“Christmas is one of the most cherished holidays in our household. I want my kids to remember the magic and excitement as we prepare for the celebration of Jesus’s birth. To me, Christmas is a feeling of love and renewed hope and I want my decor to reflect that feeling. Each piece of decor, from the tree topper to stockings often carries memories and traditions that my children will remember,” Fried said.
Lauren Fried of LF Interiors, presents an enchanting “Old World Christmas,” an arrangement that blends rustic charm with timeless elegance. This design shines through its use of natural materials, vintage ornaments, and a carefully selected palette of rich yet muted colors. Layered with various textiles, the arrangement is a harmonious mix of old and new, creating a look that stands out from the traditional red and green holiday decor. This combination of textures and colors evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia, making it perfect for those who seek a sophisticated yet cozy ambiance for the holiday season.
Many of Fried’s clients come to her specifically for this refined, rustic aesthetic. Neutral tones and a sense of calmness take center stage, steering clear of the brighter, bolder colors that many associate with holiday decorations. According to Fried, holiday decor should be an extension of the home's existing style, creating a cohesive, lived-in feel that enhances rather than disrupts. She notes that the "Old World Christmas" design she could easily fit into any of her clients' homes, offering a timeless look that brings comfort and elegance to the space.
"The goal is to evoke warmth and nostalgia through the design," Fried explains. "It should feel elegant but also lived-in, like it belongs in the home and isn't just a seasonal afterthought."
For Fried, holiday decor is a significant consideration in the overall design of a home, particularly for her full-service clients. “If you are one of my full-service clients for new construction or whole-home remodels, the question of ‘where is the Christmas tree going to go?’ is definitely something we factor into the floor plan," she shares with a laugh. This attention to detail ensures that every aspect of the home, including seasonal decor, works seamlessly with the overall design. Fried also offers additional services, helping clients purchase and style their homes for the holidays, creating custom looks that blend beautifully with their existing interiors.
LF Interiors stays ahead of the curve when it comes to sourcing unique holiday decor. Fried and her team regularly travel to markets and trade shows around the country, selecting seasonal decor that matches their clients' refined tastes. For those looking to shop on their own, Fried recommends online platforms like Etsy, where one can find one-of-a-kind wrapping paper, ribbons and vintage pieces that prevent the home from feeling too commercialized, like the inside of a Hobby Lobby. She credited McGee & Co., Lulu and Georgia, and Afloral as companies to consider sourcing from too.
For those wanting to attempt this arrangement on their own, consider establishing a color palette. Select colors that have similar tones to those throughout the house. Mix in patterns, such as florals, stripes, or solids. Include ribbons of a velvet, satin, or twine variety. Heirloom details, be it wax stamps, vintage ornaments, or hand-knit stockings will add to the scene. Lastly, layer with dried fruits, metal, and glass.
To learn more about the services LF Interiors can offer its customers, visit https://www.lfinteriors.com/.
“No matter how you choose to decorate your home, choose high quality, meaningful pieces that you will cherish for years to come,” Fried said.
"The goal is to evoke warmth and nostalgia through the design," Fried explains. "It should feel elegant but also lived-in, like it belongs in the home and isn't just a seasonal afterthought."