For the past three Christmases, I have offered interior design students from Plymouth College of Art an opportunity to style our Mount Edgcumbe shop. I really believe in 'learning by doing' and this project also helps each student build their portfolio of work which could count towards their qualification.
This year, Kirsty got in touch with some fabulous Scandinavian influenced styling. She started the creative process with a mood board which reflected her design thoughts and ideas.
Kirsty explains her role: "When I was first offered the opportunity to work with Helen, I was overwhelmed. I felt like I was finally doing something that would tie in all of my interests. I used the opportunity to explore design ideas with natural materials to match the style of the products in the shop.
I’ve decided to go for Scandinavian styling to reflect the sustainable nature of the store. I like the concept of using natural, earthy colours throughout to give the idea of bringing the outdoors in.
The first thing we tend to think of when we mention "Christmas" is getting the tree out and decorating it. As the tree is one of the many symbols of the holiday, I decided to go back to the "roots" of this idea and focus on things that can be found in a pine forest.
My vision entails pine cones hanging in the windows and pine needles woven through wreaths to create cosy decor throughout the shop.
I sourced and collected as much as I could locally and made DIY decorations that compliment the shop to give it an elegant, festive aura with a personal touch."
Here are Kirsty’s five top tips for simple styling this Christmas:-
1. Spray paint your tree
Spray painting your artificial Christmas tree means you get to reuse the tree that brings you joy year after year, whilst keeping in line with interior trends that are constantly changing. It also reduces waste, so it’s a win, win!
2. Bring the outdoors in
The more foliage you have on the inside, the cosier your space will feel. Go to the local park, forest or outdoor space and collect some things that will spruce up your decor. Sticks, twigs and holly are great additions to wreaths, while dried flowers or fruits can make some fragrant, festive potpourri. Don’t forget the pine cones too! They can be used for practically anything from baubles to ornaments. Get creative and get outdoors.
3. DIY decorations
Christmas is all about spending time with your family so why not make it a personal one this year with getting everyone involved with making decorations.
4. Be yourself
Christmas is the one time of the year where you can splatter your personality all over your house without being judged for it, so go wild!
5. Have fun
This one speaks for itself. The most important part of enjoying time off work at the holidays is having fun!
Kirsty finished by saying "I've always dreamt of building my own unique homes that follow sustainable development. I'm extremely interested in my surroundings and would love to pursue a career that would bring the environment/nature and design together in harmony whilst being able to travel around."
After lots of hard work, the shop looks cosy and very festive with the wonderful fragrance of forest pine as you step through the door. Kirsty has done an excellent job and we look forward to welcoming her back next year to style the shop for Easter! If you are in the area, do pop in, take a look at Kirsty’s Christmas styling and say hello to me and the team. Thank you Kirsty!
Find Kirsty on Instagram.