Nostalgia: it's the sentimental longing for the past typically associated with happy memories. And this year, holiday decor is all about creating a nostalgic feeling inside of our homes. For 2011, keep it simple, streamlined and cozy.
Canadian decor and lifestyle expert Janette Ewan says, "There's a real break from the over-the-top decor and bright colours we've seen in years past; all of the trends are about simplicity and have a very home-spun feel."
Here are a couple of Ewan's favourite trends for holiday decor for this holiday season:
Pioneer-Cabin Feel
"Victorian inspired paper ornaments are accented with birch, faded golds, burlap and mercury glass." It's a look that will make you feel like you've been snowed in at your cottage and will bring nothing but warmth into your home. It creates a relaxed ambiance that isn't pretentious. Keep the colours classic -- stick to evergreens and cranberry reds mixed with muted metallics.
Holiday Minimalism
It's a more modern approach to decorating for the holidays, but it has a super sleek and urban feeling that's perfect for entertaining in the city. It's hip and simple. Holiday minimalism features stark whites contrasted with greens and reds. Keep the metallic decorations away to achieve this look. Grab some simple ribbon, brown craft paper and branches to make this trend work. Your house will have modern and pulled together feeling without being over the top.
And if you're looking for a way to spice up your table decor for your annual holiday party, use an unexpected item to create pizzazz -- wallpaper. With so many prints available, wallpaper is a cheap and easy solution that will create style.
"Rock a roll of wallpaper down the centre of your table, grab some branches and spread them out along the paper. Then place ornaments or holiday fruits -- like oranges -- around the branches. Add a few simple candles and you'll have an amazing table display," says Ewan.
And remember: gone are the days when you had to splurge on interior decorations that only last a season; you can make life easy by keeping your decorations refined and understated.
Check out some seasonal decor inspiration
