Inside the Home for the Holidays: Decorating Tips with Paulette Sopoci
The holidays are a time to make your home feel magical, and who better to talk to about creating a warm and inviting space than Paulette Sopoci? Paulette is a content creator, author, and preservationist known for her dedication to celebrating historic homes. Online, she’s known as Old Home Charming (@oldhomecharming), where her over 200K followers on TikTok and Instagram are captivated by her insights into restoring and cherishing old homes.
Earlier this year, I had the privilege of selling Paulette’s beautifully restored Victorian mansion, Primrose Hill Manor, a project that earned her the prestigious Osprey Heritage Award for Preservation. Paulette has since moved into a new home, where she is busy bringing her signature style to life—just in time for the holidays. Her passion for creating meaningful, welcoming spaces extends to her holiday decor, making her the perfect person to share tips on seasonal transformations.
Q: How would you describe your holiday decorating style? Are there specific colors or themes you always gravitate toward?
Paulette: My style is traditional, with an emphasis on silver and gold—they’re timeless and elegant. I also love incorporating elements of nature, like woodland creatures, into my decor. Birds, deer, and raccoons always make an appearance on my tree. I also set up a smaller, colorful tree in the children’s rooms to showcase our collected family ornaments. It’s a fun way to celebrate special memories with handmade and sentimental pieces.
Q: What inspires your holiday decor each year, and what advice would you give to someone looking to refresh their decorations?
Paulette: I try to stay true to my color palette instead of chasing trends, which can get expensive and overwhelming. If you stick with what you love, you’ll never feel the need to replace everything each year. That said, adding a few special pieces annually is what keeps decorating fun. For a fresh look, don’t use your decor in the same way every year—switch up placements or move items to different rooms. It’s an easy way to make everything feel new without spending a fortune.
Q: How do you typically start your holiday decorating, and how do you incorporate decorations from previous years?
Paulette: I’m a “get everything out at once” person. Having everything in front of me lets me mix and match pieces in new ways. If you haven’t used a decoration for two years, it’s probably time to donate it or sell it online. I always reuse decor from past years but treat myself to a few special items annually to keep things exciting.
Q: What areas of your home do you focus on decorating the most? Do you have a favorite room or space?
Paulette: The living room gets the most attention since it’s where the family spends the most time. It’s the heart of the holiday celebrations, so it’s important to make it feel warm and inviting.
Q: Do you enjoy DIY holiday decorations, or do you prefer buying ready-made items?
Paulette: Both! I don’t always have the time for DIY projects, but they’re incredibly rewarding. This year, I created a hot chocolate bar with toppings for my teens and guests—it was a simple but fun project.
Q: How do you balance festive decor with the existing style of your home?
Paulette: If you find decor you truly love, you’ll always make it work with your home’s style.
Paulette’s passion for history and storytelling extends beautifully into her holiday decor. By combining timeless elements, repurposing beloved pieces in new ways, and adding a few fresh touches each year, she shows how to make your home feel festive and personal. Whether you’re celebrating in a historic home or a modern space, Paulette’s tips are a wonderful guide to creating a cozy, memorable holiday atmosphere.
For more inspiration, follow Paulette online at @oldhomecharming. Happy decorating!