FESTIVE INSPIRATION
One of the most enduring decorating trends is the pared-back Scandi look, but how do you make that work for the festive season? Start with a backdrop of neutrals and natural textures, then add in a light sprinkling of delicious toffee and cinnamon tones with touches of mulberry, and finally a smattering of soft lighting and foliage. It’s as cosy as it is cool…
layer textures together
Reflective finishes, such as glass and soft metals, are ideal for bouncing the light around and casting a warm glow that will highlight the delicate veining on a marble table or the grain on a wooden surface. Add impact with accessories and bowls in graphic shapes made from concrete and stone.
Toronto marble coffee table, £390, Graham & Green. Hemsby travertine bowl, £255, Layered Lounge. Layered metal baubles, £10 each; Copper Mudi bauble bunch, £20; all Heavenly Homes & Gardens. Dapple tealight holders, £26 each, LSA International. Candleholder, £25, Abigail Ahern. Shuka washable rug, £599, Heal’s
create a warm welcome
Beautifully scented and easy to make, a natural wreath with white berries, eucalyptus, spruce and pine cones is all you need to add a simple yet stylish statement to your door. A smattering of micro-lights and a selection of lanterns will bring some seasonal twinkle.
Helmsley foliage wreath, £79.99; Juniper berry garland (on banister), £60; both Sophie Allport. Faux fir garlands (on banister), £32 each, Layered Lounge. Lanterns (from left): Large Sierra Bronze lantern, £35, Abigail Ahern x Freemans. Stanley Bronze lantern, from £22, Dunelm. Brass Sky lantern, from £36, Rowen & Wren
bring the outdoors in
Sometimes simple is best, and that can mean working with what you already have to display beautiful natural elements. Use everyday pots and window boxes filled with foraged foliage placed in water-filled jars arranged along the bottom; add chickenwire, if necessary, to provide support. If you prefer, combine a selection of real and faux sprigs – here we have faux pine cones on stems, sprays of cypress conifer, dried thistles, birch twigs and kiwi dry vine stems.
Vence window box, £60, Garden Trading. Elias pine cone stems, £15/six, House Beautiful Marketplace. Westport bronze lantern, £18, The White Company. Christmas tree on foot, £85, Heavenly Homes & Gardens. Valencia marble and mango wood sideboard, £950, Next Home. Alaska armchair in Dusk Cinnamon, £1,235, Barker & Stonehouse. Linen and silk mix throw, from a selection, Toyine. Plaza flatweave rug in Toast, from £1,730, A Rum Fellow
go for a balanced look
Make the tree the star of the living room by keeping the decorations tonal and the rest of the space pared back. Here, a wood
