How to Create a Seasonal Home

We can’t help but dream about the holiday season ahead…

and each year, as the air begins to chill, we gather ideas for decking the halls before the business of the holidays kicks in. This year, we’re looking to our surroundings to find inspiration.

As we redefine our traditions and spaces, we’re focusing on bringing seasonal elements into our homes that feel both celebratory and natural.

Here’s how we’re incorporating warm winter elements to bring festive feelings into our spaces:

No. 1: Establishing a seasonal color palette

When working on our projects, one of the first things we consider is the color palette. Although decorating for the holidays is different from selecting finishes or furniture, identifying tones you want to incorporate in your seasonal decor always makes for a more cohesive end result. This year, we’re inspired by muted traditional holiday tones that feel wintery, warm, and neutral enough to blend in with our spaces.

No. 2: Incorporating natural elements

Layering in natural elements can look like anything from incorporating greenery to adding textural materials like wood tones or displaying artwork that displays a wintery feeling.
We love styling logs by the fireplace, front porch, or even in the mudroom to introduce a seasonal element. Add them to a pretty log holder, pile them in a woven basket, or simply stack them to bring a subtle wintery feeling to your vignette.

No. 3: Adding holiday accents 

This season, we’re finding new ways to make our homes feel merrier through unexpected celebratory elements. Add festivity to each vignette with textural mini trees, hanging bells, or even ornaments placed in bowls! 

Top tip: Switching out your throws and pillows to more seasonal ones can go a long way, but they don’t have to be embroidered with reindeers and Santa Clause to feel festive. Try incorporating velvet, wool, and knit textures to add a pretty, streamlined look. 

"Decorating for the holidays is about balancing big moments like your tree with small moments throughout your home like ornaments in a bowl, decorating your entryway, or adding cheer to your bookshelves."

Shea McGee

No. 4: Igniting the senses

When designing a space, we like to think about our senses and how they ignite our surroundings. Create a welcoming winter environment by adding ambiance through warm scents, cozy textiles, a calming color palette, and elevated accents. This year, you can find us in the kitchen re-creating all of our favorite side dishes and treats and cozying up to watch our favorite festive movies.

"The first thing you can do to start making your home feel seasonal is light a candle. I love styling our McGee & Co. candles next to a pretty matchbox and wick trimmer on a console or coffee table to bring visual interest and functionality."

Kristine Metcalf, VP of creative