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The cosy heritage look is trending this Christmas – an interior stylist reveals the 5 tricks to making it look fresh and timeless

Trends come and go, but here's how to make this a look that will last

Blue living room with oval mirror over a fireplace, Christmas tree and red and stripe armchair
(Image credit: Future PLC / Carolyn Barber)

The heritage Christmas look might be trending this year with the 'Ralph Lauren' Christmas trend and Morris & Co. pattern comeback. But it's one of those looks that, if you get it right, it will never go out of fashion.

A heritage Christmas is light on the glitter and heavy on the rich reds with a healthy dose of natural greenery thrown in. It is all about creating a snug, cocooning space. No glitz and glamour is needed for this look, just a real pine tree dressed in simple, hand-painted baubles. Throw in a couple of arts and Crafts-inspired linens, some cosy faux fur throws and a bough of pine tied up with ribbon, and you have the makings of a dreamy storybook Christmas.

Choose your palette

Red panelled room with a christmas tree decorated with green and red baubles.

(Image credit: Annie Sloan)

You can’t go wrong with the traditional winter favourite pairing of forest green and red to create a warm and inviting festive home. This year, to give the look a modern spin, choose pine greens with smoky blue undertones – perfect on woodwork and upholstery – and pair with pink-hued terracotta reds and soft creams.

Add natural greenery

White panelled cottage style living room with a checker board tiled fireplace, yellow sofa, blue ottoman and a garland hung from the ceiling

(Image credit: Laura Ashley)

Evergreen foliage has been used to decorate our homes for centuries and brings a wonderful, timeless, seasonal feel. Hang garlands from beams, drape over mantelpieces and wind up staircases. Decorate blank walls with lush wreaths and natural branches tied with pretty velvet ribbons.

Pick nostalgic patterns

White and blue panelled bedroom with an oak bed with red arts and craft print bedding. A rail decked with pine branches and ribbons hangs over the bed.

(Image credit: Dunelm)

Don’t hold back on the patterned papers and fabrics; layer up heritage prints that tell a story and add seasonal charm with furnishings and accessories. Dress guest beds with William Morris-inspired botanical prints and ground the scheme with wool cushions and plain velvets.

Keep it cosy

Blue living room with oval mirror over a fireplace, Christmas tree and red and stripe armchair

(Image credit: Future PLC / Carolyn Barber)

It may be dark and cold outside but the combination of a real fire, candles and twinkling fairy lights will help create a warm and snug atmosphere inside. Ditch the harsh overhead LEDs in the dining room in favour of a pair of vintage-style glass pendants and illuminate dark corners with pretty scalloped table lamps.

Tie a bow on it

Dining room with pinky ditsy wallpaper, blue wall panelling, an oak table with matching chairs, frilly lights over the table and a Christmas tree in the background

Devrons Grove wallpaper, £48 a roll; Braystone dining table, £960; dining chairs, £495 for two; Fern Banham pendants, £70 each, all Laura Ashley at Next

(Image credit: Laura Ashley)

Tie oversized, blowsy fabric bows to the backs of chairs and the branches of your tree. Choose vintage inspired florals in berry reds and pinks to contrast with the cool green and natural tones of the pine wreaths and garlands.

Get the look

Charlotte Boyd
Contributor

Charlotte Boyd is a freelance interiors writer and stylist, who has been creating content for some of the top interiors magazines, and brands for over 20 years. She regularly writes for ideal Home as well as producing and styling photoshoots for brands such as Villa Nova and Victoria Carpets. Charlotte is passionate about inspiring people to shop for and decorate their homes in a way that beings them joy.