The holidays have arrived in the South Okanagan, and if you’re anything like us, you’re already thinking about how to make your home feel warm, inviting, and ready for all those gatherings and memory-making moments.
At Edgehill Homes, we’ve spent over 15 years building custom homes that feel lived-in and welcoming year-round. But there’s something about the holiday season that calls for an extra layer of warmth and intentionality, making your home feel truly magical.
Here are 6 ways to transform your home into the cozy, holiday retreat you’ve been dreaming about this season:
1. Layer Your Lighting
Overhead lighting is fine for function, but cozy? Not so much. The secret to holiday ambiance is all about layering different light sources at different levels.
What to do:
- Add table lamps and floor lamps in living areas
- Use dimmer switches (if you don’t have them, add them to your 2026 renovation list)
- String warm white lights along mantels, bookshelves, or windows
- Light candles everywhere (Consider LED candles if you’ve got kids or pets)
The goal? No single overhead light should be your only source. Create pockets of warm light throughout your space and watch the magic happen.
2. Texture Is Your Friend
Cozy isn’t just visual. It’s tactile. It’s about wanting to touch everything in your space because it feels as good as it looks.
Add texture through:
- Chunky knit throw blankets draped over sofas and chairs (We love Kanata Blanket’s Home Collection)
- Velvet or faux fur pillows mixed with your regular cushions
- Wool or sheepskin rugs layered over existing flooring
- Woven baskets for storage
3. Embrace Warm, Rich Colors
Summer might be all about whites and brights, but the holidays call for deeper, richer tones that make spaces feel enveloping and intimate.
Try adding:
- Deep burgundy, forest green, or navy accents through pillows and throws
- Warm metallics like brass, copper, and gold
- Natural wood tones (if your home skews modern, bring in a wooden bowl or cutting board)
- Jewel tones in small doses for that luxe holiday feel
You don’t need to repaint your whole house. Small pops of color through accessories can completely shift the vibe.
4.Create Purposeful Gathering Spaces
The holidays are about connection, so arrange your furniture to encourage it.
Consider:
- Pulling furniture away from walls to create intimate conversation areas
- Adding extra seating with poufs, ottomans, or benches
- Setting up a hot cocoa or coffee bar in your kitchen
- Creating a cozy reading nook with a chair, throw, and side table
The goal is to make people want to stay, sit, and soak it all in.
5. Bring Nature Indoors
Nothing says “cozy holiday home” like natural elements. They add warmth, texture, and that organic beauty that feels both festive and timeless.
Ideas to try:
- Fresh greenery like cedar, pine, or eucalyptus branches in vases
- A bowl of pinecones, pomegranates, or seasonal fruit as a centerpiece
- Bare branches in tall vases (spray paint them gold or leave them natural)
- A real Christmas tree (the smell alone is worth it)
- Potted evergreens or winter plants on your porch or entryway
Most of these can be composted or recycled after the season, making them a sustainable choice.
6. Don’t Underestimate Scent
Cozy isn’t just what you see. It’s what you smell. The right scent can transform your entire home and instantly trigger those warm, nostalgic feelings.
Try:
- Simmering cinnamon sticks, orange peels, and cloves on the stove
- Quality candles in scents like pine, vanilla, cinnamon, or cedar
- Essential oil diffusers with seasonal blends
- Fresh baked goods (even if it’s just store-bought cookie dough)
- A real wood-burning fireplace if you have one
Just don’t go overboard. Subtle and inviting beats overwhelming every time.
Keep It Simple and Intentional
When it comes to creating a cozy holiday home, more isn’t always better. You don’t need to decorate every surface or fill every corner. Prioritise quality over quantity (a few meaningful pieces create far more warmth than a cluttered space). Select items that truly make you feel cozy, rather than just following trends or what looks good on Instagram. And remember to consider functionality. Anything that gets in the way or adds stress only takes away from the cozy atmosphere.
Creating a cozy home for the holidays doesn’t require a massive budget or a complete redesign. It’s about layering warmth through lighting, texture, scent, and intentional choices that make your space feel inviting.
However you’re celebrating this season, we hope your home feels like the warm, welcoming retreat you deserve.
Want to make your home extra warm and inviting this holiday season?
Our Design Consultations give you a one-hour session with an Edgehill designer to provide personalised ideas and guidance for your project, with the option to extend if you need more time.
Let’s create a home that feels like the perfect holiday retreat.
Contact us to get started today.
