And just like that, it's here. The days of decorating and gingerbread house making, of afternoons out shopping and cozy nights by the fire. Of course, nothing puts me into the festive spirit more than decorating my home for the holidays.

It starts with the mantel. Our living room is the place we gather and the fireplace sets the tone for the rest of my holiday decor. So I take my time with this... gathering the garlands, thinking about the accessories, and deciding on a colour palette.

The vibe I've landed on for Christmas 2025? A little bit rustic, a touch of vintage and a colour I hardly ever decorate with - red.

Red and Green Holiday Mantel

traditional fireplace mantel with garland mirror and red accents

It started when I spotted these tall red berry branches. Now I'm not normally drawn to this classic hue, but it always feels right for the holidays. And I couldn't resist the scale of these branches - they felt dramatic yet ethereal and I knew I had to use them somewhere.

Placing them behind the arch mirror seemed like the right thing to do. The mirror is a focal point in the room and the addition of the branches brings a cheery touch.

The rest of the fireplace mantle decor is in keeping with that rustic vibe. Snowy miniature trees sit in galvanized buckets. A trio of garlands, Norfolk pine, magnolia, and red berry, combine to create a textured lush vibe. And a pair of reindeer look as though they've leapt into this woodsy scene.

Every cozy corner needs a little bit of light. These rechargeable tea lights were one of my favourite purchases last year. They flicker, dim, and you can charge all six in the set all at once. Not to mention no risk of leaving a candle burning!

SHOP THIS LOOK:

The holidays are all about nostalgia and adding in vintage decor is a simple way to convey that feeling. These vintage snowshoes are the perfect finishing touch for this display. Their golden weave and bright red strapping add vibrant colour and texture. They really help bring that image of trudging through a snowy forest to a cozy chalet to life.

Now that the mantel has set the mood, it's time to get the rest of my home decorated in this cozy, rustic style!

Have you started decorating? What's your holiday theme this year?

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Fall is here and with it comes the impulse to either cozy up by the fire and stay warm inside, or put on layers and hit the nearest apple orchard. I am on board with all of those things! Fall is a season that invites you to relish every moment - but do so in style.

Cozy Fall Home Decor and Fashion

I love adding to my home decor and wardrobe in the fall. Its a season marked by lush colours and textures - there are infinite ways to create a new look. Take some inspiration from these mood boards and create fall looks ready for any adventure.

Warm Living Room Fall Decor:

Start with warm walls and a traditional hand-knotted rug underfoot. Use a chic and sculptural glass chandelier with LED lights to bring a touch of luxury and ambiance for these shorter days. Velvet and wool throw pillows pair with an unexpected trundle sleeper sofa to create the most inviting stay-in situation. Finally, ground the look with accents of wood - elegant framed & matted botanical prints, cozy throws in wicker baskets, and a minimal and modern oak wood coffee table to set your book or nightcap.

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SHOP THIS FALL LIVING ROOM:

Date Night Outfit:

Whether it's a lively dinner or drinks at a jazz bar, this outfit will have you feeling special but not overdressed. The playful tie-neck blouse is complemented by a plaid circle skirt in a darker hue. Accent with a houndstooth jacket and of-the-moment knee high pointed boots for warmth, while gold bangles, a vegan suede shoulder bag, and peach toned lipstick finish off this sophisticated ensemble.

GET READY FOR DATE NIGHT:

Business Casual Outfit Idea:

My business outfit criteria? It needs to feel comfortable and look pulled together. You can't go wrong with trouser fit flared jeans in a dark denim wash. Add a white poplin top with a twist for interest and slip into t-strap flats or chelsea boots for a polished look. Top with a classic blazer or oversized v-neck sweater for warmth. Finish off with some shine - a burgandy bowling bag and beaded stretch bracelets will do the trick!

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SHOP THIS LOOK:

Cozy Bedroom Furniture:

Lounge in this bed just made for sleeping in. It starts with a soft-as-a-cloud duvet cover. A floral block print throw, tapestry pillow and velvet lumbar bring another layer of pattern and texture. Place a wood-grain table lamp and earthy, fall scented candle by your bedside for ultimate cozy vibes.

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COZY BEDROOM DECOR:

Coffee Date Outfit:

Fall is made for conversations with girlfriends over frothy lattes and slices of pumpkin pie and this outfit will have you feeling cute and comfy. A great pair of high waist wide leg jeans and rib-knit off the shoulder blouse are basics you can wear forever. Pair them with a trendy silk scarf around your neck, pendant drop earrings, and the perfect slouchy tote. Classic loafers and a flattering cropped trench coat will have you the envy of your friend group.

SHOP THIS LOOK:

What To Wear Apple Picking:

If your fall agenda includes a hayride, pumpkin patch, or afternoon of apple picking, these are the pieces you'll need. These low rise long and lean jeans are great for us petite ladies (I have two pairs myself!). Combine them with elevated basics: a striped henley with ruffled detail, a washable cable knit hoodie, and stylish sneakers. You can't go wrong with cozy socks in all the neutrals, rectangular sunglasses, and timeless field jacket. And don't forget the handmade quilted cotton tote to lug home all your purchases!

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FALL WEEKEND WARDROBE:

Fall is a wonderful time to have fun with your home and wardrobe. Mix elevated basics with current trends and use these pieces into the winter months. Which of these looks has caught your eye?

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Close your eyes and picture the coziest, most welcoming living room you can imagine. There’s a soft glow, a comfortable seating area, and of course, a traditional fireplace with a crackling fire - the perfect focal point of your living room.

That cozy picture is exactly what I wanted to create in our own traditional living room. But when I looked at my pared-back summer mantel, it felt more bare than inviting. Fall is the perfect time for change, so I decided to give the fireplace mantel a refresh, starting with a few key decor items from Wayfair Canada.

Don’t worry, though: this isn’t about filling every inch with pumpkins or harsh orange tones. Instead, I focused on layering texture, introducing a pop of color with subtle fall tones, and reusing many of the traditional decor pieces I already had on hand. This post is sponsored by Wayfair Canada, but as always, I only include items I truly recommend and would use in my own home.

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summer fireplace decor, traditional living room fireplace mantel

Fireplace Mantel Ideas: From Summer to Fall

Before: A Streamlined Summer Mantel

There’s nothing quite like a traditional living room design anchored by a fireplace. Whether you’re decorating a new home, refreshing a small living room, or updating a family room, the fireplace is almost always the first thing you notice when you walk in the room.

The living room is where you gather with family members, style with your favourite decorative accents, and, if you’re like me, mark the change of seasons. Situated right by the front door, our living room sets the tone for the rest of the house.

traditional living room fireplace layout with sofa and accent chairs

summer fireplace mantel traditional living room

SHOP THIS LOOK:

Over the summer, my fireplace leaned toward a streamlined look. A shield-shaped mirror which I've had for almost a decade, paired with a few blue and white decorative accents, kept things light and airy. With plenty of natural light streaming in through our windows, the mantel didn’t need much else.

Still, the fireplace surround and architectural features of the room felt a little underplayed. In traditional design, balance is key, and the size of our fireplace mantel dictated we could go a little bigger and bolder with our mirror and accessories and really give it a distinctive presence.

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cozy living room furniture placement, traditional living room layout with fireplace

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After: Cozy Fall Fireplace Mantel With Warm Undertones

Fall is the perfect time to lean into a traditional style refresh. Here’s how I transformed our fireplace wall into a cozy and appealing living room feature with just a few changes:

1. Upgrade With a Larger French-Inspired Mirror

Swapping out the shield mirror for a French-inspired mirror was the first thing I did and it made the biggest impact. This is where I love turning to Wayfair Canada. When I have something specific in mind, like a statement mirror with classic lines, I know they’ll have options that fit both my style and budget.

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The Arnott Arch Decorative Mirror was available in four different finishes and nine different sizes. I debated between the 30" x 40" size and the 36" x 36" size - the scale of both would work with our classic mantel - but ultimately decided on the square mirror. The tall mirror draws the eye upward, making the most of our 8' high ceilings and emphasizing the mantel as the star of the show.

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2. Add Texture With a Fall Leaf Garland

Decorating with seasonal accents from nature has always been one of my go-to moves. I’ll tuck faux branches into a vase or scatter pinecones in a bowl for that rustic touch. But this year, I discovered something new: a fall garland that feels elegant, textured, and perfectly at home on my mantel.

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This lush fall leaf garland, filled with warm undertones of amber, mustard yellow, and muted green, brought the touch of fall colour my neutral living room needed. The garland was a Ships From Canada product which means it landed on my doorstep in just two days! A great option if you need that replacement chair, or faucet to finish your bathroom renovation - fast.

Instead of overwhelming the space with the typical bright oranges or reds of the season, the garland adds movement, softness, and understated colour. Even better, it serves as a seasonal transition piece, providing a shift from minimal summer decor towards the more elaborate holiday decorations next season.

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3. Reuse Decorative Accents You Already Own

My mantel styling isn’t about starting from scratch each season. Luckily, these new decor items worked effortlessly with pieces I already had. I restyled with:

A sculptural horse bust also from Wayfair Canada. Add a decorative ribbon or scarf and it fits right in no matter the season
Vintage leather-bound books for height and character
Faux florals for a subtle pop of color and texture
A chevron fireplace screen for safety and function
Tea lights in mercury glass holders to create a cozy ambiance at night

These small additions prove that the best way to refresh a room is to work with what you already own and add one or two new design ideas.

cozy traditional living room fall fireplace decor ideas

fall living room mantel decor, fall garland idea

SHOP THIS LOOK:

Living Room Fireplace Ideas for Small and Large Spaces

The secret to creating a cozy feeling in a modern living room? Ask interior designers and they'll tell you that furniture layout plays just as important a role as your décor.

In our home, I’ve placed the sofa opposite the fireplace, with accent chairs alongside to create a conversation area. A glass or wood coffee table can be used to anchor the room, while side tables and throw pillows add comfort.

cozy traditional living room with fireplace, fall fireplace mantel decor

This living room furniture arrangement is a great choice for both a small room or a large room because it provides several seating options with enough space for traffic flow.

Consider these additional designer tips for a living room with a fireplace:

With an awkward living room layout, break up the space and create distinct zones. In our long and narrow space, a built-in window seat at the back window and large wingback armchair at the front maximize the seating arrangement
Mix classic furniture with modern furniture for balance and to keep your room from feeling too stodgy or dated.
Have a TV in the same room as a fireplace? A Frame TV or media console on an adjacent or opposite wall keeps entertainment at the right angle, while using swivel chairs to see both can reduce neck strain.

Traditional Living Room Design That Works Year-Round

This mantel refresh also highlights why I love traditional living rooms. Over the years, I've decorated this room for spring, summer, fall and winter. It's timeless bones - like our original fireplace mantel, classic bookcases, and moldings - adapt easily to each season.

Whether you’re working with a stone fireplace, a corner fireplace, or an electric fireplace, keep these rules in mind year round:

Make the fireplace the focal point of your living room
Use scale (like a large mirror or piece of art) to balance the size of your fireplace
Stick with neutral colours and layer in warm undertones for fall
Add seasonal decorative accents without overwhelming the space

By sticking to these concepts, your modern traditional living room can feel both updated and timeless.

cozy fall living room decor ideas, traditional living room fireplace mantel

Design Ideas Beyond the Fireplace

A roaring fire can bring that instant cozy factor, but your living room or family room works best when everything flows together. Here’s how to extend the cozy feel:

Use chaise lounges, a daybed, or accent chairs in complementary patterns and textures to expand seating options.
Create warmth underfoot and balance in an open space by using rugs to define zones.
Highlight architectural features like a window seat or black window frames with elegant drapery and textiles
Bring in bright colours sparingly through pillows, throws, or decorative objects.
Consider sliding glass doors or large windows when determining your furniture placement, so you don’t block natural light.

fall living room fireplace decor, traditional living room fireplace decorating ideas

The best part of this fall refresh is how low-effort it was. A stunning French-inspired mirror from Wayfair Canada instantly elevated the entire room. Adding in a textured leaf garland, faux florals, and a mix of accessories results in a cozy ambiance that feels like fall, without the fuss.

In so many traditional rooms, the fireplace has always been the gathering spot. It’s where families tell stories, where guests linger after dinner, where you curl up with a book. That’s why I encourage you to treat it as the star of the show and use the mantel as an opportunity to express your style, season to season:

traditional living room with fireplace summer decor

cozy living room fireplace with traditional decor, fireplace mantel fall garland

Fall Decorating Ideas

My mantel refresh reminded me that you don’t need pumpkins or cliché seasonal décor to create a space that gives you those fall vibes. By focusing on scale, texture, and subtle warm undertones, you can create a living room that feels inviting and timeless.

If you’re shopping for a large mirror, classic furniture, or those just-right decorative accents, make Wayfair Canada your first stop. Now excuse me as I grab a cup of tea, a good book, and curl up here and enjoy the warmth of the season.

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Pages

Red and Green Holiday Mantel

Cozy Fall Home Decor and Fashion

Warm Living Room Fall Decor:

Date Night Outfit:

Business Casual Outfit Idea:

Cozy Bedroom Furniture:

Coffee Date Outfit:

What To Wear Apple Picking:

Fireplace Mantel Ideas: From Summer to Fall

Before: A Streamlined Summer Mantel

After: Cozy Fall Fireplace Mantel With Warm Undertones

1. Upgrade With a Larger French-Inspired Mirror

2. Add Texture With a Fall Leaf Garland

3. Reuse Decorative Accents You Already Own

Living Room Fireplace Ideas for Small and Large Spaces

Traditional Living Room Design That Works Year-Round

Design Ideas Beyond the Fireplace

Fall Decorating Ideas

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