5 Simple Yet Effective Ways to Spruce Up Your Home For The Holidays

• Ronnie Gor

If we have all learned anything this year is that in moments of challenges and huge changes, we intuitively adjust by simplifying everything around us. Simplifying and clearing your life and living area of clutter is essential and almost second-nature when it comes to surviving things like the global pandemic. 

But it is often not so when it comes to celebrations and happy seasons, like the holiday season. How can you stick to your minimalistic taste and keep your modern home true to its clean and minimalist feel but still be festive?

“Simple, mindful yet effective” is the theme of the 2021 lessons learned. We improvise on it as we pick out the holiday decor and think of ways to brighten up our mental and physical spaces to ring in the season of joy. Here are some key ideas:

Bring in cheer by adding some color and warmth 

Something as simple as an accent throw pillow, a colorful rug, a change in your window treatments or table linens can revive your space and make it feel special without disrupting its theme. Add cozy elements like knit blankets and richly hued ceramics that will visually warm up the space. You can also illuminate the room with warmth by intentionally placing lighting in cozy corners that need it most. Don’t be afraid of mixing warm rustic or traditional elements within your sleek modern space – it can create a surprising and delightful sentimental effect.

Keep it true to you, simple and minimal – to highlight what’s most important

The beauty of nature can be highlighted even in your temporary holiday decor. Mix your favorite monochrome warm tones with neutrals, like beige, white and gray, and natural wooden textures – for a peaceful, cozy and relaxing home for the holidays. Use natural elements and real pieces like holly, tree branches, pinecones and maybe even some winter florals to bring nature in, even in the coldest season. Make those elements your key points, and let the rest of the decor frame around it.

Make room for conversations, festivities and family overstays

Make sure that you allow for plenty of space for family gatherings, meals and entertaining. You may have to temporarily rearrange some furniture to open up a room, or add some comfy seating areas to allow family to gather more easily, and ensure your guests have easy access to food, drink, and any other essentials. We do this to make room for both difficult and non-judgemental conversations and festivities. Refresh your guest space for any overnight visits so that your loved ones can enjoy crisp sheets in a cozy bed, fluffy towels, and maybe even a couple of warm robes that you thoughtfully leave for them in the guest room closet. Although we normally advocate for keeping our spaces laconically minimal, having guests over often calls for a few extra touches of inviting and cozy decor with open hearts and minds.

Create a few visual focal points instead of trying to decorate every nook and corner

When decorating for the holidays, many of us tend to get carried away. Instead, pick just a few focal points and let them shine, while keeping the rest of your space simple. This can be your dining room table, a holiday tree in your living room, an inviting entryway, your fireplace mantle, or a festive opening into your backyard. Think of key areas in your home people naturally gravitate towards, and make those your stars of the show.

Create an atmosphere of acceptance, warmth and peace

The main goal when we prepare our house for the holidays for family & friends should be making your space feel like home for all. You can do some of that with decor, but the ultimate holiday spirit can only be achieved by caring for one another. Create an atmosphere where your guests get to talk freely without being judged, where they feel comfortable, loved and accepted by just being themselves. This year has not been kind to many, so let’s make our homes the spaces where people can fill their cup. Greet them with a smile, invite them into your space and your heart, and watch your home become a special place for all.

Are you thinking of upgrading your current space to reflect your taste better? Or maybe you’re on the market for a full-scale build, to make your dream space come true? Reach out to us today for a consultation on how to make that reality!