5 Minimalist Holiday Decorating Tips Designers Swear By Every Year

Welcome the holidays without completely compromising your space to all things red, white, and green. We asked minimalist interior designers for their best tips on subtly decorating your home for the holidays so you can create holiday cheer without overdoing it.

Since more isn’t always necessarily always better, it’s essential to know how and where to start. Here are some tips minimalists have for decorating for the holidays.

Incorporate Nature

For minimalists, being intentional with what they put out and how much is crucial during the holiday season. A celebration of winter means bringing nature inside for many designers.

“Create a unique tree with driftwood and raffia,” says interior designer Robbie Maynard.

She recommends including some glowing candles and birch or eucalyptus branches to create a festive look. The colors of the outdoors—white, tan, green, brown, and black—lend themselves perfectly to all winter holidays.

Interior designer Ami McKay will often pick up greenery when she buys her tree so she can use it to create garlands and wreaths.

“I also love to have oversized greenery in vintage pots and vases around the home and have lots of candles,” she says.

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Opt for a Neutral Palette

It is perfectly fine to sprinkle some traditional shades around your home, however, it’s important to create a look that is uniquely your own which will suit you and your family. Opting for a neutral palette will help your seasonal decor to seamlessly blend in with your existing space.

“Moving away from the conventional red and green often leads to sophisticated alternatives like winter white, charcoal, or midnight blue,” says interior designer Artem Kropovinsky. “These shades capture the winter feel in a subtle way.”

Taking a little time to carefully consider what colors are pleasing to your eye pays big dividends over the long winter holiday season; you might even discover a mix of colors or subtle patterns that you want to keep around all year long.

Choose One Color

Individuals who use a tree in their holiday decorating scheme may be unsure of how to properly incorporate one into their home while maintaining a crisp, clean, and calm feel. But don’t fret, there’s no need to give up the tree or the cheer for an aesthetic choice.

“If you prefer a monochromatic holiday, a snow-flocked tree with all white ornaments will create a stunning textural jaw-dropping sight,” Maynard says.

Tie nature into this blank-slate bounty by adding white pampas grass for a winter wonderland aesthetic.

Layer in Different Textures

Color isn’t the only consideration when seeking a minimalist holiday scene: Using different types of fabrics and materials helps to set a mood visually and satisfies your sense of touch.

Try taking velvet or chunky knit throw blankets out of the spare closet and draping them casually over your living room couch or a recliner. Pair your throws with soft, fuzzy throw pillows that invite family and guests to lounge and linger.

McKay personally loves to use a white, fluffy tree skirt and places a stack of wood as a functional part of her holiday design.

Use Warm, Comfortable Lighting

Whether it’s the soft glow from candles or an eye-catching twinkle of tiny strands of bulbs, there is no question that light is integral to all manner of celebrations in the darker days of winter.

Add extra sparkle to your decor vignettes without overpowering the senses by placing items with a muted gold or brushed silver finish, Kropovinsky suggests. Think serving dishes with a subtle shine, classic metal candle holders, or metal ornaments placed around your living room.

“By using less, you have an opportunity to really appreciate and admire the items you do have out on display,” Kropovinsky says. “Ultimately, the sweet spot is different for every person, as long as your space feels cozy and inviting all season.”