Festive & Cozy

With calendars packed with holiday parties, gift swaps, and gatherings, the holiday season has become almost synonymous with hustle and bustle. During these busy months, there may be nothing sweeter than a rare moment to settle into a long winter evening at home, sipping a warm beverage in your favorite winter sweater. Lucky for us, this year, interior design trends are favoring coziness and warmth over glitz and glitter. 

Out With Jewel Tones

Warm neutrals, earthy greens, and the many shades of beige are abundant this holiday season. 

“I’m just noticing even more patterns, more of those deeper earthier colors. I would say [we are seeing] a little bit less jewel tone,” said Michael Chiodo, a designer at Ville & Rue. Chiodo notes that moody colors will reign supreme this year, with many designers ditching the jewel tones of trends past and opting for darker, deeper, and richer tones. 

“[Clients are] leaning more towards earthy greens and beiges versus the cooler grays and blues,” explained Owners Amy Geib and Lisa Hoffmann, and Lead Interior Designer Ursula Mendoza-Carrasquio, of Always Never Done. “Clients are more comfortable with color and texture through wallpaper and seemingly a bit more edgy with moody colors.”

Lean into Texture 

Chiodo likes to think of seasonal decor in the same way that one may approach their winter wardrobe – always keeping layers and textures top of mind. 

With patterns like tweed and plaid becoming dominant, Chiodo encourages people to embrace patterns in a way that makes sense with their style. Those who lean more conservative in their design decisions should perhaps opt for shades of taupe and brown (instead of merry and bright holiday reds). But if you prefer to deck the halls, Chiodo says, don’t hold back. 

“If you’re a maximalist, go all out,” Chiodo suggested. 

Always Never Done recommends using layering as a tool to increase the coziness throughout every room in your home.

“Include understated luxe touches of woven or soft textures, such as velvet or knitted accents,” their team said. “Keeping a low contrast, calming environment with tone on tone colors like creams [and] whites and coppers or a bit bolder deep greens [and] blues [and] coppers and blacks.”

Vintage Nostalgia

“People [are] wanting those vintage elements that remind them of their childhoods,” Chiodo said, noting the resurgence of all things vintage this holiday season. For Chiodo, these design choices are rooted in nostalgia and the fond memories that folks may carry from holidays past.

Incorporating nostalgia can be simple; try adding a handful of vintage or heirloom ornaments to your tree, or turn on a holiday film you watched as a kid and spend a few hours stitching together strings of popcorn or cranberries to create a handcrafted garland. 

“Don’t be afraid to have a couple items that might remind you of your past, something that brings a smile to your face, [or a] sense of fun or whimsy in your pieces,” Chiodo said. 

If you’re searching for a more permanent fixture, try sourcing a piece of vintage furniture that nods to the specific holiday color palette you’ve chosen for your home. 

“A seamless flow in a room gives an understated luxe vibe,” the Always Never Done team suggested. “Go for the greens and blues and mix in warmer wood tones from a vintage furniture piece.”

Think Winter

For people looking to decorate their home on a budget, Chiodo encourages thinking long term when selecting which pieces they’ll buy for the season. Consider purchasing items that lean into the winter spirit, rather than just a specific holiday. If you choose to invest more into a particular piece, consider sourcing high-quality decorative trees, lush greenery, or an intentionally-curated winter scene, which will last throughout the entire season. 

Always Never Done recommends a swapping in colored candles as a quick and accessible way to bring a touch of intentional decor without breaking the bank. 

“Decorate with what speaks to you and your style,” Chiodo said. “A really well curated and layered home shows pieces that already match your everyday aesthetic and furniture, just with touches of winter.” 

Mood Boosters 

This year, many designers are bringing natural elements inside – incorporating evergreens and pine sprigs in their homes, whether arranged in a vase or decorative wreath. 

“I personally love winter, but I know not everyone does,” Chiodo said.

For those who struggle with the cold, dark winter months, Chiodo suggests using cozy lighting as a mood booster. 

“Ambient lighting, whether coming from the tree, candles, taper candles—whether real or electric—[incorporate] ambient cozy mood lighting in your home. [It] makes people happier.”

alwaysneverdone.com
villeandrue.com

By Kylie Stoltzfus