Kavanagh reflects this sentiment. “Coziness doesn't necessarily mean thick blankets and roaring fires. Instead, you can layer lightness, loosely woven linen, hand-dyed silk ribbons, raffia, rattan, and translucent glass. Each layer adds visual depth without adding warmth.” Linen or cotton slipcovers instantly refresh furniture, while combining matte and glossy finishes, linen with silk or cotton with velvet piping, creates subtle richness. The result is lightness that feels luxurious.
Photo: OKA
Photo: OKA
Choose natural textures as anchors
From raffia and bamboo to terracotta and unglazed ceramics, natural materials provide warmth without weight. Their imperfections catch the light and add character and depth that feels alive. “We see customers gravitating toward natural, reusable materials,” says Kavanagh. “Woven seagrass runners, ceramic vases, preserved foliage – they are elegant, sustainable and convey a handcrafted feel consistent with the festive mood, thoughtful, grounded and beautiful.”
And the first impression counts. Sue Jones often starts with the holiday decorations in the hallway. “It’s the first impression of your home and the perfect place to create a warm welcome,” she says. “I love arranging a console or sideboard with eucalyptus, pine, or berry vases, adding bowls with ornaments, and placing candles at different heights. You can add texture with rugs and mirrors, and a few pillows on a hallway bench will make the room feel as inviting as the rest of your home.”
Photo: OKA
Photo: OKA
Level lighting for shine, not glare
Lighting changes mood more than any other design element (just ask Mariah Carey). Aim for a soft, layered glow rather than brightness. “To create a warm atmosphere, it is important to incorporate candlelight into your table decorations,” says Bo Hellberg. “With a simple, adjustable holder you can keep the flame exactly where you want it, whether with a statement pillar candle or a slim candle. Candlelight brightens up any soirée; it's that gentle Scandinavian touch that brings vibrancy to a room.”
Sue Jones agrees. “Nothing creates a cozy atmosphere like the gentle flicker of candlelight. Place tea lights in glass jars to illuminate your dining table, and decorate your mantel with candles at different heights to add an eye-catching accent.” For warm-weather celebrations, she suggests replacing real flames with groups of lanterns or LED candles with garland or foliage. “You still experience the same intimacy and magic, but without the heat,” she says.