The holiday season is here, and you know exactly how it goes. One minute you are putting away Halloween decor and the next you are knee deep in garlands and glitter. But this year’s 2025 holiday interior design trends are bringing something refreshing: calm, coziness, nostalgia and beautifully intentional design.

This season is all about creating a home that feels like a warm hug. A place where you can exhale, unwind and enjoy the twinkle and glow without feeling overwhelmed. And honestly, these trends could not have arrived at a better time.

The biggest theme this year is nostalgia. The “Ralph Lauren Christmas” aesthetic is everywhere. Think deep reds, tartan, forest greens, brass accents and pieces that look like they came from a classic storybook. Designers are encouraging families to embrace meaningful ornaments, heirlooms, childhood pieces and anything with a memory attached. No more chasing perfection. This season is about creating atmospheres with character and soul.

Nature-inspired decor is having its moment as well. Fresh cedar garlands, eucalyptus stems, pinecones, moss bowls and dried citrus slices are becoming holiday staples. Linen and cotton ribbons have replaced the synthetic shiny stuff, and the entire look feels and smells luxurious. If you have never decorated with fresh greenery, this is the year to try it. The scent alone changes everything.

Here is a quick cheat sheet for making natural elements feel elevated:

Try these natural touches:

• Fresh cedar or eucalyptus garland

• Linen or velvet ribbons

• Bowls of pinecones or cinnamon sticks

• Dried orange slices hung on twine

• Moss layered in decorative trays

These materials bring warmth, texture and depth to spaces while keeping things

beautifully understated.

Color palettes are deeper and richer this year, and they look stunning in bright, open

homes. Burgundy is being crowned “the new red,” and when paired with evergreen, raisin, plum or midnight blue, the entire room feels instantly sophisticated. Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year, Mocha Mousse, is the new go to neutral. It is warm, inviting and gorgeous with soft lighting.

And speaking of lighting: If you want one simple change that completely transforms your holiday vibe, start here. Warm lighting is everything this season. Fairy lights tucked into glass vases, clusters of candles in mixed heights, gold toned lamps, and even soft under-shelf lighting all work together to create a magical ambiance.

My own home had a major upgrade this year. We added permanent exterior lighting, and let me tell you, it is one of my favorite improvements to date. The glow is beautiful, the customization is endless, and the best part is that both our family and our neighbors enjoy it. No more climbing ladders and no more tangled strands. Just soft, welcoming light with the tap of an app. If you have been considering it, take this as your sign.

Outdoor decor is also having a moment, not because of any trend but because it is becoming an experience. One of the sweetest simple joys this time of year is taking an evening walk around the neighborhood. House after house sparkles in its own unique way. Some keep it classic with warm white lights and wreaths, while others go full whimsical with themed displays, glowing pathways, and perfectly wrapped palm trees. It feels festive, joyful and almost like wandering through a real-life holiday market.

And every now and then, you get the ultimate seasonal treat. If you walk near the golf course at the right time, you will spot the baby deer wandering across the greens like they are rehearsing for a Disney holiday movie. It is impossible not to smile when you see them. They add charm and magic without even trying.

Metallics this year are soft and elegant. Brushed gold, pewter, antique silver and clear glass ornaments are replacing high glitter finishes. These materials create a warm glow rather than an in-your-face sparkle. Pairing matte ornaments with shiny ones or mixing metal finishes gives the tree a designer look without any effort.

To simplify decorating, here is a quick way to pull everything together visually:

Your 2025 Holiday Color Palette Formula:

• One deep tone (burgundy, plum, midnight blue)

• One grounding neutral (mocha, ivory, taupe)

• One soft metallic (brushed gold, pewter, antique silver)

• One natural texture (wood, greenery, linen)

This mix works every single time.

The final and most meaningful trend of 2025 is intentionality. Instead of buying new themes every year, families are choosing pieces they truly love and mixing sentimental items with high quality new finds. It creates homes that feel warm, personal and beautifully curated. So, this season, decorate slowly. Enjoy the process. Add natural greenery. Choose rich colors. Layer warm lighting. Tie velvet bows wherever your heart desires. Take those evening walks to enjoy the neighborhood displays. And let your home reflect your memories, your joy and your story.

Here is to a cozy, meaningful and magically designed holiday season. May your lights glow softly, your decor feel intentional, and may you spot at least one baby deer when you least expect it.