We are so excited to be working with 3 of Australia’s leading stylists, Liz Amaya, Gina Ciancio and Jen Bishop who will be showcasing pieces from our 2019 Christmas collections in their own homes to create beautiful Christmas memories!
These very on trend gals each have their own unique style, all different, but all beautiful.
To help you get to know them a little better we asked them to share with us some of their favourite Christmas memories as well as their tips for Christmas decorating like a pro.
But first, if you’re not yet following these talented ladies, here’s a bit about them and details of how you can connect with them.
Liz Amaya is a creative stylist based in Brisbane who posts photos of her own home as well as homes she has staged. As a busy mum of 4, Liz predominantly focuses on a neutral colour palette, with touches of blush pink. You can find her on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liz.amaya.style/
Gina Ciancio is an interior stylist based in Canberra. She is a mum of two children and has recently finished building her own home. On her award winning blog and social media platforms, you’ll find posts about her passion for minimalist design, architecture, decorating, DIY and hacks. https://www.instagram.com/stylecuratorau
Jen Bishop is a former journalist and magazine editor based in Sydney. With her focus on being a mum and renovating her home, Jen showcases her passion for interior decor and homewares at https://www.instagram.com/interiorsaddict
When do you start your Christmas decorating each year?
Liz : First week of December
Gina: I usually put my tree up on 1 November which shocks a lot of people but given all the effort it takes to put up, I want to be able to enjoy it for more than just a few weeks! That said, I did just buy some new Christmas decor at the shops today so it will likely start even earlier this year, haha.
Jen: I always intend to start earlier than I do and the end up being a bit last minute! The festive season always sneaks up open me as there’s always so much else going on!
Do you have a particular theme or style for your Christmas decorating?
Liz: A simple, neutral palette
Gina: The base of my styling is silver but each year I’ll put a bit of a different twist on it – sometimes more traditional, or a different accent colour. Last year, I used some gold as an accent colour and this year I’ll use sage instead.
Jen: I used to be a lot more themed and a lot more control freak around everything matching and being classic. Since having kids, I’ve loosened the reins a little, because it really is so much about children and the magic they find in it!
How often do you change your Christmas decorating style, each year, every few years etc?
Liz: Probably every couple of years
Gina: The bulk of all my Christmas decor stays the same but every year I’ll do something a little different. Perhaps I’ll try new ways of styling the items I have – I’m always moving things about and I do enjoy any excuse to DIY – or I might buy a few new accent pieces.
Jen: Each year I find myself adding to an increasingly eclectic mix of baubles with a lot of fun and colour to appeal to Sebastian! I keep it from getting too crazy by trying to keep a base of one or two colours, like gold one year or pink and silver another year. And then all the fun and quirky pieces are added to that.
What areas of your home do you decorate for Christmas?
Liz: Lounge room and entryway
Gina: I love creating an arrangement in my entry for a festive first impression and the only place my Christmas tree fits these days is my dining room. Often I’ll sprinkle some decor through my living room too and this year I plan on creating quite a festive look in my living room.
Jen: It’s all about the tree in our home!
What is your first or favourite memory of Christmas decorations and decorating at Christmas?
Liz: As a child, we always played Christmas carols as we decorated our tree and now it is a tradition I share with my family.
Gina: My family is from Germany and we don’t do Christmas by halves there! Growing up, all our decorations were the handmade timber ornaments found at the Christmas markets in Germany and my favourite memories of Christmas were around decorating our tree with these.
Jen: All my best decorating memories are in the UK as a child, decorating the tree and watching the twinkly lights come on. It will never be quite the same here in Australia as I find it doesn’t get dark enough to see the full effect of the tree lights!
Do you have any particular rituals that form part of your Christmas decorating?
Liz : Probably just waiting until December to decorate the house 🏡
Gina: Does cracking open a bottle of wine and playing Christmas carols count? Haha.
How important do you think decorating and styling spaces at Christmas is and why?
Liz: It depends on the individual but as a child, we always made Christmas decorating a priority and so I do the same with my family. Now as a stylist I love keeping the Christmas decorations on trend with what’s popular and compliments my style.
Gina: To me it’s so important, it builds the excitement and anticipation of Christmas. Especially since becoming a mum, I want to go all out and create magical memories for my children because I have so many special and fond memories from my childhood.
Jen: I think it’s lovely to celebrate the festive season and the long break from work and school. Christmas is so magical with kids and seeing the joy on their faces is just brilliant.
Do you have any tips, hacks or general words of styling wisdom to share with us about Christmas decorating and styling?
Liz : Choose your decorations around the style/decor you currently have in your home. Choose pieces you love that will compliment these to create a sense of flow through your home. You don’t have to have bright red tinsel to make your home feel like Christmas, just subtle pieces added to the coffee table, front door or entry table is enough.
Gina: I love a Christmas DIY to personalise your home and keep costs down. From DIY doormats to gift wrapping, Christmas decor you can make yourself, and affordable table styling ideas, I share it all on my blog stylecurator.com.au
Jen: I really think you should go with what makes you happy. Some people love a theme and can’t bear to go outside of it, and that’s ok! But if you like something colourful and unstructured and your tree is full of less than perfect kids’ homemade ornaments, that’s great too. It’s all about making memories!
We couldn’t agree with you more ladies – Christmas really is about making wonderful memories with your family and friends and you style your home is one wonderful part of the memories you make!
We would love to be part of the memories you make with your loved ones this Christmas so be sure to connect with us s via Insta, Facebook, and Pinterest and share the countdown to Christmas with us and these 3 talented ladies xo.