Looking for Christmas decorating inspiration? Let's see how an internationally renowned interior designer does it. UK-based Katharine Pooley will be celebrating Christmas in her cottage, The Weatherstone House, on the windswept Devonshire coast.
For Pooley, Christmas by the sea means bracing beach walks, fortifying dips in the sea, tobogganing on the dunes, a hot bath by candlelight, cozy chats by the fire and an informal festive lunch with the family. So she has decorated her cottage to suit this simple life. Natural elements abound: ivy, pine and greenery come from the grounds of her home in Oxfordshire, and stones and shells from the surrounding beaches.
An archway of seasonal foliage frames the entrance to the cottage while a simple, loose wreath welcomes visitors to the deep blue front door. In the hallway, boots line up in preparation for a dog walk and mistletoe hangs in readiness upon heavy winter coats.
In the living room, the light blue interior is warmed by a candlelit mantelpiece, roaring fire, and softly twinkling lights on the Christmas tree. Early white daffodils add their delicate scent.
Paper chains from The Shop Floor Project, plates of gingerbread men and presents wrapped in paper from Payhembury Marbled Papers tied together with velvet ribbons add whimsical detail.
The task of decorating the tree is shared by Pooley's two sons, who have festooned it with baubles, marbled orbs from Cox and Cox and natural starfish - a recurring theme in the decorations.
Starfish also act as napkin holders on the festive table. Oyster shells are used to hold salt and pepper while cockleshells collected by the boys are scattered across the linen tablecloth. The table is strewn with foliage, oranges and handmade tapered candles set in antique brass candlesticks. Details include handmade brown paper crackers, wicker placemats from William Yeoward and linen napkins with raw edges.
A quiet corner by the stairs is the perfect place to enjoy a cup of tea and a mince pie. Foliage studded with subtle white starfish and clusters of pinecones line the banisters. "My favorite detail is the glass lamp base and shade from Fermoie with its delicate gathered shade," said Pooley.
Pooley has worked foliage between the rails of the bunk beds to create a magical Christmas grotto effect and a miniature tree on the windowsill is decorated with tiny Victorian glass miniature baubles.
The master bathroom is a calming retreat. A loose arrangement of branches and leaves hangs above the blue roll cast iron bath, with a timber stool perfectly positioned for reading a good book by candlelight.
Website: www.weatherstonehouse.co.uk
ivy.ong@singtaonewscorp.com
