Colour, lighting and layout are criminally overlooked devices that every skilled interior designer uses effectively to convey an atmosphere of sophistication and excess. Let’s highlight five brilliant ways to give your rooms an air of extravagance with practical luxe interior design without maxing out your credit card.

1. Dark and mysterious

The experts always tell you to use white if you want to open up a space and make any room seem larger, but is the appearance of size your primary concern? Maybe intimacy is what you’re after, and sophisticated spaces are always designed with comfort in mind. So why not break away from the norm and opt for a more daring colour scheme?

Changing the upholstery or wall colour to a dark-hued tone will instantly add richness. Burgundy and midnight blue are two stylish tones guaranteed to wow your housemates and guests. Even black, when used sparingly, can give interiors different dimensions, adding an area of seclusion without sacrificing space. The best part about darker colours is the way they make your existing belongings pop.

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2. Restyle the walls

What you decide to place on your walls goes a long way toward creating an ornate visual statement. Let’s change those old photo frames and experiment with their placement to create a feature wall that instantly attracts the eye. 

The paradox of old, weathered wall hangings can make an intense statement in an intimate environment. Large prints of classic artworks, vintage posters, or block-colour artworks will look at home in your lush space. Antique shutters, doors and ladders against walls create simple, rustic hangings.

Care to show off your creativity? For the bathroom or bedroom, collect patterned tiles or old plates and get artistic by arranging an eclectic mix to place on walls.

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3. Reflect your style

We love used mirrors. After all, as long as the mirror itself is intact (and you’re not buying seven years bad luck), a second hand, naturally aged frame has the type of character that tells a story. Try your local community second-hand sales to find an item with that rustic, antique look.

If you’re not happy with quality of the frame, restyle it using fabric from your local op-shop or textiles store. Alternatively if you find a gorgeous frame with a tainted mirror, you can ‘fake it till you make it’ by spraying the glass with ‘mirror effect’ spray paint.

If you’re after something a little more sleek and clean, simple-framed oversized mirrors don’t cost an arm and a leg nowadays. And what an incredible statement they make, especially in a darker room where a large reflective surface can help you retain a spacious feel and practical luxe design. 

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4. Prints and patterns

Bargain prints and patterns can be found in any department store or homewares retailer. Play around with upholstery designs, wall hangings and the shapes of homewares to create unique textures and vivid designs. Don’t forget to pay attention to the details to create the ideal luxe by design room.

For easy artworks, cover old canvases with fabric and you can even add your own touch by painting over the top. Macramé wall hangings are as simple as buying rope and a wooden pole to hang it from. All you need then is to watch DIY macramé videos on YouTube to master the art.

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5. Throw away the old

The biggest change in a home can be the simplest of objects. Throw cushions, rugs and linen can make a striking change to how each room looks. Try in-season colours and for a well needed facelift, make sure you steer away from the tones and patterns you used previously.

Make your own brand-new luxe by design cushion covers by getting discount fabrics and sewing them in a simple square or rectangle. The advantage to DIY facelifting is you can incorporate the same fabric pattern into everything from cushions to wall art to the top of your table.

To give a table top a new lease on life, carefully place a layer of your favourite fabric or arrange a collection of pictures on the coffee table. Place a glass table top as the final layer and hey presto! Your old table becomes brand new.

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Using these five steps is a lot more fun than splurging on one massive feature item. Not only that; it’s also a way of adding your signature style to rooms while helping you develop a better understanding of the relationship between colour, materials and patterns.

Before you buy that $10,000 sofa, it’s worth experimenting with these techniques. Try to make a visual statement with practical luxe design …without crying over your next bank statement!

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The Luxe style speaks to us of precious metals, reflective surfaces, exotic timber, velvet and silk. It spells elegance. You’re individual and imaginative, and attention to detail is key, with daring colour palettes, extreme scale, sexy and lavish fabrics creating an intriguing and sumptuous space. Luxe interior design pulls from the sophistication and refinement of the Hollywood regency era. It draws design elements from around the globe and has brought ornamentation back into homes in a modern way.

1. Top tip for Luxe style

Our top tip to creating the perfect Luxe style is to embrace the mirror (it reflects light and adds depth to a room) and ensure the trim is a lustrous metallic to give sophistication and presence.

2. Traits 

There are many common traits that complement the Luxe style including guild, mirror, glass, velvet, buttoning, rose tint, marble, gold, crystal, colour glass, wallpaper, perspex, fur, animal print, granite, chandeliers, vintage, high gloss, wallpaper, metallic. 

Most of the above traits can be used as focal points in a room. For instance, an oversized piece of art can give your space a ‘wow’ factor. 

3. Designers/Artists

Luxe fans love these household names: David Hicks, Greg Natale, Kelly Wearstler, Suzanne Kasler, Luis La Pegna, Philippe Starck, Tom Ford.

4. Pantone colours

5. Brands that fit

Luxe style brands: Café Lightning, Boyd Blue, Café Culture & Insitu, Loui Vuitton, Style Factory International.

Luxe style is all about the finer details in life. With its elegance and extravagant finishings, Luxe can make your home feel and look like a million bucks! 

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But why is it the most boring space in the house? Does it need to be ‘the space style forgot’? Here at Designbx we’ve decided to think about the humble laundry more laterally. Given the time we spend in that small room, shouldn’t we be making it as visually pleasing and functional as possible? Maybe all this time we’ve been torturing ourselves unnecessarily. Is it possible to actually want to spend time in the laundry? This was a challenge we had to accept!

Firstly, laundry fittings, plumbing and appliances have come a long way. Pull-down mixer taps, deep laundry sink bowls, mould-resistant wall finishes, and custom storage solutions are a few of the modern laundry items that are becoming the norm rather than the exceptions. Combine them with a fresh take on aesthetics, and suddenly you’ve got some unexpected bling that might make chores a little less challenging.

1. Modern laundry

Rather than distracting the eye from equipment, it’s the more functional items in this striking design that provide the pop and dazzle. The quality of curved chrome tapware, especially the pull-down tap, draw the eye and make a real impression while adding convenience. Custom cabinetry provides concealed storage, and the monochromatic colour scheme becomes a canvas where you can add your own bling courtesy of a floating shelf dressed with ornaments or plants.

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2. Scandi laundry

Everyone’s mad about Scandi this year and the interior design style’s love of minimalism is perfect for the laundry. The brushed rose tapware contrasts beautifully with matte black and chrome while the oak timber mirror, floating shelves and tough bench tops deliver the raw finishes that are a trademark element of the Scandi look. Last but not least, how about those geometric splashback tiles? Stone, timber and ceramic finishes, brought to life by a natural palette – that’s why we love Scandi.

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3. Traditional Chic laundry

You may not associate a laundry with elegance but this design is about to change your opinion. In fact, this space is about to become a real show-off and start demanding attention. Classic European décor and well-detailed pops of luxe combine to add an air of refinement. The sophisticated tapware goes beyond function to become a chic feature. Brushed rose, the patterned floor tiles and curved tapware become the focus. But it’s hard not to fall in love with that free-standing bath.

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4. Shop the Look Laundries – from bland to grand

Using the three styles above, it’s possible to take a room that begs you to close the door, and make it a dazzling space that you’ll gladly include in the tour when friends visit. From ugly duckling to beautiful swan, it’s time to stop hiding the laundry and give it the same design love applied to the rest of your home.
Visit Shop the Look for more ideas on pre-fabulous interior designs!

The post The Luxe Laundry– Designbx’ ready-made style boards take the bore out of your chores appeared first on Designbx.

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 Brass and Marble and Peonies…Oh My!

We might have died and gone to tablescape heaven with this spread. Everything about it is luxe. But what we love best is that designer Emily Henderson hasn’t restricted the beautiful pastel colours associated with Easter celebrations to just flowers and linens. Don’t be afraid to incorporate coloured tapered candles and even chicly dyed Easter eggs into the mix. Bonus points for a golden egg. 

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Eye contact, please!

If avoiding hot topics like politics is one surefire way to guarantee your gathering goes off without a hitch, then the other is keeping overbearing plant life at bay. It’s important to remember to keep your flowers below eye level to ensure the conversation continues to flow throughout the meal. Sugar and Cloth nailed the look with their hanging upside down flower basket concept. You can read their tips for creating your own here.  

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Sometimes less is more

For something sophisticated and chic, just a single leafy branch accompanied by a few scattered candles can be a simple and affordable solution to a table runner. Just add some very #ontrend timber place settings and a muted tablecloth and you have an Easter brunch fit for Scandinavian royalty.   

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Paper Flower, Staying Power

We all love fresh flowers but every once in a while a good imposter can give the real thing a run for its money. These paper flowers scattered in eclectic vases are a great example. This look, created by The Cobra Lily and creative director Brynn of Dandy & Fine Parties for 100 Layer Cake strikes an incredible balance of simple elegance mixed with bohemian refinement.

But if making paper flowers isn’t your thing, or you’re just too time-poor for that kind of craftiness, then you can always leave it to the experts at Pink Cherry Mama to make some for you. After all, when your flowers last years rather than weeks, we’d say these little guys might just beat the real thing. 

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Natural whimsy

It’s not every day we see a timber table with so much natural beauty, but if you’re lucky enough to own one, by all means, show it off! A simple runner punctuated by gorgeous flowers allows the character of the wood to shine through, and the organic plates flanked by charming flatware makes us feel like we could spend hours drinking Rosé at this table.

This look lends itself to mixing and matching with glorious perfection. We could see mis-matched chairs and multi-patterned china and even pastel coloured glassware feeling right at home here. So if you’ve got it, definitely flaunt it.

Read more on this Easters hero colour Ruby Red. 

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All of these dreams can be realised…until children become part of the family. From this point on, most of us can say goodbye to the grown-up, spacious, clutter-free tidy home, which will no doubt be replaced by scattered toys (suddenly it’s a hazard to walk around barefoot in your own home!), walls used for a variety of ‘artworks’, stained carpets, and scratched/bashed/broken items that you used to recognise as your favourite pieces of furniture. 

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But what can you do? No one wants their children to grow up living in a museum – that is no fun at all! But must you simply accept that this is your home for the next 16+ years? Absolutely not…who said it’s only kids who should have their dedicated play areas, full of their things and catering to their needs?? Hello parents retreat! 

Yes, a parents retreat has become an actual thing over the last few years, and can come in many shapes, sizes and styles. But the one simple rule is this – no kids allowed! No toys, no pets, no drawing on walls or wrecking expensive carpets and furniture. Everything else is entirely up to you – it’s your space! Your sanctuary, your escape zone. However, here are some of the things to consider.

Decor Style

This is entirely up to you, everyone’s preferences are different, as we talked about previously. You might be close to the ocean and opt for a coastal theme or love the country french look. We have opted for a bit of a luxe interior style – it’s adults only so why not! 

Colour

Think about the vibe you want to create in your retreat…do you want it to be light, bright and invigorating? Go for whites and neutrals with pops of bright colour.  Or cosy, romantic and feminine? Pastel colours with touches of white and soft pale grey will work. Working towards creating a specific mood will help you determine which colours are best. Or build your palette around a favourite artwork.  We went for a contemporary palette of soft pastels teamed with jewel shades, with hints of gold and navy, which reinforces the grown up luxe feel. 

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Furnishings

Well…what are the main requirements of this space? Sleep? Escape? Work? Relax? Eat? Again, these factors will guide you in choosing the perfect items of furniture for your retreat. At the minimum, try to go for an amazing comfortable bed (as large as will fit!), a comfortable sofa for 2 (movie screen optional!), and a large luxurious bathtub if you have an en-suite. Comfortable luxurious bedding, textured throw cushions and a large area rug will add to the luxury decor feel whilst creating warmth and character. If you plan to escape here to work at times, find yourself a stylish desk and comfortable chair. Or maybe you have other interests and passions – avid reader? Make yourself a reading nook complete with huge armchair or chaise. Love arts and crafts? Build yourself a corner workspace. Anything that makes you love being in this space should be included. 

Other things that could be included are plants, amazing ornate mirrors, artworks and personal photos, a drinks trolley and walk in wardrobe…but again, it is entirely down to you and what you love – it is your retreat so you better enjoy it!

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As proprietor of luxury boutique hotels around the world, British designer Kit Kemp is an expert on bedroom design. Her signature style is an explosion of colour and a mix match of fabrics, yet the rooms remain elegant and refined by balancing strong colours with gentle. Beds are king-sized, with upholstered headboards that reach the ceiling.  Large bedside tables at the side of the bed are paired with ottomans at the foot. Extra seating is provided, complete with large diameter tables.  Heavy drapes on windows work as privacy and block out blinds, but also made from meters of sumptuous fabric for a luxe feel.

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As you would expect from an interior designer to Hollywood stars; Kelly Wearstler’s interiors are dramatic.  Furniture is big and bold, as are the sculptures and artwork.  Her materials palette includes a mixture of onyx, marble, polished stone, mixed metals, leather, silk and fur.  Mirrors behind lamps are used to reflect light around the space and create interest.  Carpet works well in master bedrooms, creating softness underfoot as well as softening acoustics.  Whereas some designers might be included to go with subdued carpeting, Wearstler specifies carpets and rugs that can be strong in colour and pattern.

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In the quieter scheme of things is another British designer, Ilse Crawford.  Human needs and desires are top consideration when designing spaces for clients.  This is evident in the tactile nature of her materials that include cane, timber, leather and velvet.  Lighting levels are kept low, save for large pendants installed from the ceiling, creating interest when viewed from all angles of the room.  With a mantra of appealing to the human senses, often a fireplace is included in the design.  Providing warmth, light, comfort, the fireplace is the ultimate luxury in a master bedroom.

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Whatever your style, you can use these techniques to create a master sanctuary of your own. 

Never far from a measuring tape, Donna Vercoe- Designbx designer is a Vancouver transplant who now calls Sydney home. When making the leap to Australia, she changed gears from working as a pool designer in the construction industry to studying colour and design. She now works as an interior designer, collaborating with clients to ensure their design fits their style, as well as fitting into their space. When not taking measurements, she can be found with a camera in hand, eyeing up details to share on Instagram.

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Santa is checking his list of naughty and nice, rounding up the reindeers and preparing the sleigh.  All the children busily writing their Christmas wish lists ready for the big day!

Families are getting in the festive spirit, putting up trees, decorating houses, and laying out the treasured sacks and stockings for the jolly man in red ready to fill.

Christmas sacks and stockings are as fun and trendy as ever, there is a design and style just for you are your little person’s personality.  

Here are some of our faves!

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Let’s get fun and jolly with Sack Me and their brilliantly bright and fun collection… a truly coastal vibe From $79.90 a set.

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Giant pom poms and luscious velvet…a luxe Christmas Kip & Co Santa sacks ($59).

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Sweet and simple, a more traditional chic approach Cabin & Co gold tree santa sacks ($49) A timeless piece!

These beautiful heirloom-quality Santa sacks by Down to the Woods ($69.95) are designed to be family keepsakes for many years to come.

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Go Scandi this year with these bold stripe and geometric designs from Cotton On Kids santa sacks.

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Black and white…why not!  monochrome stockings by Liewood ($59.95) are for those cool cats!  

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Pretty and pastel these thoughtful designs by Scandi brand Fabelab ($55) come in a range of earthy colours and critters.

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Designbx | Santa stockings and socks with sass! | designbx.com

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Also known as canopy chairs, porters chairs, balloon chairs or Versailles chairs, this mainstay of traditional design is finding a home in unexpected spaces. Let’s take a look at the reinvention of a striking style of furniture that can adapt to any space. There are a number a different methods for making the most of dome chairs in a room. Probably the most subtle and inclusive approach is to upholster in the lighter shade within your colour scheme. This will allow the dome chair to blend in and be seen as an interesting addition rather than the key focal piece.

Marrying the framework colour of your dome chair to your surrounding furniture may be a more traditional approach, but who said traditional needs to be bland? Select a pattern from your room’s Style Board and feature on the rear of your chair. It’s a subtle and personal way to include your dome chairs, while having the added benefit of drawing attention to lines and colours of your room’s framework.

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Of course, you can throw the whole idea of subtlety out the window by creating the most plush and ornate incarnation of the dome chair – a cozy yet flamboyant feature that would look at home in any palace. Adding butting and stud work creates a real eye catcher! Buttoning works in almost every style. It’s all about the fabric finish, colour and pattern that will bring your style to life.

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The addition of another material such as rattan and the use of ornate craftsmanship in the wood framework turns your dome chair into a perfect addition to a French Accent or Traditional Chic space. In an environment that draws the eye to fine detail rather than bold palettes and patterns, focusing on shape and texture is key.

If the last thing on your mind is allowing your beautiful dome chair to become a seamless part of the background, there are many ways to make a huge impact. Using block colour fabrics in brighter tones really adds some punch to this design. Pull a colour from your palette to create a more traditional and harmonised space, or select a completely juxtaposed colour to your palette for a more modern feel.

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Pattern is a very personal preference but when done right can truly show your personality and wild side. This chair has spunk! While the dome chair certainly adds flair, it’s not exclusive to feminine spaces. Notice how using leather on the external shell creates a more masculine feel.

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In fact, with the right materials and simplified colour scheme, the dome chair makes the short jump from ‘ornate’ to ‘stately’. Another benefit to leather is its durability, but remember comfort when it comes to internal surfaces. If you need more durability, opt for commercial grade fabrics and an aptly simplified pattern.

There’s no doubting the dome chair’s lasting appeal, and as you can see from the examples, it has a talent for being a chameleon or a showstopper, depending on your use of this boldly shaped furniture.

Designbx  |  Domestic bliss- the return of the dome chair    | designbx.com

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The cool bedrooms of famous monarchs are well within reach. To turn your drab bedroom into a boudoir starts with the essentials—those images that come to mind when you remember period pieces or the art of antiquity: the majestic four-poster with a large, extravagant bedhead that adds scale.

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Peach and plump!

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Buttons, studs, leather, mirror, this is pure Luxe!

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Come on folks; we’re spoiling ourselves here, so let’s do it properly. Can you ever have enough cushions? That’s a trick question of course. No self-respecting member of the nobility would settle for less than a small mountain of them, filled to excess with feathers.

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Cool bedrooms include layers of breathable bed linen. From the interior design styles of Coastal to Luxe, there’s a wonderfully excessive boudoir to fit most styles. The softness of Coastal is an obvious way to guarantee comfort (cotton, hemp and bamboo) while Luxe fabrics for cushions, bedheads, ottomans and window treatments offer a truly stately appeal.

Why not mix and match your linens to create depth…

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In all cases, start by being bold, and that includes artwork, with special attention to frames. Similarly, the use of ornately framed mirrors helps to enlarge the space. As you decorate, treat each item like art, including a signature item of furniture—perhaps a large, luxurious armchair in a corner.

Bold in size and colour

In stark contrast, colour is the one factor that requires a more subdued approach. Make your bold statements with pattern, texture and scale instead. While classic boudoirs were lavish, they were not loud. Remember that this is a space where you need to truly feel relaxed. Lighting is crucial. Like your choices of colour, avoid anything that has a jarring or abrasive effect. Stylish pendent lights are an effective way of adding a Luxe interior design feel.

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Organise the bits and bobs of your vanity area in crystal boxes and place creams in glass bottles. Along with Lucite make-up organisers, these garnishes add opulence while removing clutter. Having pampered your senses of touch and sight, don’t forget to add the right scents.

Flowers ignite the senses

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Fresh flowers provide the final touch, and give your boudoir a unique and changeable flourish that makes your bedroom feel like a hotel get-away. Why escape when you can spoil yourself at home?

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Hosting Christmas this year? Let’s ensure not only a delicious family feast, but a beautiful and colourful one as well! When thinking of Christmas palettes, we typically think of traditional colours like reds and greens, but with Australians embracing their own personal style and reflecting that in their home, why not sing to the same tune for your Christmas theme. Here are five of our favourite colour schemes that will be sure to strike a cord with your own personal style.

All in Grey

 A muted yet fresh feel for Christmas.  Grey has become very popular as it forms a neutral backdrop for any interior style. The tone can range from a soft pale grey to a dark warm charcoal. This would work within an industrial, coastal, scandi and even traditional interior. Stand out elements include; oversized linen ribbon bows on the tree (be bold and opt for a white tree over the traditional green), dark grey linen tablecloths overlaid with hessian table runners, eclectic tableware, bowls and glasses paired with wooden chopping boards as serving plates.  Be sure to play with texture and tone.

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Pastels

A pop of pastel…fresh, fun and stylish.  Pairing soft pinks, corals and creams with a touch of gold gives a feminine and modern feel.  Think modern shapes – diamonds, hexagons or layer square and circles to create contrast.  Play with your finishes using paper pom poms, glittery gold balls, and fine delicate cotton ribbons on the tree.  Pastels also pair beautifully with intricate glass finishes like glass cut decorations, chandeliers as the table centerpiece, Diamante encrusted candle  and napkin holders –  whitewash timber and concrete surface could be perfect to complete this look.  Be adventurous with wrapping paper.  Use hessian fabrics and knot like a sack. Use old book pages and accent with a big pastel bow, or buy plain boxes and cover in glitter for some wow factor!

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What a great way to bring the table to life.  Focus on the ceiling, more space for food!

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Black, White and Gold

Give the table a dose of holiday glam by pairing black and gold together. This is a wow colour combination but equally elegant and festive. Introduce black and white combinations through patterns – stripes, tartan,and polka dots. Mix your shades of gold –  champagne through to rich gold. Black, especially high gloss Christmas ornaments are a fantastic choice for a white Christmas tree.  Introduce natural twine around your wrapping paper to give a more scandi rather than luxe feel. Gold spray painted leaves make a stunning runner down the centre of the table.  For evening ambience add a piece of mirror on top and adorn with tea light candles.

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Dress to impress…

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Burgundy, Green and Gold

Tradition still has its place, and what  better way to bring it to life than with this rich opulent palette. Opt to replace reds with a rich burgundy this season. Burgundy has swooped the design industry this year it’s warm, inviting and intriguing.  This sensual colour will work best with generous amounts of natural foliage or sitting amongst silks, velvets and lace with warm lighting.

A rich burgundy cotton tablecloth layered with the same toned lace cloth will add immediate warmth and texture.  Use an abundance of pine greenery down the centre littered with intimate little gold touches  and candles. Gold cutlery and dark green dinnerware equals perfection! Gifts are all about repetition of these colours.  Wrap in butcher paper and then burgundy cellophane for a wet look wrap.  Layer a thick burgundy silk ribbon around and complete with a sprig of rosemary inside your bow

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The perfect outfit for the day…dapper!

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Let the flowers do the talking

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And for the ladies…

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Mint and Red

This colour combination puts a new spin on the classic red by using a cool shade of mint. Mint and red are contrasting colours that work well together to give a summer feel.  Maintain traditional patterns and motifs like reindeers, gingham, spots and stripes. Pair with white wash or bleached timbers, drift wood and raw linens to give that Scandi look.  Opt for the revival of the metal dinnerware to give the table a more relaxed feel.  Fill a tin red bucket with nude branches from the garden or a local walk.  Tie little cotton mint ribbons on all the branches for a simple yet striking table centerpiece.  

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