IF YOU’RE READY to deck the halls and embrace the Christmas spirit here are six 2024 trends to inspire you.
Interior designer Arlene McIntyre of Arlene McIntyre Design and Ventura Interiors knows a thing or two about Christmas – after all she offers a bespoke Christmas styling service to discerning customers that includes baubles and firs, wreaths and other yuletide décor. McIntyre tells us that burgundy and crimson reds are on trend this year as well as all things gold.
For smaller homes or apartments she recommends a focus on the Christmas tree, window decorations and tablescaping across dining, coffee and console tables and recommends prepping your home before decorating by stashing your existing decor items and books in large boxes before introducing Christmas colours and sparkles so your home doesn’t look overloaded.
Perhaps it’s the crazy world we’re living in these days, but there seems to be a definite whiff of nostalgia in the air this year. Look back at childhood photos from the 80s and 90s and most of us might be surprised by the ad hoc and sparse nature of the decor, but the 2024 reboot takes our childhood memories to the next level with glass and ceramic ornaments, tinsel and a whole gamut of traditional characters and motifs – from Santa to Rudolf, robins to candy canes. We love the hand painted glass baubles the Society of Lifestyle. Chehona and Broste CPH (main image) decorations at Industry & Co. Dublin, the selection at Objekt Design Space and the Vintage Christmas range at Arboretum Home and Garden.
Colourful and kitsch decorations are everywhere this Christmas – if your tree is not pink are you even Christmassing? Think Dolly Parton meets Barbara Cartland and you’ll be on the right track. While undoubtedly horrible for the environment, pink trees are nonetheless trending with flocked and glitter versions making a kitsch comeback. Meanwhile independent retailers are noticing a trend for customers gifting kitsch decorations – check out Article, April & The Bear (main image), Dunnes and Avoca for gorgeously garish ornaments featuring everything from pop icons like George Michael, Britney, Grace Jones and Harry Styles to pink cowboy boots and even cassette tapes – now that is an 80s throwback.
Thought that bows had had their day? Then think again, because bows are everywhere this Christmas season, and, dare we say it, may even be replacing (or at least enhancing) the Christmas wreath as the decoration du jour. Bows have gone super-sized this year, so whether you’re DIY-ing an oversized bow from a pillow or making a giant bow from a bedsheet to go atop your tree there’s no escaping this trend. There are lots of do-it-yourself guides on TikTok, Instagram and Pinterest but be warned this can look either cheap or chic. Not the crafty type? Tap into the trend by adding beautiful ribbons from Cloth Dublin to your tree (tie them and leave them long if you prefer), opt for a bow-shaped candlestick holder from April & The Bear or pick up a bow hanging decoration at Tiger.
Christmas decorations get an Arts & Crafts feel this year with paper chains, ornaments and paper stars making a big comeback and adding a homemade feel to Christmas decor. Sostrene Greene is a great place to pick up affordable Christmas ornaments – this year you’ll find lots of pretty hanging paper stars and snowflake decorations as well as paper tabletop trees with LED lights. At the BTS Concept Store in Portrush you’ll find stunning paper stars by House Doctor in a natural, burnt red and off white colour. Felt and crocheted decorations are also on trend this year and tap into the crafty, cottagecore vibe – try Etsy, Gifted at the RDS or your local craft fair for unique handmade decorations. The iconic Vibes & Scribes craft shop in Cork city has some fantastic Christmas craft books if you want to make your own decorations.
Arlene McIntyre says that ‘pared back luxury’ and a ‘less is more’ approach with a focus on natural elements and bringing nature indoors is key for her customers. The use of foliage, berries, twigs and fruit is a great way to bring nature into your home at this time of year. There are great ideas online for foliage chandeliers, wreaths and citrus garlands – you can even add natural foliage and berries into an existing artificial one. Pergola Nurseries in Cavan have waxed Amaryllis which make for perfect gifts as well as fragrant Christmas hyacinths. Take inspiration from the terracotta pots at A Broader Picture styled with candles, foraged greenery and a jute runner or treat yourself or a loved one to an exquisite centrepiece by The Garden in the Powerscourt Centre.
Christmas is a time of giving and an easy way to give back is to make conscious choices when it comes to decorating. Social enterprise We Make Good sells handmade decorations including on-trend mushrooms and stars made in Dublin by people from marginalised backgrounds to support them in achieving their life goals and fostering a sense of belonging. The Oxfam shops are a brilliant place to pick up Christmas tree ornaments for a good cause and the handmade Gry & Sif ornaments at Article are handmade and support scholarships programmes for the children of the makers in Nepal. Of course supporting local artisans at markets and fairs around the country.
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