Interior designer Pippa Burnett grew up on a farm in North Canterbury, but these days calls Christchurch home, where she runs a thriving interior design business.

We are ask her what her take on this coming Christmas décor trends are and how she creates a festive home.

What do you see as the new Christmas 2024 decoration?

Honeycomb paper foldable trees are the latest festive décor to add to this season’s collection definitely.

Big or small, they are easily foldable, therefore a great space saver in the off season.

Place them on any flat surface large enough to keep them stable.

I like to create little wonderland forests using multiple sizes or bunch them together in two’s or three’s to create a Christmas tree feel.

What are the festive colours this coming season?

There are notable colours trends coming through for this season such as soft creams and brown tones : very gingerbread house like.

However, in saying that you cannot beat the traditional Christmas colours of green and red.

You can always use pattern and texture to create depth with your aesthetic.

Try check or tartan fabrics to create a cosy festive feel.

Maybe even add a dash of gold or bronze to subtly soften bold colours you have chosen.

How can seasonal decorating be affordable?

Do it yourself......why not!

Try making a centrepiece for your Christmas lunch table out of greenery you have in your garden or a tree from your back yard. You can always add pillar candles or other blooming flowers. Or even pine cones

This can be changed out year after year with a new colour palette without any cost outlay.  Make it a talking point for guests.

Also, if you are wanting a festive aesthetic that will stay timeless for years to come I would suggest narrowing down what colours would really enhance your home.

Does your tree have to be green?

Maybe you live in a home with mostly white interiors.

If you do, try a white tree with either gold of silver decorations.

Pick a colour palette and work to that.

As long as your decorations have texture to them be it a little bit of sparkle or tinsel you can drape, you will find you will keep your house timeless and therefore more cost effective long term

What is your favourite area in your home to decorate?

The entryway for sure.   I really like the house to feel welcoming to guests especially at Christmas time.  I like the reason for their visit to actually be greeting them at the door when they arrive.

It’s a joyful time of year so why not make it fun and festive. Following on from that I cover my entry console table in décor as well.

I create my own wreaths.

The one I have currently hung on my front door I made out of a small faux Christmas tree I did not use anymore.

Adding in traditional coloured red and gold baubles with a few real pine cones I found.  Making it look fuller and more flush.

I even pinned in a little gold bird.

How do you create a festive ambience in your home?

Smell and touch are equally as important to creating a feeling as just purely looking at decorations. Having guests ask ‘what is the lovely smell?’ or ‘where did you get these Christmas crackers from?’.  A gorgeous smelling cinnamon candle can be just as effective in creating a Christmas feeling alongside the light heartedness of pulling the cracker at the Christmas table.

Candles also double as a great way to add twinkly ambience.  Even for us who celebrate Christmas in the southern hemisphere, it is still appropriate to light up your house.  Let it sparkle!

What is your best piece of advice for decorating?

Your house, your rules. That would be my best advice.

If you want to go full out with decorations then go for it.

Create memories and traditions your family and friends will remember.

Christmas can have a different meaning to every household. Some people love what Christmas Day means to them.

Enjoying 25th December with those they love and care for.

Others love the actual day plus the 24 days of leading up to Christmas, elongating the season for all its worth.

Why not celebrate the year that is finishing and the New Year to come with a little dazzle!

By Pippa Burnett

Pippa Burnett Interiors

@pippaburnettliving