• I shopped at West Elm and Crate & Barrel to see which store had better holiday decor.
• Crate & Barrel offered chic, modern decorations, but West Elm had classic, cozy options.
• As an interior designer, I liked both stores, but West Elm ultimately felt warmer and more festive.

As an interior designer, I use my eye and skills when decorating for the holidays.

Although I usually shop for affordable holiday decor, I wanted to see what two high-end retailers had to offer this season.

So, while shopping in NYC, I visited West Elm and Crate & Barrel — two stores known for their stylish home decor with a modern twist.

Here’s how they compared.