As festive décor becomes increasingly elaborate, architect Jamshed Banaji believes luxury lies in knowing what to leave out. In this conversation with Asma Rafat, Senior Correspondent, Realty+, Principal Architect of Banaji & Associates shares how Christmas décor in 2025 is shifting towards restraint, clarity, and emotional comfort.
He speaks about interiors that already have a strong architectural voice and how festive additions should gently enhance, not overwhelm them. From softer colour palettes and tactile materials to layered lighting and bespoke details, Banaji outlines a more thoughtful approach to celebrating Christmas in Indian homes, one that feels warm, personal, and quietly elegant rather than visually loud.
Luxury holiday décor often walks a fine line between festive and excessive. For 2026, how do you see restraint becoming a new form of luxury in Christmas interiors?
We feel that luxury in Christmas décor for 2026 is moving away from excess and towards restraint. Homes today already have strong architecture and interiors, and festive décor should enhance these rather than overpower them. A carefully curated approach where few elements are used with an intention to create spaces that feel calm, elegant, and emotionally comforting during the festive season.
What materials, finishes, or colour palettes do you expect to define high-end Christmas décor next year, especially in Indian homes?
We see a clear shift towards refined, tactile materials. Handcrafted glass ornaments, brushed brass, soft metallic finishes, raw silk, linen, and natural wood are replacing overtly decorative pieces. Colour palettes are also becoming softer warm neutrals, champagne tones, muted greens, terracotta reds, and off-whites. These colours sit beautifully within Indian homes that already feature marble, stone, and timber.
Bespoke elements are increasingly replacing store-bought decorations in luxury spaces. How can homeowners introduce customization without overdesigning their interiors? Customisation works best when it’s subtle and meaningful. Instead of filling a space with multiple bespoke elements, we encourage homeowners to focus on one or two perhaps a custom-designed tree base, handcrafted ornaments, or a festive installation that feels personal.
How do lighting choices, from statement chandeliers to subtle accent lights, shape the mood of a luxury Christmas setting?
Lighting is what truly defines the emotional quality of a festive space. In luxury interiors, it’s less about dramatic brightness and more about layering. A statement chandelier brings a sense of occasion, while softer elements such as table lamps, concealed lighting, and candlelight add warmth and intimacy. For Christmas, warm colour temperatures and dimmable lighting help create a celebratory yet calm atmosphere.
Do you see global Christmas décor trends being adapted differently for tropical climates and Indian living spaces in 2026?
Yes, global trends are increasingly being interpreted through a local lens. In Indian homes, heavy textures and dense décor are giving way to lighter materials and airier arrangements. Natural wood, linen, handcrafted décor, and subtle metallic accents feel more appropriate for tropical climates, allowing spaces to feel festive while remaining comfortable and climate- sensitive.
