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5 easy holiday decorating tips

Turn your living room into a magical Christmas wonderland with these expert tips from designer Samantha Pynn.
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5 easy holiday decorating tips

Photo by Virginia Macdonald

Samantha Pynn holiday decorating

Don't forget the finishing touches

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.

5 easy holiday decorating tipsPhoto by Virginia MacDonald

Dress the tree with ribbons

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.

5 easy holiday decorating tipsPhoto by Virginia Macdonald

Create a symmetrical focal point

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.

5 easy holiday decorating tipsPhoto by Virginia Macdonald

All that glitters

Shimmery mercury glass and lustrous malachite add holiday sparkle and are right on trend for the coming year. 

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5 easy holiday decorating tipsPhoto by Virginia Macdonald

Designate a holiday prep area

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. 

5 easy holiday decorating tipsPhoto by Virginia Macdonald

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