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WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 14, 2016 2014
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R E A L E S TAT E W E E K LY
Holiday Décor Tips from Celebrity Designer Duo Colin and Justin
C
hristmas is such a magical time of year, and there’s a special warmth that comes into a home during the holidays. This year, you can create that toasty atmosphere with some great tips from celebrity designers Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan, hosts of W Network’s Game of Homes and Cottage Life’s Cabin Pressure. “The first rule is to look at your existing festive decorating theme and see what you need and what you can discard,” says McAllister, who spoke to REW from the couple’s home in Scotland. “Go easy … Your festive décor should enhance what is already in your home. And forget the gaudy explosion of tinsel.” Ryan agrees and adds: “You want to set the festive mood in your home, but you don’t want it to look cluttered. Last year, in our Toronto condo we painted a backboard and attached LED lights shaped as a Christmas tree and hung it on the wall.” Here are some of McAllister and Ryan’s favourite design ideas for the holidays. Natural Inspiration Head outdoors and laden your baskets for some inspiring DIY projects using pine cones, driftwood, branches and berries in order to craft your own decorations. “Display pine cones in huge glass bowls,” adds Ryan. Another great idea is to gather twigs and bundle them with a bow and little Christmas baubles.
No Fireplace? No Problem Even without a fireplace, you can create a merry focal point with a wall shelf or couch. Decorate your shelf with sparkly party trays and hang your glasses, so you also have a “mini bar.” Add festive cushions and/or throws on your favourite couch. Festive Tables Set your table with precious metals – McAllister and Ryan use tall-stemmed crystal (rimmed with gold) to invite a little extravagance. You can even decorate your own glassware with festive adhesive stars or use non-toxic gold and silver paint pens to create your own designs.
Dollar Store Treasures “We absolutely love dollar stores for adhesive stars and other cute decorations,” says Ryan. Create a constellation of stars or look for snowflake or tree motifs, or seasonal words like “Noel” and “Joy” for your windows or doors.
Deck the Halls Inspired by days of yore, choose jewel-toned glass, ornate gilt boxes, snow globes, glittered balls and trays of gold pinecones. Ruby tones, gold and glass complement dark wood furniture and rich timber floors, while the warmth of red – mixed with twinkling candles – creates a classic holiday feel.
Wooden Décor For a traditional alpine feel, go to town with wood decorations; think snowflakes or trees such as Treedia (pictured). “These are gorgeous table-size wooden trees made by a Canadian company that we have fallen in love with, the Canadian Wooden Christmas Tree Company,” says Ryan.
Contemporary Chic Want winter chic with a contemporary twist? Add crystalline, frost and white berries. Glass, clear plastics and silvered ceramics accented with faux foliage pull the look together. Layer your white tablecloth with silver place settings, steel-toned cutlery and clear glass for an icy feel, and add glittery touches to embolden. Serving boards in white marble work really well with this theme.
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