Transitional spaces typically aren’t the first place we think to decorate over the holidays, but they’re easy places to infuse with joyful charm.
This entry, at a conventional Quebecois chalet owned by photographer Monic Richard, takes country charm to the max. A classic wreath plays beautifully with rustic wood walls, while hits of plaid — on the gifts, throw and even the red and black inspected jacket – add colour and fun. A striped rug layered over stone floors gives a mod, pattern-on-pattern look.
Photographer: Monic Richard
Source: Maison et Demeure November 2013 issue
Oversized pinecones, magnolia leaves and pretty white flowers produce a glam update on the trad garland. set against herringbone wood floors and crisp white walls, this classic embellishing relocation feels tailored and luxe.
Photographer: Angus Fergusson
Source: house & home November 2014 issue
Designer: Betty Theodoropoulos
For a really joyful look, add designs in unforeseen places — like this hallway. A glam diy advent calendar is a trendy addition to a hardworking transitional space, and it’s a fun tradition for the kids. Making your own advent calendar is easy: just glue ribbon to a piece of cardboard, number tiny bags and clip to the ribbon with small clothespins, then fill with treats.
Photographer: Monic Richard
Source: house & home November 2012 issue
Designer: Nicola Marc
In this light-filled nook at designer Betty Theodoropoulos’ Toronto home, graphic geometric floor tile lends a modern spin to classic holiday decorating. gift wrap is restricted to a palette of green, white and gold, picking up on the lush hues of the paperwhites and pint-sized potted evergreens.
Photographer: Angus Fergusson
Source: house & home November 2014 issue
Designer: Betty Theodoropoulos
The charm of this front patio comes from the contrast between the rustic console table and the home’s crisp white walls and mod black window frames. The leggy table has modern leanings, but feels purposefully undone when paired with a wooden basket of firewood.
Photographer: Donna Griffith
Source: house & home December 2014 issue
At Sarah Richardon’s country home, classic is the keyword. The rich red door sets the tone and the textiles in this spacious front hall pick up on it, from the paisley curtains to the Scandi-inspired rug to the striped throw pillow. The panelled ceiling and walls add to the conventional feel, as do mismatched furniture, which gives the space an organic, collected vibe.
Photographer: Michael Graydon
Source: house & home November 2010 issue
Designer: Sarah Richardson
Designer Ingrid Oomen approached embellishing her own home with a spare hand. Her entry is mostly unadorned, save for a easy garland made of twigs and shiny baubles. Overhead, schoolhouse-style pendant lights feel ornament-like, while a easy discolored glass window is a nod to the home’s history.
Photographer: Donna Griffith
Source: house & home November 2012 issue
Designer: Ingrid Oomen
Decorate your staircase with a boxwood garland, pinecones and smaller plans for a joyful look that still feels modern. The essential to adding fresh greenery to your holiday design is abundance (skimpy garlands look a bit sad) and timing (fresh boughs won’t last the entire month, so don’t add them to your space until just before you plan to entertain).
Photographer: Ashley Capp
Source: house & home November 2013 issue
Designer: Lynda Felton
Hanging a wreath overtop of a mirror is one of designer Grace Castaneda’s signature moves. In her Creemore, Ont. country home, the wreath is made of white felt baubles that visually reference snowballs, while a luxe ribbon elevates the entire vignette. Paperwhites are another classic Christmas move, while antler-shaped coat hooks are playful additions.
Get more holiday embellishing ideas.
Photographer: Donna Griffith
Source: house & home November 2013 issue
Designer: Grace Castaneda