This Christmas I am decorating my living room with warm neutrals and rich metallic tones to create a cozy space to spend the chilly nights in New England.
Bloggers’ Best Holiday Home Tour
This week is the Bloggers’ Best Holiday Home Tour! This is my favorite home tour of the year. There will be more than 35 bloggers opening their doors and sharing their homes that are decked out for the holidays.
If you are coming over here from Kelly at The Tattered Pew’s Red & Green Christmas Home Tour wasn’t it just so pretty! I love her Colorado home.
For those of you that are new to Cottage on Bunker Hill…welcome!! I’m Jennifer and here you will find lots of inspiration and DIYs for creating a beautiful home on a budget. There is nothing that I love more than to find an expensive look and then figure out a way to recreate it for a heck of a lot less!!
This post may include affiliate links; you can read my disclosure policy here.
Living Room Christmas Decorating Ideas
This Christmas I am decorating my home with warm neutral tones and muted metallics to create a cozy and welcoming environment…especially when it’s cold outside here in New England.
In my living room, I have a neutral gray sectional and use creams, greens, and brown leather throw pillows as accent colors.
The walls are painted Ancient Marble by Sherwin Williams which is a neutral light green shade.
My area rug is full of rich greens and warm beige tones.
You will see that I have added a few touches of black in the room; black is the perfect neutral!
entryway table
In our small home, the front door opens right in the living room so I only have a small hallway that separates the living room and the kitchen.
It’s the perfect amount of space for an entryway table next to the door.
On the table, I mixed a couple of new things with lots of vintage and thrift store finds. In the Fall I gave this console table a makeover to create a natural wood look.
Over the mirror, I hung a piece of cedar garland (it was actually from a longer garland that I cut in half) and tucked in a small gold bell pick and a few dried flowers from my garden.
Finishing off the look with a length of vintage-looking velvet ribbon.
SOURCES:
- Mirror- Hobby Lobby
- Bell Pick- Hobby Lobby
- Velvet Ribbon- Hobby Lobby
- Garland- Terrain
Decorating with old books is one of my favorite ways to add a little character to a space. I picked up this set of 4 green covered vintage books at a local antique store.
To dress them up for the holidays I tied them together with a mustard-colored velvet ribbon and tucked a dried sedum and pheasant feather into the ribbon.
The one new thing that I did add to this space was a set of little trees and green ceramic pots that I got on my trip down to Ikea. There isn’t an Ikea in any of the northern New England states so I finally went to the one in Massachusetts last month.
Feathers work in Fall and Winter arrangements. They blend with the other natural touches I’ve sprinkled throughout the house this Christmas.
The bottom shelf of the table is filled with thrifted finds. A copper lantern, old books, a flea market vase, and a vintage wood recipe box.
This vase started out as a $5 flea market find! I happened to see it on the ground of a booth I was perusing at the Todd Farm Flea Market last Summer. It looked nothing like this…I gave it a faux terracotta look and I have to say that I think it’s my favorite vase DIY (and I’ve done a lot of them here!)
flea market flip
how to fake a terracotta vase
Check out how I transformed an ugly flea market find and created a faux terracotta finish on it!
living room
My latest DIY project was changing the gallery wall that is behind my sectional to create something with a winter feel.
It was inspired by a photo that I saw in the Pottery Barn holiday lookbook that I put my own spin on. The best part is that it didn’t cost me a thing…I just used old frames and a canvas, my printer, and craft supplies that I had on hand.
You can see how I created a Winter Gallery Wall and maybe try one of the art pieces yourself!
bookcase
This bookcase is a fairly new addition to my living room. It’s in the back corner of my small living room and the tall height of the bookcase draws your eye up and gives the illusion of it being a larger space.
I just love having more places to decorate for Christmas!
The lighted houses were from the Fall clearance at Hobby Lobby but the cream and copper houses work perfectly with my Christmas colors!
Jingle Bell Wreath
a modern take
Looking for a pretty DIY wreath for Christmas? Try my take on the Arhaus jingle bell wreath!
DIY’s Seen Here
coffee table
One thing that sold me on this coffee table was the fact that the warm wood tones look like driftwood…and I love the beach! Even in the winter, I love to go down and walk the beach, the cold salt air really clears your head!!
On the table, I filled a matte black bowl with warm metallic Christmas ornaments, winter greens, pine cones, and faux antlers.
A quick way to bring both more natural elements and warm neutral colors together in this space…and it only took a minute to put together.
shop my living room
In the past, I would move all my plants out of the living room when I decorated for the holidays but I love that they add more green to the space… and they are just so happy where they are!!
Another DIY that you can make for your own home is this Easy Winter Snowflake Art. All you need is a large unfinished wood sign, paint, and sticks!
Let me tell you when I was searching for a neutral green chair it wasn’t easy!! Most green chairs that I found were just too bright. The heathered green of this chair works so well with the gray sectional that I already had.
The large console cabinet on the back wall of my living room is where I had fun using lots of metallics and sparkle this Christmas!
Above the 2 large framed botanical prints I draped a cedar garland and added a string of rose gold bulb lights and a metal bell garland (it’s sold out online at Target but check your local store)
For a large centerpiece on the console, I filled a large vessel with fresh pine greens from my backyard along with dried lotus pods, frosted pine cones, and sparkling branches.
Pottery Barn Inspired Vase
thrift store flip
See the step-by-step tutorial for how I turned an ugly thrift store find into this PB-inspired vase that I love!
The nutcrackers were a fast DIY project using unfinished wood nutcrackers and a can of metallic paint! So easy and affordable!
Christmas tree
Continuing my warm neutral and metallic theme here I decorated my tree with gold beads, cream felt garland, green velvet ribbon, and ornaments in different metallic shades. A new addition for me is clip-on battery-operated candles…which I am loving!
My exact Christmas is sold out everywhere, I checked every retailer for you! It’s the National Tree Company 7.5 ft prelit Norweigan Spruce this tree from Puleo International is the closest one that I can find in stock (I almost got this one!)
And you guessed it…quite a few of the ornaments were DIYs!! You can see 11 Christmas Ornaments You Can Make to learn how you can make your own ornaments this Christmas.
Thank you so much for stopping by to see some of my holiday home today! Next up on the tour is the lovely Yvonne over at StoneGable and her Merry and Bright 2022 Christmas Home Tour which you will be blown away by!!
Bloggers’ Best Holiday Home Tours
This week I am joining some of my blogging friends for the Bloggers’ Best Holiday Home Tours 2022. Thirty-five talented and creative women will be opening their homes up for you to tour all week long. You can visit each Christmas home tour by clicking the links below.
Monday’s Tours
The Tattered Pew // Cottage On Bunker Hill // Stonegable // My Wee Abode
Open Doors Open Hearts // Cottage In The Mitten // My Thrift Store Addiction
Tuesday’s Tours
Midwest Life & Style // She Gave It a Go // Sand Dollar Lane // Bricks n’ Blooms
Pasha Is Home // Robyn’s French Nest // The Ponds Farmhouse
Wednesday’s Tours
Shiplap and Shells // White Arrows Home // This Is Simplicite // White Lilac Farmhouse
Peacock Ridge Farm // Cloches and Lavender // Simply2Moms
Thursday’s Tours
County Road 407 // Country Peony // Eleanor Rose Home // Le Cultivateur
Thistlekey Lane // My Family Thyme // Follow The Yellow Brick Home
Friday’s Tours
Southern Crush At Home // A Life Unfolding // Southern Home and Hospitality // WM Design House
Dabbling and Decorating // Lora Bloomquist // Vintage and Grace Living
Christmas Diy
here are a few favorites…
Jennifer Howard
cottage on bunker hill
Thanks for stopping by today! Being able to share my projects, DIYs, and decorating ideas with you is amazing. Leave a comment below; I love hearing from you! Feel free to drop me a note here if you have any questions.
get to know me
here are a few fun facts…
- I’ve lived in New England my entire life! This is good because the beach is my favorite place to be…even in the winter I love to go breathe in the salt air.
- I am an EARLY BIRD!!! I rarely sleep past 4…it’s my favorite time of day and those wee hours are my most productive. (plus, I LOVE coffee!!)
- I am a total Hallmark Christmas movie nut!! Seriously, I know, I know, they are a little sappy but they make me happy!
Jennifer, your holiday home is gorgeous!!! I love the warm neutrals you used with the metallics. Everything is styled so beautifully and there is so much inspiration in each photo. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!
Thanks so much, Lynne!!!
What a beautiful tour Jennifer! I love all the greenery, metallics, and your bells. And how you painted those simple nutcrackers with metallic paint. My bedroom is also painted in SW Ancient Marble at 150% and it’s so soothing isn’t it? Merry Christmas my friend!
Thanks so much, Kate!!
I just adore your Christmas decor, Jennifer. The colors you chose are so rich and that tree is fantastic. I am going to try this neutral theme one of these days. So fun to tour with you this week.
Thanks so much, Wendy!!
Jennifer, your home is absolutely gorgeous. I love the colors you’re using, and your tree is stunning! You’ve created such a warm and inviting look.
Thanks, Kim!! It’s a great place to hibernate for the winter!!
Hi Jennifer, I love your color patterns for the holidays. They’re so rich in color and cozy at the same time. Happy holidays neighbor!
Thanks, Ann!!
Jennifer ~ I’m so excited to be on this Christmas tour with you! Your space is gorgeous! I especially love all of the creative ways you’ve brought the outdoors in! Merry Christmas my friend ~miss you!
Thanks, friend!!
Thanks, Mel!! Miss your face too!
Jennifer,
You had me at warm neutrals! This is such a moody, cozy vibe and Christmas is the perfect time for it! LOVE LOVE LOVE. Off to pin. 🙂
Thanks so much, Libbie!!
Oh my goodness what a gorgeous tour! I love the colors you are using and the rustic elements mixed in with some gold and glam too. It’s all so pretty!
Thanks so much, Amber!
Jennifer, I love your warm winter colors! I’ve never thought to use a brown or bronze but it’s stunning! I think I may try and do that next year. All the greenery and ribbon is beautiful too and I love that you even add ribbon around your books. So many great ideas! Hope you are having a wonderful holiday season.
Oh, thanks so much, Cindy!!
Your home is so warm and inviting Jennifer. The greens and browns bring such a soothing vibe to your space. I just love the textured details, your gorgeous tree, and that bell wreath. Happy holidays my friend.
What a quintessential New England Christmas, Jennifer! I adore everything! The little trees and the bells caught my eye! So warm and inviting and I LOVE the way you set up your blog. Mine is being made over today so I can add some of those amazing professional touches too! Your beautiful home has me wanting to add a bit more warmth to our home. Merry Christmas!
Wow, thank you so much, Yvonne! I appreciate your kind words.
Love your neutral, cozy-colored Christmas decor; very soothing. And that bookshelf adds so much to the room; love it! What a fun new place to decorate. Thanks for the tour!
Thanks so much, Lora!!
Jennifer your new tree is unbelievable! It’s gorgeous and l love all the neutral textures. Your home looks so pretty and cozy! It was so fun to decorate with you this year! Merry Christmas! xoxoxo
I am obsessed with that tree!! It really is the most real fake tree!!
Jennifer this is an amazing tour! You’re one talented lady, and I’m so impressed with all your projects I don’t which one to brag on first. I do need to mention how much I love the console decorations and garland over the art work. Simply gorgeous my friend!
Thanks so much, Michelle!! That means alot!
So many lovely neutral tone ideas for Christmas decor! Love your large buffet/console with all the sparkle! So fun touring with you!
Jennifer,
This is so pretty and the jingle bell wreath gets me every time.
I love greens and pheasant feathers.
Fun touring with you. Pinned
Thanks so much, Cindy!!!
Thanks so much, Julie!!
These colors for Christmas are so perfect!! Your house looks beautiful, love all of your decor! Pinned.
Perfection! I love the beautiful details and thoughtful touches. Plus, great DIY ideas too!
Everything looks so wonderful. Love the metallics with the greenery. Beautiful job!
Jennifer!! I love your TREE!!!! It’s exactly what I want! Someday when it’s time I’m buying this tree. Yours is soo gorgeous I can’t even get over it!!! And its glow at night, are you kidding me?? Love you and your tour girl!!! So glad I get to go on this journey with you friend!! <3 Now lets enjoy some hot beverages until the twinkle of those lights shall we?? XoXo
Jennifer, I am in LOVE with the colors you used for Christmas this year. So cozy and warm. And your photos are so gorgeous. I love all the twinkle lights. They perfectly capture the magic and joy of the season. Happy to be hopping with you this week. Pinned!
Jennifer! Well I think you have outdone yourself my friend! I am in love with the warm neutrals you used. Everything from the feathers to the garland above your mirror is so pretty! All of your DIYs are some of my favorites too and it was fun to see how you incorporated them! Merry Christmas my friend!
So many great ideas, Jen. I. love your style. Merry Christmas!
Jennifer
Your Christmas decorations look great! Love this tour.
Hi Jennifer! I love your green chair and your console styling is absolutely gorgeous–pinned! Wishing you a joyous Christmas season. Blessings, Cecilia @My Thrift Store Addiction
Jennifer, your home is so cozy for the holidays. I love all of the natural elements inspired by nature that you brought into your Christmas decor. The metallics makes things sparkle. And, that gallery wall was amazing.
Your house looks so pretty, Jennifer! I love the gallery wall you did! You’re so creative my friend!❤️
Thanks, Kimmy!!