Dear Santa

If you’re looking for a few extra presents for a loved one this Christmas, or in fact you’re still collected ideas for your own list, there are some really fun and interesting homeware pieces that’ll make wonderful presents. Whether you’re looking for a few stocking fillers, or that special something, take a look at these last minute Christmas ideas.

Lustre Curve Vase from West Elm

These painted, hand-blown glass vases from West Elm are the perfect dazzling Christmas present for someone with a glamorous style. The rich blue and bronze mixture of colour will stand out from the crowd and make a beautiful centrepiece.

Sticking to the rich midnight blue theme, this inky coloured whale from Rockett St George is a triple threat, it’s stylish, practical and makes for a great present; perfect for displaying a few favourites on the windowsill or on a sideboard.

Cast Iron Whale Bookends from Rockett St George

Christmas is mainly about two things; presents and family, but mainly the presents, so combine the two with a beautiful picture frame that you can keep a treasured photo in. These faux shagreen photo frames from Oka will add extra style to a contemporary setting. Equally, these duck leg frames from Graham & Green are a fun way to add some style and show off a beloved memory.

Faux Shagreen Photo Frames with Curved Edges from Oka

Duck Feet Frames from Graham & Green

If you want to continue the fun, these ceramic planters from West Elm will put a smile on anyone’s face. The different animals can be used to match personality and taste, I think I’d go for the llama design myself! Keep them up on a dresser or add to a windowsill display.

Ceramic Animal Planters from West Elm

For someone will more glam taste, this gold embellished vases from The Estate Yard will make a great collection to display and show off single stem flowers.

Gold Vases from The Estate Yard

Or if you want to help someone house a slightly larger botanical friend, this graphic pot also from The Estate Yard is a fun, modern way to keep a plant.

Graphic Plant Pot from The Estate Yard

This little cactus is super cute, and works as a jewellery box, which would make a sweet addition to someone’s dressing table.

Cactus Jewellery Box from Maison du Monde

Our little cactus friend would go extra nicely with someone of these bamboo trinket boxes from Rockett St George.

Bamboo Trinket Boxes from Rockett St George

Finally, if you know someone who just loves throws, these little ones from West Elm have a dappled pattern and come in five different colourways, a lovely thing to snuggle into after all that Christmas lunch.

Cosiest Space-Dyed Throws from West Elm

If you find yourself a little stuck for ideas, or know someone in need of some homeware inspiration, send them a few thoughtful pieces that’ll make them smile this Christmas.

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A Stair-studded Affair

They often tend to be forgotten about, but stairwells are a prime bit of decorating real estate. As long as the basic function of your stairs isn’t compromised, you can have pretty much a free reign on how you’d like to utilise the area; turning it from a passing space getting you from A to B, into a beautiful feature in its own right. Whether you’re thinking big and bold or simple and sweet, there are loads of great ways to style a staircase, and the individual parts of them that you may not have thought about.

Your stair risers, the vertical part between each step, is often an underrated part of your stairway, and it’s a great place to add a little stylistic element, especially if you have narrower stairs that can’t afford to give up any surface space. Depending on your style, and the style of your home, there are all sorts of ways to get creative. Using tiles to decorate your risers can be a lovely way to introduce a pattern or colour into the area, and can really give your stairs some extra flair. This monochrome mix of tiles leading up the stairs really adds some personality, turning the stairs into a main focal point.

Hand Painted Tiles on Stair Risers from Eva Rees Flickr via Pinterest

I love this idea of introducing to developing a theme with the tiles you’re using, these Gatsby tiles from Fired Earth has an Art Deco style, and could give a staircase a really beautiful, smart finish.

Gatsby Tile from The High Society Collection from Fired Earth

If you live in a rented property, or just what to try out a style, using decals is a simple and easy way to add a pattern to your stairs. This geometric pattern has introduced a bit of flavour to a clean and contemporary case of stairs; it works perfectly with the dark wood of the steps.

Stair Decals by Stickers Colouray at Etsy

The wall leading up the staircase is an optimal location to hang a collection of artwork, big or small, especially if you have a few pieces that don’t quite go with the style of your living or bedroom, but you love them anyway. A stairway is well suited for this as it means you’ll see your pieces everyday but not all day, every day. You might want to create some synergy between your artwork, sticking to similar style frames and the artwork itself, or use the space as a miscellaneous heaven, with a collection you’ve been compiling for years and can continue to add to.  I like the black and gold theme of this collection below, it gives a sense of matching tranquility, as well a glamorous feel.

Collection of Prints with Gold and Black Frames from Apartment Therapy via Pinterest

If you have a collection similar to this one, creating a beautiful wall display on your stairs may be the best way to show it off. Displaying it on the stairs means both you and your guests will find new discoveries as you’re coming and going.

Collection of Curiosities from Remodelista via Pinterest

In the same way a collection of art works wonderfully on your stairs, so does a gang of mirrors, or ornamental frames. Whether it’s a contemporary, vintage or traditional style you want to go for, a selection of mirrors moving up the stairs can make a beautiful feature. I love this collection, they’re all different, but kept in sync by their white frames.

Antique Mirrors on the Stairs by Turquoise, Tulips and Bliss via Pinterest

Somewhere in between artwork and antique mirrors lies these gorgeous glass frames from Anthropologie. With their ornate detailing, tassels and space to put prints, postcards, leaves and memorabilia, they’d make a beautiful feature on your stairs.

Royal Theatre Frames from Anthropologie

If you have a wider case of stairs, or perhaps a landing between two flights, you have the opportunity to use of a bit of surface space to decorate. A simple way to give this area a bit of life is with some pretty lanterns, which are always sweet and can be found in a whole variety of styles. If you’re worried about a fire hazard, you can always get some good quality LED candles that’ll still keep the ambience going, without you having to check on them every few minutes. I love these lanterns below, they’re a soft brass colour, which really pops against the stark white or the rest of the interior.

Staircase Lantern Decoration from Anne Sage via Pinterest

For a similar look, these brass lanterns from Mia Fleur will do the trick nicely, the different sizes with help create a nice flow as you move up and down the stairs.

Brass Lanterns from Mia Fleur

For a contemporary take on the Moroccan style lantern, coming soon to Maison du Monde are these fabulous Breme lanterns. The curved glass panes are a nice design feature, and would look beautiful contrasting a white wall, or embracing the drama in a darker interior.

Breme Metal Lantern from Maison du Monde

Your staircase can be more than something you just run up and down when you’re in a rush in the morning; instead it can be a glorious array of style and intrigue, full of creative ideas and interesting items that you pick up over time, giving you an excited new space in your home.

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