There is an art to holiday decorating that feels festive without becoming fussy, elevated without slipping into extravagance. Few understand that balance better than Sarah West, founder of Sarah West Interiors, whose signature approach blends timeless design with lived-in warmth. Her spaces are known for feeling serene, curated, and deeply personal, even during the most decorative season of the year.
As Sarah puts it, creating a beautiful holiday home is not about filling every corner with seasonal pieces. It is about crafting an atmosphere. From thoughtful lighting to natural greenery to meaningful traditions, she believes the most elegant holiday style begins with intention.
Below, Sarah shares her trusted tips for creating a holiday home that feels refined, effortless, and evergreen year after year.
1. Neutral Palette
A timeless holiday look starts with a soft color foundation. Instead of relying solely on bright reds or bold greens, incorporate warm whites, soft metallics, taupes, and natural greens. These tones create a serene backdrop that allows your décor to evolve over the years without feeling dated. Layering textures like linen, velvet, and brushed metals, adds richness without overwhelming the space. Pairing these elements with warm, ambient lighting enhances the sense of elegance.
2. Natural Elements Paired With Timeless Traditions
Bringing the outdoors in is one of the most enduring ways to create holiday beauty. Always use a real tree or fresh garland, never faux so the natural scent and texture add authenticity to your décor. Fresh greenery, pinecones, olive branches, and winter berries soften interiors with their organic shapes and pair beautifully with beloved holiday traditions like stockings, evergreen garlands, and heirloom ornaments, adding warmth and nostalgia. This blend of natural textures and tradition creates a holiday style that feels timeless.
3. Use Lighting to Create a Warm Atmosphere
Lighting sets the emotional tone of a home during the holidays. Warm, layered lighting, from candles to twinkle lights to dimmed sconces, creates the soft glow that makes evenings feel magical. Instead of bright, overhead lighting, choose sources that cast a gentle light. This approach highlights architectural details and décor while making each room feel intimate and festive without excess.
4. Curate Decor With Intention
Instead of filling every surface with holiday items, choose pieces that tell a story or hold personal significance. A curated approach allows each element, an heirloom ornament, a handcrafted wreath, or a simple bowl of seasonal fruit. Editing is essential: keeping décor simple and purposeful ensures the home feels elegant rather than cluttered. I love collecting pieces over time and layering them year after year, and I always purchase a few new items to keep things feeling fresh and slightly different each season.
5. Scent Sets the Mood
Scent is an often overlooked but incredibly powerful way to create a welcoming holiday atmosphere. I’m drawn to warm, rich fragrances like tobacco and sandalwood for candles, they add depth and a sophisticated warmth to any room. The natural aroma of a real tree or fresh garland adds another layer of seasonal fragrance that instantly evokes holiday spirit. When hosting, simmering a stovetop cider not only tastes wonderful but fills the home with a comforting aroma. These subtle sensory details instantly make a space feel inviting and thoughtfully curated.
Sarah West is the founder of Sarah West Interiors, known for creating timeless, elevated spaces that balance beauty and functionality. To learn more or inquire about design services, visit sarahwestinteriors.com
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