While social media has influenced this trend, it’s not the only reason. Laurence Carr who is the CEO and Founder of Laurence Carr Design explains why. “The traditional holiday style has not kept pace with modern lives and families living far away from each other.
People are looking for a feeling of comfort and warmth with personalized holiday decor, such as unique, simple touches or small takeaways like candles. They are also embracing simplicity as a way of distressing from this hectic time of the year.”
It’s time to say goodbye to green and white and consider these holiday decorating ideas instead.
Santa Claus Isn’t Real And Your Tree Doesn’t Have To Be Either
To end the debate once and for all, creating the perfect holiday ambiance does not require a real Christmas tree. The holiday season is stressful enough, so why create additional hassle? Would it make sense to transport any other large, cumbersome item by tying it down to the roof of a car? Does anyone have time to constantly clean an endless mess of falling needles? Real trees can also create safety concerns for pets and trigger allergies. Artificial trees are less problematic, more cost-efficient and eco-friendly. They also look full year after year. Miss the real tree smell? A Nest Holiday or Birchwood Pine reed diffuser on your mantle is the next best thing.
White Christmas Is Just A Movie
Artificial trees also allow for experimentation with color. While white trees trended in 2017, according to Wayfair, the number of site searches for black trees has increased this year. It’s easy to understand why. A black tree is a true statement piece. The contrast of color against the ornaments makes them pop. For extra wow factor, keep the lights and ornaments monochromic. If black isn’t bold enough, consider a millennial pink or even a red tree this year.
Take A Hint From Chip And Joanna Gaines
Popular with bloggers and influencers like Brittany Avila of Southernly Bliss, the modern farmhouse look has been a major interior design trend for several years. In fact, starter homes renovated in this style have proven to garner higher sales numbers. But, Carr doesn’t think the attraction to a modern farmhouse look is about being trendy. “Modern Farmhouse holiday decor simultaneously reflects warmth and a rustic mood. Its popularity stems from the inherently cozy feel of the scheme.” She suggests pairing farmhouse styles with vintage holiday decor like those heirloom ornaments passed down from generation to generation. Mixing raw textures and hard finishes like rough wood and hammered metal is another way to make farmhouse chic blend with a more contemporary style home.
Update Old Favorites
Carr also says plaid, which was a big trend in fall fashion this year, will add greater warmth and richness. “To me, the feelings of nostalgia this trend evokes are irresistible.” But don’t overdo it. Limit plaids to one or two pieces like a tartan throw blanket or etched windowpane glassware from Mark & Graham.
Go Boho Chic
In 2018, Etsy saw a 67% increase in searches related to the term “boho holiday.” But doing Boho right requires planning. “It can be harder to get right because it ends up looking cluttered if you don’t know when to stop,” says Carr. She suggests sticking to a neutral palette while adding pops of gemstone colors. “For example, strings of feathers, ferns, or even white cotton pompoms mix well with hanging geodes or hand-painted blown egg ornaments, creating a surprising, yet chic look.” Another example of this is Anthropologie’s pink Sugarplum garland, which is a stylish alternative to tinsel and can easily be cleaned and reused.
Invest In Chic Holiday Décor You Can Use All Year Round
Most people use their holiday decor for a few months at a time. But there is a way to keep the holiday spirit alive all year round without being judged by friends and neighbors. Skip the holiday-specific items like snowman salad plates. Instead, choose festive pieces like this reindeer head from Perigold. Nicole Andrew of Perigold Editorial explained, “There are so many items that can double as year-round favorites and still feel special for the holidays. They elevate everyday décor and work seamlessly with those extra special touches during this time of year.”