December Influencer: Nick Lewis

Based in Vancouver, design expert and YouTube star Nick Lewis posts some of our favourite interior design and decor content, from secrets the furniture industry doesn’t want us to know to reacting to tragic holiday decor reels from other creators. We caught up with Nick to learn more about him and how he’s decorating for the holidays! —Vita Daily

Tell us a bit about yourself to start.

I’m a content creator based in Vancouver. My main channel is YouTube, where I mostly focus on home decor and interior design content. I try to make interior design fun and accessible by focusing on educational and commentary content, but I try to do it in an entertaining, relaxed and sometimes sarcastic way.

How do you use your platform to impact those who follow you? What sorts of topics/issues do you talk about/cover most?

I put my content into two categories: education and commentary. So, educational content focuses on more traditional design concepts—topics like trends, colour theory, design styles, and how-to’s. My commentary content tends to be more opinion-based, things I do and don’t like. Many people find me because they’re maybe doing a renovation or redecorating, and they see value in the educational content, and then they tend to stick around for more of my personality-based likes and dislikes. I try to keep it light and funny, and I think people appreciate it.

What’s your personal aesthetic (i.e., style/beauty/decor/design) mantra?

On my channel, I frequently feature many styles because I always say that I can appreciate them even if they are not my own.  I love to see how people push the envelope in their designs even if it’s not my taste, even though I would probably categorize my own style as something of a Contemporary Arts and Crafts since I love modern design, with a strong focus on natural materials. I am known for hating on Modern Farmhouse though – sorry, I can’t respect that one!

O, Christmas! Are you a holiday junkie, or a scrooge?

I think I’m both. Christmas is my favourite holiday, but I’m pretty mindful about holiday decor. I’m not a massive fan of the plastic decor or having a bunch of inflatables on my front lawn. I also think you can enjoy the holiday season while also being angry that Costco brings out Christmas decor in August. 

How will you be spending the holidays this year?

This year, I’m doing something I’ve never done: I’m actually going away for Christmas! Two of my best friends moved back home to Glasgow, Scotland, last year, and so I will be visiting them for Christmas and New Year. I think it’ll be really fun to experience a Scottish Christmas, and I am anticipating a wild New Year’s Eve in Glasgow!

Any pro holiday decor tips?

To keep it classic, work with things you already have. Sometimes there is this incentive to get all new holiday stuff with Christmas patterns and cheesy decorations. If you love all those things that’s great, but you don’t really need them. I use the same flatware and stoneware as I do the rest of the year. Add in candles and greenery, and you are halfway there! I do love having a nice Christmas tree though, and I think that’s the focal point of the room anyway.

What’s your fave type of gift to give … and do you give back in any way?

It may seem cliche at this point, but I really do think the best gifts are experiences. Everybody always appreciates a day at Scandinave Spa.

Wish time: what is at the very top of your personal gift list … what would you like to receive most this holiday season/for the new year?

Honestly, I don’t need anything. I’m not saying that to be cute, I just really have everything I need.  Maybe some homemade baking would be appreciated.