Christmas doesn’t have to break the bank, says Lauren, the stylist behind this home’s festive theme, not if you get creative. You can turn the simplest, cheapest materials into something spectacular.
How to get the festive look
– Paper is one of the most versatile materials and can be incredibly effective. “I made various snowflake designs with regular cartridge paper and silver wrapping paper from The $2 Shop simply by folding a square piece of paper into several triangles then cutting shapes into it,” says Lauren.
“You can find templates online. This is an effective way to fill a large area and they look amazing en masse. You can even try stringing up multiple snowflakes in front of a window or just from the ceiling in those areas that could use a hint of Christmas.”
– Add a festive touch to your large plastic lampshade with some paper doilies from any good $2 store, all you need is doilies and Blu Tack. Make sure the bulb is well away from the doilies.
– If you are looking to create some ambience but want something different try gluing cinnamon sticks around a glass tea-light holder. “I got mine from an Indian supermarket in the bulk bins. You will need to use good-quality craft glue and rubber bands to hold in place until they have dried. Not only do they look great they have an amazing cinnamon aroma!”
– “I created an unconventional Christmas tree with a large branch,” says Lauren. “This didn’t cost a cent. Find an old tree branch and adorn it with your favourite decorations. You don’t need many as in this case simple is best. You will need to weigh down the branch in a bucket with sand or something similar.”
Children love getting involved in Christmas so let them help create a place for milk and biscuits for Santa. Don’t forget to write a note for Santa
Get creative with doilies, covering lightshades and scattering them on the floor; mix wood and glass with white plates to add life to a white setting; remember to make a feature of your tree bucket, whether you’re using a real or fake tree. Cover with decorations such as fake flowers or paper honeycomb shapes.
Living
Linen stockings continue the natural palette. Glam up a white setting with metallic details. Thin branches look gorgeous with ornaments hanging from them and snowflakes make the perfect decoration for windows. “For an advent calendar with a difference, take a simple shadow box,” says Lauren. “Fill with baubles, decorations and small gifts. For the numbers I got crafty with swing tags. Hang decorations with fishing line. Tape washi tape around the outside to create a house outline.”
Hallway
“Hang up your Christmas cards creatively this season by creating a deer head with antlers with washi tape,” suggests Lauren. “All you need is washi tape, string and some small hooks spread out along the antlers and away you go”; house tealights light up the hallway; Matariki-inspired artworks are a collaboration between artists Flox and Michel Tuffery.
Bathroom and bedroom A walk-in shower and free-standing bath tie in with the sleek, modern feel of the home’s interior. The tiles are from Artedomus and the stool is from Tessuti; throws or cushions with Christmassy designs add a festive touch to bedroom decor at Christmas time; sheer drapery softens the natural light in the main bedroom.
Words by: Catherine Steel
Photography by: Todd Eyre
Styling by: Lauren Freeman
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
