – touch and smell is important too. Add chenille throws and fleece cushions for texture. Decorate your bannister with a pine garland intertwined with fairy lights to expand the Christmas mood to upper floors and create visual and tactile interest in the stairwell.
For a gorgeous festive smell, use spiced apple candles and cinnamon sticks. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you could even make some edible ornaments!
Be inspired by nature
You can find inspiration anywhere, but there isn’t a better source than nature. Autumn and winter are the best seasons for sourcing colour schemes and texture combinations, so spending some outdoors at this time of year is great for sparking new ideas. I often get inspired from taking long walks in the mountains or even the nearest park and taking lots of pictures.
The natural environment is also a common interior theme across the communal spaces at Brio Retirement Living. Our focus is on bringing the outdoors in and creating an aesthetically pleasing environment as well as sociable spaces.
Have fun!
There are no set rules for Christmas decorating so whether you decide to try new ideas, keep your family traditions or a mixture of both, have fun!
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