Holiday Home Styling
Your holiday decorations are (probably) ugly. Here's how to fix that.
Changing decor seasonally is an excellent way to embrace the seasons’s shifting mood, cooler weather, and ample celebrations with family and friends. While I appreciate a nod to childhood kitsch, season after season I’m left wanting more from the standard holiday decorations in big box stores.
The glaring aesthetic issue with most holiday decor is that it’s low quality and generically holiday-themed, so it sticks out rather than adding to a space’s existing design. Not to mention, physical and monetary waste is omnipresent this time of the year.
A New Approach
My solution is to approach holiday decorating with the same level of discernment as one would while sourcing permanent pieces year-round. Rather than impulse-buying decor on a Target run (sorry Target, love you), we’ll take stock of our home’s existing design aesthetic and add in pieces that are holiday-esque through shine, texture, coziness, and color.
To give you some inspiration, I’ve selected four sample home archetypes and curated individual decor themes that complement each one perfectly. I won’t blame you if you want to leave these pieces out year-round!
If you shop using the below links, I’ll earn a small comission. In light of the recent election, I will be donating all proceeds for the month of November to the DTLA Women’s Shelter and Planned Parenthood.
For the neutral home
If your space is filled with mostly neutrals, a burgundy, bright red, cream, and gold color palette will blend seamlessly into your existing aesthetic. Think classic but more chic.
Swap out the frame of your favorite art piece with this red frame. Or add this velvet one to your mantle and put a photo of your dog in it.
Pile on the fringe, a fun seasonal texture, with this throw pillow and knitted blanket for added coziness.
Scatter tea candles throughout your space and add pops of red anywhere you can with this burgundy candle or bright red one.
Add a bit of romance with these silky napkins. Swoon.
Tie red velvet ribbons into bows and hang them on various door handles throughout your space.
For the mid-century, wooden oasis:
Pink is far too underrated as a holiday color and will complement medium-dark wood tones perfectly.
Candles should be fun! The unique pattern on these tapers and the detailing on these candle holders add a little something special.
I’m obsessed with these polished stainless steel dishes - use them for snacks, chilling wine, or as a catchall for knick-knacks.
This blanket gives cabin vibes while the magenta adds a fresh modern twist.
Swap out your plain bath towels for this patterned set.
Cheers again and again with this fancy coupe or old-fashioned glass. I’ll be using mine at breakfast while I sip my orange juice, tysm.
The latest Cabana Magazine with a Chanel cover…need I say more.
For moody, dark-toned spaces:
With the sun setting earlier and earlier this season, accent moody spaces with metallic pieces to bounce precious light.
This squiggle tray and serving utensils make everyday mealtime extra fancy.
Adding pattern, shape, and texture through throw pillows emulates the fall jackets I’ll be wearing (ya…I’m cold).
This portable silver lamp can move with you from room to room.
In my pre-Edison era. Set the mood with pillar candles or a wall sconce.
This faux silver dollar branch makes me feel like I’m in a fairy winter wonderland. No notes.
For the chic, cool-toned home:
If sage green or European design is your love language, lean into light blues, darker greens, and pieces that look like they came from a treasure box.
Ah yes, a pedestal bowl on which to display baked goods. Immediate need.
Loving these simple napkins with silver embroidery details.
Cozy up with this pale blue blanket or this jewel-toned one.
Sprinkle sparkly taper candle holders all over your space.
This sculptural vase and pewter lidded box are heirlooms in the making.
Baies for my baes. Hang one of these scented ovals on each door handle in your home to make it smell like berries. We love berries.
I’m lactose-intolerant and I approve of this (plant-based) butter dish.
I hope these tips and pieces make your holiday season more special, cozy, peaceful, and bright. I’ll be watching every Thanksgiving episode re-run of Friends and Gossip Girl and hanging out near baked goods until further notice.
That’s all for now, see you next month! xx
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