As the big day approaches we all need to keep a close eye on what we can and can’t do…but to be honest some of us have lost track (as well as the plot!) already. So yes, we have to keep washing our hands to stay safe, we can entertain outdoors, and no doubt everyone is honing their Xmas guest-list to perfection, tiers and numbers permitting. The best approach is to press on whilst ensuring you’re up to date with the latest rules and restrictions, but in the meantime we thought it would be rather nice to give you some festive interior décor ideas to make it all more bearable!
Outdoor Living & Celebrating
If you’ve already got a great outdoor seating-dining-entertaining area, it won’t take much to transform it into an outdoor winter wonderland. Think fire bowl, outdoor rugs, cushions, sheepskin and lanterns. It’s probably worth keeping the garden parasol within reach too! Oh, and some hot water bottles if the plan is to relax with some mulled wine! And if you haven’t got your outdoor entertaining space organised yet, go and have a look at our gorgeous Beton Soft Mid Outdoor Slab Tiles. Click to order a sample, and if you like what you see, you could use any spare downtime over the festive season measuring up and planning your terrace for the coming spring.
Warming Looks
We wanted to show you these tiling ideas to demonstrate how tiles are a great match with a modern open fire. These are our Sparkle Ice Grey Split Face mosaics, which add a fabulous element of texture and contrast with the cosy fire and black floor tiles, which are our Lounge Matt Black Porcelain. Keep the home fires burning!
Snuggle Up
A bright sofa is a definite statement piece, and can be beautifully dressed up and down for Christmassy effect. We’re thinking a couple of sheepskin throws on here and some vivid green or purple velvet cushions. This is the Willem sofa from Swoon Editions, available as a two or three seater.
More is More
We seem to have all put our trees up very early this year, which frankly gives us more time to keep adding decorations! We love the maximalist look from Gisela Graham, Woodland Animals. Pink themes and white themes and unicorn themes may come and go, but red and green are traditional classics, here to stay!
On The Shelf
The mantlepiece used to the place where the Christmas cards and party invites were stacked up, usually higgledy-piggledy! Now of course, with few cards around and a dearth of invites this year, the garland takes pride of place. Add a wreath at each side too, for maximum impact. This gorgeous selection of decorations are from the Festive Fables collection at Dobbies.
Three Festive Suggestions
We love a Christmas cushion, and there’s a fab selection at George at Asda, as well as some quirky decorations. From left; Santa Cushion, cushion Knitted Jacket decoration, and Sausage Dog cushion. These are great for last-minute present ideas too!
Written in the Stars
We’re spoilt for choice for indoor (and outdoor) Xmas lighting and it’s so easy to add little sparkles of light here and there without complicated wiring jobs. Plug-ins and battery lights are perfect for extra decorative touches. Take a look at the selection of Starburst Stringlights at Cox & Cox. Oh, and from a design perspective, the sparkle of additional decorative lighting against a dark wall is always impressive!
Decorations, Decorations Everywhere!
Did you have to move furniture around to get the Christmas tree in? Sometimes it fits, sometimes it doesn’t. Sometimes things work out well, and we just wanted to admire the garlands and decs on this chest of drawers (and the decorated handrail, of course!). All items from a great selection at Dunelm, the chest is the Carys five-drawer, also from Dunelm.
Keeping Up With Cosiness
If you have got anyone staying over Christmas, this is definitely the one time you want everything to go extremely smoothly – fluff up the pillows, get the hot-water bottles (or electric blanket!) out, and ensure all the bedlinen is pristine. We rather like the idea of getting creative and making throws and bedcovers which, of course, can be used all year-round, if you choose soothing neutral shades. These fabrics are from the Levande collection by ILIV, the main bedcover is in Lazza Cameo and Ditto Slate. Quick, get the sewing machine out!
Frosty Mornings
Yes, yes, we know that a very specifically wintery or Christmas-based mural is taking things to extremes, but the idea of a whole wall covered, metaphorically, in snow, is rather attractive! You make the magic happen with a made-to-measure mural, such as this one, which is Central Park Covered in Snow from Wallsauce. There are different fixing methods available, paste-the-wall standard and premium, and interestingly, a peel-and-stick version as well. For similar bleached-timber style flooring, take a look at our stunning Mikeno Ash Wood Effect Wall And Floor Tiles – suitable for both floors and walls (if you want to go full log-cabin style!)
Silver Sparkle
Any excuse to bring you news of a new favourite, such as our Metal Silver porcelain wall and floor tiles. The mosaic version looks magical as a splash back, adding a luxurious and sophisticated feel to a kitchen or bathroom, especially when teamed with dark glossy cabinetry. Also available in Iron and Rust colourways if you’re looking for a slightly more rustic or industrial look.
Have you been getting into the festive spirit and jazzing up your interiors in time for Christmas? If so then we’d love to see your pics – tweet us @TileMountainUK, share on Facebook or tag us on Instagram!
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Linda has worked as a freelance interiors writer and blogger for many years; she has written for most of the major home and design magazines, including KBB Magazine, Grand Designs, Homes & Gardens, House Beautiful, Period Homes and Good Homes. She made the break and moved from London back to her home town of Shrewsbury three years ago and has just finished renovating her house. She also works in an interior design studio, produces copy for brochures and website, tries to tame her garden, aims to finish all the home furnishing projects she has on the go … and loves walking.