Isobel Larkin x ECOYA

Isobel Larkin is a Sydney-based journalist, editor, copywriter and content creator, with work featured in Vogue, marie claire, InStyle, Women’s Health, Adore Beauty and more.

Known for her refined aesthetic and kind, approachable nature, Isobel brings a beautiful sense of style to everything she creates. As a friend of the ECOYA brand, we invited her to show us How she does Christmas – and, unsurprisingly, she delivered in the most effortlessly chic way.

To celebrate the season, we asked Isobel to walk us through her Christmas - her rituals, her styling notes and the small details that make it feel special. Here’s her take.

Q. As a journalist and content creator with such a refined aesthetic, how would you describe your approach to Christmas styling? Do you have a signature festive look?

I like to start with a little foraging - whether it be in my home, my mum’s home or an op shop - as I’ll often come across an object that will spark an idea, theme or mood. I love using forgotten (and found) objects that I can give a second life.

My mum is very creative, and we come from a long line of DIY queens and champion op shoppers. So I think my mum plays a heavy influence in how I style my home (and myself), not just at Christmas but throughout the year.
I don’t think I have a signature festive look, though there are probably a few themes, textures and tones I like to revisit like velvet and vintage gold or silver.

Q. Your style feels warm, thoughtful and beautifully understated. What are your top tips for making a home feel festive without overwhelming the space?

Thank you, that is such a lovely compliment. I really do believe less is always more. Especially if you live in an apartment like my husband and I. Taking a less-is-more approach also ensures the pieces you want to highlight take centre stage rather than being lost amongst excess.

My other top tip is to be careful how much inspiration you take from social media. I absolutely love Pinterest, but if you spend as much time online as I do, you probably see a lot of overly maximalist festive styling. While opulent styling is fun to look at, you definitely don’t need to splurge on a 12-foot Christmas tree or purchase brand-new decorations every year.

Q. You have a talent for creating beautifully curated moments. What small details make the biggest difference on Christmas Day?

I think the energy when the guests arrive really sets the tone for how the rest of the event will unfold. Make sure your guests feel welcome from the moment they walk in (getting drinks in hand is an easy way to do this!) and have your playlist already rolling. 

"I am truly fragrance-obsessed!"

Q. As a beauty writer, fragrance is naturally part of your world. How do you use fragrance in your home at Christmas - and do you have a favourite/s?

Oh yes, I am truly fragrance-obsessed! Have you caught a glimpse of my perfume collection? When December arrives, we swap out our “regular” candles for festive-themed ones. Our favourite this year is ECOYA’s Hibiscus & Bergamot candle is hands down my favourite. It’s a deliciously zesty take on a holiday fragrance that’s fresh, summery and perfect for the southern hemisphere. But, you’ve still got a hint of pine and sandalwood in there, which makes it smell unmistakably like Christmas. An honourable mention goes to ECOYA’s Fresh Pine candles, which we’ve loved in previous years too.

Q. What’s one easy thing people can do to make their Christmas table look beautiful without much effort?

Add a tablecloth and some candles! I think there’s something so beautiful and ceremonial about a tablecloth. My nana always had a tablecloth on her table for special dinners and Christmas, and while my tablecloths are (generally) a little simpler than the bright ones she favoured, I love to keep the tradition alive.

Q. Do you stick to the same Christmas colour palette each year, or do you like to switch it up?

I switch it up depending on what I’m feeling inspired by and what I’m working with, but I generally love a little tradition in the way of some gold or silver touches.

Q. If someone only has the time or budget for one small festive update, what’s your go-to trick to make things feel more special?

Adding a Christmas wreath to your door is an instant way to make your home feel special for the holiday season. If you’re in the mood for a creative project, there are loads of tutorials online for DIY wreaths. I have seen a few cute wreaths made from dried oranges around this year, and I’m planning to try my hand at making one of these when I get some downtime. 

Q. What does Christmas morning look like in your home? Any rituals or non-negotiables?

My perfect Christmas morning starts with a swim if we’re home in Bondi or at Watego’s if we’re with my family (the Larkins) in northern NSW. Then, we love having breakfast and showing our two cats (Esmerelda and Spooky) what Santa has brought for them.

Q. And finally, what’s your ultimate Christmas soundtrack? The song that you have playing all December?

We love a bit of Christmas jazz in this household. There’s a playlist called Cozy Christmas Jazz on Spotify, and I’d say this is this year’s festive soundtrack for us! Look it up and let me know if you like it too.