Natural elements and colours inspired by decadent desserts (think: caramel, vanilla and chocolate) set the stage for sweet celebrations in this designer’s home.
While Michelle Berwick’s family celebrates Christmas Eve with savoury homemade potato, bacon and blue cheese pizzas, the entire holiday season takes on a more confectionary tone.
“My main floor has a creamy dessert colour scheme that inspires my festive decor,” says the designer, who shares the home in Sharon, Ont., with husband Gary and daughter Mia (11), son Brody (9) and Boxer puppy Piper. “Sticking to one palette and adding greenery is simple, yet chic and easy,” she says. “Layer in some ornaments and that’s all you need for festive fun.”
Touch of blush
DESIGN, Michelle Berwick Design. Outdoor CHANDELIER, Wayfair. Pine CHAIR, Miller Island. WREATHS, MBD Shop. GARLAND, Canadian Tire.
A twinkly chandelier and pair of flocked wreaths tied together with velvet ribbon factor in a holiday warmth that doesn’t compete with the renovated exterior. “I wanted to keep the festive decor simple so as not to take away from the new stone-work and chunky peaked roof we recently added,” Michelle says. The blush pine chair and soft pink door channel the confection vibe. Inside, the staircase is loosened up with faux eucalyptus garlands, caramel-hued ribbons and sparkly lights.
Circles and stars
KITCHEN CABINETRY, Hartley Built. COUNTER STOOLS, Urban Barn. PENDANT LIGHTS, Nuevo. APPLIANCES, Caplan’s Appliances.
In the kitchen, Michelle layers in practical embellishments by adorning the island’s stools with individual wreaths for an instant festive feel. “They don’t interfere with sitting at all, since it’s just a thin ribbon between your back and the stool,” she says. Star ornaments and more faux garlands bring holiday charm to open cupboard space where even the toaster is styled to be merry and bright. Shelves get the same sprinkling of stars and some simple ornament displays that add a dash of sparkle.
Light snow
FAUX GREENERY, CANDLES, MBD Shop. PLATES, CB2.
“The table is set simply and finished with faux greens and cone candles in varying heights and dessert-colour tones,” Michelle says. “I love how these sculptural beauties can take your table from frumpy to fabulous instantly.” On Christmas Eve, she augments the faux greenery with a bit of the real thing to add some fresh colour and a holiday scent.
Dinner plans
PENDANT LIGHT, Elte Mkt. DINING CHAIRS, Nuevo. ARTWORK, On the Wall Framing.
Michelle custom-designed the dining area’s table and banquette, both in creamy shades of latte. The pendant light is adorned with greens and more caramel velvet ribbon. “Ribbon is your best holiday friend,” says Michelle. “Tie it on light fixtures, menus, the banister, wherever you like, for instant cheer.”
The tree is tops
Toy FAWN, Mastermind Toys. ARMCHAIR, Urban Barn. TABLE, Niche Decor.
“I chose a flocked faux tree that gives the vibe of hiking through a forest on a snowy day,” Michelle says. “It’s magical.” The tree is trimmed with a mix of handmade ornaments and new caramel-coloured ones that Michelle painted with white flecks. “I wanted them to look like the fur on our sweet fawn stuffed toy.” She scattered these bulbs on the dining table, too, for neat continuity that feels cozy and warm.
Festive alternatives to Christmas trees
