Keep Calm Christmas Is Coming - How to Decorate Your Home's Interior Easily and Stress Free

"Christmas is a piece of one’s home that one carries in one’s heart." – Freya Stark

Christmas is the season of giving and uniting with family and friends.  But it can also equal stress over activities that need to take place before the actual day even arrives!

Everyone loves family gatherings and there is something comforting about the art of decorating all things ‘festive’ whether you are hosting Christmas or not. But for some it can feel daunting decorating a home in time for Christmas, and if you are time poor, have a young baby or already lead a busy lifestyle, it will require effort and a good state of mind.

In addition, the decoration process will require some thought, so firstly to nail an effective Christmas theme for your home, adopt a colour and a design palette which works with your existing interior – so important.

For the non-traditionalist, the notion of avoiding the popular ‘red and green’ has never been so easy with so many Christmas decorating styles out there.

Industry leader Pantone announced the colour of the year for 2022 'Very Peri’ a purple blue shade of periwinkle. You can be clever and introduce festive décor in this hue for some 'up to minute decorating'.  According to interior stylists and magazines, trending this Christmas in decorations is metallic silver or gold with different shades of green, soft blues and pinks, combining these with natural elements.

By balancing a modern scheme with a traditional contemporary one, you will stay on trend and connect with your space. Even so, I don’t believe you need to be unduly influenced by trends, but rather go with your personal taste and style.

Let's face it, there is no better time than Christmastime to showcase your favourite hues with clever splashes of sparkle and light to flank next to your tree, mantel, or sideboard with engaging results.  

Planning Your Theme

Think about sprucing up your decorations and decluttering, as your second step. You will need basic practicalities to curate an oasis of cheer and harmony.

To start, pull out your boxes of Christmas ‘stuff’ and go through and toss the ones that have clearly seen better days! Of course, keep the family heirlooms and sentimental trinkets collected over the years, but do throw out any broken, cracked, or outdated decorations (especially if you are wanting to introduce a new concept). Absolutely there is nothing wrong with mixing and matching, however, keep the colourway consistent. If you prefer neutral decorations, think about introducing colour through blooms and cushions in your home.

Evergreen Or Artificial Trees

Use fresh trees, garlands and wreaths whenever you can, as researchers have found that evergreen trees have a smaller carbon footprint and are better for the environment than artificial trees. They also clean the air inside your home and remove dust and pollen. Do try to buy them from organic Tree Farms and ensure they are free from chemicals and pesticides. Yet, this is not always an option and I love the fact that there is no right or wrong, it just comes down to personal choice and budget.

So yes, from a design perspective, it is still perfectly ok to have an artificial Christmas tree. For the short time people keep their tree up (usually 2-3 weeks) you may prefer to invest in a good quality artificial tree instead. You can customise it to your taste and pack it away at the end of the holidays. If you plan to use your artificial tree for some years, it is more cost effective than a fresh one.

There are countless lush Christmas trees out there that look realistic, on any budget, and if you plan, you can purchase these online in time for Christmas. Do try to get a PVC-free artificial tree, better for you and the environment. Most artificial trees are fire-resistant but not all – so remember to turn off tree lights of any kind when leaving your home or retiring for the night.

Where To Style Your Decorations

If you are short on space or do not have a mantel, think about using your console or sideboard to house decorations. Consider displaying tabletop trees in varying sizes and colours. A quality realistically designed garland with fairy lights for an eye-catching effect will add an extra layer of interest and twinkle.

You may also want to extend your decorations past just your living room or dining area. Think bedroom and bathroom, with decorative Christmas sheet sets, cushions and festive hand towels to keep the buzz happening throughout the home.

Oh, and don’t forget a wreath for your front door for some curb appeal to visually delight your guests. You could opt for a preserved, fresh, or an artificial wreath. Plenty of awesome choices available. Or, if you are not one to shy away from a challenge and like to be a little different and quirky, why not make your own wreath using textiles such as linen or velvet. Or for a fun wreath that little ones can embrace, a wreath made of tinsel, baubles or ribbon is sure to delight.  If you prefer a fresh option, go for herbs, eucalyptus, pinecones, or lavender from your own garden!

We all love candles and they have always been an essential part of Christmas decorating, bringing light and love into a home. You can never have enough and this is the time of year you can get away with lighting as many as you can handle. I do urge you to follow rules for candle safety. Always keep a burning candle within sight. Extinguish all candles when leaving a room or before going to sleep. Never burn a candle on or near anything that can catch fire. Keep burning candles away from drafts, vents, ceiling fans and air currents. Keep burning candles away from children and pets.

Less is more in my book and works a treat when decorating for Christmas. Try to keep it simple and spend the money on well-made decorations, rather than a box of 50 cheaply made ones. You can now buy shatter proof baubles and décor for those clumsy moments.

Keep your valuable decorations carefully stored away in sturdy boxes specifically for your Christmas decorations - in a dust and mould free space in your home, and you will enjoy them for years to come.

Creating a whimsical atmosphere of peace and calm for your home, that will speak to you and bring you joy, is achievable with a little imagination and the end result will be well worth it.

Merry Christmas to you and your families!

For some styling inspiration I have curated mood boards for Christmas 2022, each a little different in style and colour.

Article written by Marina Mura

Image credit:

Mood Boards by Evoke Interior Decorating

Montauk Lighting

Fenton & Fenton

Pottery Barn

Kathy Kuo Home

Iluka Road

Balsam Hill

Designer Boys Art

Trit Furniture

David Jones

Ginger Ray

Eadie Lifestyle

CandlesCo. Australia

Unsplash

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