Photography provided by Martha O’Hara Interiors
As the temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, there’s something magical about gathering with loved ones around a cozy fireplace, sipping cocoa and cranberry aperitifs, and admiring the heirloom ornaments and twinkling lights on the Christmas tree. And, let’s be honest, it takes a special touch to create the luxurious and festive holiday ambiance that we all crave during this time of year. With the help of a skilled interior designer, you can expertly deck the halls and even take your annual holiday decor to the next level. Transform your home into a winter wonderland with O’Hara Interiors, a leading luxury interior design firm with locations in Minneapolis and Austin, Texas. Here, CEO and Creative Director Kate O’Hara shares her designers’ top tips for holiday decorating.
Identify a Theme
To start, O’Hara suggests that homeowners identify a holiday decor theme. Is the purpose of the decor to enhance formal holiday events? Or, is it to infuse the holiday spirit into everyday living, including intimate family gatherings? Are there specific colors or patterns you want to lean into or avoid? Once a direction is decided, O’Hara Interiors’ designers can then build a plan around your vision, ensuring that all details fit the theme for a cohesive look.
Select a Level of Formality
“I’d also recommend that you determine the level of formality early on,” suggests O’Hara. “This is completely up to your preferences, hosting plans and the energy you want your space to convey. Some of our clients choose incredibly formal homes for hosting galas over the holidays, while others prefer cozy and nostalgic decor for their immediate family to enjoy.”
Choose a Seasonal Color Palette
After selecting a theme and level of formality, the specifics of the color scheme are ultimately up to your personal taste. “You could select a green, red, blue, silver, gold or metallic palette — there’s no wrong choice here,” she says. “All that matters is that you do choose one. Otherwise, the result could be overwhelming if there are too many hues involved.”
Consider Custom Decor
A distinguishing technique of the O’Hara Interiors’ designers is the ability to seamlessly layer seasonal decor across a home’s shared and private spaces. This could include a luxurious rug by the fireplace, an elongated dining table for hosting dinner parties or mood lighting for overall ambiance. Custom decor items like these add an element of artistry to the look, reflecting your personal style through a seasonal lens.
“Our team can even incorporate custom bedding, pillows and rugs to transform the feel of the home itself,” says O’Hara. “Or, you may choose to leave your furniture as is and focus more on the accessories, like shelving, greenery and other festive accents.”
Incorporate Greenery
To bring the seasonal atmosphere to life, O’Hara recommends adding greenery to your home. Here, the first thing to decide is whether you prefer fresh plants or faux. Fresh plants will shed, but many people love using real garland on staircases and mantles, and wreaths on exteriors and interiors. Rosemary and lavender trees are also great options, and will add a pleasing, multisensory element to the space.
Keep Functionality in Mind
O’Hara’s most important recommendation: Take down one item for every two items you put up. During the holiday season, it’s important to consider the traffic flow in shared areas like the kitchen or living room. Ensure your decorations don’t block natural light or access to essential baking supplies, and leave enough space to move around by being intentional about the number and placement of decor items. “We have some clients who have chosen to do a tree-less holiday season to create more flow,” she says. “Instead, they incorporate wreaths that still feel festive but don’t take up as much space.”
Interested in learning more about furnishing and holiday decorating with an O’Hara Interiors designer? Contact the team today.
