Nostalgic Christmas Decor Ideas
Words by Millie O'Toole and Sophie Ball
December 11, 2025
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3m
While everyone’s idea of what feels nostalgic may differ, there’s something magical about the way this time of year can transport us. Back to cosy living rooms, familiar decorations and traditions that made the season feel truly special.
This year, we’re celebrating the warmth, colour, and character of Christmases past - from retro-inspired palettes to well-loved decorations and meaningful family moments.
We’re giving you a few ideas to bring that timeless feeling into your home all season long, and giving a little insight into our festive photoshoot...
The Joy of Maximalism
Maximalism captures the joyful chaos of Christmas at its best. The kind that feels warm, familiar and wonderfully over-the-top. It’s all about embracing layers of textures, rich colours and abundant Christmas decorations, from shimmering tinsel to oversized baubles that instantly spark memories. It turns the room into a festive world of its own, full of character, nostalgia and Christmas magic.
In our festive shoot, the retro silhouette of the sofa, the organic curves of the Nicolo Armchair and the warm teak of the mid-century tables all came together to create a scene steeped in nostalgia. The colour palette of deep jewel greens and rich earthy browns create that cosiness that feels effortlessly festive.
“We wanted our nostalgia shoot to awaken those warm, familiar feelings of Christmas- the kind filled with cherished memories, laughter, and the comforting presence of loved ones."
Decorations That Tell a Story
The heart of nostalgic styling lies in objects that hold meaning. Reused ornaments, second-hand finds, and treasured decorations pulled from storage each year help create a space that feels deeply personal. DIY touches or handcrafted pieces add another layer of sentiment, transforming a home into a living scrapbook of moments and memories.
Just like family traditions, festive decorations are often passed down through generations. There’s a quiet intimacy in adorning a tree with pieces that spark joy, evoke laughter, or remind us of loved ones. Whether it’s a retro bauble, a photo-frame ornament, or a fragile glass piece that has survived decades of Christmas mornings, every item contributes to a story that’s uniquely yours.
A Return to Childhood Christmases
Rhianon Vest our creative stylist said, “Today’s festive season can feel fast-paced, with focus often shifting to bigger, grander gifts and technology. But we wanted to pause and reflect on a time when Christmas moved more gently...”
In our shoot, we leaned into that sense of childhood wonder, shaped by crackling fires and hand-made decorations. The colour palette was inspired by 1970s film photography, with earthy terracotta and golden honey tones. These timeless hues bring warmth and depth to a space, making your home feel as comforting and cosy as it did all those years ago.
Another way to return to those simpler Christmases is by reviving old traditions. Whether it's baking a family recipe, hanging the slightly wonky handmade ornament or reading a well-loved festive story, these small rituals help anchor the season in familiarity, reminding us why they matter in the first place.
A Family Filled Festive Scene
The nostalgic theme extends beyond decor and into the spirit of real family life. Consultant Creative Director Michelle White shares one of the highlights of the shoot:
“The setting for our nostalgic Christmas was our very own studio with 'our' very own kids, none of which were harmed in the making of this seasonally special shoot! How wonderful to be able to have the Barker and Stonehouse creative team welcome their mini versions on set. Dressed to impress they stole the room and our hearts, hanging out on our comfortably cool Hemingway Sofa and gathering in ever such a grown-up way at the table of dreams, Trinidad (in a super practical finish). For additional fun the chairs even spin. Family proof furniture, that's ready for real life.”
As we wrapped our shoot it became clear that the heart of the season isn’t in perfectly curated spaces and precisely placed decorations – it’s in the familiar comforts. By embracing nostalgia and the scents, sounds and rituals that bring us home, we invite a gentler more meaningful season back into our lives.