6 Aspirational homes that have nailed Christmas interiors
For many, the holiday season is a time for togetherness and, if you’re lucky, a chance to recharge after a busy year.
But it’s also a time of visible celebration.
Picture a sparkling Christmas tree in your living room, strings of lights tracing the roofline, and wreaths adorning doors; these elements have become traditional.
In recent years, Christmas décor has evolved into a more design-driven experience. Designers have embraced bolder palettes, drawn inspiration from past styles, and become more ambitious than ever. However, the essence remains the same, a décor that feels warm and enchanting.
In this article, we explore seven homes that have perfectly captured the festive spirit in their interiors.
1. When you want a decadent staircase
Festive decor and grand staircases are a match made in heaven. Here, the Christmas tree perfectly centralises this display, and the metallic hanging stairs add a touch of whimsy and enchantment.
And with so much stone in the room, the bunched cloth and fabric bows soften the aesthetic and add a romantic flair.
You might not have a chandelier… or a humongous grand hall with spiraling staircase and multi-tiered floors, for that matter.
Your staircase doesn’t need to be grand to make a statement during the holidays. Simple railings can be transformed with lush garlands, twinkling fairy lights, and ornaments hung at different heights.
2. When you want Christmas in every room
The Christmas tree belongs in the living room, yes? Well, not for everyone. Some people happily break that “cardinal rule” and bring the festive magic straight into the bedroom.
Here, the tree becomes a charming focal point, while a garland draped across the headboard ties the whole look together, making the space feel beautifully cohesive. The delicate shades of white also echo the image of snow-covered ground, adding a soft and classy feeling to the room.
Of course, we’re not all lucky enough to have a bedroom big enough to accommodate a full-size tree. But small touches in bedrooms, bathrooms, and hallways can still create a festive atmosphere.
3. When the tree is never tall enough
Has anybody else ever dreamed of visiting a Christmas tree farm and asking for the tallest tree they have? For most of us, that idea stays firmly in the fantasy category, thanks to ceiling heights that simply won’t cooperate.
But if you’re lucky enough to have the kind of lofty ceilings seen in the image above, you can create a truly spectacular festive statement. A towering tree instantly becomes the room’s centrepiece, drawing the eye upward and filling the space with dramatic Christmas charm.
4. When you add panelling into the equation
There’s something magical about the pairing of panels and festive décor. Maybe it’s because it can counteract the sometimes tacky style of Christmas and instantly make the room feel more elegant, or maybe it adds a feeling of nostalgia (particularly the wainscotting style) that the season naturally conjures.
Either way, wooden panelling and classic architectural details make the perfect companions during the festive season, offering a rich, elegant backdrop that enhances everything from garlands to twinkling lights.
5. When you want the best first impressions
When it comes to Christmas décor, the exterior is often just as important as the interior.
Houses with grand doorways, like the one pictured above, provide the perfect introduction to both your family and guests.
In this example, a cluster of floor lanterns adds structure to the softer lines of baby pine trees, garlands, and wreaths, creating a balance. There’s also a strong sense of decorative symmetry; notice the twin wreaths, which complement the house architecture.
Even smaller touches, like string lights along a bannister or a seasonal vase, can create a sense of cosiness, which you can carry through to the interior.
6. When you opt for one colour
Sometimes, less is more. Choosing a single colour for your holiday décor can create both an elegant and bold look.
Notice the blend of modern and traditional design elements: the panelling and statement fireplace recall the grandeur of Victorian houses, while the bold use of a single colour and contemporary accents, like the lamp, feel distinctly modern.
Combined, these elements transform the room into a snowy wonderland that sits perfectly on the spectrum between traditional and contemporary.