The Holidays Start at Home

The season of gathering is almost here. Make the most of the home you love with a few festive touches inspired by our design experts.

At Robert Thomas Homes, we believe your home should be a natural extension of who you are, what grounds you, and what you’re most passionate about—even if those passions happen to change with the seasons. 

And with the holidays quickly approaching, there’s plenty to be passionate about—whether it’s trying new recipes in the kitchen, fall-ifying the front porch for trick-or-treaters, or finding the perfect spot for this year’s Christmas tree. (If you ask us, it’s never too early.) 

Ahead of the holiday rush, we’re drawing on our design expertise to share some simple yet impactful ways to spruce up your home for the festivities ahead. Even the smallest details—like changing out your welcome mat, hanging a star in the window, or adding fresh accent pillows—can invite warmth and magic into your home, making gatherings feel effortless, elevated, and memorable, all season long.

Here are our best tips for curating a holiday-ready home:

1.  Embrace the Nordic Holiday Aesthetic 

Scandinavian minimalism continues to soar in popularity in the world of interior design. And yet, when the holidays roll around, Scandinavian decor takes on a new life that feels anything but minimal. Take a cue from the magic of Nordic holiday traditions by embracing a few of their signature elements: natural textures, understated sparkle, and whimsical pops of color.

It could be draping a layer of Arctic-white faux fur across your sofa, hanging a glowing Advent star in the window, or filling your favorite vase with faux red berry branches to add color and texture to your tablescape. The key is to strike a balance between simplicity and seasonal charm, creating a space that feels festive without feeling overdone.

2.  Bows Are Back—Don’t Fight It

Bows feel especially relevant around the holiday season, when presents are wrapped in glittering ribbon and wreaths are dressed with lush velvet ties. The difference this year? Bows are poised to stick around long after the festivities fade, thanks to their renewed popularity across fashion and interior design.

There are plenty of ways to weave this romantic detail into your home for maximum impact, whether it’s an embroidered bow on a throw pillow, a sculptural set of bow-adorned candlestick holders, or a softly gathered valance above the kitchen sink. To keep the trend sophisticated, opt for rich materials, delicate detailing, and colors that complement your pre-existing palette.

3.  Take Cues From Ralph Lauren

The rustic, lodge-inspired aesthetic associated with Ralph Lauren offers the perfect balance of holiday nostalgia and design sophistication, steering clear of the kitsch that can sometimes creep into seasonal decor. And with plaid prints, deep-green hues, and heritage-inspired motifs among the season’s standout design elements, you don’t need to shop at Ralph Lauren to capture its signature look.

Start with classic patterns and rich, tactile materials. Hang an antler wall mount above the fireplace, layer a plaid runner over your dining table, or introduce subtle touches of leather, pine, and wood through a foliage arrangement, a vintage-inspired frame, or a leather blanket chest. The end result should feel cozy, lived in, and collected over time. 

4. Bring the Outside In

Why stop filling your home with fresh flowers when the weather outside changes? In the thick of the colder months, bringing natural elements indoors can brighten your interiors, lift your mood, and add a much-welcomed organic touch to your holiday decorating.

Think beyond the expected evergreen garlands and holly branches and go bold: ruby-red poinsettias, winter-white roses and ranunculus, fresh pine cones, and fragrant eucalyptus. We recommend crafting one dramatic centerpiece arrangement, and then scattering the remaining elements throughout your home. It could be as simple as filling a wooden bowl with seasonal citrus, arranging pinecones along the fireplace mantle, or tucking a sprig of fresh-cut branches into a statement vase. These small details keep your home feeling grounded, welcoming, and connected to the season—without splurging on decorations you’ll only use once a year.

5.  Don’t Forget About Your Front Porch

One of the many perks of living in a Robert Thomas home is enjoying a highly social, well-connected lifestyle where neighbors become friends and community members feel like family. One of the anchoring elements of this lifestyle? The front porch. 

There’s no time like the present to ready your front steps for a season full of trick-or-treating, holiday hosting, Christmas caroling, and everything in between. Start with swapping out your planters—vibrant early-fall chrysanthemums can give way to towering emerald-green shrubs, adding immediate drama and seasonal flare to your entryway. When it comes to lighting, skip the multicolored twinkle lights in favor of soft amber bulbs and sculptural lanterns that cast a warm, inviting glow. Finish with a fresh seasonal doormat and a few natural accents, like gathered birch logs or multicolored gourds, for a front porch that keeps neighbors coming back—and makes every guest feel right at home.

Looking for more design inspo ahead of the holiday rush? Step into one of our beautiful model homes to see how our team of design experts are embracing the season’s trends in style. You can visit our website to search for model homes right in your own community, making it easy to find inspiration close to home. And if you ask us, there are few better ways to spend a chilly day than wandering through beautiful model homes in the community you love!

Armed with fresh design inspiration and a wish list of seasonal finds, we hope you feel inspired to see your home through a fresh lens and continue to make it your own, season after season. As homebuilders, there’s no greater joy than knowing the homes we build are glowing with holiday lights, filled with the laughter of loved ones, and evolving right alongside the families who call them home.