It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Cindy McKay’s home, which shows how this designer relishes the rituals of prepping for the holidays.

Designer Cindy McKay is a self-confessed Christmas-phile. “I love cranking up the Michael Bublé carols, baking way too many cookies and having the house fully decorated for the holidays,” she says. The results of Cindy’s efforts are found throughout the 3,000-square-foot Toronto home she shares with husband James and their kids, Liam, 17, and Kate, 15. “Even though they’re teenagers, they still get pretty excited about the holidays and hold our traditions close,” says Cindy. While holiday hallmarks – like Christmas Eve raclette and munching on home- made cinnamon loaf while presents are being opened – never change, Cindy’s approach to decorating does. “I like to switch things up from year to year,” she says. “I typically reuse the same natural elements, like wreaths and garlands, but add in different colour palettes. This year, a gorgeous plum-toned ribbon inspired me.” The purply hue is dotted throughout the home and is just one part of Cindy’s overall festive approach, which is as much about sentiment as it is about decor. “It’s such a special time of year,” she says. “I hope my decorations make it feel extra special for my family and friends.”

In the front hall, a faux garland drapes gracefully over the railing and a sweet little boxwood wreath dresses up the hall mirror. “Hanging a wreath on the mirror is a neat styling trick I use over and over again,” says designer Cindy McKay. The plant beneath it is a year-round fixture. “I like a bit of natural greenery everywhere. It really helps to bring spaces to life.” A colourful custom stool nests beneath a handy hall table, and a durable rug layers in texture over floor tiles laid out to mimic a parquet effect.

The balsam fir tree’s sparse silhouette appealed to Cindy, who thinks the lack of fullness shows off the ornaments and lets them hang better. “They’re a mix of old and new,” she says. “Some go back to my childhood and my husband’s, too; others are vintage ones I’ve collected over the years. All my Christmas trees had tinsel when I was growing up and I wanted the tree to feel extra nostalgic this year, so I hunted down some vintage tinsel to knock home that feeling. I also did more ornaments with colour on this tree – it might be my favourite tree yet.”

“This was the ugliest tree in the lot and the guy working there said that nobody wanted it, but I knew it was the one. I had to argue with my husband for a while, but eventually he relented!”

The living room’s fireplace is gussied up with the same style of faux garland used in the front hall. “Here, I added in magnolia stems, just on one side, to make it a bit more interesting,” says Cindy. “I like mixing in real with faux for a layered effect.” Floating walnut shelves get in the spirit alongside a bowl of fragrant pinecones and snowy-white flowers. The framed Santa print was made by a good friend’s mother. 

Cindy describes the kitchen as “classic contemporary.” She says: “The cabinets have a Shaker profile with a more modern thin-edged style. The mix of walnut and off-white cabinetry adds so much warmth to the space, and the Calacatta Gold marble feels amazing to work on. It was a massive splurge but so worth it.” The clean backdrop is warmed up with brass hardware and holiday vibes, including fragrant paperwhites and a wreath. “A wreath is such an easy way to bring a festive touch that doesn’t feel overdone in the kitchen. This one is from my local flower market. I added the same ribbon I used elsewhere in the house, to make it feel cohesive.”

“It’s not Christmas without Christmas cookies. I usually start baking in early November and keep going until all the cookies are made and the freezer is stocked! Between my mom and me, we make at least six varieties.” 

In the dining room, the tabletop creates a stylish coherence that feels festive and special. “Setting the table is another of my favourite things to do, during the holidays or otherwise,” says Cindy. “I’m constantly thinking about layers and how to make the table festive and interesting. Here, I mixed faux trees with white flowers and included candles in shades of pink and plum to work with my colour scheme. A mix of brass and white candle-sticks at varying heights creates visual interest, and I kept the table linens simple but, again, in pink and plum tones.” Cindy bought chairs online and recovered them in mismatched colours of indoor/outdoor fabric; wicker napkin rings pick up on their cane backs.

“The gallery wall is a mash-up of collected things, prints and original artwork. I love mixing them all up together, and I really love including non-art pieces, like a mirror and small woven basket. I even added a holiday image.”

A custom bar area offers extra storage and help-yourself ease when entertaining. “It needed some holiday decor, so I added natural greenery I had left over from the outdoor urns and mixed in a grouping of vintage art pieces and a vintage soup tureen we were gifted at our wedding. I love that vessel, and the patina from the silver – that I never polish! – adds another great layer. I never want anything to feel too new or shiny.”

A boxwood wreath and tiny faux tree ensure that the primary ensuite lives up to holiday expectations and adds in the right amount of cheer. Cindy says: “The bathroom is quite classic in style, as I wanted it to feel like a serene respite from daily life. It has some contemporary elements also, like the tub and light fixture. And I love full-length drapery in a bathroom – it adds so much softness in what can otherwise be a very hard space.”

Deeply coloured faux grasscloth scales up the primary bedroom’s warm and cozy qualities. “It gets loads of natural light, so I knew it could stand up to a darker wall colour,” says Cindy. The block-print bedding layers in a global feel, while the brass sconce holds its own against the rich presence of navy. “To play up the coziness, I added the faux fur cushion and the throw blanket in the basket next to the chair. For a real hit of holiday, I placed a small faux tree on the bedside table, with ribbon tied at the top.”

During the holidays, the home office does double duty as a wrapping station. Cindy topped a desk frame she bought online with a walnut-look countertop and paired it with an extra dining chair. “This is a very helpful space during the holidays, as I can stash all the gifts here, away from prying eyes," says Cindy. "My husband and I hole ourselves up in this room with eggnogs in hand and get all the wrapping done. It’s often a fun – if late – night and a nice tradition we’ve done forever.”

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