6 holiday decorating trends to ignore this season, according to designers
Not every holiday trend deserves a spot in your living room, no matter how tempting it looks on Instagram.
The pressure to transform your home into a winter wonderland can often feel overwhelming as December approaches. We usually rush to buy the latest ornaments and lights, hoping to create a festive atmosphere that rivals a magazine spread. This frantic race to decorate can sometimes damage our relationship with the very season we are trying to celebrate.
However, experts suggest that we should take a step back and evaluate what truly works for our homes. Instead of blindly following fads, we should treat our holiday decor as a long-term investment in our family traditions. Listening to professional designers can save you time and help you avoid a tacky living room disaster.
The Pressure To Be Perfect
It is easy to get caught up in the idea that you need a completely new look every single year. Many people treat holiday decor like fast fashion, buying cheap items that end up in the trash by January. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average household produces up to 25% more trash during the Thanksgiving-to-New Year’s holiday period, amounting to 25 million extra tons of garbage.
Designers are now advising against this “in-one-year, out-the-next” mentality because it lacks soul and creates unnecessary waste. It is better to build a collection of high-quality pieces that you look forward to unpacking. Committing to a timeless style is a brilliant plan that keeps your attic organized and your wallet happy.
Forcing A Style That Isn’t You
One of the biggest mistakes people make is trying to copy a look that conflicts with their existing interior design. You might see a modern, icy blue theme online, but it will look out of place if your home is warm and rustic. Data from the American Psychological Association shows that 89% of adults say their stress levels increase during the holidays, often due to the pressure to create a picture-perfect experience.
Your holiday decorations should feel like a natural extension of your personality rather than a costume your house is wearing. If you force a style that does not fit, the result often feels disjointed and awkward. Steering clear of trends that do not feel like you is the best way to maintain a genuine atmosphere.
The Matchy-Matchy Look
There is a common misconception that every ornament, stocking, and ribbon must coordinate perfectly to look good. However, designers like Amy Studebaker suggest that an overly curated look can feel sterile and uninviting. A 2024 survey by the National Retail Federation indicates that consumers plan to spend $902 on holiday gifts, food, decorations, and other seasonal items, proving we are investing heavily in these items.
Instead of aiming for perfection, focus on a “cozy and collected” vibe that tells a story. Mixing old family heirlooms with new finds creates a layered, nostalgic feel that a department store set cannot match. A home that feels lived-in and personal is always more welcoming than one that looks like a showroom display.
Rustic Minimalism
For years, burlap, kraft paper, and neutral tones have dominated the holiday scene, but that trend is finally fading. Designers are now encouraging people to step away from the beige and embrace bold, joyful colors. Color psychology research indicates that seeing the color red can enhance physical reactions and energy levels, which is perfect for a party atmosphere.
You do not have to stick to a boring brown-and-white color when there is a whole spectrum of colors to explore. Using velvet ribbons and vibrant wrapping paper can inject life and excitement into your space. The holidays are the perfect excuse to ditch the dull tones and experiment with a palette that sparks absolute joy.
Overloading On Kitsch
While a little bit of whimsy is fun, drowning your living room in cartoon characters and plastic figurines can quickly look chaotic. Too much visual noise can actually detract from the peaceful ambiance many of us crave during the holidays. Researchers at the Princeton Neuroscience Institute found that physical clutter in your environment competes for your attention, resulting in decreased performance and increased stress.
A more sophisticated approach involves using natural elements like magnolia boughs or fresh greenery. These items add festive cheer without screaming for attention or feeling childish. Simple, minimalist decor often serves as a better gift to your mental clarity than a room full of clutter.
Ignoring Your Location
Trying to recreate a snowy North Pole scene when you live in a tropical climate can feel forced and unnatural. Designers recommend embracing your actual surroundings to create a look that feels organic and grounded. Connecting with your immediate environment and nature significantly boosts psychological well-being.
If you are in a coastal area, consider using pinks, whites, and fruit garlands instead of heavy fir greens and wool. It allows you to celebrate the season in a way that complements your reality rather than fighting against it. Decorating for the climate you actually live in makes your home feel cohesive and authentically festive.
Key Takeaway
Navigating the holidays should be about connection and joy, not stressing over the perfect tree. By ignoring these outdated trends, you can create a space that feels authentic to you and welcoming to your guests. Your home should reflect your unique relationship with the season, prioritizing memories over “Instagram-worthy” perfection.
This year, try to focus on what makes you happy rather than what the catalogs dictate. Whether that means saving money by reusing old favorites or splashing out on colorful ribbon, the choice is yours. A home decorated with love and intention will always outshine one decorated by obligation.
Read the original article on Crafting Your Home.
