Homes for the Holidays Fundraiser

Homes for the Holidays Fundraiser – Join us for a behind the scenes look as designer Kerri Watson prepares for Kids Help Phone’s 14^th  Annual Homes for the Holidays! This November will be the 14^th year for Vancouver’s Homes for the Holidays seasonal self-guided tour and fundraiser on behalf of Kids Help Phone. Over the weekend of November 24-25, six beautiful homes, decorated for the holidays in styles ranging from contemporary to traditional to modern, will open up to the public for self-guided tours full of festive inspiration! We sat down with Kerri Watson, one of the designers and homeowners involved in this year’s event, for a sneak peek behind the scenes at her Homes for the Holidays preparations. CANADIAN HOME TRENDS What made you want to get involved with this event? KERRI WATSON I have two teenage boys and so, through their friends and classmates, I have seen the importance of services like Kids Help Phone. Even here in the city, demand for resources, especially those for mental health issues, often surpasses availability and it is even harder to get the right help in rural areas. Mental health is an all-encompassing factor, influencing every aspect of a young person’s life. Kids Help Phone offers young people an easy way to access help when they need it. Kids Help Phone does not receive any government funding so being able to step up and be part of something like this is a pleasure. CHT Can you tell us a little bit about your home? KW Our home is a 104-year-old house with plenty of character. We chose to embrace the heritage of the home so it is designed and furnished with antique pieces and traditional details like fine wallpaper, beautiful drapery, stunning architectural details, crystal chandeliers, etc. CHT What can visitors expect to see when they tour your home? KW Since our home has a very traditional feel, we decided to keep this feeling in the holiday décor as well. The look in the majority of the house is traditional glam with rich greenery, plenty of luxurious crystal, gold and silver accents, elegant fabrics in velvets, satin and knits and hints of modern flair for a very glamorous look. The one room that we decided to do a little differently is our son’s room. While this room is still very traditional, the look has more of a rustic, Canadiana feel with plaid prints, antique toys, and a whimsical banner. While this traditional look still works well with the rest of the house, it provides a more casual, relaxing feel that is perfect for a child’s bedroom. Homes for the Holidays Fundraiser Designer, Kerri Watson, www.kerriwatsoninteriors.ca For more information on Kids Help Phone and Homes for the Holidays:  www.kidshelpphone.ca For more inspiring ideas, click here. For more unique items for your home, click shopCHT.com.