Martha Stewart’s Secret to a Festive Yet Timeless Living Room Is in How She Layers Warm Neutrals – Holiday Decor Meets Enduring Style Perfectly
Martha's said goodbye to red and green this year with her neutral living room that's covered in metallic decorations
Nothing beats a living room decorated with festive accessories over the holidays – and that sentiment will ring just as true in 2026 and for many Christmases to come. From a lush garland draped on a mantel to a tall Christmas tree covered in delicate ornaments, nostalgic holiday decor continues to bring the living room to life, year after year.
While timeless Christmas colors will always reign supreme during this season, Martha Stewart’s living room shows that its appeal doesn’t fade with trends. Instead, it highlights the lasting power of balancing timeless Christmas decor with warm, neutral tones – an approach that feels just as relevant for future holidays as it does today.
The perfect fusion of nostalgia and contemporary design, Martha’s space shows that taupes and beiges can be just as warm and inviting as richer seasonal shades, while quietly grounding a scheme. These enduring neutrals act as the perfect layer for striking, slightly kitschy decorations that are more playful than the soft neutrals.
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Martha's living room couldn't be more inviting. Featuring layers of warm neutrals that set the tone of the space, the nostalgic decorations stand out proudly.
Martha's living room features a simple yet classic jute rug, much like this style designed by the homemaker herself. Place it at the heart of your scheme for a dose of warmth.
For a dose of subtle grandeur, fix the Hayse sconce above a mantel for a truly Martha-inspired look that lasts way beyond the holidays.
Martha's living room is filled with luxurious touches, such as the gold picture frames that bring subtle warmth and grandeur into the space.
Inspired by the silver wreath in Martha's living room, I love this shimmery wreath from Williams Sonoma. If placed on a door, the silver bells will ring lightly as the door moves, creating a festive soundtrack to your decor.
These delightful holiday tabletop trees are perfect for brightening a coffee table like Martha’s, a sideboard, or even a dull office desk. I’m totally sold.
Glass finial ornaments bring a touch of vintage luxury to any setting, just as Martha Stewart. This set of four 8-inch pieces features a lustrous, variegated finish and silk hanging strings for effortless, elegant display
While many still embrace red and green at Christmas, Martha’s living room proves that rethinking the usual festive palette can create a look that stands the test of time.
A clever color choice, the warm taupe paint makes the room feel timeless yet still interesting, setting the tone and allowing the antique decor – from the sconces to the furniture – to shine.
Martha’s Christmas decor transitions seamlessly into the neutral living room, a quality that ensures it will feel fresh for future festive seasons. It contrasts beautifully with the warm paint and catches the light throughout the space.
The silver wreath (like this one from Williams Sonoma) hung in the window feels artfully considered and intentional, as does the simple gold Christmas tree perched on an antique table. Together, the silver and gold tones work perfectly alongside the neutral scheme, creating a look that feels both current and enduring.
Other festive flourishes blend effortlessly with the neutral backdrop. The frost-tipped garland flanks the fireplace and subtly frames the hearth, naturally drawing the eye to the room’s focal point.
Nearby, a large Christmas tree stands decorated with gold baubles and ornaments that enhance the room’s warm, quiet luxury-style aesthetic – a reminder that thoughtfully chosen decor can remain relevant and beautiful for many Christmases to come.
Martha's living room proves the power of neutrals, even at Christmas. Her space couldn't be more inviting, perfectly balancing festive charm with pared-back, timeless luxury that lasts beyond the holidays.
