Text by Elizabeth Czapski
A few weeks ago, we chatted with paint and color expert and creator of Chalk Paint Annie Sloan about her favorite kind of Christmas décor: DIY. And with Christmas just around the corner, she’s back this week with more! While Annie shared some more involved projects in Part I, this time, we’ll be focusing on last-minute trimmings, New Year’s displays, and tips for extending your embellishments into the coming seasons. While these ideas span a kaleidoscopic spectrum, they all have one thing in common—color and the instant enchantment it brings to the holidays and beyond.
“Color is joyful,” Annie says. “It can be used to spark feelings of happiness, excitement, and contentment. It can also create drama. Rich, jewel-toned shades serve as a beautiful backdrop to Christmas metallics. Think of the beauty and magic of the night sky, bedecked with sparkling stars. Joy and drama are key ingredients in enhancing the magic of Christmas. Adding color is the best and quickest way to build a beautiful backdrop for memories that will last a lifetime. It’s the quickest, easiest way to update your home and your decorations without buying new.”
Stockings and Sacks
“Save leftover fabric from projects throughout the year to make DIY stockings and sacks for Christmas,” Annie suggests. This serves as a foolproof way to achieve a seamless aesthetic between your home’s interiors and holiday trimmings. “They’ll make great little gifts on their own, but of course, they work best filled with lots of lovely treats,” she adds.
Merry and Bright
Instantly give your sideboard a whole new look by revamping small accessories with a coat of Chalk Paint. “Lamps, trays, and candlesticks will pop in contrasting colors tailored to your Christmas scheme, while hand-painted gift wrap adds an extra decorative touch,” Annie says. “Emphasize the party aspect of Christmas by creating a fiesta feel using bright, bold, joy-sparking colors. It’s a great way to dip your toe into a world of color by experimenting at a forgiving time of year.” Plus, a vibrant party palette like this also works for New Year’s Eve and other celebrations throughout the year.
Deck the Halls
“Indulgent, cozy, and magical, jewel tones are the perfect choice for Christmas,” Annie says. “The depth of pigment will emphasize the bright glow from metallics, fairy lights, and flickering candlelight to create a space fit for the three kings!” And this simple yet elegant scene can easily transition from Christmas to New Year’s to cozy winter nights basking in its glow.
The Night Before
Once the main living areas of your home are decorated for the season, turn your attention to more private spaces like bedrooms—they don’t need much to feel festive. “Hints of greenery and a handmade stocking are the perfect touches for a restful bedroom which nods to the excitement of Christmas,” Annie says.
Natural Beauty
While rich versions of green and purple are often employed in holiday schemes, when lightened up, the colors bring a fresh spin to Christmas and a combo that feels on point for the winter season and beyond. “Sage green is a gentle shade with a calming energy, which will work year-round in any space,” Annie explains. “At Christmas, it pairs wonderfully with natural foliage—try applying Gilding Wax to the edges of branches and leaves for an extra magical touch.”
Warm Neutrals
For those crisp white spaces in your home, just string up some lights paired with fun garland to bring in easy color and no-fuss flair. “An all-white interior creates the illusion of a room being lighter, brighter, and larger,” Annie says. “However, white is not an emotional color, so you’Il need layers of texture and tones to bring depth and comfort. Use nuanced shades, from cool to warm, for a softer, more flattering look than a single, pure white.”
Winter Wonderland
“Baubles aren’t just for trees,” Annie says. “You can source giant ones from craft shops or online and transform with a lick of Chalk Paint.” Saturated hues, like fuchsia, also lend themselves well to New Year’s displays, and these oversize orbs can remain sans tree. “A fun way to decorate your hallway or stairs, they’re also easy to paint over. Why not create a Christmas tradition, giving your baubles a new look every year?” Annie says. And don’t stop there—find ways to use them for other holidays and events!
New Year’s Eve
While blue is becoming a popular color to use in Christmas motifs, it also makes a show-stopping New Year’s Eve backdrop in its deepest shades, warmed by glistening gold accompaniments. “Blue and gold are one of the richest pairings in the artist’s palette, with references ranging from Gatsby-esque Art Deco to Byzantine-style banquets,” Annie says. “Introducing metallic hints into deep blue schemes will elevate your look from the everyday to the celestial and celebratory.” And the beauty of blue is its versatility—so rest assured, it will endure through the seasons.
