The holiday season is the perfect time to treat yourself—or someone you love—to items that bring more style to a home. From cozy textures to playful pops of color, find some ideas that reflect the latest design trends and can help refresh your living space.
For Backyard Fun
Outdoor entertainment areas continue to be on trend for homeowners and buyers. Thoughtful and inviting additions—from fire pits to games—can transform the backyard into the perfect gathering spot.
Start with a cozy fire feature you can enjoy all season long, like a trendy smokeless fire pit, such as the Breeo X Series 24 Corten Smokeless Fire Pit ($599.99).
Bring the party to the next level with a pizza oven for backyard entertaining. The Gozney Arc XL’s Liquid Propane Outdoor Pizza Oven ($1,000) can cook a 16-inch pizza in 60 seconds or less.
Finally, add outdoor games to encourage social gatherings. Frontera focuses on style with its line of patio and lawn games like the Elakai River Croquet Set ($179), landscape scene-designed cornhole boards ($450) and even larger games like outdoor foosball or table tennis.
For the Kitchen
Freshen up the kitchen with small appliance add-ons and appliances in modern colors. GE Appliances—a NAR REALTOR Benefits® partner offering discounts for NAR members—offers options that go beyond traditional stainless steel. Consider a new finish for a modern twist: the Café Matte White, black slate, matte black or slate appliances.
Small appliances also make a big impact, like the Café Automatic Espresso Machine or even an indoor grilling and smoker, such as the GE Profile Smart Indoor Pellet Smoker.
For Added Texture
Adding texture instantly brings depth and warmth to any room, whether through cozy throws, area rugs or stylish wallpaper. Interior designer Chelcie Eastman, co-host of Anything But Gray on the Magnolia Network, shares her love for Grasscloth Wallpaper from the Gray Benko Collection. “I’m a texture girl,” Eastman says. “We have so many fun colors in grasscloth that we haven’t really seen before.” Made from natural fibers such as grasses, jute, seagrass or bamboo, grasscloth wallpaper is woven to create a textured, organic look.
For Rounded, Sculptural Design
Furniture and lighting are moving away from harsh lines in favor of arches, rounded forms and sculptural shapes. Look for mirrors and frames with organic, flowing designs—that not only reflect light but also make a bold style statement. A great example is West Elm’s fluted wood floor mirror ($499).
Arched furniture also can help “hug” a space, softening corners and adding visual interest. Consider pieces like Walmart’s 71-inch, arched Pantry Storage Cabinet ($399.99).
For Decorative Storage
Baskets, boxes and trays aren’t just functional—they also can decorate a space while keeping it organized. Give your kitchen pantry a quick makeover with baskets, glass jars and a label maker. For example, Wayfair.com offers a 6-piece glass storage jar set with airtight lids ($47.95).
Storage ottomans are another way to combine style and function. Target’s velvet tufted round ottoman with lift-off lid ($94.99) is a budget-friendly option that can serve as a chic accent while hiding items inside.
For Color & Pattern Pops
Brighten your countertops or living spaces with colorful accessories. Mix prints, solids and textures with throw pillows for a layered look, or add a pop of color in the kitchen, such as with a vibrant teakettle. The Le Creuset Demi Teakettle ($89) comes in a variety of colors—from reds and greens to blues—for elevating the stovetop.
Patterns are another way to make a statement. Peel-and-stick wallpaper works beautifully as an accent wall behind a bed or even behind shelves on a bookshelf for a customized, high-end look. This version is fully removable, so you can easily switch it up whenever inspiration strikes.
For extra festive flair, Pottery Barn recently announced an exclusive home furnishings collaboration with 20th-century American painter and illustrator Norman Rockwell, perfect for holiday-inspired color and pattern pops.
For Plant Life
Houseplants are an easy way to liven up any space. Small potted plants can brighten windowsills, while larger trees bring a bold statement and maybe even a fresh, natural aroma.
For windowsills, try smaller options like Ivolador Glass Double Test Tube Plant Terrariums ($12.99). Their minimalist design with natural wood base is perfect for smaller plants like Pothos, spider plants or English Ivy.
Or, go bigger with a fast-growing tree to accentuate a room’s corner. For example, the Meyer Lemon Tree ($99.95) works indoors or outdoors (depending on your climate) and can even produce real lemons, offering cheerful pops of yellow with greenery.
