Tim Gunn Shares His Favorite On-Trend Holiday (Decor) Looks This Season
Tim Gunn has made his career as the impeccable, unflappable voice of reason on Project Runway. And during the chaos of the holiday season, there’s nothing we need more than just that. Now, however, he’s changed gears from the world of design to the word of decorating with a new role as spokesperson for Command. If you’re wondering how Gunn’s inimitable taste translates to decking the halls, he’s sharing which fashion-inspired trends he’s loving this season (including animal print). Scroll on to see how to “make it work” for your own home this season. Sorry — we couldn’t resist!
1. Animal Print: Animal print for Christmas? Believe it. “Animal prints are back, and I love them,” says Gunn. While a light touch is required to not go overboard with something as bold as animal print, Gunn reassures us that it’s really not as intimidating as it seems. Start with details rather than making this print a main focal point, and you’ll be on the right track. “Animal print is really not that challenging if you think about wrapping packages — ribbon, wrapping paper, paper products, napkins, even tablecloths,” he says. And yes, you can pair it with more classic Christmas standbys too. “I think that red and green look great with most animal prints; they’re beautiful punches of color with a more neutral background,” Gunn suggests. “Of course, it’s a matter of taste. I find that, unless it’s overdone, animal print is very stylish and chic.”
2. Tartan: You may already consider plaid to be synonymous with the holidays, thanks to cozy flannels and tartan cookie tins, but there’s more to this iconic pattern than the ever-present red and green. “Tartan is a no-brainer,” says Gunn. “It’s a classic textile and comes in myriad colors and styles, and it has a great history and lineage.” Take a cue from the print’s major fashion moment and incorporate less-expected versions of the print into your home, with everything from pillows and throws to tree skirts.
3. Metallics: In contrast to past years’ preference for rustic, natural textures, shimmer and shine feel very fresh. “When it comes to metallics, I think about the literal translation — into tinsel, for instance,” says Gunn, as well as “snowflakes, and laser-cut ornaments in very light metals that we hang on the tree.”
4. Faux “Fir”: Okay, so we’ve taken some liberties with the runway-to-holiday theme, but this time- and sanity-saving tip is near and dear to Gunn’s heart. “I’m a bit of a neat freak, so bringing in a real Christmas tree or real pine boughs is something I’m not going to do. I have a lot of artificial stuff,” he says. “I have a tradition of hanging twelve-foot long pine boughs off of Command hooks, placed about 8 inches below the ceiling (so they’re high!).”
Follow us on Pinterest for more holiday decor inspo!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
(Images via Command and Getty)