6 Holiday Decor Trends That Are Already Giving Designers the “Ick”

The holidays are all about joy, warmth, and family, and your home decor should reflect that. But not every trend hits the mark. Some ideas that once felt festive now come across as tired or overly staged.

To find out what’s worth skipping this season, we asked top designers to share the holiday looks they’re ready to leave behind this year. From red and green overload to matchy-matchy setups, these pros explain why certain traditions give them the ick and what to try instead.

Read below to discover what to skip this year and how to create a holiday home that feels curated, cozy, and inviting.

Bright, Theme-Heavy Decor

If you don’t want to decorate for both Christmas and New Year’s and the rest of winter, choose items that will last all season long in lieu of Christmas decor that doesn’t work once December 26th comes. Stephanie LeBlanc, founder and editor-in-chief of Celebrated Nest blog, suggests staying away from decor that screams “Christmas”.

“I always feel that Christmas decor should bring people joy and reflect their personal style, so there is never a right or wrong answer here (when it comes to choosing decor),” LeBlanc says.

But, she suggests reaching for greenery, wood tones, and soft neutrals instead of bright reds or themed items.

Opting for warm, neutral decor items will still bring a festive look while also seamlessly transitioning into winter, keeping your home cozy and stylish well into January and beyond.

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Red and Green Overload

The traditional Christmas colors red and green can sometimes feel more cliche than classic and chic.

“Tossing red and green everywhere takes away the sense of a curated, personalized space,” Purvi Desai Padia, interior designer and founder of Purvi Padia Design, says.

These days, you can decorate for the holidays with a wide variety of color palettes. Instead of traditional red and green, Padia recommends luxe textiles like velvet and rich silks paired with shimmering accents in a palette that feels authentic to your personal style.

Add in jewel tones, metallics, or even soft neutrals for a sophisticated twist.

Box Store Everything

Decorating for the holidays is your chance to showcase your style. LeBlanc believes holiday decor should feel personal, not like a copy-paste from a big-box store.

“There is nothing wrong with grabbing a few great finds, but when every ornament, candle, and accent comes from the same aisle, a home can lose the charm that makes the season feel personal,” she says.

Instead, LeBlanc suggests mixing in thrifted bowls, vintage ornaments, handmade touches, and natural elements for a collected look that feels warm and unique. You may already have items in your home that would work for home, like trays, frames, and throws.

Poinsettias Everywhere

Incorporating poinsettias into your holiday decor can add a classic, timeless look to your home when done right. But, if you want to bring an unexpected, exciting look to your decor this year, it may be time to try something different.

“There’s nothing unexpected or understated about a poinsettia over the holidays,” Padia says.

For a fresher look, swap them for winter greenery, dried florals, or even sculptural branches. These alternatives bring texture and elegance without feeling dated and work as décor all season long.

Traditional Tree Skirt

Tree skirts have been a holiday staple for decades and can complete the look of your tree, but LeBlanc prefers a more creative approach.

“I usually skip the traditional tree skirt or collar and place the tree inside a basket or a large planter,” she says.

This simple swap adds texture, height, and a curated feel that blends beautifully with the rest of your decor.

Overly Matching Decor

When every ornament, ribbon, and garland matches perfectly, the result can feel sterile. LeBlanc suggests trying a layered, collected aesthetic.

“I like my decor to feel fresh and new each season, and changing out the tree base or mixing in vintage pieces is an easy way to shift the whole mood,” she says.

A little imperfection adds character and helps make your holiday home feel lived in and loved.