Christmas tree alternatives for when space is a challenge!

Well after the last week we can safely say that Winter has made its presence truly felt in the last week.

Having been shut in more than usual I have been thinking about much re-organisation goes into many UK homes to accommodate the traditional Christmas tree (often requiring a revised room layout during December to accommodate this extra “piece of furniture”). In fact, one of the first questions we are often asked by clients after we have completed a sitting room is where should we place the Christmas tree?

In small homes where space is of a premium the area taken up by these trees can be a significant issue. The main problem with the traditional shape is that lower branches take up a considerable amount of space.

Unfortunately, a small traditional pine often looks like you are using the top that has been cut off a reasonably sized tree and can make a disappointing central piece. So if you want to add impact and a bit of seasonal cheer why not avoid a traditional tree and opt for something more thought provoking.

It is vital to keep a Christmas focal point, so even if your tree alternative is just a few centimetres tall the way you present it will alter the effect. Begin by choosing a location that gives the decoration prominence such as a shelf, mantle-piece or side table and place it centrally. Then clear away any other nearby items to ensure that the space your centre piece occupies is clear of other visual disturbance. This will ensure that your choice dominates the area; when space is a premium less is definitely more!

I have fallen in love with the Bright Button Tabletop Mini Tree which stands at 29cm. It is decorated entirely in tiny red, green and white buttons and looks like something Santa’s elves might have created (£21.99 – The Contemporary Home; www.tch.net or 02392 469400).  This will also make a great centre piece on your Christmas dining table. 

Alternatively, the White Metal Christmas Tree Decoration from Berry Red features tea-lights and bauble decorations in a modern design which retains a traditional feel. I am always a little nervous around lighted candles - particularly when there might be a lot of alcohol being consumed, but as long as you keep a close eye on things this should be a treat (£60 – www.berryred.co.uk; 01432 274805).

If you are feeling particularly creative and have limited floor area, but an area of wall space then a removable wall sticker can make a wonderful focal point. The look is definitely striking and works particularly well in a modern environment. Stickers or decals are also a fun option in a children’s bedroom if you want to make their space feel more festive.



The Christmas Tree Wall Sticker from Spin Collective, available in 16 vibrant colours, has a wonderful contemporary cartoon feel to it and is 100cm high (£20 - www.spincollective.co.uk; 01242 255244).

If you like this idea and fancy making the tree a permanent fixture then Love Mae have launched the Decorative Christmas Tree vn a Re-usable Wall Decal – a bit of a mouthful, but a wonderful product. The tree can be left with leaves all year round and then Christmas decorations can be added for the Festive time of the year. The decorations can be removed, cleaned and re-applied again – perfect for creating your own look and for re-use (£50; www.garrendennylane.com – 00 353 86 1051007).

For a modern full size tree alternative that will not compromise your space consider a shape that is small at the base and large on top. Many shops have cottoned on to this and are creating slim line traditional trees.  However, my favourite solution this year ditches the traditional form as Asda presents its 150cm Cherry Blossom Christmas Tree - this really is understated elegance personified. Its blue lights add cool chic with a small trunk opening out to branches at the top. At £150 it is more of a long term investment, but is certainly one I will be looking to make (ww.asda.co.uk).
 

Jamie Hempsall is winner of Best Interior Design – North East 2010 in the UK Property Awards in association with Bloomberg Television. Contact him on 0800 0321 180 or via www.jamiehempsall.com

Parts of this article were first published in the Yorkshire Post on Weds 8th December 2010

Spring Trends for Fabrics & Wallcoverings

As British Summer Time starts, interior designer Jamie Hempsall looks at this season's trends for your home


The last couple of weeks have proved a breath of fresh air as we once again remember the joy of sunshine and a bit of warmth. I know that as I write this we are actually facing the prospect of a return to showers and even snow, however, let’s forget that for the time-being and concentrate on the fact that officially Spring has arrived.



Obviously, this means Design Houses throughout the Country are ringing the changes and introducing new Spring/Summer Fabric and Wall-covering Collections for 2010.



It is customary in Spring to see to introduction of flora and fauna and this year proves no exception. Perhaps in a reaction to the excesses of the early naughties, colour palettes appear more natural than we have seen in recent years. Many collections feature calm hues of soft light pink or blue, teamed with natural brown, green or ochre. As you would expect light backgrounds (such as simple ivory and cream) play an important part in many collections.

 

A simple, yet delightful interpretation of the Spring theme is found in Bloom from Prestigious Textiles (£25.50/m; www.prestigious.co.uk – 01274 688448) in Polyester Cotton featuring large flowers on never ending stems against muted cream or duck egg blue backgrounds. Those seeking a classic English Country Bouquet should consider Oranienbaum from the Pavilion collection by Designers Guild in 100% Silk (£70/m; http://www.designersguild.com/).

When it comes to wall-covering, simple and natural is epitomised by the clean, elegant 18th century Swedish designs featured in the Gustavus Collection from Zoffany. Their Eleonora paper hits all the right spots with beautiful birds on blossom covered stems (£42/roll; www.zoffany.com - 0844 543 9600).

Flowers are further emphasised in a number of collections featuring large white blooms on coloured backgrounds. These designs introduce an air of calm into any room and are ideal used as fabrics or wall-coverings.



Imperial from the Majestic Collection by Prestigious Textiles (£43/m; details as before) is a viscose polyester blend which feels like linen and helps avoid excess creasing.

Alternatively, the soft sheen of Rosella Silk from Harlequin Fabrics conjures up images of period summer dresses and tea parties (£52/m or available as a wallpaper at £39/roll; www.harlequin.uk.com – 0845 123 6815).

If you want a more vibrant silk option choose Watelet by Designers Guild (details as before) which features pastel drawn white roses with charcoal stems on a number of striking backgrounds; available in 100% silk as a fabric (£70/m) or as a wallpaper (£43/roll).



Spring 2010 is an incredible season for lovers of toile which features in many ranges. The Chantemerle collection from Zoffany is an elegant re-working of 18th Century Copperplate toiles, incorporating a variety of subjects from classical panels to floral trails.

My personal favourite “Au Pied Des Ruines” bucks the monochromatic tradition showing country scenes that incorporate pink, green and brown to slightly lift the overall effect (£65/m as fabric or £44/roll as wallpaper; details as before).

Etienne from Harlequin reverses the traditional toile coloured print on a plain background, picking out the main design in small white panels and showing them against a striking coloured background: a design that works particularly well when you use it in wall panels or to upholster a bedroom seat (£30/m as cotton linen fabric or £44/roll as a wallpaper).

My advice when using toile is not to be half-hearted about it. It is a statement so be brave and consistent. Use a matching design (never mix patterns or colours) on walls, curtains and soft-furnishings. The range of fabrics available this year that include nautical and architectural themes mean that you can finally achieve this look without it being over-feminine.

Jamie Hempsall, BIDA, is one of the region’s leading interior designers. You can contact him on 01777 248463 or studio@jamiehempsall.com.

Yorkshire Post Mid-Week Life & Style Section - Weds 31st March - Interiors