4 Holiday Decorations That Designers Actually Hate
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The holidays are just around the corner, bringing good tidings and cheer to millions of people across the world as they welcome the sights, sounds, and tastes of Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah and more. But sometimes the aforementioned sights can have interior designers shaking their heads and saying “ho-ho-hold up a minute.”
Aside from seasonal cliches, expected color combinations, and a bizarre hodgepodge of items collected over the years, there are a plethora of other holiday decorating no-nos to keep in mind before you dust off the ol’ storage boxes in your garage.
We chatted with a handful of outspoken designers to get their thoughts on the holiday decor they hate—and what you should be putting out instead. Here’s what they had to say.
Holiday Decorations That Designers Hate
Ask any major designer which trends they currently despise, and they will effortlessly rattle off a list faster than Sha’Carri Richardson’s 100-meter race time. But expressing disdain around holiday decor can conjure some reluctance, considering it’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of year (and nobody enjoys a Scrooge).
That said, design professionals have plenty to say about what fires up their inner Grinch. Here, the holiday decorations they recommend donating ASAP.
Excessive Signage
Sometimes signs with text are a bit too on the nose and take away from the whimsy of the holiday season.
“If the decor is done right, then we [should] know what time of the year it is,” says Linda Hayslett of LH.DESIGNS. “It doesn’t need to be spelled out for us with signs that say ‘Merry Christmas,’ ‘Happy Thanksgiving,’ and so forth.”
Expected Holiday Colors
While certain colors may be most associated with specific holidays, it’s certainly not a rule that you are obligated to follow.
Though not all designers hate traditional holiday colors, Anthony Gianacakos of Anthony George Home encourages his clients to step outside the box and take a few creative liberties, especially around Christmas.
“Society promotes a color theme of green and red for Christmas and with an underlying rule that we have to stick to it,” he says. “Challenge yourself to bring in items and materials that are a nod to the season, but ultimately a reflection of your own unique style.”
Hayslett echoes this sentiment, imploring the most festive of folks to play around with other color stories.
“Changing it up can really make for fun decor and make things interesting,” she advises. “Using colors like red and yellow for Thanksgiving, black and merlot for Christmas, and gold and burgundy for Hanukkah would really make it fresh and different.”
Soulless Christmas Trees
The focal point of many homes around Christmas time is the tree. While it may be most people’s instinct to opt for a standard artificial variety and toss a few random ornaments on it, there should be some thought put into it, at least according to Andrew Howard of Andrew Howard Interior Design.
“I am a tacky tree guy,” he admits. “I think every tree needs to have great glass and sparkly ornaments, but at the same time I am going to want 10 to 12 things that evoke a memory.”
“A Christmas tree can be a little tacky because it goes away after about three to four weeks,” he adds, noting that you should also never skimp on lights. “Go big, and get way more than you think you will need.”
Jenna Randolph David of Grossmueller’s Design agrees though she argues that some fake trees are simply doing too much.
“The trend I hate the most is a white Christmas tree,” she declares. “I do not get it, and they do not exist in real life. But yet, is Santa real? I know I am walking right into that one.”
Minimal Decor
“Less is more” should not be the mantra going into the final quarter of the year. In fact, now is the moment for anyone to go over the top without fear of overdoing it.
“When it comes to the holidays, don’t hold back,” advises potter and designer Jonathan Adler, famously known for his playful and colorful furniture and accessories. “The only bad holiday decorations are half-hearted holiday decorations — they just make everyone sad!”
“If there’s ever a time to adopt a ‘more is more’ philosophy, it’s now,” he adds. “Think of your home like an outfit your eccentric, rich aunt might wear and layer, layer, layer. As long as you start with a chic foundation, it will work.”
Holiday Decorations Designers Love
We’d be remiss to not include the holiday decor tips that designers actually love. The best part? Many of these ideas cost a fraction of the price of store-bought decorations—and some can be a fun activity for the whole family to enjoy!
Natural Elements
Many flowers and trees are dormant during the colder months, but there are plenty of wintry flower arrangements, dried branches, and other natural touches you can incorporate into your holiday design. By bringing in local flora and fauna, your holiday decor will feel reflective of the season and have an added sense of place.
“My personal style is very organic and cozy,” says David. “I incorporate elements of nature to keep it more textural and candles in lots of varying heights and sizes to create that glowy ambiance throughout my home.”
Vintage and Antique Items
Half the fun of perusing a holiday market, especially in a smaller town, is stumbling across an antique or vintage gem that is practically begging to have new life breathed into it.
“I am a firm believer in incorporating vintage and antique items into your holiday decor,” says Gianacakos. “It’s also great when you can reimagine and repurpose an object.”
Some examples include pinning antique brooches into holiday dinner napkins, dressing a tree in vintage jewelry or ornaments, and finding items like vases and storage boxes that can house holiday flowers like poinsettias or leftover glass ball ornaments.
Plus, shopping for antique and vintage holiday decorations is “a fun holiday activity that typically benefits small businesses and independent sellers,” he adds. Not to mention, you're investing in holiday heirlooms that will stand the test of time.
Welcoming Touches
’Tis the season for giving. If your home boasts oversized windows that provide neighbors with a sneak peek into your living space, consider decorating for their joy and pleasure as well.
“I love putting wreaths up on the window and also love driving around looking at holiday decorations,” says Howard. “Anything you have, even the smallest of things, is much appreciated by your neighbors.”
Handmade Decor
This is the perfect time of year to get crafty and lean into the DIY projects you’ve been putting off for ages. We love handmade holiday decor since it's unique and feels infinitely more special than mass-produced items in big-box stores. Plus, you can also turn ornament- or garland-making into a fun activity that will get everyone in the holiday spirit.
“I have fond memories of growing up and making ornaments as a kid,” shares Gianacakos. “For my parents, it cost next to nothing. If your budget is tight, DIY decorating is the way to go. And these pieces will serve as sentimental mementos for generations to come.”
One of the NYC-based designer’s clever hacks is to string together dehydrated orange and lemon slices on clear thread to create a garland that resembles stained glass.
Using Your Existing Decor
Too much of a departure from what already sits out can leave your living space looking more like a scene from Dr. Seuss’s Whoville.
“Reuse your decorative items throughout the seasons,” advises David. “This way, you can switch out the fall florals in grandma's vase and fill it with pine branches or ball ornaments.”
Your holiday decor should feel like an extension of your home—even if it's only out for a few weeks—so think about how you want it to look and feel before impulse-buying decorations you don't really love.
“If you plan ahead with your decorating ideas and process, you may be less inclined to buy that cute Santa vase just because it's Christmas,” she adds.
The Bottom Line
While everyone is entitled to decorate their home in a way that feels comfortable and festive for the holidays, that's just a small part of what makes the season so special.
“Make the holidays what you want them to be by starting your own traditions,” Gianacakos says. “The focus should be on gathering with loved ones and reflecting on what makes you grateful. Decorations are simply the icing on the fruitcake.”
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