Homes for the Holidays a festive design showcase supporting youth

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Mark your calendars for Homes for the Holidays, which returns to Vancouver Nov. 23 and Nov. 24. This annual celebration brings together some of the most talented designers in the city to transform the historic Cecil Green Park House with festive displays, all in support of youth mental health initiatives through Take a Hike Foundation.

This year, featured designers include Peter Wilds, Francesca Albertazzi, Ami McKay, Jenalee Nordstrom and Joanna Vagelatos. Each designer will offer a unique approach to holiday decor.

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There will also be a Silent Auction, Terrace of Trees, and the debut of Boutique Boulevard, where guests can purchase beautifully curated holiday decorations.

Peter Wilds: Designing for connection and cause

Peter Wilds, of Peter Wilds Design, first joined Homes for the Holidays when invited by photographer Janis Nicolay. Although he doesn’t usually gravitate toward overt holiday themes, Wilds felt drawn to this event’s mission to support the Take A Hike Foundation, which empowers youth through outdoor adventures.

“We live in a beautiful part of the world. The idea of supporting vulnerable youth through outdoor adventures and creating a full-time mental health and emotional well-being program that is embedded in an alternate education classroom is brilliant,” he says.

For this event, Wilds is teaming up with Bonnie Wilson, owner of Gild & Co., to style one of the mansion’s rooms.

“Our inspiration is to create a room that evokes the spirit of celebration and offers an invitation to gather,” says Wilds.

This year, his design draws on warm tones of wood, burnished brass, and natural textiles like wool and linen, to create a harmonious blend of classic and modern decor. Soft neutrals and deep winter hues will frame the space, enhanced by Gabryel Harrison’s art.

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Francesca Albertazzi: Brunch and design with a story

Francesca Albertazzi, founder of Studio Albertazzi, brings a lively flair to her holiday space with the theme “Guess Who’s Coming for Brunch…?”

Having previously participated in the event, she envisions this year’s setting as a brunch table for six in the mansion’s Conservatory.

It is dedicated to the people behind the products we chose to place in our homes. As an interior designer, I have the privilege to connect people, my clients, with makers through the sourcing of furniture, art and decor for their homes; intrinsically populating their homes with a wonderful array of people. “Guess Who’s Coming to Brunch…?” is about who’s in your home; they should all be special enough to invite over for brunch,” she says.

Visitors will see an inviting, eclectic setting reflecting a well-travelled host’s love for contemporary and antique decor.

“It’s going to be a reflection of everything I love to create: personal spaces, generous design, relationship-based sourcing, and … a little bit of theatre,” says Albertazzi.

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Albertazzi’s background in theatre and set design influences her approach to interiors, grounding her style in storytelling and collaboration. Having worked as head designer on Love it or List it Vancouver, she refined her skills in fast-paced design challenges. Now, with Studio Albertazzi, she blends her expertise with personal touches.

Holiday tips from the designers

When it comes to holiday decor, both designers agree on keeping things personal. Wilds recommends introducing the aroma of pine, fir or eucalyptus.

“A simple way to bring these scents in is with a candle,” he says.

Albertazzi favours a “Charlie Brown-esque” potted tree adorned with homemade and vintage ornaments and advises decorating from the heart. Her personal touches reflect her Italian heritage and creative flair, from dried orange slices to brass bells and delicate glass ornaments.

See Homes for the Holidays for tickets.

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