Holiday decorating has come a long way from generic red-and-green palettes. With a bit of creativity, the latest trends, and a sprinkle of jolly intention, homeowners can transform decorating into a fun, personalized experience that reflects both tradition and modern style.
Embrace Nature and Whimsy
The traditional bold colors of the season are being replaced with more subtle, nature-inspired hues like deep greens, jewel tones, and glittery pastels. Ellie Trebino Kelm, design manager at Mixbook, notes a growing fatigue around generic decor trends, with homeowners instead embracing pieces that spark nostalgia and personality.
“Aesthetic holiday decor means something different to everyone, and the best way to make it your own is to curate it from places and people meaningful to you,” Kelm explains. Rustic decor like pine cones, cranberry strings, and handcrafted swags are making a comeback, connecting us to childhood memories and simpler times.
Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram are fueling the DIY trend, encouraging homeowners to create unique pieces that blend whimsy and personality. Think hand-strung garlands, vintage finds, and glittered accents that make spaces shine.
Color Trends: From Moody Jewel Tones to Pastels
Moody tones like emerald green, navy blue, and plum are gaining traction, while pastel shades—light lavender, soft pinks, and mint greens—offer a delicate twist on traditional decor. Evelina Juzėnaitė, principal designer at Planner 5D, shares that these hues are perfect for both green and white Christmas trees, adding a modern yet timeless aesthetic.
For a more inclusive approach, consider a “cool tone revolution” with blues, silvers, and whites, ideal for celebrations beyond Christmas, like Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. These colors bring a refined elegance while embracing diverse traditions.
Big Bows and Nostalgic Touches
Nothing says festive like oversized bows, which Etiquette Expert Joy Hayes describes as a top trend inspired by the coquette aesthetic. “Big red bows can wrap around trees, fences, or stairway banisters—just enough to make everything feel like a gift,” Hayes says.
The nostalgia trend extends to candles tied with ribbons in purple and pink for Advent or dried oranges and burlap for rustic charm. Natural materials like reclaimed wood and organic textiles not only provide coziness but also align with the growing demand for sustainability.
Creating a Cozy Layout
Sometimes a fresh perspective comes from a simple rearrangement of furniture. Erica Bail, executive director at Graber, recommends circular seating to foster conversation during gatherings. Soft lighting, candles, and simple garlands can seamlessly tie together conversation spaces, creating a warm and unified atmosphere.
“In spacious areas, smaller conversation spots keep the flow dynamic while still feeling connected,” Bail adds.
Sustainable and Thoughtful Decor
Eco-conscious decorating is on the rise, with homeowners opting for natural, reusable, and upcycled materials. Elissa Hall, lead designer at Red Awning, highlights how sustainability aligns with both style and thoughtful living.
“Reclaimed wood, recycled metals, and organic textiles are becoming more popular as people look for ways to celebrate responsibly while reducing waste,” Hall says.
Shopping second-hand, thrifting, and DIYing are excellent ways to find one-of-a-kind pieces that carry stories and memories, ensuring your home feels festive, sustainable, and uniquely yours.
This year’s holiday decor trends embrace individuality, sustainability, and inclusivity. From moody jewel tones to nostalgic DIY touches, the focus is on making your space meaningful and personal—all while keeping the spirit of the season alive. Whether through upcycled materials, TikTok-inspired crafts, or cozy seating layouts, holiday decorating can become a joyful expression of style and tradition.
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