Friday, December 13, 2013

Modern Holiday Style

As a designer, I spend a lot of time looking at visual eye candy for my clients. Add holiday decorating to the mix, and it's easy to get your brain tangled around all that tinsel. But fear not, I am a seasoned pro... and a holiday "seasoned" one at that!

While the traditional Christmas reds and plaids, or winter whites are always classic, I really enjoy seeing the modern aesthetic that continues to pop up in stores year after year. The trick is make sure that the modern touches have warmth, it is Christmas after all!

Here are some inspiring ways to liven up your living space this season...

1) A fresh color palette: A jewel toned inspired holiday. Think magentas, teals, emeralds, mixed with a touch of sparkle.

These gorgeous faceted glass vases, agate stone ornaments and darling bird paperweights from west elm  enhance the mood, and create a rich, yet decidedly festive living space. All still very modern and chic, yet can also be used year round... bonus!


West Elm colorful agate ornaments. Love the modern but natural quality


St. Jude® Glass Bird Paperweight
Pink holiday decorations #holidaypinparty


























I love this hot pink table accented with metallic paper chain featured on Living Etc. This wonderful combo adds color and warmth by mixing bold, clean lined furnishings and handcrafted seasonal sparkle. Paper chains are so easy to make, you can get the kids involved on the decorating fun too. Best part is, toss it at the end of the season- no storage required! 


Land of nod Tree_Skirt_Connect_Dots_233242
This tree skirt from LandofNod is cheery and fun for the kiddos, with a festive, yet simplistic pattern and an updated color palette... LOVE. Hits me right in my happy spot!

2) Add texture. Layer on the faux fur, rich knits, burlaps, feathers and fun. There are several ways to achieve this look:

Stockings hanging from antlers




The burlap stockings were hung with great care from Horchow. And who needs a traditional mantle when you have antlers!

Black, White & Gold Christmas | the Hunted Interior


The faux fur rug accent creates texture and warmth to a very clean holiday winter white palette. I also love the use of the mirror accent cleverly displaying pops of pink holiday cards. http://ext.homedepot.com/community/blog/christmas-decorating-ideas-black-white-living-room/#_a5y_p=1046949Holiday Chic - H.D. Buttercup  jingle bell & pom pom garland

http://www.hdbuttercup.com/focus/holiday-chic

West Elm feather wreath







Feather Tree, Large


Furry and feathered fabulousness from west elm... yes, I have a small (I mean teeny, tiny) love affair.... shh, don't tell the hubs!



3) Add sparkle. 

This room featured on My Home Ideas touches on all three decorative musts that complete a modern christmas space. The turquoise ornaments, window treatments and pillows all add texture and sparkle  to compliment the clean lined space. And nothing says holiday party like a little disco ball on top of the tree. Just fab!



A disco ball hangs from the ceiling and floats just above the crown of the tree. A bow with long ribbon tendrils gives this tree-topper a real wow factor.


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Just when you thought tinsel was a thing of the past, Martha Stewart revives the past with this proud little pink tinsel tree.





A contemporary mantel gets dressed with a simple silver wreath flanked by two stark Christmas trees.















Pewter and peacock and turquoise, oh my!
http://www.home-designing.com/2012/12/christmas-mantel-decor-inspiration/formal-christmas-mantel-decor


Spike Napkin Ring, Gold, Napkin Rings, Tableware, Z Gallerie, Akin to a sculptural piece of art, the Spike Napkin Ring offers a modern detail to chicly embellish your table. Designed after our Spike Plaque, our Spike Napkin Ring brings dramatic impact to your tabletop.  Distinctively cast out of iron and finished in a lustrous gold hue, our Spike collection adds layers of luxe to any interior.Z Gallerie, Ventana Bowl, We’ve designed our Ventana Bowl to celebrate refinement and simplicity. The bowl is finished in lustrous white enamel, and trimmed with a ri...Pebble Dinnerware, Metallic Dinnerware, Tableware, Z Gallerie, Glistening glass in gold beautifully merges with an organically dented surface and ridged edges to capture the natural and surreal qualities of river rocks. With this shimmering collection you can bring a unique luster to your tabletop.


Firethorn Napkin Ring, Napkin Rings, Tableware, Z Gallerie, A silver-toned metal framework highlights a scattering of silver beads to create a shimmering constellation in which to embrace your napkins




Bling your table top from Z. Gallerie.... a must do on my list this year!  A little festive pizzaz goes a long way.



The weather outside may be frightful, but the home inside's delightful!

Happy Holidays,

Emily