8 simple yet transformative decorating projects to do in time for the holidays – for a guest-ready home

With the holidays very nearly upon us, you may be looking for easy yet effective ways to refresh your home. Whether you're hosting guests or having a low-key holiday season, giving your space a seasonal update can make all the difference.

Paint ideas are one of the best ways to transform your home, and there are so many creative ways to decorate with your favorite color beyond painting the walls. Proving just that, Tash Bradley, Lick’s Director of Interior Design and color psychologist has shared eight home decor ideas to do in time for the holidays, which we've rounded up below to give you some ideas.

'Now is the perfect time to add those special touches that will make your home shine for the season. These are my easy and affordable decorating projects that will help you transform your space into a festive haven, perfect for creating lasting holiday memories,' says Tash.

1. Give your front door a refresh

'Start at the entrance with a front door makeover. This will set the tone for the rest of your home and welcome your guests in with a smile. Freshen up your door with a beautiful new paint color and then finish it off with seasonal decorations like a welcoming wreath in complementary colors,' suggests Tash.

Here, Lick's Purple 03 makes for an on-trend color choice, but you can choose whichever front door color you're most drawn to, perhaps even a more subtle neutral paint.

As Tash suggests, a Christmas wreath will complete the look and ensure a welcoming entrance for your guests this holiday season.

2. Paint a colorful accent wall

Accent colors are a great way to refresh a room and add interest, and you can choose a slightly bolder hue than you'd typically go for to complement a room's existing color scheme.

'Bring new life to your room with an accent wall refresh,' says Tash. 'Opt for a bolder or darker paint color, or add a print with wallpaper on one wall to instantly transform your room, creating an eye-catching focal point and a backdrop for your dining table, sofa, bed, or holiday decorations.'

In this living room, Lick's Teal 01 balances the darker warm tones and adds a playful feel to the scheme.

3. Give furniture a new lease of life

If you have a piece of furniture that's looking tired, why not give it a new look by exploring painted furniture ideas?

'Give new life to older or pre-loved items by transforming furniture with an upcycling project,' Tash suggests. 'Repaint or add decorative accents in colors that flow with your interior design scheme. Don’t forget new hardware for those all-important finishing touches.'

4. Color drench a bathroom

Small rooms such as bathrooms or powder rooms can handle a healthy dose of color, and turning to color-drenching to fully wrap the room in one hue is an easy way to get maximum impact.

'These small spaces are the perfect spots for a last-minute glow-up to wow your visitors,' says Tash. 'Don’t be afraid to drench them in color and be bolder than you would be in other rooms. As you spend less time in these spaces they’re the perfect opportunity to inject a more playful design that you might not want in other rooms.'

Lick's Green 08 is used in this bathroom, but there are so many other bathroom color ideas, from warming pinks to mid-blues.

5. Get your guest bedroom guest-ready

'Hosting soon? Create a cozy and welcoming guest bedroom by decorating with relaxing wall colors, soft textiles, plump cushions, layered lighting, and fresh towels,' Tash suggests.

'Cuddly pinks, soothing greens, and grounding beiges will do the trick. And if you’re hosting over the festive period, add little seasonal touches like clove, cinnamon, or pine-scented candles, winter florals, or even a stocking,' says Tash.

If you're not sure where to start with your color choices, Lick's Pink 02 is a step away from white and beige while maintaining a liveable, flattering look in plenty of rooms.

6. Add decorative wall paneling

'Are you looking for a bigger change to your space? Adding decorative molding or paneling to your rooms is a great way to add character and visual interest,' advises Tash.

'With so many styles available, there’s something to suit everyone. Paint in a contrasting color for a more traditional look or color-drench it with your walls for a more contemporary feel,' Tash adds.

Take inspiration from this relaxing bedroom and create a tonal color scheme, whereby various shades of the same color are layered – in this case, Lick's Red 03 across the lower paneled walls.

7. Add color to kitchen cabinets

Looking for an easy yet effective way to give your kitchen a new look? Paint your kitchen cabinets a new color, whether a trending dark paint or something more soothing like Lick's Green 02. Either way, make sure to test out colors as swatches first to ensure it's a good fit for your space.

'Refresh the heart of any home by painting your cabinets for a budget-friendly alternative to a complete refit,' says Tash. 'Pick your new paint color and add fresh hardware to make the space ready for festive cooking and entertaining.'

8. Get your fireplace holiday ready

Lastly, give your fireplace decor a refresh before the end of the year, suggests Tash:

'Whether you're freshening up your existing paintwork or going for something bolder – trust us, yellow or red looks great – your fireplace will create a cozy setting for winter evenings. To style, add garlands, candles, and seasonal ornaments, and don’t be afraid to go maximalist with your scheme – 'tis the season after all.'

Looking for some festive inspiration? Take a look at our Christmas fireplace ideas to get yours ready for the holiday season.

Looking for more inspiration? We've rounded up interior designers' top holiday hosting tips to ensure a welcoming and stylish space this festive season.