Warm and chic holidays

There are a thousand and one ways to create a warm holiday atmosphere. Regardless of the preferred decorations, the goal remains the same: to create a little magic. Five trends stand out at the end of another unusual year.

Danielle Bonneau
Press

Tradition, with a touch of modernity

Holiday items in red, green and white strike a chord this year, says Denis Légaré, director of marketing at La Baie store in downtown Montreal. “After almost two years of retirement, people are nostalgic and want to surround themselves with traditional colors. We therefore put forward a collection including, among other things, balls with red and green checks. It’s traditional, but with a modern twist. There are also a lot of deer and nutcrackers. ”

“We can sense a craze for the holiday season, which brings back fond memories,” notes Jean-Michel Martin, manager of the Home Depot store in Saint-Henri. Nostalgia blends a touch of modernity. Traditional decorative elements are reinterpreted, for example using felt and incorporating Scottish motifs. ”

“Red and green are still classics,” points out Lauren Lavallée, coordinator, fashion communication, at Simons. With tiles having been very popular all fall, the transition goes very well in holiday items. Arranged on a tablecloth with a more traditional pattern, golden utensils, napkin holders and candle holders make a beautiful effect. ”

The fact of not having been able to receive during the holidays, last year, marked the population a lot, notes Josiane Yelle, director of marketing at Décors Véronneau. “People are going to decorate a lot this year depending on where they are going to gather with family or friends, whether it’s the table, the hallway or the living room,” she predicts. There will be something nostalgic. The red and white, very soft and very festive, will stand out. ”

We find classic Christmas colors, such as red, traditional dark green, white, as well as gold and silver metallic tones, which remind many of the celebrations of their childhood, says Heena Saini, public relations specialist on the business plan at IKEA Canada. “It is important that each element added in its space has a meaning and brings joy,” she says.

Simplicity tastes much better

For brunch, the use of natural materials creates a decor that is both warm and refined, underlines M^me Lavallée at Simons. The light wood of the table is highlighted by using cotton place mats. The cushions on the bench are in wool, while the table runner is in linen. The beige paper trees, which sparkle slightly, add a festive note.

“Many have learned to have a Zen interior and want to continue to have the same atmosphere, inspired by the Scandinavian style,” notes Yan-Erik Tessier, buyer at Zone Maison. Decorations in a very clean color palette, with white and light wood, mixed with greenery, are easy to coordinate. ”

Non-traditional colors are a must this year, says Erin O’Brien, decorating expert at HomeSense. Those on the minimalist camp (and there are many, having spent a lot of time at home over the past 20 months) will seek to preserve the same kind of aesthetic in their interiors, she believes. “Complementary, soft pastel colors give a clean twist to the classic decorations we grew up with. ”

Many surround themselves with lanterns and candles of all kinds to create a comforting and warm little cocoon, says Lydia Thammavong, marketing, design, styles and trends manager at Lowe’s Canada (Réno-Dépôt and Rona). The orange flame exerts a real attraction, allowing to relax and rest the eyes, far from the blue light of the computer.

It’s easy to create a fun atmosphere around the table, at a low cost, for example by using various elements featuring the stylized design of the holly, which is the symbol of love in the holiday season, says Mr.^me Saini at IKEA Canada. “It adds a little personal touch when people come together,” she says.

Focus on elegance

A decor inspired by the snow-capped Far North sparkles with its tones of icy blue, lilac and pale pink. Metallic accents create a shimmering effect, says Cindy Hoffman, director of communications at Canadian Tire. The addition of faux fur and the garlands made of iridescent pom poms soften it all up.

Various materials are mixed to create a chic atmosphere, notes Jean-Michel Martin, manager of the Home Depot store in Saint-Henri. Feathers, faux fur and velvet in shades of white, matched with metallic accents, add a lot of warmth.

A combination of various materials and neutral colors, such as off-whites, creates a cozy and warm decor, underlines Bianka Jean, designer at Bouclair. “You also need a touch of shine, otherwise you lose the magic of Christmas a little,” she explains.

Dare black

“Now that we can entertain, why not do it on a large scale,” asks Mr. Tessier, from Zone Maison. The black dishes that are found on the table, with the utensils and the golden candles, create a very chic effect in order to wow the guests and create something magical. ”

Black and very dark gray, tone on tone, are modern and fit perfectly into the holiday season, without being expressly associated with it, emphasizes Lauren Lavallée, at Simons. “He’s a warm and unifying black,” she explains. With the elongated candles, the effect is very chic. The tablecloth and accessories can be used all winter. ”

The very dark colors are reminiscent of winter nights and create a dramatic atmosphere in the house, which is still warm, says Martin, of the Home Depot in Saint-Henri. The candles and golden accessories then stand out a lot.

Black, very present in the usual collections, also appears in the holiday season in all kinds of forms, underlines M^me Jean, from Bouclair. Black accessories create an interesting accent and complement the interior decor.

Black elements like small trees and deer have a surprising effect, says Mr. Légaré, from La Baie. “They represent luxury while remaining simple and understated,” he says.

After having lived a lot of insecurity, many have the desire to focus on the true values, rediscovered during the last 20 months, notes Mr.^me Thammavong at Lowe’s Canada. They want to find themselves in a modern decor, imbued with simplicity and very natural. The contrast between black and white, warmed by a touch of green and natural wood, is part of this desire for authenticity.

Celebrate without waste

“Many want fir trees, garlands and wreaths, but without necessarily all the pageantry that goes around, notes M^me Yelle, by Décors Véronneau. In the holiday season, there is always a question of abundance in decoration and many people will not budge, but there is also a return to simpler decorations, with more bare trees and wreaths that do not. will not be filled with balls or surrounded by tulle and ribbon. ”

The desire to surround oneself with natural materials is very present, notes Bianka Jean, from Bouclair. “The return to macrame, rattan, jute, dried flowers and natural fibers is linked, I believe, to climate change,” she explains. Looks like we want to go back to the source a bit. We no longer want chemicals, like plastic. ”

The CANVAS collection includes a variety of products made to reduce their environmental impact, says Cindy Hoffman of Canadian Tire. For example, there are Christmas stockings, fir foot warmers and flannel throws made from recycled fibers. Some unbreakable Christmas baubles are made from 85% recycled plastic.

A wider selection of items made with environmentally friendly materials is available, says Erin O’Brien of HomeSense. “Plastic decorations have decreased, in favor of products made of wood or felt. Examples are the felt holly wreath and garland.

There are a number of ways to avoid waste when giving gifts, says M^me Saini, from IKEA Canada. “For example, you can wrap the item in something that can be used later, such as a nice dish towel. “