A NORDIC NOEL

get adventive Forgo the chocolate Advent calendar this year in favour of a fabulous DIY creation. Count down the days until Christmas with 24 mini paper gift bags. Embellish each with natural finds like twigs and sprigs of greenery before securing them onto a fabric-covered corkboard.

Ticking FABRIC, Designer Fabrics.

embrace nature

Bring the serenity of Scandi style into your home by drawing inspiration from the wintry outdoors. Here, a fresh evergreen wreath and garland, bird ornaments and a stack of logs subtly spruce up the fireplace wall.

Iced Cube Silver 2121-50 WALL PAINT (throughout), Chantilly Lace OC-65 FIREPLACE, MANTEL & TRIM PAINT (throughout), Benjamin Moore; CABINET, Cornerstone Home Interiors; GREENERY (throughout), Sheridan Nur series; faux sheepskin THROW, IKEA.

TEXT

BRITTANY DEVENYI

PHOTOGRAPHY ROBIN STUBBERT

PRODUCER CHRISTINE HANLON

Come winter, the coziness and understated beauty that define Scandinavian design are all the more welcome – and this Toronto abode lets it be known. Read on for eight Swedish decor ideas worth stealing this season.

pare back parcels Let’s face it: Wrapping holiday presents in layers of red and green is a tad overdone. Go against the grain this year and opt for softhued paper, such as this white ribbed style. Then adorn your gifts with burlap ribbon and sleek DIY gift tags.

style strategically Nordic design is all about capturing the magic of minimalism – even at Christmas. Scope out simple yet striking seasonal adornments like the ornate paper snowflakes festooning this banister, which nod to the holidays but are still in keeping with the entryway’s calming neutral palette.

CHAIR (customized), IKEA; Pure White CHAIR PAINT, Annie Sloan; hardwood FLOORING, Pekat Construction; PENDANT LIGHT, Elte.

add whimsy While there’s nothing wrong with decking out your home in an array of colourful baubles, the Swedes favour subtler star-shaped decorations. Think of the bunting seen here as an alternative to string lights that’s quieter but still offers the same dreamy quality.

create seasonal swag Make your living space sparkle and shine by fashioning your own festive garland. Cut holiday shapes out of shimmery paper or wallpaper swatches and stitch them together delicately with white thread.

welcome neutrals How do you take a muted space from sterile to sophisticated? Home in on the details. Elements like mismatched chairs and a non-operational fireplace filled with logs lend enough interest to this bright dining room so that, come December, a few festive accents feel like plenty.

DINING TABLE (customized), Restoration Hardware; Philippe Starck DINING CHAIRS, PENDANT LIGHT, Elte; END CHAIR (customized), IKEA; Pure White END CHAIR PAINT, Annie Sloan; linen DRAPERY, CB2.

layer textures When temperatures dip into the negative double- digits, we crave all types of comfort. Emulate the Swedish way of combatting the cold with heaps of texture, whether through small details (stylish place settings and votive candle holders wrapped in yarn) or larger additions (a faux sheepskin throw).

November 2016

PHOTOGRAPHY, TRACEY AYTON ALL THE TRIMMINGS

Calm, bright, sparkly, shiny, rustic, whimsical, natural or full-on traditional – whatever your holiday style, there’s no doubt that this is truly the most wonderful time of the year. We’re sharing our wishes for a season filled with magic and meaning. Scrooges need not apply.