How to spruce up your home in style for Christmas

VINTERFINT Santa Claus soft toy from Ikea. Photos: Ikea Malaysia

‘Tis the season to be jolly, when family and friends gather for good food, meaningful conversations, as well as contemplate the meaning of Christmas.

Before the merriment begins, getting your house ready for the celebrations is a given.

You may need to do some spring-cleaning or decluttering before bringing out the Christmas tree and other decorations.

Here are some tips shared by Ikea Malaysia’s interior designers to help make this process a whole lot easier.

And don’t forget to check out what’s in store in terms of festive decor items you can get for your home.VINTERFINT floral-patterned jar with lid from Ikea.

Where to start?

Joy Zhou, communication and interior design manager, and Ana Srdelic, interior design manager (Establishment), from Ikea Malaysia, say the first step is to envision how you want your home to look like.

“Once you do that, work from there, like choosing a theme or a colour palette, or identifying an area in your home as the festive focal point.

“We usually spend a lot of time with family at home during Christmas, so common areas like the living room and dining area are good places to start,” says Zhou.

Setting up the Christmas tree is an essential part of the decorating process, but for those who may not have room for one, there are other options.

“The Christmas tree is a classic, but if you have limited space, you can still create a cosy Christmas corner or nook with small decorative items, candles and figurines.

“Add some festive colours by changing up your cushion covers, tablecloths and runners. String LED lights around your windows or drape them over a table corner for a warm Christmas glow,” Srdelic adds.Christmas Swag & Hanging Wreath from Nitori.

Five tips to remember

Declutter before you decorate: It is easier to add festive touches to your space when it is already tidy. You will get a clearer picture of the space you’re working with and how you would like to decorate your home. That way, you can make space for glass jars and bottles to store juices, gingerbread cookies and other Christmas-themed cookies to serve your guests treats without hassle. When it is time to take down your Christmas decorations, you can start sorting them into boxes and labelling them accordingly. This will make finding specific decor items easier later on when Christmas comes around, and keep them safe until then.

Play around with colours: Red and green are classics, but don’t be afraid to experiment with teal, gold or even silver for a modern touch – or whichever colour makes you feel merry.

Think vertical: If you are working with a small space, utilise the wall and fill it with hanging decorations. Garlands, stockings and snowflakes along picture ledges, curtain rods or even pegboards will fill your home with the holiday spirit without cluttering surfaces.

Whip up your textile magic: Festive throws and cushions instantly transform your living room. Choose washable covers for easy cleanup after holiday gatherings. Place welcome door mats and comfy slippers for your guests at the entrance to usher in the festive spirit.

Personalise it: Make your decorations tell your story! Hang family photos, string ornaments on a Christmas tree that were collected over the years or display any handmade decorations.Set the tone for Christmas with Hooga decor items.

What to avoid

Do not clutter: While it’s tempting to decorate every nook and cranny, resist the urge to overwhelm your space and create unwanted clutter. Instead, opt for a cohesive look that feels inviting and cosy for you and your family.

Do not forget about lighting: Nothing says Christmas like twinkling lights. Avoid harsh, bright lights; opt for soft, warm LEDs to create a cosy ambience. You may try placing a lantern on your side table, line skirting boards or frame your doorways with some lighting chains.

Do not forget about functionality: When decorating, be sure to arrange objects like fairy lights and glass decorations carefully. Decorations should add charm to your home without becoming obstacles or creating safety concerns.

Embracing sustainability

Amidst the festivities, it’s also important to think about the environment and adopt sustainable practices as much as possible. Here’s what you can do:

Reuse and repurpose: Reuse your old decorations whenever possible or give them a new life by repurposing them in innovative ways. For example, you can gather your old and mismatched ornaments to create your very own ornamental wreath.

LED lighting: Opt for energy-efficient LED lights to minimise environmental impact and to save on your electricity bill.

Renewable materials: When Christmas shopping, opt for items that are sourced sustainably or made using renewable materials such as rattan, seagrass or banana fibre.

Donate or swap: Consider swapping decorations with your friends or passing on the items you no longer need.

“There’s a style for everyone, from minimal and sleek, to full-on holiday glam. Do not be afraid to experiment and explore exciting ways to spruce up your home.

“Lastly, don’t forget to spend time with friends and family during this festive season. The time we spend at home together is really what makes the holidays extra special – whether it’s decorating your home, opening presents or baking Christmas treats together,” says Zhou.