His work is defined by a preference for strong lines and geometric clarity. He rejected the loose brushwork of his contemporaries in favour of a more monumental feel. Holst was influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement. He believed that art should be integrated into daily life. This philosophy led him to create posters and murals. His lithographs often use a limited colour palette to focus on the weight and form of the figures.

Modern collectors value Holst for his graphic precision and the directness of his compositions. His prints provide a link between nineteenth-century symbolism and the functionalism of the early twentieth century. The work fits well in contemporary spaces because it avoids unnecessary ornament. His posters and drawings offer a sense of calm and order. They represent a period when Dutch artists sought to simplify visual language for a broader audience.