Each issue Routes features great finds for you and your home right here among the shops in the foothills. This issue was the opportunity to explore adding shimmer and shine to your home to make it sparkle for the holiday season. Alison Laycraft of Decor Diva explains how to use reflective surfaces all year to update your decor.

By Alison Laycraft

Photos by Jane Russell

Beautiful home décor is all about balance: light to dark, hard to soft, absorbent to reflective. Reflective surfaces can add light and space to any room. At Christmas consider touches of metallic, with no Christmas detailing, in silver or brass – yes, it’s coming back! Start in the kitchen, where reflective hardware on the cabinets adds a touch of glint, or a high-gloss ceramic or stainless steel colander on the island catches your eye and the light, when you enter the room. Also, touches of whimsy can be added with kitchen accessories.

Stainless Steel Colander by Bugatti, A Touch of Italy, Okotoks

Decorative Fish by Zodax,  Homeworks Custom Interiors, Okotoks

In the bathroom, mirrored accessories can add a bit of shimmer to a dark corner and become the jewelry to the room.

Mirrored Pencil Holder,  Crystal Candle Holder, imported,  Hallmark Rafters, Okotoks

Clock by Mati,  Homeworks Custom Interiors, Okotoks

In the main living areas reflective surfaces can be anywhere from mirrors to toss cushions done up in a high-sheen silk.

Toss Cushion cover, imported,  Pixie Hollow Book Shop, High River

Mirrored Table, imported, On a Lark, Okotoks

Stainless Steel Statue,  Willow Creek Forge, Nanton

During the holiday season, many of the reflective surfaces that we purchase, or display, can be used to carry our décor through the dark days of winter. By removing the garlands and the decorated tree, you still can have a reflective, bright room that will brighten your space throughout the winter.