Oh My Styled Life

Our advice for achieving a layered, classic interior design for winter

Every family has its own idea of nostalgia, and one of our favorite parts of holiday projects is uncovering what that means for each homeowner. Sometimes it’s a memory tied to a single object, like a ceramic village that once lived on a grandmother’s mantel. Other times it’s a feeling that comes from the scent of peppermint or the sounds of carols. When we start any design plan, we spend a lot of time listening to those stories to find creative ways to represent them within the home. 

When we design a client’s home, whether it is a major remodel or a new build, we consider how the space will be used every day and throughout the year. That includes personal traditions, from cookie baking to gift wrapping, as well as larger annual celebrations like extended hosting during the winter holidays. Even when your home is serving others, it should always feel like you.  

Here’s how we design a home with timeless holiday decor: 

A Timeless Color Palette for the Season 

We often start with paint color because it sets the tone for the room. If a client already has a backdrop that works beautifully year-round, we build on it. If not, we guide them toward colors that transition well through the seasons, such as soft sages, warm creams, or classic blues. A well-chosen wall color becomes the anchor for every layer that follows, including furnishings, accents, and your favorite timeless holiday decor. 

Our annual paint guide is a great resource for selecting the perfect paint colors for your home. Read here to discover our interior design team’s favorite shades for every room in the house.

How to Achieve an Artfully Layered Look 

From there, we build the look. We might introduce textiles such as wool blankets, velvet upholstery, natural wood, and handmade ceramics that create a comforting sense of history that homeowners and their guests love. When we mix these with contemporary fabrics like boucle or textured linen, the home feels balanced, with the right mix of heritage and modern style. 

Small metallic moments like brass bells or candleholders feel seasonal without becoming a theme. We can expertly mix finishes such as aged brass, pewter, or silver to create a collected look rather than a matched one. This approach reflects the current interest in mixed metals, which adds warmth and dimension to timeless holiday decor.  

Natural greenery is almost always the final layer because it brings freshness and an inviting winter feel to the home.  A wreath above a window or door or a garland above a mirror or across a mantle introduces a lush texture that brings the outside indoors. On a dining table, a low line of greenery creates an easy foundation for candles or serving pieces.  

For more inspiration, read our blog on styling holiday greenery here.    

Classic Decor for the Holidays 

Vintage and heirloom pieces feel especially meaningful in winter, when the spirit of nostalgia is so strong. We plan ahead with clients who want to highlight these items, whether that means visiting antique markets for pieces with character, designing a custom Fay + Belle Rug, or finding the right way to display hand-stitched ornaments or family photos.  

One of the most personal, yet timeless ways to decorate is through artwork. For clients who want to grow their collection, we can partner with gallerists or curators to guide the process and select works that complement the home’s design year-round, plus some key seasonal pieces. This can include advising on framing and lighting, and ensuring each piece feels thoughtfully placed.  

To see how O’Hara Interiors senior designer Gabe Lindberg styles her home with timeless holiday decor, read the latest issue of Artful Living Magazine. 

Would your home benefit from a designer’s perspective? Our teams in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Austin, Texas, are able to partner with your architect and builder to guide you through space planning, furnishings, selections, and much more. Contact us today to discuss your home goals for 2026.