How to Elevate Your Holiday Style
As interior designers, we’re devoted to the art of crafting unique and elevated environments. We believe that no matter the occasion, whether it’s day-to-day living, or a special holiday, your home should reflect who you are and what you love. So, here’s the thing, when it comes to decorating for the holidays, there’s a variety of approaches. If you absolutely love all the super literal and traditional holiday decor, then do you!!! However, if you’re looking to put a spin on your decorating and infuse your home with a touch of holiday magic while steering clear of the conventional red and green palette and are ready to venture a little outside of the norm…. then this blog is for you!
We just decorated our Design Studio for the holidays and adopted a laid-back, Cali Cool Holiday vibe, similar to the look in our Holiday Tablescape blog. While our holiday styling incorporates elements of nostalgia, our goal was to make our space feel cheerful, thoughtful, and elevated. Achieving this look isn’t hard, but it’s all about balance! Here you’ll find lots of inspiration and links to gorgeous decor and accessories so that you can create this same look in your own home.
USE The Power of Pillows
If you’ve ever bought a sofa, sectional, or accent chair then you know that the pillows that come with them…they’re, well…underwhelming. Typically, they are encased with the same material as the furniture and designed to simply blend in. They are a great foundation, but to create a stunning and beautifully styled home, you’ll want to incorporate pillows with a little personality!
In addition to bringing character to your space, pillows evoke a warm and inviting atmosphere which is perfect for the season of hosting and cozying up inside. To really ace the elevated living room holiday look, it’s time to ditch the traditional holiday pillows (yes, we’re talking about you, Santa pillow) and bring that festive feel into your home in a less literal way. Using natural, woven materials like cotton and mud cloth add an organic feel that is oh-so chic.
Try swapping bright greens for more earth toned ones and consider using saffron or mustard yellow as a more subtle and elegant adaptation of gold…see yah later sequin pillows. Another great aspect of this approach is that you save yourself time and money in the long run! These pillows lend themselves to the cozy, festive spirit but can also have year-round real estate in your living spaces.
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REMIX Traditional DECOR
Don’t get us wrong, we adore the classic symbols and colors that embody the holiday season, but the magic lies in the small, thoughtful tweaks that breathe new life into our cherished traditions! By subtly reimagining timeless elements, you can infuse a sense of freshness and excitement into your spaces. Here’s a few ways to remix your holiday style:
We’re not sure if the whole Barbie movement got into our heads or what, but we’re really feeling the pink decor this year! Since it’s in the red family, it feels appropriate yet also novel and unexpected
Ditch the harsh, bright gold and use antique brass finishes instead. This creates a bit of vintage charm and sophistication
Instead of traditional string lights, try unique lighting options. For example, fairy lights can add a modern and cozy vibe to your holiday setting
Explore vintage shops for unique and quirky holiday decorations. Mixing in second-hand or retro-inspired finds with your traditional decor can result in a whimsical and eclectic display
Black and white decor serves as a great foundation and allows your other pieces to really pop
incorporate everyday decor
There’s something so fun and exciting about shopping for holiday décor and it’s a great way to invite new energy into your space. To effectively create a tasteful and elevated holiday look, you’ll want to incorporate everyday decor. This means when you’re shopping, go beyond the holiday section. If every item is holiday themed, you run the risk of your space feeling kitschy and one-note. Instead, try adding holiday elements to everyday decor or select items that can be used year-round and also lend themselves to the festive season. Whether it's a gorgeous vase repurposed to hold seasonal greenery, stylish decor boxes with cedar clippings placed on top, books that reflect the color palette, or even just a few brass or gold accessories, blending everyday items into your holiday decor not only celebrates your personal style but also fosters an inviting atmosphere that resonates with the essence of home.
Combining items made of natural materials also adds a dynamic layer to your look. Items made from rattan, metal, wood, organic textiles and ceramics provide an upscale feel & warmth opposed to overtly glitzy items or pieces made from plastic.
In addition to creating a chic vibe, this approach holds the benefit of cost-effectiveness and sustainability, as you’ll be able to incorporate these items into your year-round styling, minimizing the need for excessive holiday-specific purchases.
GET THE LOOK
Remember that the real trick to creating an elevated holiday home is in the thoughtful details and personal touches you infuse into your space. Whether it's reimagining traditional decor with a contemporary twist, incorporating a more subtle color palette with natural materials, or seamlessly merging everyday elements into the festive mix, the key is to make your home an authentic reflection of your joy and spirit. We hope you found lots of inspiration to create a comfortable and spirited space for you and your loved ones throughout this magical time of the year!
Happy styling!
If you’re looking for specific advice about your space, give us a call for an in-person or virtual consultation.
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