As the festive season approaches, our team have shared their top tips for creating a cosy, festive atmosphere that invites joy into every corner of your home. From scents to lighting, unique traditions, and, of course, the perfect festive bow, here’s how we at ASJ Design bring holiday cheer into our homes.
Image Credit: coco.and.jack
Embrace Festive Scents
Emma, our Studio Manager, and Annie, our Director, both swear by the power of festive scents to set a festive food, whether that’s from candles, baking or using dried oranges dotted around the home. Emma loves placing candles throughout her home and burning them in the lead-up to Christmas—creating a cozy, seasonal aroma that welcomes you into each room. For Annie, a real Christmas tree is a must, even with the inevitable needle drop, because of the earthy, piney scent that only a real tree can offer. For an eco-friendly option, she suggests choosing a potted tree from a sustainable source that you can send back after the season ends, reducing waste.
Image Credits: Corston Architectural, Coach House, Rowen & Wren
A Little Bit of Sparkle
Emma also loves the magic of warm, white fairy lights. They can be strung on your Christmas tree, woven into a table centrepiece, or even woven around your stair banister. Damon, our Architectural Technician and Ana, our 3D & Technical Designer are big fans too, opting for simple white lights that cast a soft, golden glow across rooms. These gentle lights paired with natural decor feel festive without overpowering daily life.
Embrace Nature and Sustainable Decor
Amanda, our Founder & Director is a big advocate of decorating with natural foliage, such as holly, ivy, and pinecones, all foraged from nature. Damon echoes this, describing his handmade wreaths of fir and berries for a simple, rustic appeal. Annie adds a touch of sustainable charm by reusing ribbons saved from previous presents. She also ties them in bows on the tree, across the mantle, or in garlands to add colour and texture. It’s an easy way to switch up the look each year while keeping a sustainable mindset—and as Annie will tell you, any excuse for a bow is a good one!
Image Credits: Banda Gallery, Studio McGee, ASJ Design
Create a Cohesive Colour Scheme
Sylvia, our Interior Designer, recommends choosing colours that mean Christmas to you—classic reds and greens, modern icy blues, or timeless golds and silvers. A consistent colour palette, spanning from tree ornaments to lights and table settings, ties your décor together. Ana suggests combining modern and classic elements on the tree, creating harmony between tradition and style.
Set Up a Cosy Gathering Space
With an open fire in the living room, Damon loves the cosiness it brings, especially when paired with mulled wine warming on the Aga, ready to welcome neighbours. No open fire? No problem! Add a few more candles or LED-lit lanterns around the room to create a warm, glowing ambiance that invites everyone to gather and unwind.
Image Credit: Rowen & Wren
Bring Out Cherished Family Traditions
Amanda loves the idea of gifting a Christmas decoration each year to loved ones, a tradition inspired by her own godmother. This meaningful tradition helps build a collection of memories and makes decorating each year a nostalgic experience. Sylvia also suggests taking an annual family photo, perfect for adding to a keepsake photo book that brings a new layer of sentimentality each year.
Add Festive Bakes and Treats
Nothing says Christmas like the smell of something delicious baking in the oven. Lois, our Project Co-ordinator loves to create a warm, inviting atmosphere with festive baking: mince pies, ginger cake, and a chocolate Christmas cake fill the home with mouthwatering aromas. Sylvia suggests making treats with family for a bonding experience that results in delicious goodies to share together. Coming from Italy, Sylvia knows that Christmas is all about food for all the family to share. Paired with Christmas carols in the background, it’s a surefire way to fill your home with holiday cheer.
Image Credit: ASJ Design, Rowen & Wren, coco.and.jack
Decorate the Table with a Festive Touch
Ana, who lives in Madrid shares that in Spanish homes, the dining table is often the heart of holiday gatherings. Layer a tablecloth in warm hues, set with crystal glassware and candles, to create an elegant centrepiece for family feasts. A garland of fresh pine, eucalyptus, or a bouquet of festive flowers can be the finishing touch for a tablße that feels both inviting and stylish.
Add Music to Your Festive Prep
No holiday prep is complete without the soundtrack of the season! Annie adores Christmas music in all forms—cheesy pop hits as well as timeless carols. She recommends playing it while decorating or wrapping gifts for a fun and spirited experience. And if you’re feeling extra festive, pair it with a glass of bubbly to add a touch of sparkle to your Christmas preparations!
Image Credit: ASJ Design, Rowen & Wren
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