Guides

A Designer’s Guide by Kunal Trehan® - Curating a Festive Home with Small Luxuries

Christmas always brings a special kind of enchantment, twinkling lights in the villages, the scent of cinnamon and pine, and the hum of gatherings with family and friends. Preparing your home for the season doesn’t require a complete redesign; in fact, the most memorable interiors often rely on small, carefully chosen touches that create an atmosphere of warmth and quiet glamour. 

As a designer, I know that accessories and details often carry equal power as grand gestures. Updating soft furnishings, curating your lighting, introducing seasonal foliage, or rethinking your table styling can transform your home into a festive haven. This year, the mood is about quiet luxury, thoughtful layers, rich textures, and subtle sparkle that feels indulgent yet effortless.

 

Cushions and Throws: Layers of Comfort 

Cushions remain the fastest way to refresh a room, but this year it’s not just about colour. Pair velvet cushions in forest green or oxblood with faux fur or boucle for depth and indulgence. Add a generous throw in chunky knit, mohair, or cashmere casually draped over a chair, as it creates an inviting nook that guests instinctively gravitate towards. 

  Curtains and Window Dressing: Frames of Elegance 

Switching to weightier curtains in velvet, suede or wool gives an immediate sense of warmth. If replacing curtains feels too much, tie-backs with metallic trims or velvet ropes can elevate existing panels.

Rugs and Floor Layers: Understated Luxury 

Layering rugs is very much on trend this year. A neutral wool rug underfoot topped with a smaller faux fur or Persian-style accent instantly adds dimension. Consider sheepskin draped across benches or dining chairs for warmth and texture - it’s an easy way to give a winter lodge feel without being heavy-handed. 

Layering rugs enhances both acoustic comfort and visual depth. Discover our statement designed to ground festive interiors beautifully.

Lighting: The True Mood-Setter 

Lighting is often underestimated, yet it’s the single biggest mood-setter at Christmas. Swap cool white bulbs for warmer kelvins and invest in dimmers to create atmospheric glow. Layer table lamps with candlelight groups of three candles in different heights feel elegant and intentional. This year’s statement is the sculptural candleholder in marble, brass, or smoked glass. 

For something fresh, consider portable LED lanterns or rechargeable table lamps in metallic finishes, as they allow you to create little pools of light wherever guests gather. 

Tablescapes: Dining as Theatre 

Your Christmas table should feel like an experience. Charger plates in lacquered finishes, linen napkins tied with velvet ribbon, and crystal or coloured glassware add instant glamour. Place sprigs of rosemary or eucalyptus at each setting, as they bring fragrance as well as style.

Seasonal Greenery: Natural Drama

Foliage is timeless, and this year it’s all about scale. Oversized arrangements of eucalyptus, pine, or magnolia leaves in sculptural vases create drama in hallways and dining rooms. Wreaths aren’t confined to doors anymore. Try one laid flat as a table centrepiece with candles nestled inside, or hung above a fireplace. 

Dried flowers remain on trend too - hydrangeas, pampas, and lunaria sprayed lightly in metallic paint add a contemporary twist on tradition. 

Scent: The Invisible Layer 

Luxury is multisensory, and scent is just as important as what you see. Move beyond the obvious pine and spice, and explore deeper blends like amber, oud, and clove. Diffusers with elegant vessels or candle jars in ceramic and stone add a design element as well as fragrance. A subtle trick: warm citrus notes in the kitchen (orange, bergamot) keep the space fresh while richer scents envelop your living areas. 

Accessories: Small Statements with Style 

Swapping everyday accessories for seasonal versions is a clever update. Replace a ceramic bowl with a sculptural brass tray filled with baubles or nuts. Switch picture frames for mirrored or smoked glass versions that catch candlelight. Even swapping coffee table books for festive editions in rich tones can set the mood. 

Mirrors are also your friend, so place them behind candles or elegant fairy lights to double the glow and make a room feel instantly more magical. 

Bedrooms and Guest Spaces: Quiet Retreats 

Christmas often means overnight guests, and small touches in bedrooms make all the difference. Swap lightweight bedding for layered duvets and throws in velvet or wool. Add a tray with a carafe of water and a candle by the bedside for hotel-like indulgence. Scented sachets in wardrobes and drawers keep everything feeling fresh. 

Kitchens: The Heart of the Home 

Even the most functional spaces deserve a festive update. Dress bar stools with faux fur covers, swap everyday mugs for stoneware or gold-rimmed versions, and keep a tray with mulled wine glasses ready on the counter. A vase of seasonal greenery on the island feels both practical and stylish. 

Outdoor Touches: First Impressions 

First impressions start at the door. Beyond the classic wreath, think lanterns with oversized candles, faux fur throws on outdoor seating, and even a simple cluster of potted evergreens in deep toned planters. With Cheshire’s love of entertaining, these touches extend the festive mood outside for arriving guests. 

Christmas Trends to Embrace This Season 

  • Moody Hues: Forest green, midnight blue, oxblood, and antique gold. 

  • Texture Play: Layered textiles, boucle, and faux furs. 

  • Natural Luxe: Eucalyptus, magnolia leaves, and dried florals sprayed metallic. 

  • Sculptural Pieces: From vases to candleholders, organic forms dominate. 

  • Understated Sparkle: Metallic trims and mirrored accessories that catch the light subtly. 

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