The very essence of Christmas is centered around the greens-decked up trees, snow-dusted pine cones, dainty flower wreaths and more have rooted the green elements into the Christmas decor, for years together…writes Punam Kalra
The 2022 holiday season is more vibrant than ever, with extravagance returning to the homes to host the festivities in style and with plenty of cheer. We are all prompted to hunt for a more individualised meaning in each item of decor since it is lighter and more modern, expressing a cosier social mood. Here are some suggestions from I’m the Centre for Applied Arts Creative Director and interior designer Punam Kalra.
The never-ending love for bejewelled palettes
Christmas is a celebration of abundance, both in look and feel. It is best reflected by bejewelled palettes with ruby reds, emerald greens, sapphire blues and crystal whites that take the company of rich metallic tints in classic wrought iron, antique copper or a more contemporary rose gold for a deep indulgence. These palettes can layer the contemporary interior elements as a subtle remembrance of the old times-suede upholstery on a chaise, marble top on a nesting table, brass rims on a clean-lined console, wrought iron cages on a geometric pendant lamp and more details of finesse that will make a space delve into abundance.
The immersive side of lighting
The winter festivities are incomplete without the lighting elements that can infuse joy in the lull air of December. A personal line of light fixtures such as artisanal lampshades, Nordic floor lamps and more can brighten up the cosy corners while more intense chandelier statements and light installations can come in for the common spaces, making more room for an immersive experience. The warmer days, on the other hand, can be cherished by allowing more daylight with a light-shadow play from artistically-carved jalis or tinted glass windows that bring in a dynamic vibe in the still winters and make the space brim with joy.
The whiff of freshness from the greens
The very essence of Christmas is centered around the greens-decked up trees, snow-dusted pine cones, dainty flower wreaths and more have rooted the green elements into the Christmas decor, for years together. While these festive tales can be retold in a contemporary language with twigs, pampass grass, dried flowers and other drier rustic hints, it is always great to have a fresh dose of green in the interior to help the ambience beat the murkiness of the weather and jump into the true celebrative spirit. From houseplants in a planter and creepers running along the ceiling, to larger sunrooms that turn into actual greenhouses, these green elements come to keep the space alive and restorative. On a sustainable thought, the flowers from the plants can be used for the festive decorations and cycled back to the gardens, ensuring a truly new beginning after the end of the season.
The nostalgia of wood
The year-end celebration seeks a cheerful, warm aura that wood holds as its own. While it can bring back the old-world charm with framed seaters, planked tables, slatted consoles, laser-cut backdrops and carved table pieces, it can also rip off its guise and come out bold in rustic statements of distressed wood furnishings and patchwork accents. Old wood can also take a new life as reclaimed wood and come to add character to chests or trunk cabinets, towering book shelves, antique frames and other pieces of personal value.
The warm character of wood can also come through naturally-sourced materials rattan, wicker, bamboo, cork etc. that can be invited to a set of handwoven furnishings like lounge chairs, patio swings, coffee tables and more.
The Christmas character
The very mention of Christmas brings a picture in our mind – a happy picture that composes the X-mas tree, wreath, baubles etc. reflecting the age-old customs. In modern setups, these symbols have evolved into exquisite setups centered around the feast table, while taking a turn into the finest of celebrations with dedicated dessert stations, bar counters and more. Smaller hints such as snack boards, candy cane baskets etc. come to talk about the same love for food while other decorative miniatures like reindeer sculptures, snowflake wall murals, pine cone tablepieces, elk miniatures, desktop cards and more talk about the nitty-gritties of celebration.
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