This merry Manhattan loft gives seasonal mainstays a modern refresh
When it comes to the holidays, traditions run deep. But festive doesn’t have to mean predictable. In this SoHo, Manhattan, loft, you’ll find a nod to nostalgia with our modern take on classic red and green and wintry patterns.
The result? A space that feels quintessentially merry yet undeniably fresh.
Try a twist on tradition. In addition to the usual suspects (mantels, doorways and stair banisters), give your sofa a seasonal touch with pillows and throws in bold, graphic interpretations of winter plaids and ginghams.
“Pops of bright red set the mood for holiday fun. We think of it as a neutral this time of year.”
—Laura Wilson, West Elm Design Crew
Think outside the box. Let what you already have inform your holiday decorating. Is red in your space? Add accents that play it up. When they complement an existing palette, wrapped gifts or a bowl of ornaments feel more intentional.
Enter the most immediate merry-maker: greenery. For an unexpected touch, punctuate your gallery wall with a wreath, typically relegated to the front door.
Make spirits bright. Give your hosting skills a leg up with serveware that’s seasonal yet understated. Rustic wood charcuterie boards and wintry-patterned dishes exude apres-ski style, wherever you are.
Lean into matte and shine. Holiday glitz and glitter not your thing? Festivity can take many forms. Our clean-lined, Scandi-inspired mini trees feel warm, cozy and contemporary.
“Holiday decorating is all about vignettes. Play around with different object groupings—new and old—to see what brings you joy.”
—Laura Wilson, West Elm Design Crew
Prep for hibernation season. Oversized plaid and buffalo check look cohesive in a shades-of-gray palette, grounded in matte black accents and snuggly shearling.