As the warmer weather draws the festive season closer, leaders in decor and design, Decorex SA, have begun to unwrap the Christmas decor trends for 2018, revealing how they can be beautifully incorporated into South African homes.
Anita Bloom, Creative Director at Decorex SA, says the spirit of these trends is creating a comfortable space, away from the daily demands of life, where time can be spent together with friends and family. “Christmas is about doing things we just don’t have time to do the rest of the year – cherishing our loved ones and just spending some time on ourselves,” she says.
Translated into decor, this Christmas will see a convergence of traditional celebrations and contemporary style for the home. Expect classical table settings comprising crystal glassware, fine china and sleek flatware among traditional holiday decor such as wreaths, candles and fruits. But we’re also seeing a much more modern edge brought in through mixed materials, warm metallics and artisan-style dinnerware.
ALSO SEE: Festive Season Gift Guide 2018
Here are 7 ways to make your Christmas decor trendier in 2018:
1. Minimalist…with sparkle
Scandinavian simple, clean lines and muted tones are sprinkling their way into the 2018 festive decor palette, balancing the excess and decadence that so often dominates this particular holiday. Silvers, whites and sleek edges are characterising table decor with glossy surfaces reflecting twinkling Christmas lights. Softened metallics, such as copper, gold, brass and bronze, also bring warm tones, but must be used sparingly.
Decor ideas: marble-like baubles; clean-lined candle holders; long-stemmed candles in whites and silvers with a subtle glitter finish; metallic cutlery; brass and zinc candlesticks; copper tree buckets
(Image credit: @home)
ALSO SEE: How to plan the perfect party for the festive season
2. Circles, mirror and glass
Christmas decor in 2018 means incorporating on-trend circular mirrors throughout the dining room, working well to break linear designs. This echoes the silver and gloss of the minimalist trend, bringing in a subtle Christmas feel without overwhelming guests. Glass, in all shapes and forms, is also proving an effective festive material with handblown glass offering a sense of welcome imperfection.
Decor ideas: hanging mirrors as Christmas tree decorations; large mirrors over serving areas; hanging glass lanterns; handblown glass baubles; circular glass candle holders; stemless and rounded wine glasses
(Image credit: @home)
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3. Monochrome geometric
This is a refreshing way to keep things cool as summer days enter the home. Ideal for apartment and studio living, geometric shapes – with muted greys and blues – create a serene space that invite a touch of sparkle. For a moodier look, go for darker tones of grey, even black, with candles and ferns to bring in some festive life.
Decor ideas: white and black geometric cotton Christmas stockings, geometric-style gift wrapping; straight-lined metal tree decor; geometric-printed table-runners
(Image credit: @home)
4. Dried botanics and natural textures
A beautiful way to introduce the minimalist trend while also bringing in the warmth of Christmas is through dried flowers and branches. The muted organic tones and textured appearance work well with the Scandinavian clean lines, smooth glass and geometric style. Wooden items are finished with metal accents in a tasteful blend of materials. For a truly South African feel, wooden bead accessories lean directly into this inviting trend.
Decor ideas: Raw-edged linen stars; rattan twine for Christmas gifts; botanic table accessories; wooden, rattan or wicker tree baskets; beaded wreaths
(Image credit: @home)
ALSO SEE: Christmas Chocolate Log with Irish Cream Filling Recipe
5. Greenery and vegetation
A South African Christmas celebration is not limited to the home, but rather flows into the greenery of the outdoors. Enjoy your al fresco festive lunch by including some lush greenery from the garden and incorporate some deliciously colourful red and dark purple fruits into your design. These natural touches, with their individual shapes and patterns, further enhance the beauty of the colder metals and glass. Likewise, the rich colours contrast beautifully with the more subdued whites, silvers and glass.
Decor ideas: Fresh berries in iced water; green ivy as a table decoration
(Image credit: @home)
6. Personalised touch
The personal touch trend is never out of style, so be sure to add an element of yourself and your family into your design. Every family has unique ways of celebrating Christmas, so be creative and let these individual traditions speak through your choices.
Decor ideas: personalised baubles; incorporating family heirlooms into decor; personalising the place settings with a subtle reflection of each guest
(Image credit: @home)
ALSO SEE: Christmas Tiffin Pudding Recipe
7. Sleep sanctuary
Festive season trends are not limited to the eating space alone. This is a time to welcome friends and family into our home, which demands the creation of ‘sleep sanctuaries’ for guests – and yourself. Spread elements of this year’s festive season trends throughout the home and try to create a welcoming space for every visitor.
Decor ideas: Incorporate touches of these Christmas trends into the guest room; create a comfortable Christmas fort for the children near the Christmas tree using blankets and cushions; re-envision an outdoor area – shed or room – into a cosy sanctuary.
(Image credit: @home)
*Information supplied by Decorex SA
