The holidays have a way of sneaking up on you and me. I wish I’d written this blog a month earlier😊!

Suddenly the calendar is full, guests are on their way, and your home needs to feel welcoming, comfortable, and just a little bit special. The good news? You don’t need a full renovation to make a meaningful impact. With a few thoughtful updates, you can completely transform a room and have your home guest-ready in no time.

Here are some practical, high-impact ways to elevate your space before visitors arrive.

1. Start With a Fresh Visual Focus

Every room benefits from a focal point. This could be a feature wall, a striking artwork, or even a beautifully styled shelf. If time allows, consider updating a single wall with wallpaper or a wall mural. Large-scale designs instantly add depth, personality, and atmosphere, making a space feel curated rather than rushed. Choose calming nature-inspired designs for guest bedrooms or something bold and expressive for living areas where people naturally gather.

Scalamandré Leaping Cheetah wallpaper

2. Refresh Soft Furnishings

Scatter cushions, throws, and rugs are the quickest way to shift the mood of a room. Swap out tired fabrics for textures that feel seasonally appropriate. Think soft linens, velvets, or crisp cottons. Even a small colour update can make a space feel intentional and festive without being overtly “holiday themed.”

Pro tip: keep a neutral base and layer in colour and texture through textiles. This feels inviting while remaining timeless.

Scalamandré Mikonos wallpaper 

3. Declutter and Simplify

A calm room feels more generous and welcoming. Before adding anything new, take a moment to edit what’s already there. Clear surfaces, streamline décor, and store away excess items. Guests appreciate space, both visually and practically. A tidy room with room to breathe always feels more luxurious.

Grassland View mural

4. Create Ambient Lighting

Lighting sets the tone of a home. Harsh overhead lighting can make even the most beautiful room feel uninviting. Instead, layer your lighting with table lamps, floor lamps, and soft wall lights. Warm bulbs instantly create a friendly, relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for holiday evenings and long conversations.

Candles are also a simple but powerful touch - just remember to place them safely.

5. Add Thoughtful Guest Touches

Consider how the room feels from a guest’s perspective. In a guest bedroom, make space in the cupboard, leave a luggage stand or chair, and add a small bedside lamp. In shared spaces, provide extra seating, and side tables.

These small gestures make guests feel considered and at ease.

6. Introduce a Sense of Nature

Bringing the outdoors in is always a good idea—especially before the holidays. Fresh greenery, flowers, or botanical-inspired décor adds life and softness to a room. If fresh plants aren’t practical, nature-themed art or wall designs can achieve the same tranquil effect.

Palm Serenity mural

Final Thought

Preparing your home for the holidays isn’t about perfection; it’s about creating warmth, comfort, and connection. With a few intentional changes, especially those that transform how a space feels rather than how much you spend, you can welcome guests into a home that feels stylish, relaxed, and truly inviting.

Sometimes, a single room refresh is all it takes to make memories shine a little brighter.

If quick changes and updates aren’t your thing, take you time to plan a proper room revamp and tackle this as a project in the new year. Browse our website for loads of wallpaper and murals ideas and options!

To shop these wallcoverings go to 'All Wallcoverings'.