Holiday Home Glow-Up: 3 Projects to Do Now

Tatum
Oct 29
3 min read

Hello Decor Friends!

The holidays are just around the corner—can you believe it? Before the guests arrive, the table is set, and the festivities begin, now’s the perfect time to give your home a little seasonal refresh. You don’t need to renovate or splurge on a full redesign to make a big impact. With a few thoughtful updates, you can breathe new life into your rooms and make them feel cozy, welcoming, and holiday-ready.

Here are three quick, low-to-mid budget room refreshes that will make your home shine before the holidays.

1. Update Your Lighting—Instant Mood Booster

Nothing transforms a space faster than lighting. It’s one of the easiest ways to shift the mood from “everyday” to “holiday ready.” Take a look around your main living areas—are your lamps dated, dim, or mismatched? Consider swapping out a few key fixtures or adding new light sources for layered, flattering light.

Try adding a pair of table lamps on a console, a new pendant over the dining table, or even a cordless rechargeable lamp on your kitchen island or bar cart (these are my current obsession). They add instant warmth and ambience—especially when paired with soft white or warm glow bulbs.

Designer Tip:

If replacing fixtures isn’t in the budget, simply changing your lampshades or switching to dimmable bulbs can make a huge difference. Soft, layered light will make your space feel intentional and cozy—perfect for holiday gatherings.

2. Refresh with Textiles and Texture

When the temperatures drop, your home should feel as inviting as your favorite sweater. One of the quickest ways to achieve that is by swapping out your textiles. Add a few new throw pillows in rich fabrics—think velvet, boucle, or faux fur—and layer in cozy throw blankets over chairs or sofas.

Rugs can also anchor a space beautifully. If your current rug has seen better days, now’s the time to update it. Even a simple area rug in a neutral tone or subtle pattern can pull a room together instantly.

Budget Tip:

You don’t have to replace everything—rotate in what you already own. Bring that heavier knit throw out of storage, move a rug from one room to another, or mix in a few seasonal pillow covers. It’s all about creating a fresh, layered look without overspending.

3. Add Architectural Charm with Molding Detail

Want to completely elevate a room before the holidays? Add molding or wall trim! It’s one of the most cost-effective ways to bring instant sophistication and character to your space.

From simple picture frame molding to classic wainscoting or a dramatic board-and-batten design, these details add depth and interest to otherwise plain walls. You can paint the molding the same color as your wall for a subtle, elegant look—or go bold by painting it in a contrasting hue for extra visual impact.

Quick Options:

Add a half-wall of wainscoting in your dining room for traditional charm.
Try vertical battens in a hallway or bedroom to elongate the space.
Frame a single wall with picture molding and paint it a deep, moody color for drama.

Designer Tip:

If you’re handy, many molding projects can be DIY-friendly over a weekend using inexpensive wood trim and paint. Even hiring a carpenter for a small accent wall is relatively budget-friendly—and the finished result looks completely custom.

With just a few thoughtful updates—better lighting, cozy textures, and a touch of architectural detail—you can create a warm, welcoming home that’s ready for guests, gatherings, and all the holiday cheer ahead.

If your home could use a little pre-holiday refresh and you’re not sure where to start, I’d love to help! Schedule a design consultation, https://www.cavendishlanedesign.com/decor-services and we’ll create a plan to get your rooms guest-ready and beautiful in time for the season.