A leading interior stylist has unveiled her definitive list of what's in and what's out for Christmas decorating this year, and it spells trouble for fans of spindly tinsel, multicoloured fairy lights and uniform bauble sets.
The Expert's Verdict on Festive Trends
Zahli, the creative force behind By Zahli, is renowned for crafting high-impact interior designs without the luxury price tag, a philosophy she describes as having 'champagne taste on a beer budget'. A self-confessed Kmart enthusiast, she has shared her top affordable finds from the retailer alongside the trends she's championing and those she believes have had their day.
What's IN for Christmas 2024
Multi-Use Decorations: With living costs rising, Zahli advocates for versatile pieces. "A botanical Christmas is always a flexible option in Australia," she notes, suggesting faux flora that can adorn your tree before moving to a vase for the rest of the year. She highlights Kmart's Artificial Native Bunch as a perfect example.
The Ralph Lauren Christmas: This viral, opulent trend is a firm favourite. Zahli advises achieving the luxe look affordably by using Kmart's Traditional and Natural Flocked Hanging Decorations in deep red, forest green and cool mint. Adding plaid ribbon bows completes the aesthetic.
Scale and Statement: "The bigger the bauble, the better," she asserts. Incorporating oversized ornaments, large velvet bows or poinsettias creates a dramatic impact.
Making Your Own Rules: The most crucial 'in' is personalisation. If traditional colours don't suit, she encourages choosing a theme that reflects your life, such as Kmart's Ocean Ornaments or Travel Decoration Packs.
What's OUT for Christmas 2024
Thin Tinsel: While tinsel itself isn't dead, the thin variety is. Zahli recommends buying double and braiding it for a thicker, more luxurious effect.
Boring Value-Pack Baubles: The days of cheap, matching sets are over. She urges decorators to mix and match ornaments with different textures, shapes and finishes for a unique tree, suggesting a combination like Kmart's Candy Gift Garland, Pink Candy Tinsel Baubles and Mini Decorations.
Colourful Christmas Lights: An overload of mismatched multi-coloured lights is definitively out. Zahli states, "Nobody wants to see an array of mismatched coloured lights choking an otherwise beautiful tree." She recommends sticking to one colour, preferably warm white, with varied bulb shapes.
Zahli's Top Kmart Must-Buys
The stylist has curated a list of her favourite festive purchases from the retailer this season:
- Light Up Glass Christmas Tree (£12 approx)
- Gingerbread Village Door Mat (£16 approx)
- Christmas Wovy Boxen PJ Set (£20 approx)
- Christmas Novelty Scuffs (£10 approx)
- Christmas Tree Serve Board (£16 approx)
- Christmas Gift Tags (£3 approx)
Ultimately, Zahli's guidance empowers everyone to create a festive home that feels both stylish and personal, proving that a limited budget doesn't have to limit your Christmas spirit.
