DesignHomeownershipReal EstateTips&Tricks December 8, 2024

Add Holiday Cheer to Your Home

Five Cozy Ways to Add Holiday Cheer to Your Home 

There’s something truly magical about the holidays, no matter how you choose to celebrate. Maybe it’s the change in the weather or a comforting spirit, but during this time of year, people tend to crank up the cozy. 

But before you unbox your seasonal decor, check out these tips. These ideas are perfect for adding a little holiday cheer to your abode and elevating your home’s coziness factor. 

 

Fill Your Home With Inviting Fragrances 

Different smells can affect how you feel and respond to a situation. There’s also such a thing as scent memory, meaning certain aromas can drum up various memories and waves of nostalgia. 

When it comes to the holidays, particular fragrances evoke the seasonal spirit. Scents like balsam, pine, eucalyptus, cinnamon, cloves, and peppermint are strongly associated with this time of year. 

Use diffusers and scented candles, bake cookies, make a gingerbread house, or simmer some seasonal spices on the stove to create a Christmas-inspired potpourri. These aromas will help add to the comforting, cozy ambiance you’re going for. 

 

Create a Cozy Glow 

Overhead lighting is often necessary but can be harsh, especially if it’s the only light in a room. Layer various light sources in your home (a good design tip any time of year). Include task lighting and accents, like wall sconces, under cabinet LEDs, a pretty lamp, etc. 

To create a cozy glow, turn off the overhead lights and just leave on your accent pieces. Use a warm color temperature (warm white is nice) in all of your light fixtures to achieve a balanced feel. 

Add to the glow with candles (battery-operated are fine if you’re not fond of real flames). Or embrace the flame with a crackling fire in the fireplace (the sound will also contribute to the holiday atmosphere). 

 

Layer Different Textures Throughout Your Home 

Invite guests and family members to snuggle up with lots of rich textures. Balance out hard surfaces with soft materials, like plush throw blankets, fluffy pillows, velvet curtains, and a cozy rug. 

Mix and match different fabrics, and consider non-fabric textures like wicker, rattan, and rustic woods. Using texture throughout your home elevates the overall look of the space and gives your house a sophisticated, inviting appearance. 

 

Keep Holiday Decorations Simple, Not Cluttered 

Decorating for the holidays is lots of fun, but don’t overdo it. If you pile on too much tinsel, garland, seasonal statuettes, and other holiday decor, your home ends up looking cluttered. When there’s too much stuff in a space, it doesn’t feel restful. 

Instead, it feels cramped and overwhelming. You’ll end up with people wanting to leave the room rather than stay and relax. To maintain a cozy space, edit your holiday accessories and decorations so they enhance the mood. 

 

Incorporate Some Fresh Greenery 

Use fresh greenery in your garlands, holiday arrangements, wreaths, and other decor to help warm up the space. Real plants and flowers have a huge impact on a design. 

If you’re nervous about keeping living greenery looking vibrant, realistic artificial options are out there. However, style them in a way that gives the illusion that they’re real. 

Put fake flowers in real dirt, make sure to remove all tags, and mix in a few real branches. Regularly dust your faux florals to keep them looking their best. 

 

A Cozy Home for the Holidays  

Make your house warm and inviting this season with these simple tips, from seasonal scents to fresh garlands. Plus, these ideas are affordable, making it easy to create a cozy home that’s holiday-ready without blowing your budget. Fair warning, you may have such a welcoming space that your guests won’t want to leave.