Madewell is a well-loved go-to for premium denim, cozy essentials, and reliable leather, but, take a closer look, and you’ll see there’s a lot more. In fact, you can fully embrace the Madewell lifestyle, not just dress like it. We discovered their perfectly crafted home decor section and we’re asking ourselves, how did this selection of throw blankets, planters, and kitchen essentials fly under our radar for so long?
Under the Life tab, along with a whole section devoted to Wellness, lies the Home + Gift section, with respective categories for kitchen and bar, bed and bath, home decor, and even DIY and games. The next time you need a gift, want to browse some new art prints, or collect bespoke planters for your new plant, you’ll want to bookmark this section. It’s just that good.
Moreover, the majority of the decor items aren’t Madewell branded, but rather a carefully curated selection of bedding, kitchen items, decor, and art from up and coming brands. It’s part of what Madewell calls it Madewell Marketplace, which allows the businesses to be seen by Madewell’s shoppers, but they handle fulfillment and customer service on their own. There’s even a special section devoted to Hometown Heroes, where Madewell highlights various creators and makers from across the country, giving them a platform to reach a larger audience.
We rounded up several Madewell home decor picks that caught our eye, and we think you’ll be pretty impressed with their selection. So yes, you can now buy your favorite jeans and aesthetically-pleasing homewares at the same exact time.
1. This color-blocked teapot that brings joy
We’re keen on leaving this precious kettle out on display every day. The handcrafted enamelware piece is crafted by traditional artisans in Turkey.
Don’t mind us, just casually eyeing this stunning pattern inspired by cartography aka map-making. We’ll let it take the spotlight as the primary dec pillow on our beds. It’s designed by Upstate New Yorker Sara Berks who collaborates with skilled Guatemalan artisans who hand-weave this pillow on a pedal loom.
Campo is a woman-owned business between two best friends with a passion for clean and modern aromatherapy. This wood-toned diffuser brings new meaning to form and function with a device that fits right into your aesthetic.
Gallery: 20 Christmas decoration ideas to make your home extra festive for 2020 (Real Homes)
The most striking Christmas decoration ideas for 2020
Putting your favorite Christmas decoration ideas into practice is one of the many many joys of Christmastime. And to help you create a striking and stylish display in every room of the house, we’ve rounded up the most inspiring looks that we’ve come across this year.
Though you may have your own holiday decorating traditions (the kids’ salt dough decorations that were meant to resemble stars but don’t, the creepy looking fairy who’s missing an arm, and the nativity scene that’s been annually plundered and is now made up of Playmobil characters), and yes they do have their charm, but that’s not to say that there isn’t room for improvement. And, when you see just how glorious you can make your surroundings look, you will want to change things up a little in not just your living room decor, but in your entire household.
From the best color schemes to choice of accessories and more, we’ve covered it all and there are some top tips from designer experts also to ensure that your decor is on point. Sure, Christmas might be looking a little different this year, but that’s why we think your home’s Christmas decoration is extra important.
CREATE AN UNEXPECTED ASYMETRIC DISPLAY
We’ve said it before and we will say it again, an empty mantle at Christmas is a sad mantle. They are so easy to decorate too, just pick some greenery, add some candles and there you go, your very own glorious Christmas mantel. We love this asymmetric look though, with the large houseplant, it’s unexpected because of the height but definitely adds interest to the space and a clear focal point.
DIY A RUSTIC ADVENT CALENDAR
So simple and so effective! Pick up some brown paper bags from a craft store or Amazon and then hang them using ribbons and strings to start your own DIY advent calendar. Use stickers to add the numbers, or a chalk pen to add patterns. You could hang it anywhere too but we think it would look so cute in a hallway so the kids can just grab their bag as they leave for school.
ADD SOME SUBTLE FESTIVE DECOR TO YOUR KITCHEN
Despite being the heart of the home over the holidays, your kitchen decor scheme can get a bit overlooked when it comes to Christmas. We say that needs to change! Sure, you might not have room for a full on tree in there, but copy this Christmas decorating idea and hang some foliage around a doorway, in your cabinets and over your lighting. Add some cute hanging decorations on your handles too to complete the look.
PAPER STARS MAKE CHRISTMAS DECORATING EASY
The easiest, most effective Christmas decorating ideas we are going for this year? Paper stars. Or just any paper decs actually. They look so stylish and like you have really put in some effort, but all you really did is order a couple of packs of Amazon and hang them all over your home. Order them or make your own paper snowflakes for an even more magical touch.
OR HANG PAPER DECS FROM THE CEILING
Again, another one of the most easy and effective Christmas decoration ideas is to hang an abundance of paper decorations from the ceilings or around mantles, door ways, up the stairs. Pick a mix of styles and sizes and bundle them together to create a proper feature.
EMBRACE THE DARK AND MOODY TREND THIS CHRISTMAS
Dark, moody interiors are all over Instagram this year, and if you’re well into the look, but aren’t sure how to match it with your Christmas decor scheme, we have some really easy ideas. Easiest option? Go for dark colored baubles – black, navy, dark green – will all create a dramatic feel. If you have a dark living room already, go for a contrasting color to create a striking look.
Fill your rooms with lots of dark evergreens, too, trail firs and ivy over mantlepieces, up banisters and around door frames. Stick to candlelight, or low, warm lights to add to the atmosphere.
GO FOR A SCANDI-STYLE CHRISTMAS
Christmas and Scandi style really were made for each other: it’s chilly out, the fire’s lit and the mulled wine is going down a treat. So, if yours is an (almost) all-white room, embrace it with some Scandi Christmas decorating ideas. Go for white or pale wood, and then add pops of color with red or deep green. Give your room a festive feel with candles, and evergreen sprigs on every surface and of course a Scandi-approved Christmas tree.
LOVE BRIGHT COLORS? NEON IS A BIG TREND FOR THIS HOLIDAY
Yup, the neon Christmas decorating trend is here – and it’s pretty simple to recreate in your own home. Think tacky but… stylish at the same time. Baubles in rainbow colors and funky shapes, pick up some cheap bright colored tinsel too; feather bowers in bright pink, strung over your tree would look really cool also.
USE BLACKBOARD PAINT TO CREATE AN INSTANT CHRISTMAS
Thinking of redecorating before Christmas with a dark, moody scheme? Why not opt for blackboard paint in a strategic way? Create a Christmas tree that takes up zero room (perfect for a child’s room or a kitchen) by drawing one onto a blackboard wall. You could even use some Command Hooks to hang actual decorations from it.
SMALL HOME? DOWNSIZE YOUR DECS NOT YOUR AMBITIONS
If you’re resigned to small living room ideas forever (or perhaps embracing them), you may not have a) the room for a full size Christmas tree or b) anywhere to store the decorations the rest of the year. Well lucky for you, mini trees are a massive trend this year! Decorate with diddy baubles and a string of fairy lights to add some instant holiday cheer no matter how small your apartment.
MAKE AN ENTRANCE WITH AN OTT GARLAND
There’s no denying that once a year, it’s worth going over the top to make your home look festive. A hallway garland will create a welcoming first impression for guests. Just a few tips – whether you go real or fake – one threaded with wire will make it easier to wind around the banister securely. If you do go for a real one, pick foliage known not to drop, wilt or brown quickly.
SWITCH UP HOW YOU DISPLAY A WREATH
Did you learn how to make a Christmas wreath? If so, then you definitely need to hang it with pride! Why not do it with a difference and suspend yours horizontally like the Scandis do (above)? Over the dining table is best, with droplet baubles hanging beneath.
A fire surround loves a garland, too, but ensure yours is well out of the way of any flames (we didn’t need to tell you that, did we? We did, it’s a legal requirement). Put it atop the mantelpiece or swag it, with baubles at its centre for a traditional, formal feel.
USE BAUBLES IMAGINATIVELY (IE, NOT ON THE TREE)
Remember what we said about using the baubles on the stair garland or within the one on the fireplace? There are tons of places you can dot baubles about – in the living room, as Christmas table decor (that Kelly Hoppen would fully approve), on your bar cart and beyond – to create a gorgeous festive look, without having to buy anything new.
GO OVERBOARD WITH CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
You can’t go over the top here: literally go crazy with Christmas lights (well, you can go over the top, but we’re talking tasteful crazy here). As well as hanging them around window and door frames, across the mantelpiece, around the banisters and on the tree (obviously), you can put battery-run, LED lights in a sturdy glass vase to create an instant table centerpiece – and don’t forget outdoors, too.
DON’T IGNORE THE KITCHEN CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS
We know it might not be that practical to have a full on tree in your kitchen but why not try adding a garland or two – they take up zero room and bring in just as much of a festive feel. String them along your shelves or create a Christmas window display for an even more festive touch.
LIGHT UP EVERY SPACE
From Rohan Blacker, Pooky founder:
“Lighting brings a certain kind of magic when setting the scene for the festivities. To keep things merry and bright, fairy lights are your secret weapon – pinned around window sills, mirrors, doorways, lacing bookshelves. Such a simple yet effective way to set the tone and fill everyone with the excitement of Christmas.”
“Dress your lanterns and pendants with ivy and tinsel to create a decorative ornament out of them. Alternatively, you can opt for lovely coloured lamp in warm tones or reds and greens to bring in the colours of the season.”
BE A LITTLE BOLD
It is Christmas after all, Patricia Gibbons from the design team at sofa.com shared some thoughts:
“People never seem to shy away from the classic greys and silvers, however at Christmas time we recommend velvet fabrics. Velvet has lovely shimmer properties, catching and reflecting light from all angles with incredible depth. The perfect material to add a layer of extra shine and warmth to your living room space, especially during the festivities. We have a selection of beautifully silky velvet cushions, footstools and sofas that will help do just that.”
“In terms of colour, bolder tones are very much on the rise, people are becoming more adventurous with their interior choices. Reds and pinks such as our Rhubarb and Claret hues and bright fuchsia pinks are often the go-to option for these brighter contrasts. Muted, neutral velvets in Butterscotch and Olive tones have also seen quite a surge in popularity, and both work brilliantly with a grey palette.”
A SUPER QUICK DECOR IDEA? STOCKINGS AND GREENERY
Got half an hour to decorate? Stockings and a garlands are going to be a saviour. They instantly make anywhere feel more festive – you could do some classic mantle decor but if you don’t have a fireplace wrap some greenery around your staircase and hang some stocking on the bannister or even decorate around a door frame.
ADORN A MIRROR
Well is this Christmas living room not the most beautiful thing you have ever seen? That mirror is the star of the room, and could be a really easy look to replicate – just use your mirror to build foliage around, you could even just wrap a garland around it, or find a wreath to fit.
GO FOR A BRIGHTER SCHEME THIS YEAR
If you want to stray away from the classic red and green or snowy whites, you need to check out this Christmas house. It’s fun and modern and just so cheery – fill your home with colourful paper decs, glitter balls and bright lights for something a bit different this year.
21/21 SLIDES
Yamazaki Home is renowned for its practical, modern organizational ideas with a Japanese design focus. For instance, you can use this metal box with a wooden handle anywhere in your home. Seriously, you’ll want to stock up on these baskets to contain toys, store cleaning supplies, hold pantry essentials, organize bathroom products, and so much more.
5. This inspirational message for your gallery wall
This bright green embroidery hoop from Kentucky-based artist Ciara LeRoy is the positive reinforcement we need. Incorporate the hand-embroidered piece into your gallery wall design, or let it shine on its own.
Founded in 2015 by surfer buddies (so you know they appreciate a good towel), Slowtide creates bath and beach towels that perform just as well as they look, with an emphasis on art and design. Refresh your bathroom with the eye-catching black and white Clive bath towel set, which includes two bath and hand towels. They’re made of absorbent and sustainable cotton with an embossed woven texture that takes spa-like to the next level.
Texturize your bed with this queen-sized coverlet, that is both lightweight and supersoft. It’s also reversible, so you can style it with the color depending on your mood.
Your plants will love their new home base, especially this hand-poured cement planter, accented with raw crystals, from Austin-based artist Sarah Miller. It’s both industrial and bohemian at the same time.
9. This noteworthy collaboration with a top kitchen brand
Among pro chefs, Hedley & Bennett aprons are a well-known staple, and now they get the Madewell seal of approval. This bandana-print apron will have you feeling like a Top Chef with a laid back style, with thoughtful features like adjustable neck strap and ties, three roomy pockets, and a loop for holding tongs or dishrags, whatever.
One day, we’ll get to travel again. Until then, we’ll be hanging this 8×10-inch graphic art print by California artist Diarra Bousso to keep us dreaming about the grand vacations and exotic excursions to come.