DIY Decor Upgrades to Refresh Your Home Before the Holidays: Westchester Edition

Couple painting a wall in their home

As the holiday season approaches in Westchester, many homeowners feel the urge to spruce up their spaces before guests arrive and celebrations begin. While a full redesign may not be on your timeline, there are countless small, stylish updates you can take on yourself that make a big impact. A few well chosen touches can breathe new life into your home, making it warm, welcoming, and holiday ready.

Here are some DIY decor upgrades that will instantly refresh your home before the holiday festivities kick off.

Create a Welcoming Entryway

Your entryway sets the tone for the entire home, and during the holidays, it’s often the first impression for visiting family and friends. In Westchester’s colder months, layering functionality with charm is key. Consider adding a chic area rug that can withstand snowy boots, a statement mirror to open the space, and a decorative basket to corral scarves or gloves. Seasonal greenery, like a wreath or garland, adds a festive touch without overwhelming the space.

Update your Decor with Seasonal Textiles

One of the easiest DIY upgrades is swapping out everyday fabrics for cozy, holiday-ready alternatives. Exchange lightweight throw blankets for plush knits or faux fur, and replace neutral pillows with richer tones like burgundy, deep green, or gold. These simple additions instantly warm up a living room or den and set the stage for intimate gatherings by the fireplace.

Upgrade Lighting for Ambiance

Lighting has a powerful effect on how a room feels, and this season is all about creating ambiance. In spaces like Scarsdale or Rye, where large gatherings are common, layering lighting makes all the difference. Swap out outdated lamp shades, add dimmers to overhead fixtures, or string warm fairy lights along mantels and windows for a soft glow. Candle groupings, real or flameless, are another simple, stylish way to add warmth to dining and living areas.

Dress Up the Dining Table

Whether you’re hosting a formal dinner or a casual brunch, your dining table is often the heart of holiday entertaining. Try creating a DIY centerpiece using seasonal elements such as pinecones, cranberries, or eucalyptus branches, arranged in a sleek vase or rustic tray. Layer in cloth napkins and a festive runner to elevate the look. These small touches will give your holiday meals an elegant, intentional feel without the need for a major overhaul.

Refresh with Art and Accessories

Switching out wall art and accessories is a subtle yet effective way to shift the mood of your home. Rotate in artwork or prints with warmer palettes, or try framing family holiday photos from past years for a personal touch. Accessory swaps, like adding metallic trays, decorative bowls, or statement vases, can pull a room together and give it a polished, seasonal look. For those hosting holiday events that double as special celebrations, such as anniversaries or even a wedding, unique touches like a butterfly release can create unforgettable moments for family and friends.

Don’t Forget the Outdoors

In Westchester, outdoor spaces often serve as an extension of the home, even in colder months. Adding planters filled with evergreens, lanterns by the doorway, or string lights along a porch railing creates a warm, inviting exterior that welcomes guests before they even step inside.

Refreshing your home for the holidays doesn’t require a full redesign. With a few thoughtful DIY upgrades, like layering textiles, updating lighting, or dressing up your entryway, you can create a stylish and inviting environment that reflects the season. These projects not only impress your holiday guests but also make your home feel more comfortable and festive for you and your family.

If you’d like a more personalized approach to holiday styling, an interior designer can help tailor seasonal updates that reflect your unique style and fit perfectly into your Westchester home.

–

Written by the staff writing team at HappyWriters.co