Finding Simplicity Among Holiday Decor, According to Design Experts
Creating the perfect, cozy holiday feel can be overwhelming for college students and new homeowners. Finding personalized decoration ideas that will inspire long-standing holiday traditions doesn’t have to be complicated, whether you’re moving into your first apartment or new home.
There’s one common theme to create the best space for your holiday decorations: simplicity.
Here are five design tips on establishing timeless beauty throughout your holiday decor.
- Stick to traditional colors, including greens and reds, or blue and white with touches of gold or silver.
Trends will come and go, but traditional colors will always create a classy look. While new trends might seem fresh and exciting, it can sometimes create a clashing of color palettes or lose popularity by the next holiday season. Instead, find enjoyment in creating beauty with traditional holiday colors that complement each other, and never go out of style.
“Trends are happening, but we normally stick to your pretty traditional greens and red,” said Jarrett Kemp, owner of Appointments at Five.
- Embrace using family holiday decor items and create new traditions.
Holiday decor should not be only about finding aesthetic ornaments from HomeGoods or an expensive designer. There is joy in watching your kids hang up ornaments they created over five years ago, and using decorations that have been passed through the family for generations, according to Alexa Stevenson, owner of Alexa Stevenson Interior Design. Lean in to celebrating these family traditions because these items are what will make your home unique and meaningful.
“I think stockings are such a sweet Christmas tradition,” said Kemp. “If you can invest in a nicer set, that’s something that my mom has had ours for years.”
- Keep it simple and edit out the extra decor.
Holiday decor does not always have to be elaborate to create beauty. Part of the essence of decorating is using minimal items to make intentional choices. For example, refrain from putting garlands on your front door, over your fireplace, and on your stair’s railings. Find one spot to put the item, and leave the other areas open for other, more simple decor choices.
“As with everything, if you edit it and don’t try to do everything at once,” said Stevenson. “Don’t try to do everything. Do time, generating lace or anything chilly or fluffy.”
- Be intentional with your lighting choices.
Lighting can be an important factor in setting the mood and tone in a family’s home. Be mindful of the lighting choices you make, not only on your Christmas tree, but also throughout your holiday decor set-up. Choose soft, warm lighting by incorporating lamps and small string LED lights, rather than harsh overhead lighting that can take away from the comfort and warmth that soft lighting brings.
“I like white lights,” said Stevenson. “And I would say, I do prefer white lights over colored lights, because I think they’re prettier, and look decent and kind of ties everything together.”
- Strive for cozy, not perfection.
Stay away from trying to look like a pristine magazine cover, and seek comfort. Find decorations that make you and your family joyful, and avoid trying to create a scene that you think is “perfect.” The best holiday memories come from creating fun traditions and joy, like stockings and simple fireplace designs.
“I think there is a lot of stress in people to have the perfect holiday decorations and all that kind of stuff,” said Stevenson.
No matter which items you choose for your holiday experience, remember to create a simple space that reflects you, your family and your timeless traditions.