5 Ways to Make Your Home Feel Like a Holiday Listing

Dec 22

Holiday décor is easy. Making a home feel high-end, warm, and memorable is different.

If you’re hosting this season or thinking about selling in the coming weeks. Here are five simple upgrades that make a home show like a holiday listing: elevated, inviting, and photo-ready.

1) Keep the palette clean; let the home do the talking

The fastest way to make a space feel “expensive” is restraint.

Think:

2–3 colors max (cream, green, gold; or white, silver, pine)
One statement piece (tree, wreath, garland) per main area
Clear surfaces (kitchen counters; coffee tables; entry console)

It reads calmer; bigger; brighter and it photographs better too.

2) Upgrade the lighting (it changes everything in winter)

In Montreal winter, lighting is the mood.

Quick wins that feel instantly more luxurious:

Warm bulbs (soft, not harsh white)
Lamps on; overheads off (where possible)
Candles (real or high-quality LED) for that “hotel lobby” feel

If a room feels good at 7pm in December, it’s going to feel good year-round.

3) Make the entryway feel like a boutique hotel

Your entry is the first impression for guests and for buyers.

A simple checklist:

One clean mat; no pile of shoes
A spot for coats that doesn’t look chaotic
A subtle scent (pine, cedar, vanilla, nothing too strong)
A small “moment” (wreath; mirror; a single arrangement)

This is where people decide if the home feels “premium.”

4) Style the kitchen like you’re about to host (even if you’re not)

Kitchens sell homes and during the holidays, they’re the center of everything.

A few easy staging moves:

Clear counters except 1–2 intentional items (cutting board; cookbook; bowl of citrus)
Add texture (linen towel; wood; greenery)
Set the table simply (plates, glasses, one centerpiece)

It signals lifestyle: “this is where people gather.”

5) Add one luxury detail people remember

This is the difference between “nice” and “wow.”

Pick one:

Fresh greenery (real garland/wreaths instead of plastic)
A styled bar cart (sparkling water; glassware; one bottle)
A throw blanket + pillows that look designer (not mismatched)
Fireplace styling (clean; minimal; cozy)

Buyers don’t remember every spec, they remember how the home made them feel.

Bonus (if you’re selling soon): holiday décor should enhance, not distract

A little holiday atmosphere is great. Too much makes it harder for someone to picture their life in the space.

If you’re thinking of listing, we can tell you exactly what to keep, what to remove, and how to position the property for maximum impact.

Dahan | Yassa Immobilier

At Dahan | Yassa Immobilier, real estate isn’t just a transaction; it’s a tailored experience. Led by Eran Dahan and Jeremy Yassa, our team combines nearly two decades of high-performance sales with a relentless commitment to client success across Greater Montreal.

We are more than brokers. We are operators, strategists, and trusted advisors. We bring sharp market insight, creative deal-making, and a personal touch to every client journey. Our backgrounds in luxury sales and service excellence mean you get more than listings; you get access to exclusive partnerships, concierge amenities, and a handpicked network of top-tier professionals.

Eran’s reputation for redefining client care and Jeremy’s record-setting sales drive form the foundation of our approach: clarity, confidence, and control at every step. Whether you are buying, selling, or investing, we deliver results and an experience that is truly elevated.

Discover the difference with Dahan | Yassa Immobilier. Your goals. Our expertise.