How to Achieve a Classic Holiday Look with Just the Right Amount of Moody Elements
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I’ve always enjoyed decorating for the holidays, but this season I was especially excited to try something new.
This year I wanted to bring more depth into my space—layering moodier tones and nostalgic charm for a look that felt both timeless and collected.
Below, I’m breaking down five things that helped me create this classic holiday look with just the right mix of cozy and moody.
Start with a Timeless Holiday Color Palette Full of Warm, Moody Tones.
This holiday color palette leans into tradition, but with a bit of restraint. I naturally gravitate toward more neutral, earthy tones, so instead of using bold red and green combinations, I opted for a more refined mix of dark green, rich cranberry, warm aged brass, and subtle touches of black. These deeper, moodier hues add richness and sophistication to the overall design while still feeling festive and timeless. It’s a holiday palette that brings a fresh and more elevated feel, creating warmth and charm without overwhelming the space.
Incorporate Heavy Layers for a Cozy, Collected Holiday Feel.
We have off-white walls and a white fireplace, so to achieve the more moody aesthetic I was going for, I needed to darken my space, but painting the walls wasn’t something I wanted to mess with (although the thought did cross my mind more than once!). Instead, I opted to bring in heavy textures to help darken the space. I styled the mantel with a thick, full garland, layering pine stems throughout the space for added texture. To enhance the cozy feel of the space, I leaned into heavier fabrics, adding chunky knit and corduroy throw pillows, and incorporating velvet stockings and a velvet tree skirt.
Add Small Touches That Create Big Seasonal Impact.
The little details are always what helps bring a space to life. Ribbon is a simple way to dress up your everyday decor for the holidays. I used velvet ribbon throughout our living room and kitchen on everything from the tree to the decorative accents. This helped to add just the right touch of vintage charm. I also incorporated brass bells throughout.
>> My $5 Holiday Bell Hack <<
Incorporating gallery walls and layering artwork is another beautiful way to bring in seasonal charm. This year, I swapped out a few frames with printable holiday artwork that I found on Etsy. It was such a simple upgrade, but it completely transformed the mood and helped me capture the look I was after.
The addition of natural elements is another one of my favorite ways to add some vintage charm. In this holiday look, I used pinecones, dried orange slices, and cinnamon sticks and nestled them into the tree and in the garland on the mantel. I also incorporated them into a tablescape. These simple additions bring texture, warmth, and just the right amount of interest.
Design a Moody, Festive Tablescape That Feels Both Classic and Warm.
No holiday look is complete without a festive tablescape to tie the entire look together and I’m completely in love with how this one turned out.
Surprisingly, the inspiration for this year’s entire holiday look started with these napkins. Their beautiful tartan pattern pulled together the rich, dark, and classic color palette I was aiming for. I also added black scalloped edge chargers (or plate coasters, as my husband likes to call them!). I finished the look by using some jute rope, a brass bell, and a bit of greenery to make the napkin rings.
Bring in Vintage and Antique Accents to Anchor the Holiday Look.
Antique and vintage accents will always be a decorating staple for me.
I especially love bringing out my collection of brass deer during the holidays. Each collected piece is full of character, patina, and charm that mass-produced decor just can’t replicate. Adding a few meaningful vintage pieces gives your holiday styling that collected, curated feel that makes a space truly special.
And there you have it! With just a few thoughtful touches you can recreate this classic, moody Christmas look that feels both nostalgic and timeless.
Shop Vintage Holiday Decor Collection ↓
Celebrate the season with curated pieces from our vintage and antique shop. With classic, seasonally inspired objects, art and entertaining essentials, this collection of timeworn pieces will bring the perfect touch of nostalgia and classic charm to your home this holiday season.
Shop More Holiday Finds & Favorites ↓
Explore our rotating collection of holiday finds and favorites from trusted brands and partners. From festive wrapping essentials to cozy home accents and timeless tabletop pieces, discover something special for every space to help you celebrate the holidays in classic style.
Looking for more holiday inspiration? Explore the blog for more festive styling tips and seasonal ideas.
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Hi, I’m Casey, founder of Refuge Interiors, where I combine my lifelong love of decorating and design with a passion for sourcing vintage and antique treasures to create classic, collected interiors that feel warm, inviting, and beautifully lived in.
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