For many, the chance to decorate their home at Christmas is an opportunity to be seized. Designing unique, fun and all-encompassing decorations not only elevates your interiors, it is also a way to connect to loved ones this Christmas season – from crafting them to creating snug spaces to spend quality time together.
Scandis are well-versed in finding the balance between function, making an impact and creating a cosy feel. To help Brits achieve the same this festive period, I am sharing my top design ideas on how to decorate your home this Christmas in today’s post.
In Norway, we love to celebrate not just Christmas itself, but the entire build-up to it. One of the best ways to do this is with festive decor. Starting four weeks before Christmas, we light the first candle in the Advent wreath and begin the process of decorating the home.
Ideally, decorations invite greenery in, as during the cold months we miss the colours of nature. However, elements of glitz and glamour are also wholly appropriate at this time of year, and we like to incorporate a good dash of nostalgia with our decorations too.
Read on for my Scandi-inspired guide to decorating this Christmas…
Retro-fit
In the 1970s, playful and colourful interiors were popular throughout Norway, so it is no surprise that Scandis returned to this period when seeking to create fun and nostalgic interiors at Christmas.
Instead of perfectly polished and colour-coordinated décor, the retro look is about embracing kitsch and eclectic elements in the home. Think sweet ornaments of gingerbread men and candy canes made from felt, and mismatched baubles in ruby reds, bright blues, and emerald greens. Or why not relive the disco-fever heyday by using glitter balls as bauble alternatives, which will also add a lively metallic tone to the mix?
To keep it Scandi, however, it is key to not let the retro look spread too far. Keep it to one area of the home, such as the tree or perhaps even the dining table, where one could embrace a fun 70s-inspired tablescape with lots of glitter and funky thrifted crockery.
Home-scaping
The idea of creating design focal points in the home has been gaining traction in recent years but for Scandis it’s standard.
In December, Scandis often turn windows into canvases, dangling handcrafted stars made from paper and straw to add a festive touch – one that can be enjoyed by those within the home as well as passersby outside.
Creating these decorations is a great activity to do with loved ones too, with the hands-on approach making it impossible to get distracted by phones and perfect for spending wholesome and cosy quality time together.
There is no need to limit the ‘scaping’ to just windows. Door-scaping is very popular and is a lovely way to make an impact. A classic wreath hung over the door is always a winner, and the seasonal foliage can be dressed up with velvet bows for a glamorous feel.
Planters or hanging baskets outside the front door can also be given a makeover to up the festive factor, simply hang baubles underneath the baskets or wrap battery-powered fairy lights around the base.
For ‘scaping’ inside the home, decorating the staircase bannister with garlands of holly intertwined with gem-coloured ribbons will elevate your interiors and add a welcome dose of greenery and earthiness.
Similarly, take advantage of any mantlepieces in the home. Start with a classic by hanging Christmas stockings – ones with a vintage look (think deep burgundy and hemmed with plaid or faux fur) are ideal. Then, for a modern twist on boughs of holly, add small vases or mason jars along the mantle itself and fill with holly cuttings, as well as red carnations, berry stems and poinsettia.
Gift giving
An often-underappreciated part of the overall Christmas décor is gift wrapping. It’s a much more unique way to complement festive interiors and also means that your gifts will be easily recognised under the tree.
A rustic, simple look is a Scandi go-to. Brown craft paper is easy to come by and durable, so is the perfect option for gift wrapping. A strip of linen sage green fabric or a strand of cheery red ribbon can be tied around the gift for a practical yet fun dash of colour in line with the homey feel.
For a more glamorous look that still feels simple, create a monochromatic design, using different textures to make it pop. Matte red wrapping paper tied with a velvet ribbon or coloured twine will look uniform whilst also feeling luxurious – creating a delightful experience for the gift receiver too.
Glow up
Nothing says festive cheer quite like a string of fairy lights or some flickering flames. Lighting is a crucial element in interior design and, as such, shouldn’t be overlooked when decorating for Christmas.
Add thrifted mismatched candlestick holders with tall candles in neutral colours along your dining table to create a soft glow and quirky design feature. Similarly, tea lights on a mantlepiece can complement the overall lighting design, and electric versions are perfect for bustling households.
Fairy lights with yellow-tinged bulbs are ideal for simulating a fiery glimmer in any room. String them across the top of curtains poles and shelves to add them into living spaces effortlessly and make the space extra cosy ahead of any festive get-togethers.
That said, nothing beats the real deal of the warmth and sound of crackling flames. To give your home a glow from within, stack and light hardwoods such as ash, beech and birch, which burn for longer and create a bright flame, in a woodburning stove for the ultimate festive, cosy experience.
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