Design Duo

Holiday Luxe

Robin Daly and Christian Ursino Robin Daly and Christian Ursino have been writing about design for years. Check them out in every issue of 425!

The holiday season provides the perfect opportunity to allow your own inner design diva to emerge. When it comes to decorating the house for the holidays, we think more is more! Chuck the rule book out the door and allow yourself to think in fresh ways. Don’t let yourself be constrained by the principles of everyday design, instead open yourself to seeing your home with fresh eyes. Allow your home to become the canvas on which you can create a sense of drama and elegance. Holiday décor is for a finite period, so it’s okay to go over the top and have fun with the process.

room by room holiday style

EXTERIOR

Start the holiday conversation before your guests enter the home. The front door is such a symbol of welcome. If you really want to go all out, invest in a quart of paint and paint the front door bright red (C2 Paint’s “Canadian Flag” is a knockout).

•  Garland: Natural or otherwise is fine by us. You can embellish the basic greenery with all kinds of natural elements to add visual interest.
•  Wreath: Shapes. Don’t you love square wreaths? This is a great place to break the rules! But save the feathered ones for indoors.
•  Topiaries: Love ’em. Buy good ones; consider leaving them out all year and embellishing them for the holidays with lights and other festive inclusions.
•  Statuary: Think classic, not cute.

ENTRY

Say it with candles. The more the better – establish a rhythm through repetition. This is the place to use fragrance as a greeting. We love quality candles; they really help establish the mood.

Here’s our list of top favorites to inspire you to find your own signature scent:

•  Balise “Bishop’s House”
•  Archipelago “Havana”
•  Rigaud “Cythere”

POWDER ROOM

This is the perfect room for taking it one playful step over the line … they are small, out of the way and easy to embellish. For very little time and effort, these small gems can be completely transformed into a winter wonderland.

•  Hand towels: Think details and embellishments. Save the Santa theme for the kids’ bath.
•  Scented soaps
•  Candles
•  We adore Glassybaby votives; there is a perfect color for every taste, glassybaby.com.

LIVING ROOM

The Christmas tree – always an option, but not necessarily required – at least not in the traditional sense! Why not have a feather tree or an embellished topiary? Even a large spray of dried branches can be decorated to inspire the holiday mood and create a focal point.

•  Extensive tablescaping
•  Large bowls filled with shiny ornaments
•  Candles
•  Natural elements (pinecones, nuts, garland)
•  Silver trays and mirrors
•  Seasonal artwork and photos (this is the perfect time dig up those Fredrick & Nelson Santa pictures from years ago)
•  Seasonal textiles
•  Pillows, throws
•  Table covers
•  Holiday books
•  We love the new trend of pop-up books for kids of all ages

DINING ROOM

Imagine creating the perfect backdrop for family gatherings, sumptuous meals, uproarious laughter and frequent trips down memory lane of holidays gone by. How do we do this? Tableware — Christmas china — everything from classic to contemporary. Consider using something that’s richly laden with color and texture like Versace’s “Medusa” in red, gold and black.

•  Linens: Find special items, like napkins that complement your china and are easy to change.
•  Service pieces: Create tablescapes with all those serving vessels that never really get used anymore.
•  Family Heirloom china: Pull out Grandma’s set and mix it in with your own.
•  Dimmer switch, candles, and centerpieces (all essential).

For the full story pick up the latest copy of 425 magazine. Subscriptions are available by phone at 425.646.1380 or you may order your subscription online.