Struggling to decorate your home for Christmas?
Looking for some simple, impactful ways to get started?
My front door is adorned with this Christmas wreath that I dig out each year. I made it with fresh grapevine canes and after it dried added some greenery and textural elements to make it front door worthy!
As an interior designer, I understand how important it is to create a home that reflects your style when decorating for the Christmas season. Christmas is an opportunity to stay true to your personal style, while adding in special pieces just for this time of year - but where to start?
By focusing on a few key elements, you can easily transform your space without any added stress that often comes with this time of year, and I recommend using candles, fresh greenery, wreaths, lights, and textured decorations to do just that this Christmas.
I love the added impact of clustering candles together like this. You wouldn’t even need to light them to get the benefit of some beautiful Christmas styling. Image by Good Housekeeping.
1. Candles: Effortless Ambience
Candles are an interior designer’s go-to for creating a warm and intimate ambiance during the Christmas season.
Even though it’s summer in Australia, lighting candles even if only at nighttime, or using battery operated candles during the day really brings the atmosphere up a notch. Their flickering light adds depth and softness to your interior design, making your space feel more inviting.
Whether you use them as a table centrepiece or clustered on a mantle, candles create an understated yet festive statement.
Tips
Incorporate candleholders that match your existing interior design style—whether it’s modern, classic, or farmhouse-inspired.
Opt for candles with festive scents like pine or cinnamon to enhance the sensory experience of your home.
If using battery operated candles, choose a setting that is most realistic to an actual flame.
This example incorporates greenery and homemade decorations for the win! Image by My Scandinavian Home.
2. Fresh Greenery: Natural Beauty That Brings Life to Your Space
Fresh greenery is an essential element when styling for Christmas, adding a timeless, organic feel to your home.
Whether displayed as garlands on your staircase or simple sprigs arranged in vases, greenery softens your space and blends beautifully with any design style.
Tips
Add baubles to eucalyptus or pine branches in vases for ‘mini’ Christmas tree focal points in your entry way or a second living space. This will help add cohesion to your space and reference back to your main Christmas tree.
Place greenery strategically in high-traffic areas, such as your entryway or dining table, for maximum impact.
I love the simplicity of this wreath, and it would also dry really well and not lose it’s beauty. Image by Scandinavian Standard.
3. Wreaths: A Festive Staple with Endless Versatility
As an interior designer, I always recommend wreaths for their versatility and charm. They’re not just for front doors—wreaths can enhance your Christmas styling by adding dimension to walls, windows, and mantle pieces.
I’ve enjoyed making wreaths from dried grape vine canes which you can make to the thickness or diameter you desire.
Tips
Layer your wreaths with ribbons or ornaments that complement your interior design palette for a cohesive look or leave natural if this is more your style.
Hang wreaths in unexpected places, like above a bedhead or as part of a gallery wall, to add a designer touch.
I use these warm LED mini lights in glass vessels in my home. There is nothing more effective to create a lovely warm evening glow. Image by Vertigreen.
4. Lights: Add a Touch of Twinkle and Magic
Lighting is a fundamental aspect of interior design, and during the holidays, it becomes even more magical. Fairy lights, festoon lights, and LED candles can be used to highlight architectural features or create a cosy glow throughout your home.
Often, we think about decorating the outside of our homes with Christmas lights, but don’t forget about your interior where you will get the most amount of enjoyment from your efforts.
Tips
Wrap string lights around your staircase, mantle pieces or mirrors to emphasise key design features in your home.
Combine your fairy lights with table lamps, floor lamps and overhead lighting with warm white globes on dimmers so your whole interior is transformed into your own Christmas wonderland in the evenings!
These yarn wrapped Christmas tree decorations are a perfect example of bringing in texture to your styling. Image by Hobsonville Co.
5. Textured Decorations: Layering Materials for an Organic, Layered Look
Textural elements are a cornerstone of interior design, and the Christmas season is the perfect chance to experiment with materials like linen, wood, and wool.
From handcrafted ornaments to glass vessels with branches decorated with linen bows, adding texture creates a layered and inviting aesthetic that enhances your Christmas styling.
Tips
Use textured accents like linen table runners and woollen Christmas tree decorations to add an organic feel and warmth to your interior design.
Pair natural textures with metallic finishes to achieve a balance of contrast in your styling.
Interior Design Tips for a Thoughtful, Meaningful Christmas Home
As an interior designer, I know that Christmas styling should feel like a seamless extension of your home’s style – but this is easier said than done.
By incorporating elements like candles, fresh greenery, wreaths, lights, and textures, you can create a festive atmosphere that’s both stylish and personal to you.
I hope this has been helpful. If you are looking for help for an interior design project, whether it’s a furnishing project, new build or renovation in 2025, then feel free to reach out to me here. We can jump on a phone call and I can learn more about what you need - I’d love to help.
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