Alysha Alli, who heads up the interior design team at Redrow, comments:
“If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s to make the most of what we have. With the cost of living continuing to rise, decorating more sustainably and making budget-friendly decisions is at the forefront of many homeowners’ minds – especially at a usually expensive and excessive time like Christmas time.
“While Christmas is often a time for our homes to ooze grandeur, luxury and comfort, it’s important to remember that creating that nostalgic, cosy Christmas spirit doesn’t have to break the bank. All you need is a bit of creativity and imagination, and a few spare hands – usually small!”
Venture outside
“If the weather isn’t too chilly, venture outside and immerse yourself in the season’s environment. Small cuttings from a holly bush, spruce leaf, willow tree, pine cones, red berries collected from your garden or local space near to your home, will introduce a rustic feel to your interior and make a great addition to a table centrepiece or fireplace. The beauty of decorating with nature is that you don’t have to worry about colour-coordinating as the natural tones of brown, orange and green blend seamlessly together for a cohesive look – the perfect complement to your Christmas tree.”
Shop locally
“If your budget allows for a Christmas purchase this year, make sure to visit your local homeware shops. Small, locally owned independents are at the heart of every community and often source their materials from neighbouring businesses – which helps to reduce their carbon footprint.
“Independent shops are often full of hidden gems for any interior design, regardless of the season, as they often produce and source products not on the high street – adding originality and craftsmanship through bespoke pottery and affordable antiques.
Add a personal touch
“For a truly sustainable Christmas that benefits the planet and entertains the kids at the same time, look at making your own decorations out of paper or card. For those daring to be a little more creative, hanging dried fruits or overlooked baubles to coloured or natural twine can function as a homemade alternative to tinsel, that is perfect for displaying on the fireplace mantle. Even something as simple as adding fairy lights or a Christmas scented tea light candle to a repurposed washed out jar can add that Christmas glow to an otherwise unlit gloomy space.
“Outside, seasonal foliage paired with pine cones and wild berries collected from your local park or forest offer the perfect opportunity to create a handmade wreath for your front door – while serving as seasonal activity for the whole family to take part in.”
A modern Renaissance
“The Renaissance period has long served as an inspiration for a truly luxurious Christmas thanks to its graceful and opulent nature, created through elaborate decorations, rich colours and oversized accessories.
Dusky woods
“The Renaissance period took a bigger-is-better approach when it came to interior design, with opulent furniture shaping and materials used to show wealth and status. Deep mahogany furniture was used throughout the period and would often be embellished with brass and bronze accents and hand decorated in sumptuous gold and rich red paint – two colours synonymous with Christmas.
“To recreate a Renaissance Christmas on a budget, if you can acquire antique or vintage furniture which can be found at car boots or second-hand furniture stores. These pre-loved additions offer a visual gesture to this period in time. A layer of character that is rich in distinctive history – perfect for proving that second-hand furniture can have a new lease of life. This darker shade of wood lends itself exquisitely to the rich colours of a traditional Christmas, with shades of burgundy, emerald greens and golds adding to the warmth of the wood.
Subtle details
“Finer details and shaping’s of pieces are crucial when recreating Renaissance décor. From brass handles to velvet soft furnishings, it is the smaller, subtle details which give a room an elegant, regal finish that feels truly authentic.
“This Christmas, think twice about removing your yearly ornaments for fear of them clashing with your festive colour scheme. While gold remains synonymous with Christmas, mixing metallics such as silvery tones, bronze and copper builds on the Renaissance style by adding the modern trend of clashing colours and materials. This cocktail of metallics can instantly elevate a space, uniting warm and cold tones together – perfect for capturing the murky winter weather with the radiance of a warm interior.”
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