Deck the halls
- Go back
- 01st Dec 20
If ever there was a year to up the ante on Christmas decorations, it has to be this year. Ornaments, tinsel and baubles are reportedly flying off the shelf in a bid to cheer up the nation and it seems the message is to go big and stay home. We take a look at the most outrageous, stylish and wonderous ways to transform your home this Christmas.
Set a theme
John Lewis have gone all out this year with their seven decorating themes inspired from key art movements. If you want to get your creative juices flowing, you may need to up your tinsel and fairy lights game.
Bloomsbury – inspired by the Bloomsbury Set, this design has a cosy, nostalgic feel with warm cooper tones paired with bold, complementary colours. This space will look good all winter long with leather and wooden furniture paired with richly coloured and patterned rugs.
Art of Japan – this red and gold look mixes traditional festive classics with the Japonism movement of the mid-19th century. The mistletoe, berry and the robin sit alongside kokeshi dolls, Japanese cats, cherry blossom, fish and lanterns.
Renaissance – ornate decorations with references to literature, music and religious iconography used in a contemporary way. A luxe look using soft palettes of blush, mint and warm neutrals with copper and gold accents.
Impressionism – capturing the changing qualities of light, this theme is a twist on the traditional snow theme. Pretty glass baubles filled with dry flowers make this a sophisticated and romantic design.
Art Nouveau – opulence and a sense of glamour can be created with extravagant accessories and rich materials. Wrap presents in luxe fabrics and give the tree an update with gold decorations throughout.
Post Impressionism – abstract qualities and vivid colours can be easily transferred to create a quirky looking Christmas tree. John Lewis has opted to use tropical birds, animals and insects that form an imagined fantasy land.
Pop-Art – go big, bright, bold and vibrant for a Picasso or Pollock inspired theme. From Santa on a scooter through to dinosaurs and diggers, anything goes as long as it is having fun.
Christmas tree time
Once that Christmas tree is through the door, it feels like the holidays have really started. Now there is a size, shape and budget for every household from a real six-foot one to a dinky faux one that comes complete with decorations. If you can’t cope with the assembly of artificial trees nor do you want a real one, a pop-up tree may answer your Christmas wishes. In previous years when it was easier to travel, it was a trend for those that wanted to spruce up their holiday home. There’s no need to faff with poles and branches, you literally just pop it up and it’s good to go. With many of the traditional Christmas events cancelled, people are looking to capture the magic of Christmas at home. Flocked trees with a snow-covered look are a popular choice and you can still create the look on real trees by using water and artificial snow powder. For traditionalists wanting to capture the Victorian-era aesthetic, it’s hard to beat a real Christmas tree. However, an artificial tree that has True Needle Technology, mimics a real tree with asymmetrical branches, subtle colour changes and lifelike texture.
Festive Zooms
If you want to add Yuletide cheer to your virtual chats and work meetings, transform a plain wall with a hanging or ladder Christmas tree with Nordic-inspired decorations. Alternatively, source a string light tree to produce a magical look on a dark night or entwin fairly lights to design your own creation. Candles always bring a Christmassy feel to a room and now there’s a trend for structured coloured candles including twisted candles with jewel and ombre hues. Create a real statement but don’t forget to blow them out after you exit the call.
Hi-tech holidays
Technology invades every aspect of our lives so why not Christmas. Pre-lit trees have moved on a whole new level with Twinkly, LED light strings, which combines colourful RGB LEDs, a Wifi/Bluetooth controller, state of the art smartphone app and smart home integration enabling you to customize animations and effects, apply a timer, dim lights and change the brightness and colour of the decorations. You can even get a musical tree programmed to play Christmas carols.
Cosy Christmas
Creating a comfortable home can help offset the struggles of modern day life and there have been many to contend with this year. Soft weighted blankets and decadent throws can help make curling up in front of a festive film feel even more special. Choose decorations with warm colours such as red, orange and brown tones together with soft lighting and candles. Place elegant tableware filled with traditional treats such as mince pies and luxury nut selections and have mulled wine ready to go to keep you warm and snug.
Christmas 2020 design ideas
- Cheerful fruit themed decorations
- Natural elements with fresh foliage and dried eucalyptus bouquets
- Modern Scandi design with wood, geometric prints and a limited colour palette
- Heritage theme with decorative detailing, period character and rich colours
- Novelty baubles are becoming wackier and more outrageous. The brighter the better
- Blush pink seems to be the colour trend that’s dominating Christmas 2020
- For a simple style that oozes charm and comfort, the rustic woodland Chalet style look featuring furs and blankets is a winner all winter long
- Add glitz to your Christmas décor with disco ball garlands