Tips from our Expert Stylist: How to Add Holiday Charm to Your Home
As the holiday season approaches, many of us are eager to transform our homes with a touch of festive charm, blending timeless elegance with on-trend design elements. To inspire your seasonal décor, we’ve sat down with our expert stylist Michele Lee, known for her impeccable taste and ability to seamlessly infuse sophistication into any space. In this exclusive interview, we chat with Michele to uncover her expert tips for curating a holiday look that’s both chic and inviting, offering inspiration for those who want to go beyond the traditional décor and embrace a more elevated, trend-conscious aesthetic this season. Whether you're hosting intimate gatherings or simply want to refresh your home with a festive feel, these insights will help you create a holiday atmosphere that’s as stylish as it is warm and welcoming.
Where to begin
Q: When it comes to styling a home for the holidays, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. What’s your advice for setting the foundation for holiday décor?
Michele: Styling up your home for the Holidays can definitely be overwhelming so I like to make a quick list to get me started and make it a little less stressful.
First of all I gather inspiration from Pinterest, Instagram or magazines to get ideas for my decor. Something that catches my eye or inspires me. I think this is so helpful for anyone...gives you a clear vision of what direction you want to go.
It helps to pick a few areas of your home that you want to set up Holiday vignettes..like your fireplace mantle, dining room table, or credenza.
I also like choosing a colour story that suits your personal style and works with your home's current decor so everything flows in your space.
Once you have your inspiration, key areas and a colour story you can start your Holiday set up.
Q: Is there a specific area of the home where you suggest people start?
Michele: I like to start with the outside of the house for Holiday set up. The front entrance is always the first place I start... then I work my way into the rest of the home.
Holiday Trends
Q: We’re seeing so many exciting trends in holiday décor this year. What do you think are the top trends for the season, and how can people incorporate them into their homes?
Michele: There are so many fun trends for the Holidays! I'm noticing lots of rich plum & moody tones. Velvet, bows, candles and a little sparkle is always on trend.
I don't like to go overboard with trends.. but I think adding a touch of a trend mixed with your personal pieces and Holiday style is the easiest way to carry it off in your space.
Q: What if you don’t have a large budget to purchase trendy décor, and want to make what you have work? Is that possible?
Michele: I'm always a fan of a good DIY for the Holiday season. Collect some inspiration and have some fun with a budget and some supplies and whip up your own Christmas ornaments.. or give some old Ornaments a fresh coat of paint. Paper ornaments are an old classic and can look so pretty on a tree for the Holidays. I find sometimes it's even more fun to create your own decorations.
Specifics
Q: Natural elements always seem to bring warmth and charm to holiday décor. What are some of your favourite ways to incorporate nature into holiday styling?
Michele: A few of my favourite and easy ways to bring a little outside inside is definitely with greens and sprigs of winter berries. It makes the house smell absolutely amazing and adds a natural element in such a beautiful way.
Q: Are there specific colours or materials you recommend?
Michele: When it comes to specific colours or materials I suggest going with what feels good to you and feels like Holiday to you. Personally I love seeded eucalyptus, magnolia, cedar branches..just to name a few.
Hosting
Q: Holiday gatherings often center around the dining table. Do you have any styling tips for creating a show-stopping holiday tablescape?
Michele: I think creating a gorgeous tablescape is such a lovely idea when hosting a Holiday diner! I'm really enjoying the look of moody rich tablescapes with gorgeous greens mixed with florals, dark fruit and pretty lit candles. I also love the idea of mixing things up just so it doesn't look too perfect... warm and welcoming is the Holiday vibe!
Q: Give us one tip to really wow our guests with our decor.
Michele: There are so many ways to elevate your Holiday decor but personally I love making a statement with candles & bows. I also love foraging and creating dramatic sweeping winter branches in vessels. I would say those are two beautiful ways to make a Holiday statement in my books.
Be sure to give @withmichele and us, @lcandcointeriordesign a follow for more tips and inspiration this season and beyond. Plus, tag us in your photos if you give any of these tips a try! Have a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!