Designing for the Holidays: How to Create Spaces That Wow
The holidays are right around the corner, which means your home is about to take center stage. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, welcoming overnight guests, or just want to make things feel a little more special, now is the time to think about how your home supports the season.
As a designer, I believe that holiday-ready spaces aren’t just about decorations—they’re about comfort, flow, and intention. Let’s walk through how to create spaces that both welcome and wow your guests this holiday season.
1. Start with the Entryway
Your entry sets the tone. It’s the first impression your guests have and it’s often overlooked.
Design Tips:
Add a statement mirror or artwork for visual interest
Make sure lighting is soft but bright enough for darker afternoons
Include a small bench, hooks, or trays to corral coats, shoes, and clutter
Style with subtle seasonal touches: branches, a textured runner, or a warm-toned wreath
2. Elevate Your Powder Room
Almost every guest uses it—yet most powder rooms are forgotten when prepping for company. A well-designed powder room makes a huge impact with very little effort.
Design Tips:
Upgrade to a bold wallpaper or a rich paint tone
Use brass or matte black accents for added polish
Don’t forget the details: plush hand towels, ambient lighting, and your favorite scented candle
See how we turned a powder room in Park Ridge, IL into a jewel box here!
3. Create Dining Spaces That Feel Intentional
Whether you’re serving cocktails or carving a turkey, your dining room should feel like the heart of the celebration.
Design Tips:
Layer textiles: a tablecloth, soft runner, and upholstered chairs
Add interest with mixed metals or natural elements like wood and stone
Invest in lighting—nothing says “holiday ready” like a gorgeous chandelier or statement fixture
Consider a built-in: it’s a beautiful way to store fine dinnerware, flatware, or serving pieces—and it doubles as a staging area for large holiday meals
Bonus tip: If your dining room feels disconnected from the rest of the home, consider how textures or colors can help create cohesion across open-concept spaces.
4. Focus on Flow and Function
One of the biggest challenges during holiday gatherings is space management—especially in kitchens and living areas. Good design can help.
Design Tips:
Use rugs or furniture placement to define gathering zones
Leave space between seating and surfaces to allow movement
Consider adding a bar cart or sideboard to reduce congestion in the kitchen
Planning a remodel for the new year? Think about flow now, and make design decisions that support both everyday life and entertaining.
5. Don’t Overlook Lighting and Layers
Lighting transforms a space—especially in the fall and winter months.
Design Tips:
Add dimmers or warm-temperature bulbs to existing fixtures
Use sconces, floor lamps, and candles for soft, ambient light
Layer with textures: velvets, leathers, chunky knits, and wood tones all add warmth and visual interest
Ready to Elevate Your Home for the Holidays?
Whether you’re looking for quick styling suggestions or thinking ahead to a full remodel, Mavis Design is here to help. We specialize in kitchens, baths, and whole-home design for Colorado homeowners who value beauty and function.
🛠️ Start a project now and enter 2026 with a home that works beautifully for you.