Color Palettes Inspired by Winter Holidays

Despite what many may think, the winter season is one full of colors from the red cardinals dotting snowy trees to the cheerful passersby dressed up in bright scarves and warm hats spreading holiday cheer. And there's something quite magical about watching the world slow down under a blanket of falling white snow.

With so many holidays taking place throughout December, there's an endless array of festive color schemes to gather inspiration from when decorating your homes for the winter season.

How to Decorate for Hanukkah

What are the colors of Hannukah? Blue, white, and gold take center stage in this sophisticated color palette inspired by Hannukah traditions. The Festival of Lights commemorates the recovery of Jerusalem and the re-dedication of the temple in Jerusalem.

Blue and white are important to this celebration as white suggests purity, peace, and light while blue ties in the faith, wisdom, and truth associated with the sky. Let these holiday colors blend with gold accents to create an elevated palette that you can incorporate to build a welcoming ambiance throughout your home decor. 

Get the Look:

• Architectural Menorah Candle Holder by CB2

• Porcelain Trees by Burke Decor

• Aisha Ivory Dark Blue Rug by Scout & Nimble

• Wells Leather Shearling Swivel Armchair by Pottery Barn

• Fuel Navy Credenza by CB2

• Boteh Throw by Surya available at Burke Decor

• Constellation Coasters Set of 4 by West Elm

• Gold Microlight Faux Branch by Arhaus

How to Decorate for St. Lucia’s Day

White, red, and green make for a traditional holiday palette in this color wheel inspired by St. Lucia's day. Also known as the Feast of Saint Lucy, St. Lucia's day is celebrated in Sweden to honor the martyr Lucia of Syracuse. Legend has it that she appeared with a candlelit wreath lighting her head and brought food to the Christians hiding in Roman catacombs.

Take comfort in these customary traditions by investing in a brightly striped, red throw pillow, simple white candles, and deer ornaments to adorn your space. Draw on natural decorations such as poinsettias and beautiful cypress wreaths to infuse your home with seasonal charm. Our beautiful dark oak hardwood in classic brown juxtaposes nicely with this timeless color palette.

Get the Look:

• Standing Gas Outdoor Heater by Pottery Barn

• Small Tassel Deer by Arhaus

• Stripe Tassel Pillow Cover by Serena and Lily

• Pillar Candle by CB2

• Dark Hickory Hardwood by Carpet One Floor & Home

• Faux Amaryllis Composed Arrangement by Pottery Barn

• Shiloh Spool Chair by Ballard Designs

• Cypress Wreath by Scout & Nimble

• Jacqueline Salad Plate by Ballard Designs

• Waffle Knit Sherpa Back Throw by West Elm

How to Decorate for Christmas

Skip the classic color scheme of Christmas in favor of something bolder, yet timeless. This elegant Christmas palette of soft pinks and brushed goldss puts a contemporary twist on the traditional Christmas colors. From soft textures like the blush velvet of the Ellison swivel chair to the white sherpa material used in the Christmas stocking, these holiday decor pieces inspire an elevated look this season.

Upgrade your old Christmas lights to rose gold fairy lights or brushed bronze bulb strands. Add a touch of class with a gold accent decor and blown glass ornaments to your Christmas tree. Tie everything together with a beautiful white oak hardwood floor which will work in tandem with your warm metal finishes to brighten the space and open it up to the natural winter light.

Get the Look:

• Lantern with Mirror Base and Handle by Burke Decor

• Candice Mirror by Scout & Nimble

• Ellison Swivel Chair by Arhaus

• White Oak Look LVT by Carpet One Floor & Home

• Faux Fur Stocking Alpaca by Pottery Barn

• Luster Christmas Ornaments by CB2

• Rose Gold Fairy Lights by Cocus Pocus

• Floral Paper Garland by Ballard Designs

• Faux Fur Christmas Tree Skirt by CB2

• La Fete Gold Champagne Flutes by Burke Decor

How to Decorate for Kwanzaa

Celebrated at the end of December, Kwanzaa takes place over seven days and welcomes the first harvests to the home with a bold palette of reds, greens, and blacks. These three colors work jointly to represent people of African descent worldwide and unify family, culture, and heritage.

This palette creates a warm atmosphere with its different shades of rich earthy greens, deep burgundy reds, and dusky black. You can easily adopt these holiday colors into your winter design with natural materials such as pine trees, wreaths, and wool carpets or add splashes of color through decor like ornaments, furniture, and kinaras. 

Get the Look:

• Zella Chair by Arhaus

• Karma Red rug by Nourison

• Grand Lotus light by Currey & Company

• Gingham Napkin Set of 4 by Pottery Barn

• Tie Dye Ball Christmas Ornament by CB2

• Korpo Wreath by Ladron available at Burke Decor

• Curved Wood Candle Holder available on Etsy

• Faux Potted Mini Pine Tree by CB2

• Velvet Ribbon by Ballard Designs

Ready to Get Into the Holiday Spirit?

Whatever celebrating the holiday season may look like in your home, be sure to find an inspiring festive color palette that serves your needs this winter and fills your home design with joy.

For more holiday inspiration, read our design blog and learn about simple tips and tricks from how to achieve a natural holiday look to styling popular gathering areas.