Seven Holiday Decorating Tips for Eastside Homes

The holiday season is a special time for everyone in the Eastside, from Bellevue to Kirkland and beyond. Whether you own a home or rent a cozy apartment, bringing a bit of holiday spirit indoors can transform your space into a festive and welcoming retreat. Let's explore seven inspired ideas to refresh your holiday home decor, each with a local twist.

1. Choose Your Holiday Colors Wisely

Picking a color scheme that complements the Eastside's winter landscape can elevate your home's holiday decor beautifully. The traditional red and green may be popular, but why not try incorporating slate gray and icy blue to mirror our often overcast skies? Or perhaps, for a warmer feel, blend creams and golds to reflect the cozy, indoor lifestyle many of us adopt during the colder months. Applying these colors through ornaments, table linens, and accent pieces can create a unified and welcoming environment tailored to our local aesthetic.

2. Spread the Festivity to Every Corner

We all decorate the usual spots – living rooms brimming with cheer, kitchens ready for holiday feasts – but what about the lesser-thought-of spaces? Imagine a small, sweet-smelling fir in your home office, or twinkling lights strung along your bedroom headboard. On the Eastside, where we spend a lot more time indoors during the holiday season, these touches in unexpected places can brighten shorter days and spark joy in every nook of your home.

3. Mix in Textures for a Cozy Feel

Infusing your decor with a variety of textures can instantly make your Eastside home feel warmer and more inviting. Think soft, plush throws over the back of your couch, or a velvety pillow nestled among more traditional holiday decor. Incorporating elements like these not only adds depth to your decor but also invites everyone to settle in and get comfortable, whether you're hosting a holiday movie night or enjoying a quiet, frosty morning with a cup of coffee.

4. Embrace the Outdoors

Incorporating natural elements into your holiday decor is a nod to the beautiful, rugged landscape that surrounds us. A simple garland of Noble fir or a bowl of pinecones can bring the essence of the Pacific Northwest indoors. For those with a bit of a green thumb, consider a potted evergreen that can live year-round on your patio or a collection of native plant cuttings displayed in festive vases. These touches not only beautify your space but also keep you connected to our region's natural beauty during the holiday season.

5. Define Your Space with Focal Points

Creating specific areas of interest in your home can guide visitors' eyes and enhance the overall flow of your space. A mantle adorned with holiday-themed decorations, a dining room table set with an eye-catching centerpiece, or a tastefully decorated entryway can create inviting scenes within your home. These focal points don't have to be elaborate; sometimes, simple, thoughtful arrangements have the most significant impact, especially in the minimalist-meets-nature Eastside aesthetic.

6. Personalize Your Decor

Your holiday decorations should reflect your personality and the unique story of your home. This could mean showcasing heirlooms that have been in your family for generations or creating a display of homemade ornaments crafted by your kids. In our diverse Eastside community, we celebrate a multitude of traditions; showcasing yours through personalized decor is a wonderful way to share your heritage and create a home that truly reflects you and your family.

7. Add a Little Sparkle

A bit of shine can add a magical touch to your holiday decor. Soft, glowing twinkle lights can brighten the long, dark nights characteristic of our region this time of year. Reflective surfaces, such as mirrors or metallic ornaments, can amplify this light, making rooms feel larger and more open. This use of light and reflection is particularly effective in the Pacific Northwest, where natural light is at a premium during the winter months.

Whether you're tweaking your existing holiday decor or starting fresh, remember that the best spaces reflect those who live in them. We'd love to see how you bring the holiday spirit into your Eastside home! Share your decor on social media and tag us to show off your festive flair.

Thinking of giving your home a more significant transformation? Get in touch, and let’s discuss making your dream Eastside home a reality.