Designer Chic

If you’re after the Christmas decorating trend of 2005, this is the look for you. It is basically a take on the elegant decoration theme - but, for this look, glamour is the prominent feel, driven by the latest fashion and decor trends. This is the must-look for serious fashionistas and design-followers (or gurus)..

Suitability

It’s suitable for period homes with antique pieces; stylish homes with classic or contemporary furniture; ultra-chic interiors with modern or futuristic furnishing. It would not suit country houses, nor rustic, “crafty” or most period styles (other than Georgian and Rococo). It’s suitable for young couples, urban dwellers and the design conscious. 

The look

This year’s Christmas decorating is all about glamour and decadence. The main color is black - used with white, pink or transparent. The pink is either vibrant fuchsia or powder pink. Ornaments are oversized and striking; textures are gloss and fluffy; textiles are luxurious and lush. Materials are glass, crystal, feather, lace and velvet. The overall look reveals opulence and luxury. See examples of trendy Christmas decoration.

Get the look

Make (or buy) black or pink feather garlands - then decorate them with distinctive glass beads or satin baubles (of the same or contrasting color). Place these on the mantelpiece, sideboards and coffee table and add tall vintage or modern glass candlesticks. Hang feather pieces, feathery string lights or luxurious baubles in your windows, above your fireplace or from the ceiling along a wall. Alternatively hang oversized velvet or satin baubles & other decorative objects in a disciplined yet free-flowing way. Fill black or clear glass bowls with black, pink and/or clear glass beads and baubles - weave in some fairy lights (or battery-run twinkle-lights).  Display these around your home. Put large feathers into tall glass vases and display these in unused corners of your home.

Decorating the Christmas tree

The Christmas tree to get for this theme is a black, white or fuchsia-pink feather tree. You can either leave them undecorated (particularly, if them come prelit) or just hang a few pieces of  identical baubles in the contrasting color. You can also use an optic fibre twig tree - leave it undecorated or dress it with some feathers.

Decorating the Christmas table

The decoration of the Christmas table should carry on with your chosen color scheme. If you decided to follow this year’s trend, have a pink silk tablecloth- perhaps covered with black lace. Add several oversized candelabra (clear or black glass) as central pieces. The glassware should be clear or black glass or crystal, tall and glamorous. The tableware should be the opposite color to your tablecloth - if you have lace on top of your base cover, you can go with either colour. Cover your napkin rings with feather pieces!

Lighting

This theme requires seductive and shimmering lights. The changing lights of the Christmas tree create the mood, which can be complemented with feathery string lights and pink/white/black candles in clear glass holders and candlesticks. Dim your wall and ceiling lights and hide rope lights under furniture to finish off the designer look and to create a seductive ambiance. See illustration.

Outside decoration

Hang a black, white or pink feather wreath on your door. Dress your trees with feathery or lacy garlands. Don’t overdo it - just be creative and evocative.

If this is not the right look for you, read about other Christmas decorating themes & ideas.