Home for the holidays
Festive inspiration from three of Surrey’s finest interior décor specialists...
As the dark nights draw in, thoughts inevitably turn to Christmas and the hope that December can add some much-needed sparkle.
Decorating the home is a long-established tradition, and according to the gurus at John Lewis, this year, styling is set to be ‘bigger and more magical’ than ever before. The department store, which has become an authority on all things festive, predicts oversized baubles, personalised decorations and outdoor lighting are set to be big hits with customers seeking new ways to celebrate and decorate.
Dubbed the company’s Mrs Christmas, buyer Lisa Cherry says: “This year’s themes are inspired by the magic of nostalgia and the enchantment of Christmas. The brilliant in-house design team have taken inspiration from our archives, giving treasured vintage prints a new lease of life across several festive products.”
With that in mind, Prestige Homes caught up with three of Surrey’s home décor experts to share their thoughts on what’s hot this festive season.
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Belle Époque East Molesey
‘Light the night’
Tammy and Matt opened the East Molesey shop nearly 20 years ago, and over the years, it has grown to include a thriving website where we sell the antique and vintage items we source across Europe. Specialising in furniture and lighting - which makes the most of Matt’s skills in restoration – nearly every piece we sell goes through the workshop to ensure it’s as good as new (whilst maintaining the charm of age!)
Seasonal suggestions:
“Our primary tip for making a home cosy in winter is getting the right lighting. There’s genuinely nothing more heartwarming than the gentle sparkle of antique crystal in the evening when you turn the lights down and settle in for the evening.
“Texture is also great for setting a vibe, and we’ve always got a stack of Hungarian sheepskins, which are great as throws or rugs.
“Finally, we’ll never grow tired of the appeal of French antiques! From the grandiose impact of a 19th-century armoire to the honest charm of a worn, old garden chair, the sense of style and proportion and the faded original colours make these pieces the top of our list whenever we’re outsourcing.
“At Christmas time, we’re always well stocked with vintage French champagne coupes, wine glasses and ice buckets as these make fabulous gifts and dress the table with great style.”
Visit belleepoque.me.uk.
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Rock the Heirloom, Chobham
‘All about sustainability’
Amy Eld, the owner of vintage home décor store Rock the Heirloom, describes herself as an ‘antiques disruptor’. Via the online store and must-visit shop based in Chobham, Amy sells a ‘carefully curated selection of beautiful, quirky and unique pieces that will make you smile.’
Amy believes in investing in that one piece that will make your interiors ‘pop,’ and she is on hand to advise on how to achieve that perfect blend of old and new.
The shop is stacked with an array of glassware, furniture, soft furnishings and gifts, all personally chosen by Amy to reflect her eclectic approach to interiors.
Seasonal suggestions:
“I believe it is better to go bright and bold at Christmas - the more colours, the better.
“But above all, sustainability is key. We are keen to do our part, and I think people want to do their bit. Christmas décor is a good place to start. With homewares, it makes sense to go vintage for a festive feel.
“The look is also easy to achieve by using an eclectic mix of candles and sustainable natural materials. You can create a lovely, colourful and vibrant Christmas look.”
Visit rocktheheirloom.co.uk.
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Florence Fortley, Caterham
‘Go big, go bold’
Established in 2021, Florence Fortley is owned by Sally Brady and showcases her love for quirky pieces, all curated to make your home stand out from the rest.
Sally has a background in interior design and enjoys sharing her knowledge face-to-face with visitors to the Godstone Road store. She is also a keen supporter of local businesses and, wherever possible, sources goods from nearby makers.
The shop sells a range of decorative soft furnishings, homeware and gifts, emphasising one-of-a-kind pieces designed to catch the eye.
Seasonal suggestions:
“When it comes to Christmas, more is more. I am a maximalist, and Christmas is the perfect time to say goodbye to the beige.
“This year, many yellows, burnt oranges, and mossy greens are around, which all work well over the festive season. Gold, again, is popular - and I would always go with gold rather than silver.
“One thing that really makes a room feel Christmassy is candles - they are perfect for creating that lovely glow. When it comes to a New Year’s Eve, then anything goes - dazzling decanters and Champagne bowls will get the party started.”
Visit florencefortley.co.uk.
