The holidays are all about gathering with friends and family, indulging in festive meals, and creating magical memories. While holiday decorations are a go-to for setting the festive mood, there are other ways to elevate your home that don’t require a snowman figurine or garland.
So, if you want to impress your guests without going overboard or buying more trinkets to store in the attic 11 months out of the year, here are a few quick and easy updates that pack a punch—no tinsel required.
The links and recommendations below are not affiliate links. We are not sponsored but are here to share our tips, tricks, and favorites with our adoring fans.
Swap Out a Light Fixture
Lighting is one of those elements that can completely change the atmosphere of a room. In Seattle we are dealing with the “Big Dark” this time of year. Layered lighting is one way we are able to keep sane until the sun returns.
A well-chosen light fixture can elevate a space from “nice” to “wow” in an instant. Consider swapping out a chandelier or wall light with something with personality. Depending on the fixture, this is much easier than you might expect. An hour later and your space will look completely new. The best part? It doesn’t require a full redesign. Think of it as your home’s jewelry—just enough to catch the eye without overshadowing the rest of the space.
Looking for recommendations? It’s no secret that we love the Wildwood Sconce by Rejuvenation. If you have a craftsman home or if your style leans more vintage, it’s an easy way to bring a personal touch. This can be used indoors or in covered areas outdoors.
If your home leans more contemporary, we also enjoy the pieces by A-Emotional Light, the use of diffusion means the lighting will always be soft and the shapes are sculptural and chic.
Lamps! Lamps! Lamps!
Speaking of lighting, don’t sleep on the power of soft, ambient light. Lighting at all levels throughout the room makes it so much more comfortable. Instead of relying on overhead lights, add a few lamps with soft, warm bulbs. The gentle glow they cast is perfect for evening gatherings. Ideally, look for bulbs with a color temperature of 2700K to 3000K, which will provide a warm, golden hue. If you want to maximize flexibility, go for dimmable bulbs, allowing you to adjust the lighting as needed depending on the time of day or mood you want to create.
We love this squatty table lamp from CB2 for an easy, ambient glow.
Floor lamps are a great option for seating areas. An all time favorite is this Serge Mollie Lamp from Design within Reach.
End and Drink Tables bring Style and Function
The humble end table: often overlooked, but always necessary. A simple swap from a basic side table to something with a little more personality can bring joy into the space. Guests need somewhere to set their drinks, so smaller drink tables that can be easily moved around are always great.
This cute cannon ball table by Union Home is so easy to blend into any style and you can’t argue with the price!
We love this sculptural piece from Ethnicraft. While it leans modern, you’d be amazed at how easily it works with many different styles! Available for purchase through Brume House in Seattle or Bellevue.
Scent: An Invisible Luxury
One of the most overlooked—but absolutely essential—ways to elevate your home is through scent. It’s one of the first things your guests will notice as they walk through the door, and it can set the tone for the entire experience. A thoughtfully chosen fragrance can make your space feel warm, inviting, and luxurious.
Consider investing in high-quality candles from local artisans or small-batch brands. Here’s a favorite from Broken Top Co, a Pacific Northwest Company and woman owned brand. (full disclosure, Chandin went to school with the founder, but is still a total fan girl of the products). Not only will the scent linger gently in the air, but a candle adds a soft glow, making it feel calming and welcoming.
Even if you don't go with Broken Top, we recommend shopping for locally made candles near you. They tend to have a more curated, artisanal approach to fragrance, offering blends that you won’t find at big-box stores. Think of it as an elevated, olfactory welcome that is rooted in a sense of place and feels special to you and your home.
Throw Pillows for Instant Luxury
Oh, throw pillows. It’s hard to overstate just how much these little guys can do for a room. Choosing the right pillows can instantly elevate a sofa or bed from cozy to chic, adding texture, color, and pattern in ways that feel effortless.
Opt for pillows in luxe fabrics like velvet, silk, or even leather for a rich, tactile experience. Mixing in a few high-contrast pillows—think different tones, textures, and sizes —will not only give your space an elevated feel, but also keep it from feeling too “matchy-matchy.” While we love the soft squishy feel of a down insert, a standard fill can also be nice and firm to lean on.
Pro tip! ALWAYS size up in your insert. A 20x20 pillow cover will need at least a 21” or a 22” insert. This will make the pillow look more full and lush. Tell your friends. Limp, deflated pillows need to become extinct.
We love this textural pillow by Cantoni. It’s giving the holiday spirit but can stay on your sofa year round
Crate and Barrel offers a huge selection of throw pillows and accessories. We particularly love this Mongolian Sheepskin throw. Remember to size up on that insert!
At the end of the day, it’s all about creating an atmosphere of warmth, comfort, and joy. After all, home and the holidays are tools we use to be close with and celebrate the people we love. So this season, think of these little updates as your way of saying, “We are so glad you're here” in the most stylish way possible.
Happy Holidays from Chandin Interior Design
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