The Holidays Sparkle at Hollyburn Properties

The holidays are here and this year more than ever, we could all use a little more sparkle in our homes. Whether you rent or own or have a lot of space or just a little, creating a festive home doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated.  I was so excited when Hollyburn Properties asked me to decorate one of their beautiful furnished 2-bedroom apartments at The Lonsdale for the holidays.  Today I’m sharing my tips for adding simple touches to make the most of your space, and I’ll show you how The Holidays Sparkle at Hollyburn Properties!

This beautiful 2-bedroom furnished apartment had a bright and neutral palette with subtle dark blue accents.  Tip #1: Work with your existing decor.  Since this unit already had some elements of blue in the artwork and textiles, I used it as the jumping-off point for this design and it really paid off!  I decorated the tree with blue, white, and silver ornaments and added blue and white touches throughout the space.

Tip #2: Invest in a good quality, realistic looking tree. It’s worth spending a bit more for a good quality tree that will last. Look for trees with “mixed tips” for a more realistic look and if space is a consideration, choose a slim tree.

Tip #3: Shop smart for ornaments.  I used a mix of blue, white, and silver ornaments in a variety of sizes.  Look for mixed packs to get the most bang for your buck or splurge on a few eye-catching ornaments and keep the rest budget-friendly.

Tip #4: Repeat your decor or theme. A simple blue velvet pillow and coordinating ribbon on the gifts is so simple and looks very festive!

Tip #5: Decorate with fresh florals for that cozy home feeling. I love using fresh elements whenever possible! A fresh floral arrangement like this one is a beautiful way to tie everything together. For a clean, modern look, keep the rest of your decor minimal.

Bunches of eucalyptus smell amazing and can be split up and used all-around your home. For some interest in the hallway, I used floral wire to attach multiple stems together and then secured around the outside of the mirror.

Tip #5: Create a hot chocolate or coffee station. A hot chocolate or coffee station is a fun way to add some Christmas whimsy to your space, especially if you have an open-concept layout. Display cookies or gingerbread, marshmallows, and candy if you like!

Tip #6: Set a festive table.  Add some holiday napkins and coordinating florals to your table. As this was a furnished apartment, I just added some festive napkins and placemats to the existing tableware to create a holiday table.

Tip #7: Try a DIY. Nothing makes your space more unique or personal than something created by you! I made this elevated wreath for the door by adding fresh elements like eucalyptus, dried orange slices, and scented pine cones to a basic faux wreath from the craft store.

I used more of the dried oranges on the media unit and added some simple white trees that are neutral enough to go with any decor and can be used year after year.

I hope you enjoyed all my tips for creating a festive home and a peek into this beautifully furnished rental at The Lonsdale.  Thank you to Hollyburn Properties for having me.  It was such a pleasure decorating this space and showing you how The Holidays Sparkle at Hollyburn Properties!

Happy Holidays!

Judy Xx

Florals: Special Moments Flowers & Gifts

Photography: Friday Eve Photo