A warm welcome: Transforming your home with minimalist christmas elegance
December 2024
Christmas is a magical time filled with family gatherings, laughter and cosy evenings by the fire. If you value understated elegance, this season offers the perfect opportunity to infuse your home with festive cheer without compromising on your love for minimalist interiors.
“At my home, true comfort speaks to the feeling of ease and contentment that comes from a well-balanced and thoughtfully curated space. It’s not just physical cosiness; it’s emotional warmth, where the surroundings allow us to relax, connect and enjoy meaningful moments. True comfort stems from quality over quantity - having only what adds value and harmony to your life, particularly during a season of reflection and celebration like Christmas”
Yas Lightowler
A garland of natural and fresh foliage, and candle lanterns are an easy and effective minimalist Christmas decoration for a staircase
Setting the Scene
A Festive Staircase with a Minimalist Touch
A staircase is the perfect canvas to create a display that greets guests with understated charm. Instead of overwhelming fake garlands, opt for natural foliage such as eucalyptus and pine branches tied with soft ribbons in muted tones like cream or sage green. Add subtle sparkle with delicately placed fairy lights or a few gilded pinecones nestled in the greenery.
Bookcases: A Festive Showcase
Your bookcase can do more than hold books this Christmas. Use its shelves to tell a story of the season, blending festive décor with cherished pieces already in place. A small cluster of hand-painted ornaments, a vase filled with winter foliage, or candles in varying heights can add a seasonal twist without disrupting the flow of your minimalist interior.
Consider introducing a global touch with a Nordic-inspired wooden star, an Indian brass candleholder, or an Italian ceramic bowl filled with baubles. Remember, less is more; let each item have its moment rather than crowding the shelves.
Turn your bookcase into part of your minimalist Christmas decor
Play with scale
Be bold and use scale to your advantage by using larger yet simple forms for your decorations. A large Christmas tree in the corner with only a handful of large scale ornaments in colours that match your existing interior design scheme; large branches and sprigs of foliage stood in a large plain glass vase in the centre of a table; or a large wreath made from one type of foliage above the fireplace.
Add the warmth
Create a warm and welcoming space by adding carefully selected extra layers and texture to the seating. Additional cushions and throws in textured, natural fabrics for laid-back moments when the family want to watch a Christmas movie; add cushions to dining chairs for guests to relax against during longer gatherings around the table. Layer up the lighting too with extra side lamps and candles.
minimalist christmas interior design tips
Minimalism isn’t about stripping away joy, it’s about creating room for it to shine. This Christmas, focus on curating pieces that evoke happiness and warmth. A beautifully set dining table, a cosy reading nook with a cashmere throw or a single exquisite wreath can transform a space into a festive sanctuary.
Here are a few ways to bring understated elegance with a cheerful twist to your home:
The power of candlelight: Cluster candles of different heights and sizes along your windowsills or on a sideboard to cast a warm, flickering glow. Opt for scents like cinnamon, pine, or vanilla to bring the season to life.
Touches of colour: While a neutral palette remains the base, add splashes of festive colour with deep greens, warm reds, or subtle golds. A velvet cushion or a plush throw in these tones can bring a sense of comfort and celebration.
Personalised ornaments: Handcrafted decorations, whether made by loved ones or sourced from local artisans, add personality to your home while supporting quality craftsmanship.
Festive scents: Fill your home with the aroma of Christmas - think cinnamon, cloves and orange simmering gently on the stove, or a beautifully understated diffuser with notes of pine and cedar wood.
The heart of christmas - gathering together: Design a space that encourages togetherness. Arrange seating to invite conversation and laughter. A pretty home bar set out on a sideboard, or a tray of mulled wine or hot cocoa on a nearby side table ensures guests feel welcome and at ease.
Candles, foliage and a coordinated colour scheme turn display shelves into part of the seasonal decor
If you are still finding it difficult to know how to create a minimalist interior at Christmas, my final tip is to focus on all the things we normally do in our interiors at KHAIA; bring in natural textures, choose neutral or muted palettes to create a relaxed atmosphere, layer the textures, choose quality over quantity, and take inspiration from the beauty found in nature with real foliage.
Make It Meaningful
The spirit of Christmas is about connection. By creating a home that feels inviting and intentional, you’re not only celebrating the season but also nurturing a space where memories are made. Whether it’s decorating the staircase with your children or curling up by the bookcase with a good read, these thoughtful touches make the season special.
This year, let your home be a reflection of the joy and elegance you bring to life. With a minimalist approach, your Christmas décor will shine brighter, creating a sophisticated yet heartwarming backdrop for the seasons’ celebrations. We wish you a luxurious and relaxed Christmas.
A little bit about KHAIA
Our Surrey-based interior design studio excels in transforming spaces into timeless sanctuaries that are built to withstand the passage of time, both in style and substance.
With a deep commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and an unwavering dedication to understated luxury, we are here to guide you through every step of your interior design project. Whether you are reimagining an existing space or starting anew, we will create a home that not only meets your current needs but continues to offer comfort, beauty, and elegance for generations to come.
Get in touch with us to talk about your home, we would be delighted to help. Have a look at our instagram feed for more KHAIA inspiration and to see current projects.
We cover Esher, Cobham, Weybridge, Walton–on–Thames, Hersham, Epsom, Guildford, Godalming, East Horsley, Wimbledon, Kingston and New Malden.