5 Holiday Décor Tips for 2025: Create a Warm, Stylish, and Festive Home

The holiday season is a chance to transform your home into a cozy, joyful retreat.

In 2025, décor trends are leaning toward warmth, personality, and meaningful design—mixing nostalgic touches with modern elegance. Whether you're decorating a condo, townhouse, or single-family home, these five tips will help you style your space beautifully this festive season.

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1. Lean Into Rich and Mood-Setting Colour Palettes

Holiday décor in 2025 embraces depth and drama, shifting away from bright primaries and toward deeper, more luxurious tones. Instead of the traditional red-and-green combination, many are exploring rich jewel tones like emerald, midnight navy, burgundy, and plum. These shades bring instant elegance and comfort to a space, especially when used on ornaments, ribbons, throw pillows, or table runners.

For those who prefer a softer aesthetic, pastels are emerging as a major trend. Dusty blue, lavender, creamy white, and blush pink can create a serene, romantic holiday atmosphere. These tones pair beautifully with brass, champagne gold, or frosted glass accents. No matter your style, choosing a cohesive palette—and layering tones within it—helps create a holiday look that feels intentional and elevated.

2. Bring Nature Indoors With Greenery and Organic Textures

One of the biggest décor trends this year is embracing natural materials and textures. Real or realistic greenery—cedar, pine, eucalyptus, and fir—continues to be the foundation of holiday decorating. A lush garland draped across a mantel, a full wreath on the door, or an arrangement of evergreen branches on a dining table instantly warms up a room and helps tie your décor together.

To add depth, pair greenery with natural textures such as wood, linen, velvet, and woven fabrics. Pinecones, dried oranges, cinnamon sticks, ceramic vases, and linen ribbons bring organic charm while keeping your décor simple and grounded. Even in more modern interiors, adding these natural elements keeps your home feeling warm and inviting, especially during colder winter months.

3. Create Cozy Ambiance With Layered, Soft Lighting

Lighting is one of the most transformative aspects of holiday décor, and this year the emphasis is on softness and warmth. Instead of using bright, cool-toned lights, opt for a layered lighting approach that makes your space glow in a gentle, inviting way.

Think warm white fairy lights woven through garlands, clusters of candlelight on coffee tables, and matte gold candleholders with tall tapers that diffuse light softly throughout the room. Battery-operated candles are now more realistic and convenient than ever, offering the cozy flicker of a real flame without the worry—perfect for condos or homes with pets and children.

By incorporating multiple sources of soft illumination, you create ambience rather than brightness. A scattering of lights across different heights and surfaces makes your holiday décor feel warm, intimate, and ideal for curling up on winter evenings.

4. Make an Impact With Oversized Statement Pieces

One of the boldest trends this season is the rise of oversized décor. Rather than filling your home with small items, many are opting for one or two statement pieces that anchor a space and leave a lasting impression. A large holiday wreath with a velvet bow, an oversized garland cascading down a staircase, a dramatic tree topper, or even extra-large ornaments can instantly elevate your holiday style.

This approach works beautifully in both small and large spaces. In smaller spaces, one standout piece prevents clutter while still adding festive charm. In larger rooms, oversized décor helps balance scale and bring visual interest. The goal is to create thoughtful focal points that draw the eye without overwhelming the room.

5. Blend Nostalgic Charm With Modern Accents

Finally, 2025 décor celebrates the beauty of mixing old and new. Nostalgia is playing a major role this year, with plaid patterns, heirloom ornaments, aged brass accessories, and classic holiday figurines making a strong return. The key to the trend is pairing these sentimental pieces with modern elements to create a balanced, layered look.

For example, plaid stockings when styled alongside matte-finish ornaments or contemporary garlands. A vintage-inspired wreath feels current when finished with a velvet ribbon in a modern colour. Even classic brass candlesticks can be refreshed with slim, minimalist tapers or displayed on a sleek console table. This mix of heritage and modernity creates décor that feels warm, personal, and timeless.

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Ready to see The Docks? Email Jon: jon@thedocksmb.ca