Holiday Magic with Slate Studios: Timeless Layers for Every Season
- Katie Walker
- Nov 25
- 5 min read
At Slate Studios, we know that the most beautiful homes evolve, and treasured pieces can be given new life in the way you style them or the rooms you choose to display them in. With just a few intentional styling methods, your favorite pieces can shift from everyday to holiday magic.
Don't get me wrong, I love a new holiday decor item as much as the next person, however, I also believe in investing in quality, timeless pieces that you can then reinvent with the seasons.
This holiday season, let us help you reimagine the staples already in your space. In this blog, I will show you how a few simple swaps, some creativity, and versatility can transform what you already own!
Re-Styling the Staples
First, let's start with the foundational pieces. These are the everyday hero pieces you likely already own, the ones that can easily be reimagined for the holidays with a few thoughtful layers.
Everyday hero pieces:
Vases
Candlesticks
Hurricanes
Decor such as Statues/Figurines
Lidded Jars
Decorative Bowls
Trays
Apocathary Jars
Cloches
Cake Stands
These versatile pieces set the stage for your seasonal décor. By restyling them with greenery, florals, or festive accents, you can refresh your home’s atmosphere without starting from scratch.
Considering your Style
The next step is to let your home’s style and compliment it with your holiday styling. At Slate Studios, we believe your holiday décor should feel like a natural extension of your everyday aesthetic, not a departure from it.
Modern Homes: If your space features clean lines, organic shapes, and a minimal aesthetic, lean into a nature-inspired approach. Layer pine garlands, dried oranges, or textured linens in a soft, neutral palette of white, gray, and green.
Eclectic or Colorful Homes: If your home embraces color and pattern, let your holiday décor do the same. Rich metallics, deep jewel tones, and luxurious textures like velvet will feel at home alongside your existing palette.
Classic or Transitional Spaces: Blend timeless elements like magnolia, gold accents, and traditional red or evergreen tones with elegant glass, brass, or chinoiserie details for a curated, layered look.
If you are unsure, please check out our blog post Elevate your Holiday Decor, where we walk through how to identify your design style and translate it into a cohesive holiday look
The Vase Edit: From Everyday to Festive Flair
First, let's start with one of my favorite decor items, the vase! A beautiful vase is one of the most versatile styling tools in any home. Whether you love the charm of blue-and-white chinoiserie, the sparkle from a vintage silver champagne bucket, or the simplicity of a sculptural ceramic urn, a well-chosen vessel can transform the atmosphere of your space with minimal effort.
Vases can easily be styled to the season, think of them as an evolving layer of design. The right arrangement can echo your home’s year-round color palette and easily transition into something more festive with a few seasonal accents.
Not sure where to start? Use this quick reference guide to help you reimagine your vases for both everyday and holiday styling.
💡 Designer Tip: Match your greenery and materials to your home’s color palette and overall aesthetic, the goal is harmony, not contrast.
See some of our favorite visuals of how to put this into action below!
*All images are from Pinterest, we would love to cite sources if you aren't mentioned, please let us know
💡 Designer Tip: Choose vases for quality, it will outlast trends and feel at home in every season. This real silver, waterford crystal, or handmade ceramic pieces.
The Candle Moment: A Mood for Every Celebration
Candlesticks are one of the simplest ways to shift the atmosphere of a room. I love them because they bring warmth, height, and are so versatile. Whether you favor vintage brass, sleek marble, or hand-blown glass, these pieces can go from everyday to festive with just a few thoughtful details.
Throughout the year, candlesticks can live beautifully on a dining table, console, or coffee table, adding a layer that complements any design style. When the holidays arrive, a quick swap of color, ribbon, or adding an unexpected item to the arrangement transforms them into something special without feeling overdone.
Use this quick guide to match your candlesticks and tapers to your home’s color palette and style, then see how small details like ribbons, ornaments, or bottlebrush trees can add a touch of holiday magic to complement your design style.
💡 Designer Tip: When starting your candlestick collection, skip the trends. Real brass, plated silver, and crystal never go out of style. Invest once, then reinvent endlessly.
See some of our favorite festive candlestick styling ideas below!
💡 Designer Tip: Vary candle heights and finishes for a layered, collected look. And when it comes to scent, keep your tapers unscented. Let your meal (and conversation) take center stage, adding fragrance to your home in other ways. No one wants a scented candle competing at the dinner table!
The Finishing Layer
The magic of holiday styling often comes down to the smallest details, the layered surfaces, the reflective glimmers, the unexpected moments of charm. This is where the finishing layer comes in. Consider transforming items you already have such as bowls, hurricanes, cake stands, cloches, and mirrors, to transform ordinary corners into something warm, festive, and full of personality.
These versatile pieces don’t need to be packed away after December. Instead, think of them as the stage for whatever story your home tells that season. With a few simple swaps, they can shift from everyday elegance to holiday sparkle, no storage bins required.
Use this quick guide to see how your favorite decorative accents can evolve with the seasons. A few simple swaps and subtle layers are all it takes to create holiday magic.
💡 Designer Tip: The most beautiful vignettes feel effortless. A few thoughtful touches such as a sprig of holly, a simple wreath, or a bowl of ornaments, can shift your home into the holiday spirit without ever feeling overdone.
See some of our favorite creative holiday display ideas below!
💡 Designer Tip: Repetition creates rhythm. A trio of glass hurricanes, a pair of matching cloches, or a series of similar vessels feels cohesive and intentional. Consider the rule of threes!
Holiday Magic is in the Layers
As the season unfolds, remember that the true beauty of your home isn’t found in how much you decorate, it’s in how intentionally you design. The best spaces evolve with you, layered with meaning and memories.
By reimagining the pieces you already love, that favorite vase, a timeless set of candlesticks, or a simple glass hurricane, you can create a home that feels festive, yet deeply personal.
At Slate Studios, we believe every detail has a purpose, and every layer tells a story. This holiday season, we hope you can take a moment to slow down, light a candle, and celebrate the home you’ve thoughtfully created one beautiful layer at a time!!