Decor & Renovation
An enchanting home decked with florals for the holidays
Photography: Donna Griffith
Decor & Renovation
An enchanting home decked with florals for the holidays
This holiday-ready home curated by interior designer Wendy Reimer shows off unexpected winks of pink.
Less is more. We've heard it before, but moderation feels foreign in the realm of holiday decorating. Yet, Wendy Reimer, the interior designer behind Reimer Design and owner of Greater Toronto Area–based event-rental business Bash Panache, insists, "Do hits of interest that are so beautiful you don't need a lot of them. My trick is to inject fresh florals in key spots." It evokes holiday cheer but allows the architectural features of the home to sing, she notes.
Not convinced? Check out this bona fide mansion that Reimer furnished and decorated for a holiday party with a little help from event planner Laura Olsen. "This house is really special," says Reimer of the 1880s-built 9,200-square-foot landmark home nestled among towering trees in an established Oakville, Ont., neighbourhood.
"The space is traditional, so I wanted some modernity to avoid a fussy or boring feel," says Reimer, who added sparkle with a refined mix of classic furniture, contemporary artwork, glittering metallics and fresh flowers in shades of rose and raspberry instead of the expected yuletide red. The nontraditional hues brighten the grey-and-white backdrop and can be carried into the new year.
Outfitted almost exclusively in Bash Panache pieces, the stunning result speaks for itself, showcasing the merits of practising some restraint. Now, if we can only do the same when the turkey's served!
LAYERED LAIR
Photography: Donna Griffith | Beyond the Horizon art-work by Danièle Rochon, harbourgallery.com.
"I wanted to have fun and introduce levity with colour," says Reimer. "I used raspberry-pink accents and brought in modern artwork for an elegant livable look." She layered the living room fireplace mantel with flowers and fruit.
WARM WELCOME
Photography: Donna Griffith
Reimer framed the entrance to this gorgeous Victorian abode with a pair of seasonal urns and gold-toned glass lanterns lining the steps.
ELEVATED EATS
Photography: Donna Griffith
On the dining table, an etched-mirror charger feels glamorous as a base for the simpler plates, and the beautiful floral linen napkin, folded so the crocheted trim is visible, is bound in velvet ribbon. Custom stationery from Toronto-based Paper & Poste lets guests know that Christmas turkey is on the menu.
RAISE THE BAR
Photography: Donna Griffith | Blowing in the Wind II artwork by Danièle Rochon, harbourgallery.com.
A splashy painting adds colour to the main floor's once-plain built-in bar area. For a stylish presentation, Reimer lined a large champagne bucket with a blue linen towel and filled it with enough bubbly for a crowd. A vintage silver tray topped with goblets has accents of festive greenery to signal the season.
MIX MASTER
Photography: Donna Griffith | Furniture and accessories (throughout, except dining set and rectangular rugs), bashpanache.com. Floral arrangements (throughout), ashleyelaine.ca. Event planning, lauraolsenevents.ca.
Ringed by the original stained-glass transoms, the light-filled dining room is stunning on its own, so Reimer didn't overdo the decor. But she did create a dazzling tablescape. Varying heights and textures—tall metal branch candelabra mingle with short blue glass ones and white frosted votives—effect high drama.
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