Holiday decorating sometimes turns into a competitive sport we didn’t sign up for. You’ll be peacefully sipping your hot cocoa when suddenly you’re surrounded by a mountain of glitter and unspoken expectations. It seems every year brings a new set of rules about what is “in” and what makes your home look like it is stuck in a bygone decade. This can leave even the most enthusiastic decorator feeling a little lost.
Here are some holiday design trends that cause the most head-scratching.
1. Bright, Theme-Heavy Holiday Décor
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Walking into a room that has been transformed into a full-blown “Winter Wonderland” or “Santa’s Workshop” can be an experience. Every surface, from the throw pillows to the coffee mugs, commits to the theme with gusto. While the dedication is admirable, this approach can sometimes overwhelm a space, making it feel less like a home and more like a department store display.
How to Resolve:
- Color Palette: Instead of using every color associated with your theme, select two or three and use them in different shades and textures.
- Subtle Accents: Swap out overtly themed items for more nuanced pieces.
- Go Natural: Incorporate natural elements like pinecones, birch logs, or evergreen branches. These items connect to a winter theme in a more organic way.
2. Red and Green Overload
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Red and green are the undisputed colors of Christmas. They are festive, traditional, and instantly signal the holiday season. The confusion arises when this classic duo is used so exclusively that it drowns out all other colors in a room. When every ornament, ribbon, and piece of wrapping paper sticks to this rigid color scheme, the result can feel a bit predictable and flat. It’s time to go beyond reds and greens.
How to Resolve:
- Add a Third Color: Introduce a metallic like gold, silver, or champagne to bring in some sparkle and sophistication.
- Try Jewel Tones: Deep blues, rich purples, or emerald greens can complement the traditional pairing and add a luxurious feel.
- Go Monochromatic: Use varying shades of a single color, like forest green, moss, and mint, for a modern and calming effect.
3. Mass-Produced, Big-Box Store Holiday Décor
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There is a certain comfort in the convenience of big-box stores. You can get everything you need for the holidays in one trip, from the tree to the tinsel. The challenge with mass-produced decorations is that they are, by definition, generic. Your neighbor, your cousin, and your coworker might all end up with the exact same sparkly reindeer.
How to Resolve:
- Mix and Match: Combine your store-bought finds with handmade ornaments, vintage pieces from a thrift store, or family heirlooms.
- Focus on Heirlooms: Make treasured family items the focal point of your decorating, and use mass-produced pieces as supporting accents.
4. Overusing Poinsettias Throughout the Home
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The poinsettia is a holiday plant icon. Its vibrant red leaves are instantly recognizable and bring a burst of life to any room during the colder months. The trouble starts when poinsettias multiply and appear on every available surface, from the entryway table to the bathroom counter. While one or two can be beautiful, a house full of them can feel a little repetitive. Try staging your plants to make the house feel warm and cozy, not tacky.
How to Resolve:
- Vary Your Greenery: Try other festive plants like amaryllis, Christmas cactus, paperwhites, or even small rosemary trees.
- Create a Focal Point: Group several poinsettias together in one significant display, such as on a hearth or sideboard, to create a powerful statement.
- Use Clippings: Instead of whole plants, place single clippings of poinsettia in small bud vases around the house for a delicate touch.
5. Overly Matching, Perfectly Coordinated Décor Sets
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Those pre-packaged sets of ornaments, stockings, and tree toppers are tempting. They take all the guesswork out of decorating and promise a perfectly coordinated look. The confusion here lies in the difference between coordinated and sterile. When every single element matches flawlessly, a space can lose its personality and warmth, appearing more staged than lived-in.
Tips for a Curated Look
- Mix Finishes: On your tree, combine matte, shiny, and glittery ornaments in a similar color family. This adds visual depth.
- Blend Old and New: Mismatch your decor; hang sentimental, handmade ornaments alongside new store-bought ones.
- Vary Your Textures: Use different materials throughout your décor, such as velvet ribbons, burlap garlands, and metal accents.
Make It Your Own
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Some Christmas trends are worth the hype; many others should not be a source of stress. Your home’s holiday dress-up is a chance to create a warm and joyful backdrop for making memories. Instead of worrying about following a set of rigid rules, use these ideas as a jumping-off point.
Consider what makes you feel festive. Is it the scent of pine, the sparkle of lights, or the colors of the season? Blend sentimental family pieces with a few new items you love. Mix in elements from your own backyard, like evergreen sprigs or holly branches.