5 easy holiday decorating tips

It’s the accessories that bring a room to life. Jewel-toned pillows in rich silks, hits of brass and a generous watercolour-inspired rug create a warm and welcoming living room that’s perfect for family and friends. 

Sectional; Sofa Table, UpCountry. Throws, HomeSense. Ottoman; Pillow Fabric, Robert Allen Design. Lamps; Tray; Accessories, West Elm. Pillows, Fine Interiors by Susan. Desk; Chair; Rug, Elte. Art, Art Interiors.

A roll of ribbon and a few boxes of ornaments in complementary colours are all you need to create a festive and elegant-looking Christmas tree. 

Tree; Topiaries; Wreaths, Sheridan Nurseries. Boxes, Creative Bags. Ribbon, Master Stroke Canada. Ornaments, Canadian Tire and Loblaws. Tree skirt, Robert Allen Design. Chair, HomeSense.

A tall contemporary fireplace without a traditional mantel demands creative thinking. Boxwoods on either side and wreaths placed one on top of another complement the clean lines of the wood panelling and balance the scale of the fireplace. Potted topiaries and store-bought wreaths are no-fuss decorations with big impact that take little work to put in place.

If space allows, create zones that are separate from the overall space. An elegant desk is the perfect place to write Christmas cards, stay up to date with holiday lists and wrap last-minute gifts.