Interiors with Sarah Jane Nielsen

The first of December has arrived. I am sure most of us are the same and would love time to amble through the Christmas displays in the shops, making our seasonal selections from this year’s array and adding to our already existing box of Christmas decorations that come out year after year. It’s rather like decorating your home, when the introduction of that much awaited sofa that just has to be delivered before Christmas arrives to highlight your existing room, except less permanent. However, the thought of out with the old and in with the new is not on most of our shopping lists. So Christmas decor refreshment is the only way.

I feel fortunate, I have in built Scandinavian blood so my selected decor consists in the main of traditional wooden and silver Danish products and, yes, I have had them for a very long time. But they do come out again and again with a white, red and silver theme, because we love it. Red and white flags everywhere (no, I have never been tempted to red, white and blue and wouldn’t recommend it). Every year I just decide which one to emphasise. But with longevity in mind.

I have been known to preach regarding the shelf life of this year’s fashionable ‘trend’ statement in decoration, lasting as long as this year’s wardrobe trend. Last year was azure and baby blue, this year its dusky pink and salmon. If you fancy your baubles pink this year, then I suggest they won’t be the greatest investment unless your chosen interior décor can take it year after year. But if you don’t care, and they are your chosen accent, then go for it.

You will notice how much soft grey is around as a basic for your wardrobe this year, I pray this has longevity as this colour has been my magnolia for many years, and I hope it will stay that way. You will notice that it lives very well with most accent colours, so it will not restrict you. There is probably seven different tones of grey in my home, and as a back drop to our personal belongings as well as our Christmas décor, I know it will always work with silver, red and white. Gold is less of a favourite, but as with jewellery, its personal preference.

I will say there are some highly rated pre-Christmas destinations where you can see the best in beautiful decoration and experience the enthusiasm, atmosphere and attention to detail. Magazines do offer us a fantastic display to get us in the mood. New York is still on my list, but I will say, for us, Denmark is one of those places. If you get a chance try Copenhagen, or any similar town during the lead up to Christmas, I think you’ll get the bug.

There must be a reason why some of the best interior design comes out of Denmark, and I put it down to the people and their expectations and therefore creativity in perfection.