A Very Moody Traditional Christmas Home Tour
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It is finally my favorite time of year! There is just something about the twinkle of lights and the smell of pine (even if it’s a candle!) that resets my soul.
This year, I really leaned into my love for Moody Traditional decor. As the kids get older (I can’t believe my kids are already six and nine!), I want the house to feel magical for them, but also calm and grounded for us so that I’m not tempted to get rid of Christmas as soon as December 26th rolls around. I wanted deep colors, vintage textures, and a sense of history, even in a newer home.
Grab a cup of cocoa (or wine, I won’t judge), and let’s take a look around!
The Living Room: Plaid, Velvet & Vintage Santas
If you know me, you know I love a moody wall color. It instantly adds character and makes the space feel like a warm hug.
For the living room, I wanted to play off the dark walls with patterns that feel nostalgic. These blue plaid armchairs are my absolute favorite—they bring that classic masculine structure, but when you toss a faux fur throw over them, they become the coziest spot in the house to curl up.
Key Design Elements:
The TV Art: One of my favorite budget-friendly hacks is changing the TV art by simply searching on YouTube for “Christmas screensavers.” This vintage Santa painting on the screen sets the entire tone for the room. It feels like an oil painting without the price tag!
The Stocking Situation: Since we don't have a traditional fireplace mantel in this spot, I hung our knit stockings right off the black console. I love how the red and green pop against the black paint.
Collected Accents: I styled the surface with a vintage-inspired radio (we love listening to Christmas jazz on this!), brass candlesticks, and a mix of family photos.
The Dining Room: A Forest of Nostalgia
Our dining area is open concept, so it needs to flow with the rest of the house but still hold its own. This year, the tree is the absolute star of the show.
I skipped the "perfect" designer tree look and went for something that feels collected. It’s covered in multicolor ornaments, mercury glass, and warm lights. Against the mural wallpaper, it feels like a little enchanted forest scene.
I kept the table styling simple because, let's be honest, we actually eat here! A black bowl filled with ornaments is an easy centerpiece that doesn't get in the way of dinner conversation. On the sideboard, I added a lush magnolia wreath over the mirror—the red velvet ribbon gives it that high-end, custom look for just a few dollars.
The Entryway: First Impressions
I wanted the entryway to feel festive the moment you walk in, but without cluttering up the walkway.
I dressed up our glass console with a garland draped over the mirror. DIY Tip: I used a basic faux cedar garland and tucked in large white faux poinsettias that I got at Dollar Tree to give it volume and brightness. It connects the black mirror frame to the rest of the decor beautifully.
And can we talk about this massive, real red poinsettia from Costco? Sometimes you just can't beat the classics. It adds the perfect splash of traditional Christmas red.
The Bedroom: A Quiet Winter Retreat
I try to keep the bedroom decor minimal so it stays a restful space, but I couldn't resist adding a few touches.
The palette here is softer—creams, rusts, and greens. I swapped out our usual throw pillows for this long, lumbar velvet pillow in a burnt orange/rust color. It feels so luxurious and warm for winter.
I placed a simple garland on top of the headboard with twinkle lights and added my favorite flannel winter sheets (such an easy way to add cheer without taking up surface space) and, of course, the pup has claimed the cozy corner by the window! It’s the perfect spot to wake up and watch the "winter" weather outside (even if we are in Florida!).
The Kids’ Rooms: Magic in Their Own Spaces
As much as I love my moody, vintage aesthetic in the main living areas, I believe kids' rooms should be places where their little personalities can run wild. Since they are at such fun ages (six and nine), they both had very specific opinions on how their rooms should look for Christmas!
Her Room: Vintage Whimsy & Pink Everything
For my six-year-old daughter, we leaned hard into the color—and the nostalgia.
We already have this sweet pink scalloped wall detail that frames the room, so we wanted holiday decor that felt just as playful. She requested a pink tinsel tree, and honestly? It is the cutest thing in the window. We draped colorful felt ball and beaded garlands across the window to catch the light, which adds such a happy, handmade feel under the wooden valance.
I also love how her vintage-style metal bed looks dressed up with a simple garland, and of course, her Care Bear has pride of place on the pillow. To keep the vintage vibe going, we kept her gallery wall of floral oil paintings and gold frames, which grounds the bright colors with a little bit of history.
His Room: A Galactic Christmas
My nine-year-old son’s room is the complete opposite—dark, cool, and adventurous.
We went with a deep navy on the walls to make his solar system mural pop, so for his tree, we chose a white flocked tree that stands out against the dark paint. He helped decorate it with ornaments in shades of blue, teal, and silver to match the "outer space" vibe.
Since he is getting older, his room is transitioning into more of a "big kid" space. We mixed the holiday decor with his love for cars—you can see his framed race car prints next to the bed. The plaid bedding and rust-colored throw blanket add that cozy, winter texture without feeling too thematic.
Thanks for touring our home!
I hope this gives you some inspiration to embrace the dark colors, mix the old with the new, and create a space that feels uniquely you this holiday season. Remember, it’s not about having the most expensive decor; it’s about creating a backdrop for the memories you’re making with your people.
Tell me in the comments: Are you team "Traditional Red & Green" or do you like to switch up your color palette every year?
Stay Cozy!
I’m a mom of two and wife to a seriously supportive hubby, living our best life in our forever house by the preserve! I'm all about helping you create a stylish, Pinterest-worthy home on a budget. Let's obsess over interior design, home decor, DIY, and home improvement projects to help you create your best home. Follow along and say hello! I love hearing from you.
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