The holidays are the perfect excuse to refresh your spaces with a few high‑impact, low‑stress tweaks. Below, we’re sharing our favorite HSHD-approved ways to layer warmth, color, and little details that make guests feel welcome and your home feel effortlessly elevated.
Cedar & Champagne Neutrals - Snowy whites meet warm metallic glow
Luxury design that feels like home—especially during the holidays.
2) Layer Textiles Like a Designer
Modern Nostalgia -
Childhood charm, redesigned for today
Think deep reds and greens, warm whites, glass, and a touch of tinsel — anchored with matte black and brushed brass to keep it updated. Keep silhouettes clean and streamlined; weave in memories with small‑scale ribbon on neutral stockings, a handful of heirloom ornaments in clear glass bowls, beveled‑glass frames, and beeswax tapers. Limit heritage patterns to accents (one pillow or a runner) so it reads fresh, not overly themed.
Moody Cabernet - Perfect for evenings in and clinking glasses by the fire
Deep merlot, charcoal, walnut wood, and smoke glass. Add in earthy-toned velvet and matte blacks. Aim to mix shine levels: antique brass or crystal paired with organic materials or velvet touches. Keep patterns with this theme to a minimum and let color and texture carry the mood.
Textiles are the quickest path to “cozy but chic.”
a. Sofa: Swap in 2–3 pillow covers (mix scale: one large solid, one textured, one subtle pattern) + a plush throw draped at the corner.
b. Rugs: If your room reads cool, layer a flatweave under a soft wool or add a runner to connect zones.
Texture recipe: velvet + boucle + wool knit + linen = lived-in luxury.
Ralph Lauren Christmas (Updated) - Tailored tartan meets city‑smart polish
For this theme, keep your color palette navy, hunter green, cranberry, camel, and aged brass. Mix Black Watch or Stewart tartan with leather, velvet, and cut crystal; add subtle equestrian touches (stirrups, horsebit, bridle‑brown trays). Keep silhouettes clean and give pattern one or two hero moments so it feels tailored, not busy.
1) Start with a Clear Direction (a.k.a. Your Holiday Theme)
Keep your cream, bone, and oatmeal hues layered with clear/smoked glass and champagne-toned brass. Keep silhouettes clean and airy; weave in cable-knit stockings, chunky throws, capiz or glass ornaments, faceted glass trees, and a brushed-brass reindeer for a quiet hint of shine. Accent with taupe plaid and chocolate velvet ribbon; add cedar garland and a restrained mix of clear and white ornaments so the palette stays calm, sophisticated, and photo-ready.
3) Refresh Your Walls Without
a Remodel
Rotate a few frames with winter botanicals, black‑and‑white family photos, or art with your palette. Hang a wreath over a mirror (velvet ribbon, brass tacks).
Four foolproof directions:
4) Bring in (Real or Faux) Greenery
'TIS The Season to Celebrate
We hope you've found inspiration in these ideas for welcoming the season and your guests into your home. Whether you're hosting an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, every detail you add contributes to the magic that makes the holidays special. Here's to a season filled with joy, beauty, and unforgettable moments.
5) Warmth, Color & Thoughtful Details—With Your People in Mind
1. Light a signature candle and dim overheads.
2. Fluff pillows; add two seasonal covers and a throw.
3. Drape a garland on the mantel or stairs.
4. Style the entry console with a wreath + bowl of fruit/ornaments.
5. Arrange a branchy vase on the kitchen island.
6. Reset coffee table: stack two books + tray + candle + beads.
7. Stock the bar cart (add citrus, herbs, and pretty festive stirrers).
8. Lay a runner and simple centerpiece on the dining table.
9. Put out a basket with extra throws or slippers.
10. Turn on window candles or flameless pillars.
10 Holiday Refresh TIPS
Pro tip: If you go faux, upgrade to wired garlands and add real clippings for authenticity.
Nothing feels more holiday than something fresh.
Drape cedar or eucalyptus on the mantel and stairs. Tuck in pinecones, dried orange slices, or brass bells.
Place cut branches in oversized vases at the entry and on the kitchen island.
Use a small potted cypress or rosemary on nightstands and baths for a subtle scent moment.
a) Guest Bath: Swap in fresh white towels, a winter candle, and a small bud vase.
b) Kid‑Friendly Touch: A small craft or cookie‑decorating station pulls double duty as decor.
c) Pet Corner: Upgrade the pet bed and tuck a woven basket for toys—beautiful and practical.
d) Memory Maker: A bowl of labeled photo ornaments invites everyone to add one memory to the tree.
