Holiday Decorating for Every Home Style

Style-First Holiday Decorating Tips

Holiday decorating can feel like a high-stakes glitter bomb just waiting to happen. One minute you’re unboxing ornaments, the next you’re wondering why your living room looks like the seasonal aisle at a big box store. At Lisa Gilmore Design, we’re here to say: you don’t have to choose between festive and fabulous. Your home can celebrate the holidays and keep its signature style intact.

Holiday Decorating Ideas to Match Your Home Personality

Instead of fighting your home’s personality, let it guide your holiday decorating. Whether you’re drawn to the sleek lines of mid-century modern, the breezy palette of coastal design, or the bold drama of a maximalist space, your holiday look can feel like an extension of your everyday aesthetic with just enough sparkle to make it feel special. We’ve pulled together our best tips to help you make your home merry, bright, and unmistakably you.

Maximalist Holiday Decorating

Raspberry Den | Lisa Gilmore Design

Colorful Office | Lisa Gilmore Design

Go big. Go bold. Go glitter-bombed.

Your home is already a party - let the holidays turn it into a spectacle. Jewel-toned ornaments, velvet ribbon, disco ball garlands, and unapologetically oversized everything belong here. Mix metals, layer patterns, and don’t you dare hold back.

Decor Tip: Use your existing color palette as the springboard. If your home is full of emerald green and fuchsia, carry that into your tree, mantel, and even gift wrap for a look that’s over-the-top in the best way.

photo: Bold Holiday Decor - Adobe Stock

Coastal Home for the Holidays

Waterfront Retreat - Lisa Gilmore Design

Traditional Condo - Lisa Gilmore Design

Think less kitsch, more cabana chic.

A coastal-inspired home doesn’t need to trade shells for snowflakes to feel festive. Stick to sandy neutrals, sea-glass blues, breezy whites, and maybe a pop of coral. Add texture with rope garlands, linen stockings, and ornaments in driftwood and glass. 

Sea Glass Garland - Adobe Stock

Beach Inspired Holiday Decor - Adobe Stock

Decor Tip: Skip the red and green and let the beachy palette shine. If your space already leans into light woods, rattan, or tropical patterns, keep holiday decor in the same sun-washed family for a relaxed yet refined look.

Mid-Century Modern Holiday Decorating

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Stylish Custom Home - Lisa Gilmore Design

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Mid-Century Modern | Lisa Gilmore Design

Retro charm, reimagined for the holidays.

Let your holiday decorating take a cue from the clean lines, punchy palettes, and vintage flair of mid-century design. Think brass candleholders, atomic starbursts, geometric garlands, and ceramic trees in mod hues. Even your bar cart deserves a little sparkle.

Teal & Orange Holiday Decor - Adobe stock

Mid-Century Holiday Decor - Adobe Stock

Mid-Century Holiday Decor Inspiration | Adobe Stock

Decor Tip: Lean into warm wood tones, matte finishes, and a curated color scheme, like orange and gold, or teal and white, for a festive look that still feels true to your home’s roots.

Deck the Halls of Your Traditional Home

Old Florida Chic - Lisa Gilmore Design

Traditional Living room - Lisa Gilmore Design

Timeless meets twinkle.

If your home leans classic - arched windows, rich wood, crown molding - there’s no need to reinvent the (garland-wrapped) wheel. Embrace a nostalgic take on holiday decorating with tartan plaids, fresh greenery, brass bells, and candles galore. It’s elegance with a dash of Norman Rockwell charm.

Fresh Greenery - Adobe Stock

Traditional Holiday Decor- Adobe Stock

Traditional Holiday Decor | Adobe Stock

Decor Tip: Layer textures like velvet and wool for cozy luxury. Hang garlands over built-ins or doorways, and use real greenery whenever possible - it smells as good as it looks.

FAQs: Holiday Decorating, LGD Style

1. How can I make my holiday décor match my home’s aesthetic?

The secret to cohesive holiday decorating? Start with what you already love. Your year-round color palette and textures are your north star. If your space is filled with warm brass, soft blush tones, or moody jewel hues, echo those in your holiday trimmings - think velvet ribbons in coordinating colors, metallic ornaments that match your lighting, or gift wrap that complements your pillows (yes, really).

For minimalist homes, lean into intentionality. A few well-placed pieces - like a sculptural tree, monochromatic garland, or a single wreath - can speak volumes without overwhelming. Maximalists, on the other hand, can layer on the sparkle and pattern. It’s all about extending your style, not abandoning it for the season. Your holiday home should feel like a celebration of you, just with a little extra sparkle.

2. What if I don’t have room for a full tree?

No tree? No problem. Big style can shine in small spaces - you just need to get a little creative. Try a cluster of tabletop trees on your entry console or mantle (bonus points for mixing textures and heights). Drape garland above doorways, along shelves, or across a headboard for an unexpected twist.

A bowl of ornaments, a vase of foraged greenery, or even a string of twinkly lights along a mirror can channel festive vibes without sacrificing square footage. And if you’re really tight on space, a wall-mounted “tree” made from ribbon, postcards, or photos can be a charming (and conversation-starting) alternative. Small space, big joy. Always.

3. What is trending this year for Christmas decor?

This season’s holiday decorating is all about celebrating you - with nostalgia, sparkle, and soul. Expect rich jewel tones like deep burgundy, emerald, and midnight blue paired with soft metallics such as antique gold and rose copper. Vintage finds and heirloom‑style ornaments are having a major moment, as are layered textures (velvet ribbons, knits, natural greenery), and the return of “more is more” - it’s the year to go bold. Sustainability is also in the mix: reusable décor, handcrafted details, and natural elements like dried orange slices and pinecones are shaping up as must‑haves. Your holiday space should feel warm, collected, and unmistakably your style.

No matter your home’s aesthetic, holiday decorating should feel like a celebration - not a chore. Let your space shine in a way that’s uniquely you.

And if you’re dreaming of a home that looks this good all year round, our team at Lisa Gilmore Design would love to help. Follow us on Instagram or inquire here to start creating a space that’s bold, beautiful, and brimming with personality.

Lisa Gilmore Design is a luxury interior design firm based in Tampa Bay, Florida, known for bold, personality-packed spaces. Named an Architectural Digest Leading Southwest Florida Designer and a Top 25 Florida Design Firm by Design + Decor, LGD has also been featured in Florida Design, Aspire Home, and Rue Magazine. We serve clients in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Hyde Park, South Tampa, and worldwide.

A Bold Primary Suite Renovation in This St. Petersburg Home

St. Petersburg Home’s Bedroom and Bathroom Design Reveal

As part of a bold, full-home renovation by Lisa Gilmore Design, this primary suite was designed to stand apart, while still playing beautifully with this St. Petersburg home's overall midcentury modern spirit. Inspired by the polish of a New York hotel suite and infused with fashion-forward flair, the bedroom and bathroom were reimagined as a masculine retreat full of architectural edge, artful layers, and meaningful personal details.

Tailored Tranquility in a St. Petersburg Home: Midcentury Style Meets NYC Hotel Chic

What a difference a vision makes. Take a look at how this St. Petersburg home went from sleepy to statement-making.

ST PETERSBURG HOME MOOD BOARD - LISA GILMORE DESIGN

Before: St Petersburg Home’s Primary Bedroom With All The Right Raw Materials

This dreamy St. Petersburg home bedroom had all the architectural charm you could ask for - vaulted wood ceilings, a wall of windows, and space to stretch. But the vibe? A little too mellow. The furniture felt heavy, the palette leaned dark, and the room lacked that signature sparkle we love to bring to a primary suite. It was begging for a bold refresh to match the sunny, style-forward personality of the home.

After: A Tailored Bedroom Retreat in This St. Petersburg Home

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This isn’t your average nap zone. From the graphic wallpaper to the custom ottomans and rug - designed by Lisa and brought to life by local artisans - every inch of this bedroom was made to dazzle. 

The teal velvet headboard adds drama without taking itself too seriously, while layers of playful patterns keep your eyes dancing around the room. The gallery wall features pieces that trigger the clients’ memories, including old photos of a grandparent’s trip to New York.

The striking angled windows flood the space with Florida sunshine, making the whole room feel like a chic treehouse for grown-ups. With seating areas for lounging, reading, or just admiring your fabulous taste in this freshly reimagined St. Petersburg home.

Before: Average St Petersburg Home’s Primary Bathroom

The bathroom in this St. Petersburg home was spacious and full of potential, but it felt more like a time capsule than a tranquil escape. With dated tile, bulky cabinetry, and a dim layout, it lacked the personality and polish that the rest of the home was leaning into. While the footprint was generous, the finishes didn’t quite live up to it. This space was clearly ready to swap “blah” for spa.

After: Unapologetically Luxe: A Bathroom That Elevates This St. Petersburg Home

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Let’s be honest: this bathroom didn’t come to play - it came to indulge. 

The sculptural tub takes center stage against a bold charcoal wall, perfectly framed by a minimalist nude sketch that whispers art gallery meets spa day. Just to the side, a cozy wooden stool stands ready with a good read, a glass of wine, and a candle because... self-care, darling. 

The adjacent shower feels like a luxe retreat carved from the earth itself - draped in richly veined marble and grounded by a pebble-stone floor that gives your feet a gentle massage as you rinse off the day. 

And those walnut vanities? They’re the dashing co-stars, flanked by graphic wall tile and arched mirrors that say, “Yes, you do look fabulous.”

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a St. Petersburg Home

Have questions before you pack your bags and move to paradise? We’ve got answers - St. Petersburg style.

1. Is it expensive to live in St. Petersburg, FL?

St. Pete living isn’t exactly bargain-bin cheap, but it’s not luxury-label exclusive either. Think of it more like a fabulous boutique find: stylish, sun-drenched, and worth the splurge if you know how to shop smart. Housing is the biggest budget item, especially in neighborhoods near the water or downtown. But Florida’s no-income-tax policy does give your paycheck a bit more wiggle room. If you’re willing to live a little farther from the action (or you’re not picky about having a Gulf-view balcony), you can still score a stylish spot that doesn’t drain your savings account.

2. What salary do you need to live comfortably in St. Petersburg, Florida?

Ah, the magic number - how much do you really need to live your best life in the Sunshine City? If you're imagining morning coffee on the porch, a few dinner dates each month, and enough left over for a Target run and your Spotify Premium, a salary around $60K to $90K should do the trick. A single person might get by with a little less, but if you’ve got expensive taste (or a love for local art, boutique gyms, or beachy cocktails), a bit more cushion is nice. Like most things in life, comfort here is all about balance - sunshine, savings, and just enough space for a spontaneous weekend getaway.

3. Is St. Petersburg, FL a good place to live?

In a word: yes. But let’s unpack it, because St. Pete isn’t just good - it’s glow-up-worthy. With more sunshine than you’ll know what to do with, a thriving arts scene, delicious food, and beaches that feel like postcards, it’s easy to see why people fall in love with this place. You’ve got charming bungalows, vibrant murals, and a calendar packed with festivals and farmers markets. Sure, traffic can get a little cranky and housing prices are climbing like a vine on a pergola, but if you’re looking for creative energy, coastal beauty, and community vibes, St. Pete delivers - sparkle and all.

Whether you're dreaming of a midcentury modern oasis or a hotel-inspired retreat, we’ll help you create a St. Petersburg home that reflects your boldest design goals.

Ready to turn your bedroom and bathroom into a bold, beautiful escape? Whether you live in St. Pete or across the globe, our team would love to bring your vision to life. Fill out our design inquiry form, and we’ll be in touch. For more inspiration and glam-filled ideas, follow us on Instagram or sign up for our newsletter. 

Lisa Gilmore Design is a luxury interior design firm based in Tampa Bay, Florida, known for creating bold, artfully tailored spaces for busy professionals. Recognized as an Architectural Digest Leading Southwest Florida Designer and named a Top 25 Design Firm in Florida by Design + Decor, our work has also been featured in top publications like Florida Design, Aspire Home, and Rue Magazine. We proudly serve homeowners in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Hyde Park, South Tampa, and beyond—bringing one-of-a-kind designs to clients around the globe.

South Tampa Florida Home is Filled with Color and Style

Before and After: Art-Saturated South Tampa Florida Home

Picture this: a two-story, four-bedroom home in South Tampa, Florida, looking all nice and neat but just a bit too vanilla for our art-loving clients. They craved a splash of color, a dash of pizzazz, and rooms that felt as vibrant as their personalities. That's where the Lisa Gilmore Design team came in, ready to transform their unimaginative abode into a colorful casa!

Color-Filled South Tampa, Florida Home

The homeowners' extensive art collection, including several dazzling Ashley Longshore pieces, made this project a dream come true for the LGD team. We had a blast weaving these artworks into the design, adding even more layers of color and texture to their home.

HOME OFFICE BEFORE

Inspiring Home Office with Custom Touch

Our client, a high-profile financial advisor, needed a workspace that was both fabulous and functional. Bland, white walls? Begone! We teamed up with a local artisan to create a gold-plated ceiling and hand-painted walls with pink and gold detailing. Add in a blush pink, champagne, and gold rug from the Lisa Gilmore Design Collection and custom drapery designed by Lisa herself, and voila! A workspace that oozes inspiration and energy.

photo: Home Office After

TV ROOM BEFORE

Bold Den/TV Room Design in South Florida, Tampa

Ever seen a more striking, jewel-toned TV room? We took this space from drab to fab with a complete makeover. Our artisan crafted a textured ceiling and walls, perfect backdrops for art by Davina Shefet (to the left of the sofa) and a piece from the clients' own collection (above the sofa). A reupholstered sofa in Emma Shipley fabric and a custom-designed ottoman by Lisa completed the look, making it the ultimate lounging spot.

photo: TV Room After

DINING ROOM CHANDELIER BEFORE

South Tampa, Florida Dining Room with Vintage Chandelier

The dining room before was nice, but it didn't leave much of an impression. We decided to spice things up with a few vintage pieces, including a stunning chandelier made of vintage Murano glass from the 1960s, imported all the way from Italy. Most people might shy away from such a bold statement piece, but it creates a sculptural experience for visitors. We also reupholstered the dining chairs in zebra hide and added Ashley Longshore butterfly art near the ceiling.

photo: Dining Room Chandelier After

PRIMARY BEDROOM BEFORE

Luxurious Primary Bedroom Retreat

Though the primary bedroom isn’t as colorful as the rest of the house, its palette of whites, grays, and golds creates a luxurious, restful retreat. Our artisan used hand-scraped plaster to create cascading weeping willows on the walls in monochromatic white hues. Lisa designed the custom drapery, and we finished the space with art from the clients’ collection, making it a serene sanctuary.

photo: Primary Bedroom After

GUEST BEDROOM BEFORE

Tiger-ific Guest Bedroom in South Tampa, Florida

The tiger portrait in the guest bedroom, part of the clients' existing art collection, is a real showstopper. We complemented it with textured, patterned latticework on the walls and custom drapery designed by Lisa and made locally. It’s a space that’s sure to impress any guest.

Photo: Guest Bedroom After

FAQs: Interior Design in South Tampa, Florida

1. Is South Tampa a good area?

Absolutely! South Tampa is a fantastic area known for its vibrant community, excellent schools, and diverse dining and entertainment options. The neighborhood boasts beautiful parks, scenic waterfront views, and a mix of historic charm and modern amenities. It's a place where you can enjoy a lively urban lifestyle while still feeling close to nature.

2. What is considered South Tampa?

South Tampa generally refers to the region south of Kennedy Boulevard and includes well-known neighborhoods such as Hyde Park, Bayshore Beautiful, Palma Ceia, and Davis Islands. It's bordered by Tampa Bay to the west and south, and Hillsborough Bay to the east. This area is a blend of historic homes, upscale condos, trendy shops, and gourmet restaurants, making it a sought-after place to live.

3. Why is South Tampa, Florida so expensive?

South Tampa's high cost of living can be attributed to its prime location, excellent schools, and high demand for real estate. The area's proximity to downtown Tampa, beautiful waterfront views, and a wealth of amenities make it a desirable place to live. Plus, the mix of historic charm and modern luxury, along with a strong sense of community, drives up property values and rental prices.

For lovers of art and color, this South Tampa, Florida home is a dream come true. Check out this post to see other ways we have incorporated original art into our designs.

To get more tips, see our projects, and find ideas for adding liveable glamour to your home, follow Lisa on Instagram or sign up for our newsletter.

Based in Tampa Bay, Florida, Lisa Gilmore Design is an interior design firm that offers luxury design services to busy professionals. We have been named a Top 25 Design Florida Firm by Design + Decor and an Architectural Digest Leading Southwest Florida Designer. Lisa Gilmore Design has been featured in top design publications such as Florida Design, Aspire Home, and Rue Magazine. We serve homeowners in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Hyde Park, Clearwater, and South Tampa.

4 Things to Consider Before Renovating a Room

This is the time of year when many people like to dream about what the year will look like and what they want in many areas of their lives. One of those areas is the home.

Lisa Gilmore Design | Seamus Payne Photography

As you look around your home, there may be one or several areas you aren’t 100% happy with, but it can feel daunting to decide where to start and what to do first.

A whole house renovation is overwhelming for most homeowners, and sometimes it’s better to start with one or two spaces. However, it can be hard to pare down your wish list.

That’s where Lisa Gilmore Design can help.

Whether we are working with a new client or just giving general advice to someone, we recommend a homeowner think through these four aspects of a design before beginning a project.

4 Things to Consider at the Beginning of a Design Project

1. Don’t worry about labels.
Sometimes, people get stuck trying to find the right label to describe their style like mid-century modern, coastal, or farmhouse. But, trying to find the perfect words can cause stress and stop a project before it begins. 

Lisa Gilmore Design | Native House Photography

One of the best things about working with a professional design firm is we break through those barriers and labels, help you clearly define what you like, and create a style just for you. If you have a space that has been customized for your unique style, labeling it no longer matters; you just feel at home.

2. Understand your style.

Lisa Gilmore Design | Seamus Payne Photography

Though having a label isn’t important, knowing what you like is. Looking at magazines is often especially helpful in identifying what you do and don’t like.

While sites like Pinterest, Instagram, and Houzz are also great for inspiration, sometimes they can offer too many options, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed and distracted. If you are struggling to identify what you like, go to a local store and pick up a few of the major design publications, such as Elle Decor, Traditional Home, and Architectural Digest. Dive into the pages; tear out things you like and circle specific furniture pieces or colors that catch your attention. Allow yourself to focus on the pages of the magazine and zero in on what is attractive (or not) to you!

3. Prioritize room functions.
If you want your professional or DIY design to be successful, it is critical to define how you want a room to function. 

 For example, if we are working on a guest room, but you really want it to be a playroom that a guest occasionally sleeps in, that is an important detail to share. Professional designers can create spaces that meet multiple needs and still look beautiful. But first, you must thoroughly communicate your needs.

4. Narrow down your color palette. 

Though it’s fun to dream about what furniture or lighting would look amazing in a space, it’s really better to start with a room’s color.

Color is important, but it also differs from person to person. So, what colors make you feel good? What colors make you the most comfortable?

We recommend people start by looking in their closets. Do a quick scan of your wardrobe. What is the dominant color? Often we can start there to build a design. 

Sometimes people realize they have a closet full of black and want more color in their life. That's okay too. This is simply a starting exercise to help you identify how different colors make you feel and which you are naturally attracted to.

Lisa Gilmore Design | Native House Photography

Considering these four areas before you contact a design firm or visit a home improvement store will make your project less stressful. Knowing your budget and when you would like the project to be completed are also critical things to know before beginning.

Just like a vacation is more enjoyable if you know things like what you want to get out of the trip and what type of hotels you like to stay at – all before you book anything. The same applies to your home renovation projects.

The most successful projects are those that are well-thought-out and well-planned before the project starts. 

If you are considering a project that would benefit from professional design services, we would love to help.

To get more advice from Lisa Gilmore Design, see our projects, and find ideas for adding liveable glamour to your home, follow us on Instagram or sign up for our newsletter.