Featured image: Unsplash /James Coleman
For many, Christmas is the perfect excuse to go all in on decorations, turning homes into kaleidoscopes of colour and sparkle. For those who live by the “more is more” mantra, maximalist holiday décor is pure joy: extravagant, bold, and unapologetically festive. Staircases and mantels disappear beneath layers of garlands, trees brim with ornaments of every shape and size, and twinkling lights cast a playful, glowing rhythm across the room. It’s a style that thrives on abundance and storytelling, weaving together heirloom baubles, handmade trinkets, vintage finds, and modern treasures. Nothing needs to match; the beauty lies in curating a rich, nostalgic tapestry that feels as memorable as the season itself.
And while some like to go above and beyond in their Christmas decoration, others prefer to keep it simple. Scandinavian minimalist design appeals to those who avoid ornate decor, focusing instead on practicality and light. Its Hygge philosophy (from the Norwegian word Hugga, meaning comfort) highlights the value of illumination, cosiness, and a welcoming environment. Scandinavian interiors feature only the essentials, clear lines, organic materials, and neutral shades such as grey, white, and earthy colours that create a balanced effect. These hues are typically accented with a striking colour, like green or red, or bold pinks, blues, and purples for a more contemporary style. Decorations are limited to a few, often handcrafted items that integrate with the chosen palette. Valuing light during the long winter, minimalist Nordic Christmas design also incorporates an array of candles and candle holders. Regardless of whether you prefer minimalist or maximalist decor, these are the trends to look out for in the upcoming Christmas season.
Retro baubles
Once a crucial piece of every Christmas decoration, baubles are making a huge comeback. Coming in a multitude of colours and styles, sometimes with unique handcrafted embellishments, retro baubles offer something for every style. You can choose an array of dissimilar pieces for a chaotic, spontaneous feel, or select similar-toned, similar-sized pieces for a more uniform look. Mix sizes and textures to create dynamism, place them at different depths to add visual interest, and prevent a flat look, or use them to cover gaps in Christmas trees, blending beauty with function. Its glossy surfaces bring a touch of nostalgia, awakening childhood memories while adding a sense of timelessness to the interior.
Brassy gold
Elements made of brass are another way to add a retro, nostalgic look to your Christmas décor. You can start by placing a brass star on top of the Christmas tree. The brassy gold complements Scandinavian design, as it pairs well with organic, natural elements, such as branches or wood elements. Combine them with other gold-toned ornaments such as bubbles, bells, and glass, or pair them with black, white, and red for a more neutral tone design.
Velvet Ribbons
Nothing like a velvet ribbon to add a touch of luxury to your home. Layer ribbons made from two or more shades provide a multidimensional look. On the other hand, one oversized bow placed on top of the Christmas tree or in a visible spot can become the centrepiece of the room. Wider ribbons, between 2 and 4 inches, make dramatic statement pieces, while narrower ones can be used for accents and layering.
Jewel tones
Ribbons complement the jewel tones trend nicely, which has been highly popular in home décor of the past few years. Colours such as emerald green, cobalt blue, and amethyst purple, inspired by jewel stones, make a stark contrast with the traditional Christmas palette. Align bold jewel tones with shimmering accents in gold and silver to create a glamorous home full of character.
Sustainable greenery
Sustainable greenery has replaced shiny plastic ornaments in home décor lookbooks. Sustainable greenery adds texture, cosiness, and a natural scent to the room. Materials such as wood, pinecones, wool, berries, and even dried fruit will give the room a lovely organic feel. Seasonal leaves and flowers such as ivy, fir, yew, and eucalyptus can be used to create incredible festive table decorations. Fallen twigs and foliage can adorn every surface, from staircases to secluded corners, while Christmas trees could benefit from the visual depth made from different shades of green.
Christmas season 2025 brings a beautiful blend of bold, nostalgic elements and more subtle, nature-inspired styles. Whether you’re drawn to over-the-top decoration or serene Scandinavian elegance, this year’s trends invite you to personalise the season with intention. Happy Holidays!
