With the holidays just around the corner, it’s hard to avoid the seasonal décor ideas that keep coming. Social media pages are constantly promoting the latest trends, and store aisles are filled with decorations, garlands, and other products. But how much decoration do you really need?
We’re calling on design experts to share their mistaken ideas as they prepare for this year’s celebrations. What’s the biggest takeaway? Don’t feel pressured to embrace every new trend or buy all the new décor products available. Stick to timeless pieces and build on them, opting for a “less is more” approach – except for the twinkling lights.
So, before dusting off your ornament box, listen to what experts have to say about the most common holiday decoration mistakes and how to avoid them. Make use of these designer-approved techniques to decorate the hall.
1. Don’t Go Too Far
Vy Truong, co-founder of Very Handsome Studio, said: “Burying the holiday spirit in too many things can end up being counterproductive. Too much focal point can overwhelm the entire space, and even your favorite decorations can end up getting lost in a sea of decorations.
Don’t succumb to the temptation to overdo festive decorations for the sake of creating a festive spirit, but take a “less is more” approach. There’s also a practical benefit to adopting a more minimalist approach to holiday décor – you’ll have fewer items to store after the festivities are over.
2. Avoid Using a Dimly Lit Christmas Tree
When in doubt, be sure to add more flashing lights. Interior designer Bianca Ecklund emphasizes the importance of light in holiday decorations. “Trees with low light can be dim,” she said. To avoid this common mistake, make sure you have enough string lights both indoors and outdoors to create a festive atmosphere and brighten up a dark, dreary winter. “Light it up and make it visible to all — there’s never too many lights,” Eklund said.
3. Overcome the Pressure to Embrace Every New Trend
Adding new pieces to your Christmas collection every year is part of making holiday décor fun, but don’t feel pressured to embrace and incorporate every new festive trend. “Once September arrives, we’ll see something fresh and beautiful every hour, but don’t be overwhelmed by every fashion wreath you see,” says Truong. She advises you to start by choosing a color palette, adding, “Try to stick to the design parameters you’ve set for yourself.”
4. Don’t Buy Holiday Decorations That Aren’t Durable
Annie Oberman, lead designer at Forge & Bow, said, “Don’t buy something just because every store you walk into is shouting. Instead, you should buy sparingly and make thoughtful choices that make sense for your overall collection of Christmas decorations. “Make sure you’re buying something that actually improves your overall home environment during the holidays,” Oberman says. She points to the importance of choosing timeless pieces rather than overly commercial decorations. I think it’s a gift that allows your house to evolve over time, find the classics you love, and evolve year after year,” she said.
5. Don’t Forget About the Environment
“Avoid buying cheap décor that ends up in landfills,” advises interior designer Amy Youngblood. She recommends choosing pieces that are durable and meaningful and can be passed down as special holiday heirlooms. “Not only will it elevate your space and look prettier, but it’s also good for the environment,” she adds. Investing in timeless and high-quality holiday decorations can also save you money in the long run, as you don’t have to be forced to add or replace decorations every year.
6. Avoid Using All the Decorations You Have
While it may be tempting to hang up all the holiday decorations you’ve ever bought, it usually just makes the space look cluttered. “Keep it simple – just because you have everything doesn’t mean it should all go away,” Eklund said. She suggests a more intentional approach to Christmas decoration. “Pick a theme or color scheme and stick to it and keep everything else for next year,” she says.