caring for home: Holiday edit
It’s completely viral, this idea of a Ralph Lauren Christmas. And while I love a good modern approach to home styling – especially when living in a smaller space – I must admit, this Ralph Lauren Christmas has my head spinning. I thought I’d pop into your inbox today and share a couple thoughts with you – and maybe show a couple of ways you can create this look on a budget.
01. Decide the color scheme
If you research for even a minute a Ralph Lauren aesthetic, you’re going to find it multi-faceted. There’s the RL Vintage look, the RL Polo Bar look, the RL Estate look…. and then there’s the RL Western look. With so many options, it is easy to find one you love and gravitate to, and begin building upon the idea.
Most of the color schemes follow the same color way. They lean into dark, moody colors like navy, deep green, dark rich burgundy, camels, and animal prints. But there is always a touch of leather and a bit of the classics like silver, brass, or crystal.
So as you research the specific Ralph Lauren aesthetic for a Ralph Lauren Christmas, be sure to take notice of the exact style elements you love. Then, once you have the elements nailed down, you can begin creating the aesthetic for yourself.
02. Start with what you have
Most of us have more than what we actually need – and probably a lot of these elements are stored and stashed in storage facilities, basements, and attics. Why not spend a little time looking through the items you’ve tucked away for another day, just to see if there is anything there you could use?
Even with a more modern design aesthetic, I found several items in our own apartment that we could use before spending a dime. Things like a Pottery Barn suede pillow cover in camel, a dark rich faux fur blanket, a couple of deep burgundy brushed cotton pillow covers, a couple of black velvet pillow covers, and a cheetah print pillow cover.
When mixing these patterns and textures together, the Ralph Lauren Christmas aesthetic began to appear before my very eyes. Play with the patterns and colors you already have to see what may work toward the RL Christmas goal you have in mind.
03. Go for that nestled in, cozy feeling
Personally, I believe the reason this Ralph Lauren Christmas aesthetic is going viral is because we have spent the last decade removing color and pattern from our homes. We’ve been in a season of neutrals consisting of grays and taupes. Even now, we’re switching it up but gravitating toward beiges and creams.
While all of those are perfectly fine and in their own way stunning – I love a neutral color palette, a Ralph Lauren Christmas is all about decadence and richness…a depth of color and feeling. Imagine those Christmases of the 1990’s and early 2000’s. The years when plaids florals wove themselves together seamlessly and gave a lived in, curated look. There was something about it that felt like home.
So when going for a Ralph Lauren Christmas, decide on your color palette first, shop your home second, and then edit for that nestled in, cozy feeling. As you keep these three things in mind, you’ll find that the goal will come into sight before your very eyes.
04. Don’t be afraid to mix and match
Mixing and matching colors, patterns and textures are what the Ralph Lauren Christmas aesthetic is all about. As begin putting together your components, pay careful attention that you are mixing and matching, but that you’re staying true to your color scheme.
While reds, blues, greens, and camels are prominent in this aesthetic, try to stick to colors that coordinate well together and that don’t class. If you choose a deep burgundy, a bright Christmas green may not coordinate well. Go with more of a dark, rich, evergreen instead.
If you choose a navy blue, be sure that any other blues you may add in are a variation of navy – or even a denim. But steer clear of blues like sky blue, cerulean blue, or turquoise blues. The same is true for yellows: Go for deep rich yellow tones like golds, camels, or animal prints. All of those will give you a deeper, richer experience than a bright sunny yellow would.
05. Take photos of your vision
I have found that laying out my ‘vision‘ on a bed, sofa, or table gives me a good idea of how things will look together. However, if you grab your smartphone and snap a quick photo, you will get a much clearer idea of what the look will feel like once put together.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and in home styling, this is so true. Taking a photo will filter out the external noise of the room and focus your attention directly on the area you want to design. Taking a photo will allow your eye to see depth of color, see what ‘may be missing,’ or simply realize that the patterns are too busy, or that there is a lack of pattern. It’s a simple exercise and one I have used for years to see an idea from an outside perspective. Give it a try and see if it helps you, too.
06. A Ralph Lauren Christmas
This year, I have decided to pair down the amount of Christmas decor I use, but bulk up the impact of the items I bring out. Christmas ornaments will be bold in colors of reds and whites. Plaid ribbons with deep, rich burgundy and green. Wrapping paper with touches of blue to bring in a subtle hint of the classic RL aesthetic.
With it there will be rich, dark brown faux furs, deep reds, camel tones and leather armchairs. And animal prints…in small, but impactful amounts.
Here’s a sneak peak of the ideas I’ve had so far…but you’ll have to stay tuned as the season approaches to see how the Ralph Lauren Christmas aesthetic takes surprising turns as we progress with our styling.
Are you following this Ralph Lauren Christmas trend? If so, how are you planning your decor? I’d love to know! Leave me a comment below.
You make it look so beautiful ❤️