Key Takeaways
- Use unique color schemes, including monochrome or pastel, to update your traditional décor.
- Use vintage and handmade items. Stories come to life and decisions happen in your decorating because of people, memories and nostalgia.
- Use multipurpose décor that’s designed for smaller living spaces, apartments and shared spaces.
- Make it personal—choose decorations based on your individual style and interests to create a celebration that is truly meaningful.
With December around the corner and the weather turning a bit cooler, you may start to feel like it is time to start decorating with the warmth and magic of Christmas. Whether you want to bring the joy of your childhood memories into the 21st century or simply want to change your way of decorating, a few decorative modern touches can transform a mundane space into a magical christmas delight. From gorgeous statement pieces to small accents, engaging with modern or innovative decorating ideas can shift your mind away from the idea of “holiday cheer,” to a notion of reimagining what this will look like in your home this year. Begin by searching for christmas decor. Seek out beautiful, contemporary and unexpected finds that can help you anchor your inspiration for the season. From here, you are only limited by your imagination and creativity while you postulate how you will celebrate this special time of year.
Traditionally, we decorate for the holidays using red and green, but we now have the opportunity to think outside the box to be more creative and express ourselves. The holiday season deserves to be decorated in ways that are unconventional. Rather than feeling like you have to decorate by the calendar (the holidays), be intentional in finding color schemes or sentimental keepsakes to display. If you have enough rooms, you can allow yourself to decorate each in its own unique holiday aesthetic, or on the opposite, have a consistent scheme throughout the home to give it a more cohesive theme. Use multifunctional style décor that balances functionality (it actually works, has a purpose or incites engagement) with aesthetic style to create moments that inspire holiday cheer and joy while still being fresh and cozy. The idea is for every corner of your home feel merry and bright as soon as your guests walk in.
One Color Wonders
To elevate your seasonal décor and styling options, it may be helpful to step aside from a traditional color palette. Utilizing a monochromatic color scheme—be it black and white, an all-silver color theme, or icy blues—can be unexpectedly sophisticated. Using shades of the monochromatic color will enhance the layering and add depth and interest. For example, consider mixing ivories and dove gray ornaments on flocked branches for that winter wonderland effect, or use dramatic and vibrant silvers or golds for impact. Textures can also be added including striped bows or tying in velvet ribbon and contrasting tree ornaments. Tie everything together with coordinating candles and tableware. A monochromatic scheme helps pare the visual noise overload that sometimes accompanies a more-is-more holiday experience and creates a sleek and peaceful environment, while beautifully showcasing statement pieces or important architectural aspects of your home.
Apartment Solutions
If you live in an apartment, or if space is limited in general, consider mini tabletop christmas trees or wall décor. Adding a series of tiny wreaths to a hallway is easy, as is stringing pearl lights on the wall in the general shape of a tree for more holiday-style impact, and this can be done without taking up valuable floor space. Drape layers of garlands over a doorway, shelf, or stair rail to provide warmth and texture to a narrow, limited space. For more holiday-friendly ideas for apartments, check out these christmas decoration tips from House Beautiful. Windows are also a canvas for décor; add single ornaments or strings of lights with suction cups on the glass for a sense of curb appeal. A mirrored tray accented with a few candles, pinecones, and a few ornaments makes a simple table display for any table, even a small one. Making your space cozy without going crazy helps you maximize or embrace the holiday feel of your home whether small or large.
Handcrafted Touches
Handmade décor is telling a story and adding heart to your holiday home. Invite the family over for a night of making things together: paper snowflakes, popcorn strands, or salt-dough ornaments are easy and inexpensive and can be sentimental—use children’s art to hang on the tree, create a whimsical garland strung across the mantel that displays, or touch your mayo jar. Add artisanal touches like hand-carved wood décor, or glass-blown baubles, hand-sewn stockings, that have accidental beauty, or even experience, as they are one-of-a-kind. Inviting elements in that you have acquired from a local or independent maker gives your hand-crafted elements even more meaning, especially if you know the person that made them, which offers an even deeper sense of authenticity to your holiday décor.
Nature-Inspired Elements
To support and enhance the peaceful beauty of the outdoors, consider incorporating real or faux greenery into your space. Garlands of pine, cedar, or juniper, placed across your mantle, staircase, or entryway, create an inviting aroma and texture that fill your home with comfort on those cold winter days and nights. The use of pinecones, berries, cinnamon sticks, or dried orange slices in wreaths, garlands, or centerpieces create rustic composition to add to your holiday décor. For natural drama, group branches in large vase, or keep it simple and put a few branches in an arrangement on a table top or shelf. Natural elements are very compatible when blending with a classic or contemporary holiday style, and you can even gather these finds sustainably. Use of elements from the woods or incorporating birch logs, acorns, or natural wood candleholders enhances your woodland theme and brings the outdoor element to the table.
Personalized Themes
Infusion each decoration with meaning by celebrating your family’s story and/or interests. Use travel souvenirs from the family tree as ornaments on your tree, or memory garlands made from photo clips + snapshots from moments the year. Hang family photo ornaments with memories from memorable family vacations, major family milestones, favorite family moments, etc. Add décor related to favorite hobbies of family members—be it music notes, sports patches, or literary quotes—to showcase your family’s interest. You could certainly add personalized advent calendars or custom stockings from a favorite maker—the one-of-a-kind, unique, feature is something that will place your family at the heart of your holiday tradition. The act of sharing stories related to a specific ornament resonates with guests while decorating and really adds cherished aspects, or merit, to each ornament’s existence!
Whimsical Foliage
Allow your imagination to run wild by incorporating whimsy within greens and foliage accents with your décor. Let the garlands twist, arch, or drape casually over stairs or a mantel to create a more relaxed, free-spirited atmosphere. Hang faux ferns, trailing vines, or bright florals for an unexpected twist to holiday greens. Add whimsy to your tree by incorporating something unexpected like felt pom-poms, feathers, or pastel-colored foliage. Layering greens and even foliage like the pastel-colored variety can make your home look like a winter wonderland. Playing with the scale of ornaments by mixing oversized ornaments with small one, or fun animals can add an unexpected twist into the whimsical design.
Functional decor
Holiday décor is not only about looks. It should serve a second purpose of enhancing your comfort and the livability of your home during the busy winter months. Cozy seasonal motifs or textures can replace a coffee table full of everyday cushions and throws. Look for holiday table linens with metallic threading, or seasonal prints that will invite joyous holiday gatherings into your home. Your favorite patterns utilizing dishware or glassware with winter clichés would add to the fun. A showstopper wreath or garland over the fireplace, or in your entryway to bring the look together, offer a warm welcome to your home for the season. Change out bedding or bath towels to holiday versions to extend the festive cheer from top to bottom.
When you choose décor that speaks to you, your history, or what you may need, your holiday home will look as stunning as it is meaningful. Regardless of whether your décor scheme is timeless, romantic, or bold modern, the look of combining creativity with functionality to create a festive hiding, has everyone wanting to gather to celebrate the season. Go ahead, start with just a few of these ideas, and soon your entire space will be filled with holiday magic.
