The Art of Holiday Design: A Conversation with Jacqueline Montes

The holidays are a time of year when design meets emotion, where elegant interiors transform into spaces that tell stories of celebration and connection. This season, Houston-based designer Jacqueline Montes shares how she brings sophistication and warmth to her clients’ homes, blending timeless traditions with modern design sensibilities. Over the years, we have gotten to know Jacqueline through her thoughtful styling in our showroom, from her modern festive decor to her winning wreath in our holiday competition, and it has been a joy to see her creative vision come to life.

How did you get started designing homes for the holidays?
Since I can remember, Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. Designing for the season came naturally to me, and it was one of the first services I offered when I started my firm eight years ago.

How does living and working in Houston influence your design style during the holiday season?
Houston’s diversity is a huge source of inspiration. I love drawing from the traditions and cultures that make the city so vibrant, blending those influences into my holiday designs.

What’s your process for creating a holiday design plan for a client’s home?
Every design starts with the client’s personal style and the architecture of their home. I make sure the holiday décor complements their existing color palette and furniture so everything flows beautifully together.

How do you balance a client’s personal traditions with your creative vision?
I take time to learn about each client’s unique traditions and then find thoughtful ways to incorporate those elements, whether through color, ornaments, or themed accents into a cohesive design.

What are your go-to color palettes this season? Are you seeing more modern neutrals or rich jewel tones?
For 2025, neutral matte shades are definitely trending, but the classic red and green combination will always be timeless and full of charm.

“It’s the time of year when design becomes deeply personal,” Montes says. “Every choice, every detail, tells a story.”

Do you design differently for clients who entertain often versus those who prefer a quieter holiday at home?
Absolutely. For clients who love to entertain, we typically decorate every common area, I have done eight trees throughout the home!
For those who prefer a more intimate setting, I focus on creating cozy, meaningful touches that feel personal and warm.

What’s one easy upgrade anyone can make to elevate their holiday décor this year?
Invest in a high quality ribbon and add an extra layer of lights. Those two details instantly make any tree or garland feel more luxurious.

What are your best tips for styling a kitchen island or bar area for a festive evening—especially one featuring eggersmann’s elegant surfaces and integrated lighting?
Keep it simple yet timeless. A beautiful tablescape with realistic greenery and candles, and a few refined accents enhances the space’s natural elegance without overwhelming it.

For Montes, the holidays are about more than décor—they’re about creating spaces that reflect joy, connection, and the beauty of tradition. “It’s the time of year when design becomes deeply personal,” she says. “Every choice, every detail, tells a story.” Whether it’s an intimate family dinner or a grand celebration, our sophisticated spaces paired with Jacqueline’s holiday touch set the stage for gatherings that feel as beautiful as they are meaningful.

About Jacqueline Montes

Houston designer Jacqueline Montes leads her namesake firm, Montes Design LLC, with a philosophy centered on warmth, balance, and authenticity. Since 2017, she has created functional and visually compelling environments for commercial and residential clients, blending timeless style with modern comfort. From thoughtfully planned interiors to festive seasonal décor, Jacqueline’s work reflects her belief that every space should tell a story.

Discover more of Jacqueline’s work on socials:

@montes_design for maximalist holiday decor

@interiors_montesdesign for elegant interiors

Looking to elevate your home for the holidays?