This week in the Wylde blog we’re getting festive! Christmas is a chance to reimagine familiar spaces and layer in a sense of warmth and cosiness, all without the need to redecorate from scratch or spend a small fortune. At Wylde, we believe festive magic comes from thoughtful touches, clever use of colour and a willingness to see your home with fresh eyes – and the best bit is that you don’t even need to commit to it long term!
The starting point is always your existing palette. Rather than introducing a whole new set of colours just for December, we’d recommend looking at what’s already there and enhance it. Soft neutrals can be warmed with deep forest greens, inky blues or rich berry tones, while homes with darker schemes can be lifted with champagne golds, antique brass or chalky whites. Christmas doesn’t have to shout in red and green; subtle shifts in tone often feel more refined and far more timeless.
Textiles can do much of the heavy lifting at this time of year. Cushions can be swapped or layered with velvets, bouclé and brushed cottons adding instant winter cosiness. A wool throw draped over the arm of a sofa or at the end of a bed changes the feel of a room in seconds, and it’s these small, tactile moments that make a space feel indulgent. As interior designers, we often think in layers, mixing textures so that a space can feel inviting rather than themed.
Patterns come into play gently and with intention. A classic tartan cushion, or a subtly patterned table runner – even festive napkins can introduce a nod to tradition without overwhelm! Mixing patterns works beautifully when the colour palette is kept tight, allowing stripes, checks and botanicals to sit comfortably together. It’s about harmony rather than perfection, and letting your home remain practical yet feel welcoming.
Reworking your space is often remarkably simple – the key is to not go overboard. Clearing a sideboard allows room for a cluster of candles, rearranging furniture can create a more intimate seating area for evenings in, and moving lamps to darker corners instantly softens the mood. An interior designer is always considering how a room is used, especially at Christmas, when homes become places for gathering, resting and celebrating in equal measure.
Lighting is another quiet hero. Warm-toned bulbs, fairy lights woven through shelves or placed in glass vessels, and the gentle flicker of candles all contribute to that elusive festive glow. It’s not about excess, but about creating pockets of light that make a space feel calm and magical once the sun sets.
Perhaps the most important design principle at Christmas is restraint. (Ha! Yep, we said it!) Choosing a handful of well-loved decorations and displaying them thoughtfully often feels far more luxurious and chic than filling every surface with festive tat! It’s a considered approach that allows your space to feel festive yet still unmistakably yours. An interior designer’s Christmas isn’t about perfection but about careful use of colour, texture and atmosphere – re-using what you already have and adding just enough to make the season feel special.
