Vault Interiors’ Justine Wilson Reveals Her 2026 Christmas Styling Guide: Transform Every Room Into a Festive Haven

Sydney, November 2026 – As the festive season approaches, Australians are preparing to deck their halls with a unique blend of nostalgia and modern flair. Justine Wilson, the visionary Founder and Principal Stylist of Vault Interiors, has unveiled her much-anticipated Christmas styling guide for 2026. This year, the focus is on creating a warm, stylish, and achievable festive home, regardless of budget constraints.

“This year’s trends celebrate individuality and joy,” says Justine. “Think layered textures, organic touches, and unexpected colour palettes. Christmas is becoming more about personal expression and less about perfection.” With these insights, Justine offers a room-by-room guide to transforming every corner of your home into a festive haven.

Entrance: First Impressions Count

The entrance sets the tone for the entire home, and 2026 is all about making a statement from the moment guests arrive. Oversized wreaths crafted from native foliage such as eucalyptus, banksia, and wattle are set to replace traditional pine and red berries. For those looking to add a touch of whimsy, Justine suggests hanging a vertical garland curtain over the front door or entry mirror using fishing line and baubles for a mesmerising “floating” effect. Budget-conscious decorators can achieve a luxurious, sustainable look by picking up pre-lit wreaths or LED fairy lights from Kmart or Target and layering in foraged greenery or dried flowers.

Lounge Room: Summer Festive Glow

The lounge room, a central hub for family gatherings, is the perfect place to infuse the relaxed warmth of an Australian Christmas. In 2026, laid-back luxury takes centre stage, with soft neutrals, sun-warmed tones, and subtle metallics creating an elegant yet effortless festive look. Mixing sandy beige, eucalyptus green, and blush with hints of champagne gold or brass is key. To enhance the summer vibe, Justine recommends swapping out heavier fabrics for lightweight linens and breathable cottons, layering cushions in natural tones, and styling vases with native greenery. LED fairy lights or glass lanterns can replace candles to create an inviting evening glow. For a personal, nostalgic touch, curate a “Festive Feature Shelf” to display Christmas cards, mini ornaments, or framed Polaroids from past holidays. Affordable linen cushions, textured décor, and summer-inspired accents can be found at Adairs, Freedom, or H&M Home.

Dining Room: Festive but Functional

The dining room, the heart of Christmas day, deserves special attention. In 2026, minimalist Scandi-inspired setups are making way for layered textures. Combining linen runners, ceramic plates, rattan placemats, and coloured glassware creates a rich, inviting tablescape. Small fruit like pomegranates or oranges can serve as natural place cards, tied with twine bearing guests’ names. For a dramatic effect, hang a statement branch or floral installation from the ceiling above the table using fairy lights and ornaments. Kmart’s tableware range and Freedom’s seasonal decor offer great value for creating a luxe tablescape on a budget.

Backyard: Summer Soirée Vibes

With Australia’s warm Christmas weather, outdoor entertaining is a must. This year, resort-inspired outdoor dining will be all the rage, featuring bamboo lanterns, woven textures, and palm leaves. Justine suggests adding solar string lights and scattering floor cushions or low stools to create relaxed zones. For a unique twist, DIY an outdoor cinema with a projector and a white sheet for Christmas movies under the stars. Outdoor cushions, rugs, and lanterns from Bunnings, BIG W, or Temple & Webster can help set the scene.

Dining Table: The Hero Moment

In 2026, the dining table becomes a creative playground, embracing maximalism with purpose. Mixing metals, layering linens, and using mismatched crockery add personality and flair. A continuous garland of fresh herbs like rosemary, mint, and olive branches can run down the table, serving as both a fragrant centrepiece and a visual delight. Instead of traditional bonbons, consider placing a mini gift box at each setting, containing a personalised note, chocolate truffle, or seed packet for a thoughtful touch. Affordable yet chic table decor and serveware can be sourced from Kmart, Bed Bath N’ Table, and Spotlight.

“Christmas styling in 2026 is all about connection,” Justine concludes. “Mix heirlooms with modern finds, bring the outdoors in, and don’t be afraid to play with colour and creativity. It’s about creating moments that feel authentic and joyful.”