Christmas Décor

Christmas is no doubly the most magical time in the year. It’s the time when we get together with our family and loved ones and we share with them with joy and love. We spend more time at our houses filled with smell of festive, home-made food, laughter, Christmas songs and beautiful decorations. Charismas tree, dining table, decorations must be everywhere, but where to look for ideas? It’s very easy; you can find them on the street and shopping malls. Literary! You just have to walk into some shops and see theirs propositions for 2012 Christmas decorations. Every single person will find something interesting in their collections, no matter if you are a traditionalist or you prefer new trends and every year your house has a new Xmas theme. I have gathered some ideas from my favorite shops, because I think that In spite of commercialization of Christmas, shops are still important source of Xmas spirit and ideas. I hope you will like them. Enjoy!

1. Christmas at Ikea

With traditional Christmas tree you can’t go wrong. Decorated simply in 2 color scheme will add to your house fresh and rustic touch. Fireplace in the room, comfortable sofa with lots of cushions will give you a cozy feeling.

Dining room with soft lightening, faux fur, smell of freshly cut wood and Christmas tree will take you to Swedish winter wonderland.

This picture comes from 2011 collection, but frosty white is always on. White palette in décor adds glamour to the interior and gives a fairytale touch. In Ikea you can find beautiful and inexpensive table decorations.

“I’m dreaming of a white Christmas…” and lots of traditional lights in different shapes.

And on your way out of Ikea do not forget to buy some Pepparkakor cookies.

2.  Almi Décor
   
   This was my favorite shop when I lived in Poland where I was buying most of my decorations, this year unfortunately I can only check their website with winter collections which as usual are a nice surprise.

Snow Queen Palace Collection”. When decorating house we can’t forget about outside
especially the doorway and front. Almi Décor proposition is very classy and luxe.

“Snow Queen Collection” is also very elegant, with white, green and beige color schemes.

The same collection as above inspired with winter stories: “Narnia” and “The Snow Queen”.

“Snow Queen Collection” – Example of the Christmas tree decorations.

Red is also a very festive color. It is a color of mulled wine, Christmas plant and cranberries. – “The Cranberry Collection”.

3. Marks & Spencer
   
   
   

   

Green tree and gold decorations are always very classy and sophisticated. – “Antique Gold collection”.

Fairytales always inspire during the Christmas season. This Mid Winter trend brings up to our attention Hans Christian Andersen’s stories.

“Log Cabin Trend” is perfect for people who value coziness. Warm fire coming out from the fireplace, soft blanket, natural materials, lots of wood and a traditional Christmas tree this is the essence of this collection.

Decorations in this style are simple, in red, gold or green. Made from fabrics or wood. If you like this style, feel free to hang some hand-made decorations on the tree ,especially home-baked cookies. 

4. House of Fraser
   
   
   

   

This British store chain has prepared few collections for this Christmas. Tree on picture above comes from “The Modern Romance Collection” , which main color is white, silver. All decorations will add subtle and delicate touch to your Christmas tree.

“Decadent Christmas “is another trend proposed by House of Fraser. Elements inspired by orient will add opulent touch to the Christmas décor.

“Shabby chic” edition is created for people who love vintage-style with a romantic touch.

And now one of my favorite propositions for this season. “Uber Luxe trend” As per information on the website: “Wow effect assured with gold, embellishment, feather and leopard prints. This year is looking like a wild Christmas!” I will definitely add some leopard prints to my decoration theme.

Last proposition is very close to “Log Cabin” proposed by M&S. Home in traditional and frosty style, classic decorations mixed with the contemporary elements.

As you can see major stores have prepared a very wide offer and I think that every person can find something beautiful that will add a unique style to every home.

Marry Christmas everyone!

White luxe

It’s December, time when people prefer to stay in warm, cozy interior and have mulled wine. For most people winter stands for snow white and Christmas. Not everyone has opportunity to see snow though. This year I’m spending Christmas in Gibraltar, where snowed just once in 1954, but I remember very well winter that I spent in Sweden and since then my love to white color in interior remained. Swedish interior design is one of my favorite and it is successfully used away from country of Ikea and "Pepparkakor" (Swedish cookies) in countries where winter doesn’t last that long.

Swedish style can have many faces: can be very classic and elegant like Gustavian look, can also be more country style, eclectic or modern, but some elements are always essential part of this Scandinavian, clean and fresh style. 

White walls

Long winter and lack of natural light is balanced by very light colors palette in an interior. Snow white or cream walls, windows, door sometimes even floor are created to give false image of light, which is so valuable during long and dark winter days.

Beautiful example of classic Gustavian style with Mora clock in the corner.

Light colors

All furniture and accessories are usually also white, beige, light blue, gold, mustard or grey. This choice of colors was chosen to maximize the light effect at home. Modern style is more vivid, tends to mix many intensive colors like green, red, blue and red. Floor is usually light brown, wooden, pine and birch is very often used. 

Contemporary rural style.

Furniture

Swedish furniture comes in a different styles, all depends on what look is to be achieved. In Gustavian style furniture are elegant, based on classic style of Louis XV or more rococo style by Loius XVI, original antiques, vintage pieces.. When style is more farmhouse inspired then furniture are more rustic, simple, minimalist, very often different pieces don’t match. Everyone one knows “Ikea” and their furniture, which is often used by young people who wants to have modern home. Furniture from Ikea is affordable, simple, elegant, nicely design and trendsetting. Originally Swedish style is very clear and minimal, so if you want to create nice space it is better to use minimal amount of furniture, although it’s used more often in bigger spaces. 

Dining room inspired with Louis XVI style.

Windows

Windows are designed to catch as much sunlight as possible, so they usually are wide and high. Very often they do not have any curtains. When curtains are added then they tend to be made with sheer and very light fabric. They can be completely white or white, cream or with delicate pattern or vertical strips. They decorate windows with advent candles during Christmas season and plants during the year. 

Country hose design.

Lighting

To amplify the light apart from large windows Swedes tend to use big mirrors usually in a nice, golden frames. Very significant element is also chandelier with crystals that catches the light and gives nice reflects.To compete the desired look the space is filled with lamps in different places. They can be floor lamps, hanging or placed on cabinets.

Glamour version of Swedish design.

Fabrics

“Toile de Jouy” pattern decorated Swedish fabrics like nothing else. It is type of decorating pattern consisting and repeatable on white background. Scenes are usually complex like pastoral scenes with people or simpler like flower arrangement. These motives are also wildly used on porcelain and tiles.

Example of  “Toile de Jouy” pattern.

Swedish Accessories

When I think about typical Swedish accessories then it’s definitely a Mora Clock. Produces in Mora in Sweden since late 18^th century, although the production dropped they are still a vivid part of typical Swedish style. 

Mora clock.

Nicely placed piece of traditional Scandinavian ceramic is also essential in Scandinavian style. It can be either a beautiful plate, tiles on the fireplace or on the walls,  lamps or other accessories at the shelf.

Beautiful and colorful symbol of Sweden especially outside of the country are nothing else than Dala horses. They are traditional wooden statuette originally design in Dalarna region to be a children’s toy. Nowadays they are very popular accessory at many traditional houses and I also own one. They can decorate every shelf at any room. 

Dala horse.

As you can see the Swedish style in decorating has many faces and can have many approaches. If you want to use it your house don’t have to be strict about it, play with it, e.g. pick and mix some of commonly used elements.  Antiques with contemporary pieces will create low-key and very luxe look and remember white can be very cozy too!

And the last picture, an example of maximalism in Swedish style.

Madame Hollywood

Hollywood Glamour Style

Everything started in 1930 when during the Golden Age of Hollywood the new style in interior design has been created –the Hollywood Regency Style. The interior style where everything is about glamour, luxe, glitz and over-the-top was matching to the lifestyle of elite. The most important were details like: decorated mirrors, oversized chandeliers with crystals, shiny fabrics and fringed lampshades. Dark and heavy curtains, lacquered furniture, silk and velvet drapes gave very attractive, eclectic and glamorous look. But the philosophy that came along was not only about furniture and accessories, the true purpose was to create cozy and comfortable space where people can socialize and entertain each other, it was the part of their lives. Almost every room had to look like from magazine cover. Very often movie stars were actually being photographed in their apartments. This style in modern version is back in interior design, so if you value glam, vintage and you host many parties this will be a perfect choice. If you just want to redecorate your apartment add some beautiful and luxurious details, because details make the difference.

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One of my favorite actresses from the Golden Era is Marlene Dietrich, the true icon of that century. Although she never owned house in Hollywood her apartment at 993 Park Avenue in Manhattan was a perfect example of Regency style.

Marlene Dietrich in her dressing room, 1932

One of the most important rooms back then was the dressing room with a glam vanity set, large mirror and soft carpet. Many Hollywood actresses were photographed in this place, so did Marlene.

Modern version of the style with mirrored elements and zebra rug. By David Hicks, Melbourne.

Dita Von Teese’s Vanity set at her house, 2011.

Marlene Dietrich portrait from Manpower by Bert Longworth, 1941

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 Modern version of glamour style. In this living room cocktail party definitely can last for a very long time!

 Consistency of colors and fabrics. Beautiful framed TV instead of a mirror…very nice touch.

Glamour is in a crystal chandelier, soft carpet, lacquered table, simple white sofas and heavy curtains.

This living room is also an example of Regency Hollywood Style but in a bit more vintage version. Green silk cushions break the consistency of beige and cream space and give it more life. Mirrored coffee table with crystal decanter, glasses and flowers shows that this is definitely a cozy home.

Creamy, lacquered desk, blue velvet chairs, shiny wallpaper and flowers create a fashionable lady’s office. Very modern but also in typical Hollywood style. By Cynthia Mason Interiors.

Bedroom in feminine, glam style. Vintage wallpaper, velvet and silk fabrics,

 mirrored bedside cabinets

Velvets, button-tufting cushions, mirrors, gorgeous lighting all these
elements gives this bedroom that old Hollywood glam. By Geometrix.

De luxe in a rough version

Coffee bar with Rough
Luxe Hotel logo

There is simply nothing else like Rough Luxe Boutique Hotel. A perfect combination of art and design. Luxurious and at the same time rough and simple interior. A place where old meets the modern, contemporary artworks are mixed with old elements. A beautiful dissonance of contradicting elements create beautiful frame for not only for very demanding connoisseurs, but also people who value comfort and hospitality. Not only for “consumers”, but for people who value time for reflection and intellectual activities. Individuals who like to experience life in a different way, find pleasure in art, nature, simple things, culture. 

This unique place was designed in 2008 by Rabih Hage, well known architect, interior designer and curator. Like most of boutique hotels it’s placed in an old Georgian building in London, which was renewed, but many elements have been preserved. Peeling paints, old floor and cracking staircase give a shabby-chic touch to the place.

I am absolutely adore this place. I like bare walls combined with colorful fabrics and art pieces, plain furniture and sophisticated look, half luxurious and half rough. I will definitely visit this unique place during my next trip to London.


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“Cupola di San Lorenzo” in Torino by Massimo Listri,
Ceiling trompe l’oeil photography.- Dining room.

“Over Here” painting by Susan Shup.

Turkish copper bath. Original wallpaper from around 1831-1855

Left: Picture “Palazzo Altieri in Rome”by Massimo Listri- Room I. Headboard Louis XVI style

Right: “This is Shit” by Daniel Baker, 2008.- Dining Room