6 Holiday Styling Trends That You'll Either Love or Hate This Year

Holiday decorating is something people look forward to every year. But with internet trends coming and going at warp speed, some holiday decoration choices may become controversial. Explore holiday styling trends that people either love or hate, and see if you feel inspired.

1. Putting Bows on Trees

Whether you’re one of the 83% of American households setting up an artificial tree or not, this trend has big bows covering the evergreen branches. Some people love that aesthetic, and others prefer to see every pine needle on each branch. If you’ve never swapped ornaments for bows or used one as a tree topper, see if it’s something you’d like to try this year. You could make the bows match the rest of your house so they fit with your existing interior design choices.

2. Merging Autumn and Winter

Holiday colors are typically red and green or blue and white, but those aren’t your only choices. Some homeowners are combining their passion for autumn with their holiday spirit. Transform your home this year with orange and black stockings over the fireplace. You could hang garlands full of fall leaves and light pumpkin spice candles. Use spooky ornaments or keep your pumpkin displays on the mantle through both seasons. 

3. Using Supersized Decorations

Investing in giant decorations could make everyone feel like they’re in Santa’s workshop during the holiday season. Get the biggest tree you can find, cover it in huge ornaments and place extra-large candles around your home. You can even find string lights with giant bulbs that combine a vintage throwback with your trendy decorating style.

Don’t forget about other interior design elements that will lend to your theme. For example, you could get a massive rug to go under your tree. Circular rugs typically look better under round fixtures, so aim for something that mirrors the shape of your tree’s base. Oversized throw blankets and big couch pillows would complement your rug as well.

4. Minimalistic, Natural Decor

This year, some people are opting to leave their decorations in storage. Bare trees are a bold, minimalist and nature-inspired styling statement. Your home could embrace this trend if you get a one with pine cones, sprayed-on snow or elaborate foliage. Or, go all-natural entirely with a real tree, real pine cones and real foliage throughout your home. Poinsettia flowers are a great way to add holiday spirit to your decor while keeping it natural. 

5. Hanging Temporary Seasonal Wallpaper

Temporary wallpaper is an excellent way to celebrate the holidays and add a unique touch to your home. Hang panels covered in mistletoe around your living room or decorate your dining room with snowy imagery.

You can even apply the wallpaper above your head to transform your ceiling into part of your seasonal decorations. Patterns that show Santa flying through the night sky might make your home more festive than ever.

6. Building Marshmallow Houses

Gingerbread houses are an adorable winter holiday decoration. What if you swapped the cookies for rectangular marshmallows and rice cereal blocks instead? People have been building gingerbread houses since the Germans started in the 16th century, so skipping the tradition could be part of your controversial decorating. 

Your marshmallow home will look pretty for a while because the sweet squares don’t go bad quickly and hold up well. All you have to do is mix rice cereal with marshmallow fluff to make whatever shapes your project requires. Try making elaborate structures with thicker marshmallow squares and toothpicks. Your family may love the new kitchen adventure, especially if no one in your household enjoys eating leftover gingerbread pieces as snacks.

Explore Controversial Holiday Styling Trends

People are getting creative with their holiday decorations this year. See what everyone’s doing differently to explore potential new ways to style your home. You may find something you adore or rediscover your love for the traditional decorations you’ve always used.

Ready to test these love-it-or-hate-it holiday trends in your own space? Download the DecorMatters app to design festive rooms, experiment with bold decor ideas, and plan your holiday styling before you decorate. Explore even more holiday inspiration and real home designs on our DecorMatters Explore page.

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