1. FOCUS ON ONE THEME
For a cozy, all-encompassing scheme, Cherie Lee, interior designer and director of Cherie Lee Interiors, suggests focusing on one Christmas tree theme and pulling it throughout your space
2. INTRODUCE LOTS OF FOLIAGE
There is more to good Christmas decor than the tree, Naomi Astley Clarke, interior designer emphasizes that you need to invest in Christmas foliage throughout your space for that magical touch
3. LAYER LUXURY FABRICS
Layering in interior design is a must year-round, but it is particularly important if you want to create a cozy look, reminds Trish Knight and Nicole Varga, interior designers and co-founders of Knight Varga. They recommend starting by swapping out your existing soft furniture for something that matches your Christmas theme a little more, with luxurious fabrics such as faux fur, velvet, and holiday-inspired patterns.
4. SET THE SCHEME WITH CANDLELIGHT
There is arguably nothing more Christmassy than a bunch of candles casting a soft light. They are inherently cozy.
5. ABANDON THE OVERHEAD LIGHTS
In a similar vein, it can be a good idea to stick with soft lighting ideas and ditch our harsh overhead lighting altogether over Christmas for a coy vibe, suggests Suzy Humphreys, founder of Layered Lounge: ‘I love to abandon all overhead lighting at Christmas time and layer the lighting with an abundance of fairy lights, lanterns filled with candles, and ceramics filled with tea lights. By utilizing LED versions with handy timers, you can also create a magical glow without the effort of lighting them every night.’
6. DECORATE WITH SENTIMENTAL PIECES
Christmas is a very sentimental time – we all have so many memories attached to it. To help channel this and make your house feel homey, consider making your sentimental pieces the highlight of your Christmas decorating, says Cherie Lee, interior designer.
7. INTRODUCE A FESTIVE SIGNATURE FRAGRANCE
A cozy home wouldn't be complete without making a house smell good for Christmas, says Suzy Humphreys, founder of Layered Lounge. ‘Candles are perfect for evoking memories of times gone by and helping generate new ones,’ she shares.
8. SET UP YOUR FIREPLACE
‘If you are lucky enough to have a fireplace, go ahead and make a roaring fire,’ recommends Bethany Adams of Bethany Adams Interiors. ‘You'll be so cozy and relaxed you won't even notice that the weather outside is frightful.’
9. PARE BACK COLOR SCHEMES FOR RICH TONES
Typically, darker color schemes make for cozier spaces, helping to absorb some light and cast a few shadows, giving the illusion of a smaller, more intimate home. As a result, Laura Williams of ATX Interior Design, highly recommends opting for more subtle holiday decor layered with rich colors and soft textures to give the space a cozy aesthetic. Think burgundies, deep fir greens, and luxury mustards, and use them throughout your decorating – even down to how you wrap your gifts.