10 EASY CHRISTMAS DECORATING TIPS

If you haven’t started already, it’s time to put some thought into decorating the home for Christmas. Here are a few really simple yet effective ways to get you & your family into the yuletide spirit:

1. Using a plate as the base, select a collection of candles of varying heights to place in the centre then surround them with decorative baubles or Christmas stars, alternatives include poinsettia picks and/or pinecones.

2. Fill a large glass bowl or jar with a selection of baubles, best to use a variety of sizes and finishes, you can mix & match colours or stick with one colour theme. For extra pizzaz add some candy canes and a selection of Christmas lollies.

3. Set up a large Santa at the front door with a bowl or sack full of goodies. The sack can contain lollies and other party favours to be given to guess when they leave.

4. Using a wide, wire edged ribbon make large decorative bows to hang on the front door, at the end of a staircase, or place bows in the Christmas tree for added decoration. Bows are great also to decorate gifts! If you’re not sure how to make a bow, check out YouTube for a quick tutorial.

5. Using an old jar, collect some candy canes and, using a hot glue gun, glue them around the jar tightly with the, fill with water and place a bunch of red and/or flowers in the jar.

6. Find some large branches that have fallen off trees and spray paint them white, silver or gold, place them in a bucket of sand and hang baubles off them and Christmas bows. For extra decoration twist fairy lights around the branches. Or, spray pinecones and hang them off the branches or place in the bucket to hide the sand.

7. Collect a bundle of cinnamon sticks and tie decorative Christmas ribbon around them. Place around the house for a lovely fragrance.

8. Tie Christmas ribbon around your existing candleholders to give them a quick Christmas update.

9. Use a Christmas wreath as a centrepiece for the dinner table. Make sure that you place your candle inside a hurricane!

10. Place a row of votive candles along the centre of the table and sprinkle the table with decorative shapes and glitter.

We have a selection of items in stock that will help you decorate your home this Christmas. Visit us in store at 299 Old Northern Rd, Castle Hill. For more information visit www.wrapthome.com.au

WHAT IS INTERIOR DECORATING?

Interior design effects all senses and sets a mood. It’s creative and artistic and you know when it’s right because you can sense it. Interior design is the combination of sight, smell, feel and sound to create an environment that works in harmony. Good design makes a space not only comfortable to be in but practical for the use it’s intended. It can also reflect a cultural or historical style which in turn tells a story.

12 BASIC ELEMENTS OF INTERIOR DESIGN

1. SPACE
Observe the room, preferably without furniture, ceiling, ceiling height, doors, windows, flooring. The measurements of the room, windows & doors will determine placement of furniture. How will you achieve the mood in this space? The space is the blank canvas.
2. LIGHT
NATURAL LIGHT: which direction do the windows face and how strong is the sun in the room. In the southern hemisphere there will be more natural light in a room with a window facing north then a window facing south. This will determine the use of colour and artificial lighting.
ARTIFICIAL LIGHT: What is room going to be used for? This will determine the type & strength of lighting required. A study will require more than a bedroom. Is the light going to highlight features within the room? Lighting can be used to create a mood and careful selection is important.
3. STRUCTURE
Structure is a major consideration and can limit the ability to change or alter the design. This includes the materials used for the flooring, ceilings, doors & windows. Take note also of details including architraves, window surrounds and any other features.
4. BALANCE
This involves the placement of windows & doors, ceiling heights in relation to floor space, the view or lack of view. Correct balance will determine harmony and create a mood. Balance also involves the use of space, placement of furniture, decorative pieces and use of colour.
5. COLOUR
Colour is important in that it can completely change the character and mood of room, it is reflection of personality and has psychological implications. Colour combinations can be fun to use just as using a neutral background will give many options.
6. PROPORTION
Proportion is about the size of objects and fixtures occupying the space. To make things look balanced it can be how each of the objects relate to each other and the space around them rather than one piece on its own. Larger pieces of furnishings give a sense of grandeur whereas smaller pieces are dainty and delicate.
7. SHAPE
This is literally the shape of objects in a space. Shape along with colour is an essential element in a composition. Shape can also be indicative of certain styles, ie. Modern design has more angular shapes.
8. PATTERN
Patterns appear in fabric, flooring and sometimes wallpaper. Pattern can also be how items are grouped together or how architectural features appear. Differing moods can be conveyed through use of pattern.
9. TEXTURE
Texture also appears in fabric, flooring and walls. It can also appear in surfaces such as benchtops. Differing moods can be conveyed through use of pattern.
10. REPETITION
Repetition can be expressed in architectural features or in the pattern of fabrics and finishes. Repetition can also be in the placement of furnishings and can form a balanced framework. Repetition can form the foundation of a design or it can be a subtle theme running through a design.
11. RHYTHM
Rhythm is related to balance and harmony, it invites the eye to move across the space in a pleasing way.
12. HARMONY
Harmony is the end result. When all the above elements work well together, harmony is achieved.

Wrapt has a variety of furniture & homewares available for purchase to beautify your home. Visit us in store at 299 Old Northern Rd, Castle Hill NSW 2154. For more information visit www.wrapthome.com.au

PREVIEW SPRING / CHRISTMAS 2007 COLLECTION

We invite you to preview the Spring/Xmas 2007 of furniture, gifts & homewares available at Wrapt, 299 Old Northern Rd, Castle Hill. For more information visit www.wrapthome.com.au

CREATE AMBIENCE WITH CANDLES

Nothings says romance better than candles & candles are an inexpensive way to decorate any room of the house.

When entertaining, candles are a lovely way to enhance the pathway to your home so your visitors can safely make their way to the front door. You can use votive candles or for a DIY solution cut the top off plastic milk bottles, place some sand in the bottom for stability and pop in a tealight candle.

A simple dinner plate with a selection of different sized candles & decorative river stones creates an instant centrepiece

Scented candles in bedrooms and bathrooms with mask stuff odours and fill the air with soft fragrances.

Wrapt has a selection of stunning candles available for purchase through the retail outlet. For more information visit www.wrapthome.com.au

GIFT HAMPERS - MADE TO ORDER

LOOKING FOR A SPECIAL GIFT IDEA?
We can personalise your next gift by creating a beautiful hamper from products you select throughout the store. The unique hamper is a representation of the thought and care put into selecting gifts you feel are appropriate for the recipient. We will take care of the rest and create a visually stunning hamper that will leave a lasting impression. We can tailor your next gift by discussing the options, whether it's for a birthday, kitchen tea, house warming, engagement or wedding. If you would like to discuss creating a hamper please call us on 9899 9538 or visit us in store at 299 Old Northern Rd, Castle Hill . Corporate Gift Hampers also available.

www.wrapthome.com.au

DECORATING TIPS FOR SELLING YOUR HOME

HERE ARE A FEW SIMPLE THINGS TO GET THE BEST PRICE FOR YOUR PROPERTY.

Follow these steps to create an impact at your next open house...

1. Replace old & stained cushions with new ones. Consider the current season, vibrant colours are great for the warmer months.

2. Strong cooking odours, pet smells & musty smells turn off potential buyers. Use scented candles, pot pourri or diffusers to mask smells.

3. Lighting; a dark room is not inviting...do you need to add a lamp in a corner of the room?

4. Flowers; fresh flowers are expensive, why not consider an artificial arrangement, they are so life like! Great for the kitchen, dining, lounge & bathroom. Looks Great!

5. De-clutter; put away appliances from kitchen benchtops & replace with a simple white bowl filled with apples or oranges.

www.wrapthome.com.au