With the nights drawing in, Halloween done and dusted, the next big – if not everyone’s favourite – holiday of the year is coming up: Christmas.
Before you start thinking about decking the halls, ensuring that your home is ready for endless hosting of friends and family is a must. Thankfully, this can be easily achieved with a few simple home edits and additions. Here are 7 interior designer-approved ways from home decor brand Dowsing & Reynolds that will give your space the upgrade it deserves just in time for the festive season – without blowing your budget.
1. Light the way
Lighting can make or break your space in all seasons but it really comes into play throughout the winter months for practical reasons, of course, but also to help create a warm and cosy ambience. From perfect pendant lighting to set the tone around your dining table, to layering wall sconces, fairy lights and more in your hallway to welcome any guests, get it right and your home will be the epitome of holiday cheer. Think about the design of your lighting, depending on your style of home decor, then consider choosing warm bulbs and fitting stunning dimmer switches also to help set the tone of your space. Whether you go for a detailed, low-hanging beauty like the Medium Bubble Chandelier from Dowsing and Reynolds, a semi-flush design for lower ceilings, customised fittings with tarnished copper metal accents or even if you just refresh the fitting, it will be enough to elevate the look of your home.
Combine stunning indoor lighting with well thought out garden lighting and you’ll be able to greet guests in style, at all hours. Pathway lights are ideal to guide you straight to your front door on cold and wet wintry nights, while hardy, industrial-style bulkhead lights are perfect to cast a warm glow above an entrance.
2. Refresh tired walls
As long as you do your prep, painting a few walls needn't be a daunting task. Whether it’s your hallway or living room that needs a coat of paint, it’s a wise move to freshen up the look of a room and to cover any marks and scuffs. First impressions count, after all.
Choose a paint with a high pigment, suitable for use on walls, radiators and skirtings so that you can create a seamless look. Earthy tones are perfect to create a cosy, grounded feel that will help you and your guests relax. While bright, vibrant colours will keep everyone's energy topped up throughout the season.
3. Swap in decorative fixtures
Everyone congregates in the kitchen; it's one of those indisputable laws of a party. Changing the handles on your cupboards and drawers is a quick win and can instantly refresh old, tired units – without replacing the whole kitchen.
Choose metallic detail for a modern look like the Chunky Skyscraper Knurled Handles from Dowsing and Reynolds or go for a matte finish with a pop of colour for a bold design statement. The quickest option would be to choose a handle design that will fit easily into the existing holes on your units, but you can also just choose a design with backplates to cover up the old holes for an easy and effective workaround.
4. Style forgotten spaces
A simple way to add design interest to a home without changing too much of the existing decor is to actually focus on smaller spaces that are usually overlooked. That bare alcove has potential to become a WFH space by day and a mini cocktail bar by night. While, if you’re so lucky as to have a downstairs toilet, it’s the perfect time to jazz it up so that it wows guests. Start by clearing any clutter, then get creative with feature wallpaper or a painted mural to make an impact and define the space.
5. Spruce up your spare room
When hosting has been off the cards for a while is, there is one spot in the house that will always drop down on the list of priorities: the guest room.
Whether you want to make the space feel energetic or calm, simply rearranging furniture and swapping in more decorative accents will help add personality and better design flow for your guests to enjoy. Look to wall art, foliage, fresh bedding and perhaps a couple of statement bedside lamps with low-level lighting to give this very important space a much-needed upgrade so that it serves you and your guests well all throughout the holiday season.
6. Choose subtle festive decor
When it comes to Christmas decorating, you can still nod to the festive season before you bring out all the baubles. Autumnal garlands, natural wreaths filled with berries, acorns, leaves and more will make the perfect backdrop for additional fairy lights, baubles and classic decorations that you can introduce at a later stage.
Create a cosy ambiance with layered throws and scatter cushions, while choosing faux sheepskin rugs and warm velvet textures will add more depth and detail to your original interior design scheme also.
7. Fake it where you can
Houseplants add life to a space but they can come with some upkeep. The last thing that you need at this time of year is the added stress of keeping plants healthy and thriving; especially if you want to add greenery to awkward spots in the home that don't get much light or that have too much direct heat, like near a radiator.
Politely forego any more real plants this season and consider adding realistic faux plants to your collection for gorgeously convincing greenery that will survive all types of habitat. Whether you want a textured fern or an elegant Ficus Elastica, plants can instantly refresh a room and they make a great talking point for visitors too.
With Christmas comes family gatherings, impromptu visits from friends and more time spent at home in general to cosy on through long crips evenings. Thankfully, giving your home a refresh in time for the festive season is easier than you might think, and you still have time! Visit Dowsing and Reynolds for designer-esque inspiration and fuss-free additions that will have maximum impact.