As much as the classic holiday colors are red and green, sometimes it's refreshing to explore new ways to decorate for the season. Many of my clients want their homes to feel festive, yet sophisticated and timeless, without the typical holiday hues. The good news is that you can create a stunning seasonal look with elegant alternatives to red and green—think jewel tones, warm neutrals, and even soft metallics. In this post, I’ll share some of my favorite color palettes for the holidays, along with specific shades from Sherwin Williams, Farrow & Ball, Behr, and Benjamin Moore to help you color match and create a holiday-ready home with a fresh twist.
1. Cozy Neutrals: Warm Whites and Taupes
For those who prefer a soft, calming holiday look, I often recommend starting with warm neutrals. Colors like Sherwin-Williams' Accessible Beige (SW 7036) or Farrow & Ball’s Shadow White (No. 282) create a relaxed foundation that still feels warm and inviting. These tones allow you to add in seasonal accents, like dried foliage or subtle metallics, without overwhelming the space. Pairing warm neutrals with natural greenery or gold accents adds a festive touch that’s understated yet elegant.
2. Winter Wonderland: Crisp Whites and Icy Blues
If you’re dreaming of a wintery, snow-inspired look, a palette of whites and icy blues offers a beautiful, refreshing alternative to traditional holiday colors. Benjamin Moore’s White Dove (OC-17) paired with Behr’s Frosted Lake (MQ5-27) gives that snowy, crisp feel that’s perfect for the season. To keep it from feeling too chilly, I like to add in touches of warm wood and metallic accents in silver or champagne. The result is a clean, fresh look that’s reminiscent of a winter wonderland—perfect for spaces that already lean toward a modern or minimalist aesthetic.
3. Jewel Tones: Deep Navy and Emerald Green
For a bold, luxurious holiday vibe, jewel tones like navy and emerald green are rich and deeply festive. Farrow & Ball’s Hague Blue (No. 30) is an exceptional navy that pairs beautifully with Benjamin Moore’s Hunter Green (2041-10). This palette feels timeless and lush, bringing a moody sophistication to your space. Accenting with gold or brass adds warmth, while deep greenery, like eucalyptus or pine garlands, makes it feel distinctly seasonal without needing a hint of red.
4. Earthy Elegance: Mustard, Rust, and Olive
If you’re drawn to warmer, earthy hues, consider a palette of mustard, rust, and olive. This palette feels both cozy and natural, adding warmth to any space. I like using Sherwin-Williams’ Goldenrod (SW 6677) and Behr’s Rustic Taupe (N200-4), balanced with a touch of Farrow & Ball’s Bancha (No. 298), an earthy olive. It’s a color scheme that feels festive in a grounded, inviting way. Adding natural accents—like woven baskets, wood details, or dried flowers—completes the look with a rustic touch.
5. Timeless Glamour: Black, White, and Gold
There’s something truly magical about a black, white, and gold color palette for the holidays. It’s sophisticated, modern, and always makes a statement. Start with a base of Benjamin Moore’s Simply White (OC-117) for walls, adding bold accents like Sherwin-Williams’ Caviar (SW 6990) for contrast. Incorporate gold accents in the form of candleholders, vases, or picture frames for a luxurious touch. This combination has a glamorous Art Deco feel to it, but it’s adaptable to any style—perfect for creating a high-impact holiday look that still feels timeless.
Choosing a holiday color palette beyond red and green opens up a world of design possibilities, making your seasonal decor feel fresh, sophisticated, and uniquely you. From the cozy neutrals that invite warmth, to jewel tones that exude elegance, and even earthy hues that ground your space in natural beauty, there are so many ways to celebrate the season without following tradition. I encourage you to explore these palettes and find the colors that resonate most with you and your space. With a little thought and a few key accent pieces, you can create a holiday look that’s festive, stylish, and anything but expected.
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