Decorating for winter holidays transforms your home into a joyful retreat, easily sprinkling good cheer from the front door with a festive wreath to wherever you deck your Christmas tree.
Candis Stratton, who launched her own firm, Stratton Interiors, in 2023 after serving as a designer at the former companies Enjolé Interiors and Lea Matthews Furniture & Interiors, encourages clients to take a holistic approach and dabble a little bit of the season throughout the house.
First, target fabrics and textures in small clutches. “In the bedroom, change the light airy sheets for some warm flannel or brushed cotton sheets, add a thick cozy comforter, swap out the throw pillows, and add a warm throw to the foot of the bed,” she says.
In the kitchen, stock the coffee station with etched glass containers stuffed with peppermints, marshmallows, cinnamon sticks, and hot chocolate mix for a tasty treat. Moving to the bathroom, swap out rugs for ones matching your holiday color scheme. Spruce up the living room by switching out throw blankets and pillows.
Introduce trendy winter hues as you make subtle changes around your home. Stratton says jewel tones in burgundy, eggplant, navy blue, honey-orange citrine, and emerald green are in this year. “If you already have blush pink, add rich burgundy and eggplant tones for warmth and depth,” she advises. Or mix emerald green and navy blue: “The contrast will feel fresh and interesting while still feeling neutral,” she adds.
Complete the seasonal changeover by mixing in fashionable natural elements to amp up the cozy winter woods factor — think faux fur throws, wood candle holders, evergreen branches or berry sprigs for wall decoration, and vases of dried flowers. “A little bit of fur can add a sense of warmth and luxury to any space,” Stratton says.
She pairs these textures with pops of evergreen or magnolia arrangements for dining tables, peppering in wood candlesticks on bookshelves and fireplace mantels to increase the feeling of height. Pop some greenery on staircase bannisters, varying the size and colors for even more visual interest.
Don’t be afraid to add a little winter sparkle in the mix. “With the days being shorter, metal adds surface for the precious light we have to bounce and reflect off of,” Stratton says. On holiday trees, tuck silver, gold, or bronze-colored ornaments deep between branches for subtle glimmer, or weave in glass elements for a wintry tribute.
Stratton says delicate glass baubles beautifully adorn Christmas trees; up the ante by adding a mirror to the mantel and placing candles in front of it. Opt for family photos in crystal frames and use mirrored trays as a stylish foundation for your coffee table display or hot chocolate bar.
Whether you lean into color, natural elements, or plenty of sparkle, Stratton says to be sure to embrace the nostalgia of the holiday. “Think back to your childhood, remember those decorations that amazed you or that special piece that was passed down to you and you have it tucked away safely — use them,” she says.
