Warm Winter Holiday Trends: Cozy Neutrals, Rich Reds, and Charming Bows

By Nichole Ellstrom and Amy Bangs, 31 Chapters Design Studio

Christmas is here and this year, we’re focusing on creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere through rich, warm tones. This year's trends are in with an emphasis on rich reds, charming bow details and of course cozy neutrals. But we are seriously obsessed with BOWS!

Video credit: Nichole Ellstrom and Amy Bangs

Set the base with Warm Neutrals

Across the industry, we’re drawn to a more subdued and cozy palette. Warm neutrals, such as soft taupes, creamy ivories, and gentle beiges, have become our favorite as a base for holiday decorating. We used TWOPAGRS’ Liz Grey Beige curtains in Nichole’s dining room to add that extra layer of richness for the season.

We incorporate neutral textures in our Christmas decor through neutral ornaments, wood garlands and layered ribbons made of velvet, chiffon and even rustic silk. Using these tones in our decor brings a calm yet sophisticated feel. A neutral base also helps us complement both traditional and contemporary designs. One of our specialities is blending eras and styles, using neutrals helps everything feel calm and not cluttered even when blending. Now let’s take it up a knotch with this years trend… red!

We’re seeing RED - in the best way!

While warm neutrals are all about subtlety, burgundy and deep reds bring the holiday cheer with boldness and drama. These rich, romantic shades are taking traditional Christmas traditions and adding some much-needed drama!

In Nichole’s home, we used deep reds through bows, various shades of ribbon and draping berries. In Amy's home, she used a rich medium red with gold disco balls and chunky white lights. Red has so many applications weather dramatic or playful, its a great trend to jump on!

Easy ways to incorporate red into your holiday decor is through ornaments, various types of ribbon, wrapping paper, and decorated berries mixed in with stems. These colors pair beautifully with gold, silver, or brass accents, giving a nod to classic holiday hues without feeling overly traditional.

Charming Bows: This Year’s Top Trend!

No holiday décor is complete without the right finishing touches, and this season, bows are making a bold return. From grand Christmas trees to elegant garlands draped over mantels, bows are the perfect way to add a touch of whimsy and charm. But this year, the bow trend is all about sophistication and boldness.

Nichole used lush velvet bows in shades of burgundy layered with neutral tones on her tree, mantel and staircase. Large statement bows on Christmas trees have also been trending everywhere on social media and we love it! If your do anything this year, add some bows! It’s inexpensive and makes a big impact.

Bringing it All Together

This year’s holiday trends of warm neutrals, burgundy, deep reds, and bows are a perfect match. We’ve loved how easy it was to incorporate this cozy and festive trend without having to buy everything from scratch.

*Images Credit: Nichole Ellstrom and Amy Bangs, 31 Chapters Design Studio

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