A Festive fireplace with a beautifully decorated Christmas mantel is one of the best ways to usher in some holiday spirit. Few things look as Christmasy as a gorgeously adorned fireplace mantel with a glittering Christmas tree right next to it. Of course, the beautiful fireplace is also the grand entranceway for good old Santa too, and hence it pays (quite literally) to decorate it with extra care! From the subtle and the minimalist to the extravagant and the traditional, there are plenty of ways in which you can adorn the fireplace mantel. If you live in a house that does not boast a vivacious fireplace and a classic chimney, then simply add a faux fireplace mantel and get started with the decorating! If there is one time of the year when you are allowed to go overboard, it is Christmas. So bring out the dazzling ornaments and choose rich color schemes to light up the mantel in style… Cool, Crisp and Contemporary There are different ways, styles and themes in which one can decorate the fireplace mantel for the festive season. With most modern homes sporting distinct themes that are both understated and contemporary, a similar look in wintery white is a great choice for those who love to keep things simple. The chic and trendy decorating style for Christmas moves away from the morefamiliar hues of red and green. Smart turquoise, stoic grey, snowy white and glittering gold are all a part of this hot new Christmas decorating trend. Apart from using simple white as the perfect backdrop, the ornaments are kept to a minimum and seem like a natural extension of your living space. This does not mean that your fireplace mantel needs to be bereft of all color. In fact, a touch of fresh green coupled with a hint of gold looks both alluring and elegant. Remember that the style of your holiday season mantel must complement the decorating theme that you have chosen for the remainder of the house. Brilliant sculptures and lovely paintings can also be integrated seamlessly into this classy, fashionable look. A Classic, Colorful Celebration Christmas is one time of the year when you can indulge in decorating your house with ornaments that might otherwise seem out of place! It is the charm and allure of the festival that makes the dazzle of red, green, yellow and white look perfectly normal and completely in tune with the rest of the house. So if you’re tempted to go bonkers with decorations and usher in a more traditional and colorful look, feel free to do so. Decorating the mantel with the classic colors can also be done in a restrained fashion with a few stockings and some shiny baubles. You can even decorate the mantel with a collection of family photographs to make it more unique and special. If you have tried unconventional colors and more modern themes in the last few years, then now is a good time to go back to the basics. With gold being one of the hot interior colors of this winter, you can just decorate the rest of the room with throw pillows in gold and some shiny golden blown glass decorations to enhance the ambiance indoors. Add an angel or two with golden wings and you’re all set to celebrate a bright, gleaming Christmas! Inspiration Is Everywhere! The world is moving ahead on a path of sustainable design, and green alternatives are all the rave. Why not incorporate a bit of natural goodness into your Christmas mantel decorations by drawing inspiration from the sights, sounds and resources around you? Natural holiday fireplace mantel decorations look as aesthetically pleasing as the vignettes crafted from traditional Christmas ornaments. Using red berries, natural green leaves and twigs also costs you next to nothing while giving your interior a sense of freshness and joy. You can easily combine a few artificial ornaments with these natural decorations to showcase the right amount of bling! Embracing the Night Life!
Christmas and Halloween are the two holidays where your decorations attain their true splendor after sunset. While ornaments, figurines and decorations above the fireplace mantel look great during the daytime, lighting is an absolute must once darkness sets in. In fact, some mantels look far more appealing during nighttime thanks to the brilliant strings lights or the smart flickering of LED bulbs that are deftly arranged. As in every other aspect of interior design, it is lighting that makes or breaks your mantel decorations. Combine these twinkling lights cleverly with a few candles and you can create a dreamy, delightful vibe for your Christmas Eve.
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Wallpaper in Solid Hues Why go to the trouble of wallpapering a room if you’re simply going to go solid? Because slight variations in color and texture within the pattern add an element of depth and dimension to the space. Take the gray room below… the color is steady and strong, and the repetition of horizontal lines creates a peaceful effect. [from Space Architects & Planners] Geometric Wallpaper Geometric wallpaper involves repetition and bold forms. While you may be wondering how vibrant geometry can be calming, the key is in the color. If you’re going for a soothing effect, select shades that are known for their tranquil vibe, such as rosy neutrals or soft blues. If the color is calming, the pattern can be as angular or curvy as they come. The effect will still be subtle. Below we see two shades of Graham & Brown Steve Leung Ling wallpaper from Design Public… A background of gray and a soft geometric pattern give this next room its elegant allure. The space is an inviting one, thanks to a cool-toned hue and a repetitive motif that is more whimsical than assertive. [from Laura Martin Bovard Interiors] Chic Damask Patterns Another way to create a calming effect? Go with wallpaper in a timeless pattern, such as damask. It’s elegant without being stuffy. It’s upscale without being rigid. And when selected in soft tones, it really dresses up a space. In fact, the room below is filled with simple forms and furnishings. Yet the damask wallpaper transports it to another time. [from Rachel Reider] Wallpaper with a silky finish is enchanting, and that quality might be just what you need to drift off into a refreshing sleep. This next featured space glows with a soft sheen. The damask pattern adds stately style, thanks to a cream and blue color combination. [from Pure Bliss Creative Design via Houzz, photo by Meghan Liddle Photography] Natural WondersWe end today’s post with a series of wallpaper selections that celebrate motifs from nature. Blossom-filled trees, beautiful birds and tropical plants are depicted in the patterns that follow. By bringing the outdoors in, this wallpaper reminds us that the softness of nature can be celebrated on a daily basis. Below we see Schumacher wallpaper with an aqua background and a floral motif. What’s better than taking a bath while surrounded by the promise of fragrant blooms?[from Leland Interiors, photo by Shannon Fontaine] If you’re looking to add a touch of wallpaper to your interior but you don’t want to commit to an entire room (or wall), try incorporating patterns through a series of framed panels. Birds and branches are the focal point of the wallpaper pattern below, which is soothing with its delicate shade of blue… [from Turquoise] Vibrant pillows wake up the room below. Yet the space is anchored by a warm shade of wallpaper boasting a bird- and tree-themed silhouette. Even though this paper is patterned, it’s a calming counterpart to the room’s brighter colors. [from Loadingdock5 Architecture] A tried and true wallpaper strategy for creating a calming space: go with a pattern that reminds you of being on vacation! And what could be more breezy than palm trees and tropical plants? A rich green accent shade adds a sense of luxury to our last featured room. Close your eyes and you just might hear the sound of the waves hitting the shoreline… [from Lonny] Solids. Florals. Damask. Geometrics. A range of colors. Today we featured a variety of wallpaper selections. Did anything in particular grab your attention? Tell us about your favorite rooms and patterns below…
That brilliantly lit, beautifully decorated Christmas tree in the living room is a symbol of happiness and love during the holidays. We put so much effort into securing the perfect Douglas Fir for the annual extravaganza. Picking out the tree is a bonding moment for every family–a centuries-old tradition that sets the tone for your holiday. Kids run around the tree lot in hopes of finding the one tree that meets their jolly spirits, while adults cuddle up alongside their loved ones reflecting on what a wonderful year it has been. Absolutely magical! Bring out the lights, popcorn, ribbons, bows, trinkets, picture frames, snow globes, and everything you find shiny and adorable, because it’s time to frost the tree! Whether your Christmas tree is covered in snow or as green as the branches of the forest, it will stand as a magnificent ornament in your living room, helping you end the year with a bang. If you need some tree-decorating inspiration, here are a few ideas that can stir up some charming creativity: It’s All About A White Christmas One of the best things about Christmastime is the dramatic change in colors around us–both inside and outside of the house. Winter is about fallen leaves and snowfall that covers the ground in a blanket of frosty glitter. What better way to accent the change in scenery than with a tree that accents your surroundings?! Decorations selected to warm up the environment should be soft in tone, as these colors can create a nostalgic glow. Not only that, but warm colors complement the vibrancy of the tree in ways other shades can’t dare compete with. Modern Take On Christmas Should you want a not-so-traditional Christmas, you might want to consider jazzing up the house with a tree that comes with its own decorations. The tree below is much different than the holiday decor most of us grew up with, mainly because the company that designed it made sure it gives off a contemporary vibe. Look at how beautiful it looks when it lights up–like a crystal light show in the comfort of your own home! Not to mention, the simplicity of setting up this tree frees up time to focus on your loved ones, which is the true meaning of Christmas. Other modern trees are simple in design as well. While they might not be as chic and trendy as the tree above, the tasteful selections that follow are still keen to make your Christmas the best it can be. A tree does not need to be decorated to the point where green is no longer visible–it just needs to be given a few simple touch-ups to transform it from a piece of timber to an admirable centerpiece. ‘Tis The Season To Be Jolly
Whatever the style and whatever your desires, there is a tree to fit your level of creativity and artistic tastes. Christmas trees are meant to be unique. To decorate your ideal holiday tree, you need to bring together the people you care about this holiday season and explore the endless possibilities with them. With just a few more weeks until the happiest day of the year, there’s no time to lose! Your symbolic centerpiece is waiting for you… Between hardwood flooring and cozy carpet selections, there is a multitude of flooring options to choose from when figuring out what best suits your interior decor. Unfortunately, all of them require you to make a (somewhat) permanent decision, a decision that will be laced with extra costs and unnecessary energy. However, there is a solution for this stressful situation — rugs. These colorful arrangements of thread and yarn can command the ambiance of any room. Whether it is a hand-made Persian rug or last season’s Ikea purchase, rugs give home stylists the flexibility they need to design something magical indoors. Picking out a piece of furniture is like journeying to find a partner in life. But sometimes when we think we found the right piece of future (or the right decor design), other options begin to throw themselves at us. Just like every other kind of relationship, commitment can be tough. But it shouldn’t always be that way, and luckily, it isn’t. This is the one time that cheating is allowed. Give yourself a little breathing room and introduce flooring options that are not set in stone. With rugs, you can maintain a level of freshness in your design and the level of interest you hold for your home. When it comes to the complete presentation of your home, it might be nice to stay on the safer side of design. Just because you choose to keep a simple color scheme or a more humble atmosphere doesn’t mean you need to extinguish the fire that’s fueled by bright ideas. Homes with a more relaxing vibe generally feature a more distinctive type of rug to make the puzzle complete. Rugs do not need to be extravagantly flamboyant; instead, one little distinction can spark a whole level of interest. Depending on the kind of mood you are going for, a rug with a unique character will do wonders for any room. It is easy to get caught up in mainstream ideas like modernism, minimalism and all the other “isms” out there in the design world. Sometimes it’s nice to just embrace our roots and let tradition take its course. Ethnic patterns and themed designs dominate the other spectrum of elegance and beauty. They illustrate a world that is enriched with culture and fantasies, creating a cozy and warming setting that is highly sought after by professional and amateur designers alike. Solid colors are bold and brilliant enough to make a big statement as soon as you come into contact with them; patterns, on the other hand, will flirt with your emotions. The right kind of pattern can even enhance your level of energy. With so many different patterns to choose from, you can change the attitude of the room every now and again. Roll up a rug and replace it with something new every month if you like. Rugs are a unique medium of artistic expression; they are accents within the home that provide ample amounts of color, beauty and life. Without being too domineering, the perfect rug will speak of your elegant tastes and demonstrate to others the level of creativity you embody. But if you are going for a bold and extravagant wild card, rugs will also get the job done. When you are playing around with ideas, just know that whenever you decide to roll out a new piece of flooring, you will explore another part of creativity that you didn’t even know existed.
Chevron Curtains Chevron patterned curtains are funky, friendly and stylish all at the same time – and can make a dramatic statement. Choose black and white for a high contrast focal point or a more subdued color duo for calmer spaces – such as bedrooms and bathrooms. For a real show-stopper, hang some full length drapes. However, even standard and café sized curtains can grasp any guests attention. Chevron Rugs One of the most popular ways we’ve seen this pattern used is in the form of floor rugs. Giant area rugs, hallway runners and bath mats are all sporting the zig-zag appearance – and can be a great addition to any room. If you’re a home design amateur who can’t quite settle on the best way to make an impact without over doing the elements – using this pattern in the form of a giant living room area rug can be a great way to get started. Use the color combo in the rug to pull inspiration for other items throughout the room. Chevron Bedding Pinstripe chevron sheets and chunky chevron comforters can give your sleep zone an enticing touch. Repeat the print in throw pillows as a chic and lively complement. Chevron Walls
For the truly bold, chevron patterned wall paper (or paint if you would like to take on a DIY project for example) is arguably the most daring method in which you can implement this print. However, you may want to go easy on the rest of the room. Too much chevron can transform your otherwise fashionable home into Beetlejuice’s playhouse. Just go for an accent wall and it will be great. Signature Christmas Symbols We begin with a series of felt ornaments that capture the sights and sounds of the Christmas season. Ornaments that remind us of carols, memories and more. Instead of “Silver Bells,” why not go with felted white bells this year? Handmade in Nepal, these Purl Soho Felt Ivory Bell Ornaments from West Elm feature a snowy shade, as well as bright red accents… Or you can purchase a Set of 5 Stuffed Felt Tree Decorations from Etsy shop Marima Studio. Christmas star–check! Tree–check! Ornament–check! Throw in a snowman and a heart, and you have a collection of holiday shapes that would complement any tree with charm! Remember this adorable ornament we featured in our recent post on stocking decoration ideas? We couldn’t help but shine the spotlight on it again… It’s the Dot Cuff Stocking Ornament fromCrate & Barrel, featuring a white felted form that’s whimsically appliqued with dots… This DIY felt ornament features an aqua snowflake design mounted to a red circle. A red and white striped ribbon ties it all together, creating a finished product that looks good enought to eat. [via on Shelterness] For more DIY fun, check out these DIY felt poinsettia ornaments, complete with little berries in the center of each bloom. Anyone else noticing the undeniable appeal of a white, red and winter blue palette for the holidays?! [featured at Shelterness] Hang it in a doorway to inspire holiday smooches, or hang it on your tree as a lovely decorative statement. This Felt Mistletoe from West Elm is handcrafted in Nepal. Wouldn’t this beloved symbol of Christmas look stunning on a snow white tree?! Ornaments with Edible Themes We now turn our attention to felt ornaments depicting edible goodies, from candy to cookies! West Elm offers a deliciously stylish collection of Felt Candy Ornaments that are perfect for trees, doors and centerpieces… If candy canes make you think sweet thoughts, check out this Set of 8 Candy Cane Ornaments from The Land of Nod, featuring 4 red ornaments and 4 wintergreen selections. The best part: They’re packaged like real candy canes! you’re more interested in decorating than baking this holiday, cover your tree with gingerbread man ornaments for a look that celebrates one of the season’s best treats! This Felt Gingerman with Red Tie Ornament is available at Crate & Barrel: Creature Features If you love animal-themed Christmas ornaments, this next set of creature-fabulous finds is just for you! How adorable are these Felt Polar Bear Ornaments from West Elm? Use them to decorate your tree, or tie them to a wrapped gift as an extra treat that doubles as a cute embellishment: Nontraditional Felt Creations
Our last featured group of ornaments is filled with whimsical, modern and unexpected selections. Which is why we love them! Some, such as the Twirling Tree shown below, are contemporary interpretations of traditional holiday symbols. For a full tutorial, visit The Purl Bee… |
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