What's Your Christmas Decorating Style?
Whether you have a definite Christmas decorating style or prefer to mix it up, check out these ideas for how they might work in your home
Sarah B-D
11 December 2014
Has your outdoor Christmas lighting ever come close to shutting down the grid? (We know you’re out there, Griswold family!) Maybe December is when you get your craft on and show Martha Stewart how it’s done? Or does tinsel give you an instant headache?
Christmas decorating doesn’t have to be an all or nothing approach, but it can polarise people (especially in the North. Sorry, little Christmas joke there!). The good thing is there is enough room for all decorating styles to shine at Christmas time. Whether you embrace it with open arms on December 1 or find yourself on Christmas Eve scrounging through the $2 shop, use this celebration as a chance to make your home the warm and welcoming place you want it to be. Choose the styles you like and add your own flavour to the mix for some festive fun.
Christmas decorating doesn’t have to be an all or nothing approach, but it can polarise people (especially in the North. Sorry, little Christmas joke there!). The good thing is there is enough room for all decorating styles to shine at Christmas time. Whether you embrace it with open arms on December 1 or find yourself on Christmas Eve scrounging through the $2 shop, use this celebration as a chance to make your home the warm and welcoming place you want it to be. Choose the styles you like and add your own flavour to the mix for some festive fun.
Rustic meets shabby-chic
This approach requires equal parts of vintage, white and evergreen, with a touch of gilt and sparkle. In this display, carefully chosen pieces create a stunning vignette. The objects highlight family memories, nature and the domestic (the jugs could be old or new). Sparkly letters highlight the season and the gilt ampersand adds a touch of whimsy.
This approach requires equal parts of vintage, white and evergreen, with a touch of gilt and sparkle. In this display, carefully chosen pieces create a stunning vignette. The objects highlight family memories, nature and the domestic (the jugs could be old or new). Sparkly letters highlight the season and the gilt ampersand adds a touch of whimsy.
This sweet setting uses an array of small pieces with the chalkboard as a focal point. The versatile board allows a changing array of holiday messages. For example: “Peace on Earth” when the kids are fighting is apt; “Gifts For Me..” when your hints are falling on deaf ears; and “Angels Needed in the Kitchen” when the load needs sharing.
This spectacular snowy chandelier has been put together by draping an existing light fitting with feathers and glass ornaments. The effect is ethereal and romantic.
Less is more
There’s a lot to be said for this decorating style. Firstly, you save a lot of money. One carefully chosen mercury glass pine cone hung in a window looks sophisticated, while the tiny glass bell shows you enjoy Christmas cheer in small doses. The solitary deer suggests you told the rest of Santa’s helpers that there was no room for them at this inn, but that’s okay, he can join the rest of his herd later.
Get some inspo on how to decorate with deer antlers here
There’s a lot to be said for this decorating style. Firstly, you save a lot of money. One carefully chosen mercury glass pine cone hung in a window looks sophisticated, while the tiny glass bell shows you enjoy Christmas cheer in small doses. The solitary deer suggests you told the rest of Santa’s helpers that there was no room for them at this inn, but that’s okay, he can join the rest of his herd later.
Get some inspo on how to decorate with deer antlers here
Placing some pretty natives in a vase and a string of doily bunting on the wall fulfils the less is more approach.
Take it outside
For some, the decorations will always be better outside than in. Inexpensive baubles that are weatherproof can be hung from awnings and instantly glamourise your porch or verandah. Adding ornaments to modestly-sized trees is an easy way to festoon your foliage. Adding ornaments to large trees will require ladders or scaffolding. Don’t do anything silly!
For some, the decorations will always be better outside than in. Inexpensive baubles that are weatherproof can be hung from awnings and instantly glamourise your porch or verandah. Adding ornaments to modestly-sized trees is an easy way to festoon your foliage. Adding ornaments to large trees will require ladders or scaffolding. Don’t do anything silly!
This house has subtle touches to make it festive. JOY fits perfectly in a trio of windows and lets everyone know that Christmas is here, folks! The pops of red in the garden and outdoor chair are just a touch of sweet, giving a visual lift.
A mix of lights, foliage and wrought iron garden furniture bring just the right amount of tradition and cheer to this entrance.
Native foliage from the garden can be made into a sensational seasonal wreath.
Using fresh flowers, and especially ones straight from your own surroundings, has the benefit of being both temporary and compostable.
Read more: 10 Clever Ideas for Creating a Cutting Garden
Using fresh flowers, and especially ones straight from your own surroundings, has the benefit of being both temporary and compostable.
Read more: 10 Clever Ideas for Creating a Cutting Garden
Au naturel
If brown paper packages tied up with string really are your favourite things, then this look is for you. Offset by greenery, hessian and metallic ribbon, brown paper can be used in a multitude of ways. Think gift wrapping, bunting, garlands and ornaments. The ‘Happy Holidays’ paper garland wraps the tree with festive cheer.
If brown paper packages tied up with string really are your favourite things, then this look is for you. Offset by greenery, hessian and metallic ribbon, brown paper can be used in a multitude of ways. Think gift wrapping, bunting, garlands and ornaments. The ‘Happy Holidays’ paper garland wraps the tree with festive cheer.
Using photocopied pages or originals of old sheet music and books is perfect as a simple decoration tool. Twist them into origami ornaments or wreaths, or use as Christmas wrapping.
Blackboard paint adds a new dimension to simple tin buckets and canisters. Write Christmas messages in chalk and use the containers to store linen and crockery, bells and candy.
Blackboard paint adds a new dimension to simple tin buckets and canisters. Write Christmas messages in chalk and use the containers to store linen and crockery, bells and candy.
This inviting display involves lots of natural materials such as branches, foliage and linens. The atmosphere created is warm and charming.
Here the candles and draped foliage complement the sparkling Christmas tree. The printed bunting is simple and in keeping with the natural look.
Here the candles and draped foliage complement the sparkling Christmas tree. The printed bunting is simple and in keeping with the natural look.
Crafty creative
Not wanting to cause panic here, but serious crafters started beavering away way back in August.
The first time I realised I was not a serious crafter was while perusing a Martha Stewart holiday issue where she had made individual velvet cases for acorns to be hung off a tablecloth. If you can’t imagine ever doing that either, then these red snowflakes made using red ice block sticks might be just your thing. Better still, get the kids to do it!
Not wanting to cause panic here, but serious crafters started beavering away way back in August.
The first time I realised I was not a serious crafter was while perusing a Martha Stewart holiday issue where she had made individual velvet cases for acorns to be hung off a tablecloth. If you can’t imagine ever doing that either, then these red snowflakes made using red ice block sticks might be just your thing. Better still, get the kids to do it!
Homemade ornaments can be fashioned from all sorts of everyday things with a little imagination (a hot glue gun also comes in handy!). Sometimes the simplest things are the sweetest thing…
These monogrammed decorations are made from jar lids. When you’re crafty, anything is possible. For what to do with the actual jars, keep reading!
For more ideas on how to set up your own creative crafting space, click here
For more ideas on how to set up your own creative crafting space, click here
Jam jars repurposed as tea light holders make a nostalgic lighting display. By wrapping wire around the rim to make a handle, and hung with a star, they speak of simpler times, maybe when life wasn’t so busy. Look in your garage for an old ladder to add rustic charm.
Other decorative uses for old glass
Other decorative uses for old glass
Lights, camera, Christmas!
There’s often a Chevy Chase in every suburb. Sometimes in every street.
Fairy lights make everything look better. Even just a few strands will make the most run-of-the-mill house more appealing. If you are prepared to go all the way, be prepared for busloads of people stopping outside. And don’t forget ear muffs – the ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ may be deafening.
There’s often a Chevy Chase in every suburb. Sometimes in every street.
Fairy lights make everything look better. Even just a few strands will make the most run-of-the-mill house more appealing. If you are prepared to go all the way, be prepared for busloads of people stopping outside. And don’t forget ear muffs – the ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ may be deafening.
My uncle is the Chevy Chase of his street. This was his Sydney house last year and he claims 2014 will be even better!
Monochrome Christmas
Suits all those with an aversion to colour. Break out the vodka as you sprinkle your ice queen with sparkle.
Accessories to suit black and white decor include mercury glass, glass cloches with sparkling twig branches, white and silver baubles, ribbon and beads.
Suits all those with an aversion to colour. Break out the vodka as you sprinkle your ice queen with sparkle.
Accessories to suit black and white decor include mercury glass, glass cloches with sparkling twig branches, white and silver baubles, ribbon and beads.
Adding icy-blue and green to this otherwise dark and silvery scene adds a glamorous touch. The Hollywood-style mirror perfectly frames the peacock feather adorned wreath. The paired accessories add just the right amount of flourish to this uber cool display.
This monochrome bathroom has the simple but sophisticated addition of a black vase filled with Christmas greenery.
The simple approach
This is when your decorations are minimal and your priority is to work with what you have.
In this room, a small investment in one extra letter will allow ‘HELLO’ to become ‘NOEL’. Consider your Christmas decorating done.
This is when your decorations are minimal and your priority is to work with what you have.
In this room, a small investment in one extra letter will allow ‘HELLO’ to become ‘NOEL’. Consider your Christmas decorating done.
A few simple accessories have added the right amount of merry to this bright room. The jingle bells garland, the card rack, and the potted pine are cost-effective and fit in with the minimalist style. The star printed fabrics could remain all year but tie in perfectly.
Take a tour around this festive apartment.
Take a tour around this festive apartment.
Adding this red berry wreath to a white on white kitchen gives the room instant seasonal savvy.
This glowing living room is enhanced by simple wreaths hung inside the windows. Easy to add and quickly removed while the existing decor remains unchanged.
Opulent extravagance
Taking your inspiration from five-star hotels, you are the kind of person who walked down Fifth Avenue one Christmas and thought, “Hey, I could do this at my house!”
Taking your inspiration from five-star hotels, you are the kind of person who walked down Fifth Avenue one Christmas and thought, “Hey, I could do this at my house!”
Whether your interior looks like a ski chalet or Palazzo Versace, you were made for Christmas decorating. There’s no such thing as too gaudy, too regal or too much red velvet and gold.
To get this look, you can stay with the traditional colour schemes of red, green and gold, or branch out into more diverse technicolour! Either way, besides quality decorations, you’ll also need them in large quantities. Basically no surface should be left ornament-free.
Check out these elegant dining room designs
To get this look, you can stay with the traditional colour schemes of red, green and gold, or branch out into more diverse technicolour! Either way, besides quality decorations, you’ll also need them in large quantities. Basically no surface should be left ornament-free.
Check out these elegant dining room designs
Blue and green baubles in a heavily layered garland on this mantle look far richer and luxurious than if there was just a single string. Ribbons also add to the textured look.
This slightly over-the-top tree would look strange in any other setting, but in this eye-popping room it is the perfect touch.
TELL US
What is your Christmas decorating style? How do you add a festive feel to your home? Tell us in the Comments!
MORE
10 Reasons Not to Throw Old Christmas Decorations Away
Christmas DIY: Starry Night Illuminated Metal Wreath
Festive Styling That Embraces the ‘White Christmas’ Look
Not a Naturally Organised Parent? It’s Time for a Guilt-Free Christmas
TELL US
What is your Christmas decorating style? How do you add a festive feel to your home? Tell us in the Comments!
MORE
10 Reasons Not to Throw Old Christmas Decorations Away
Christmas DIY: Starry Night Illuminated Metal Wreath
Festive Styling That Embraces the ‘White Christmas’ Look
Not a Naturally Organised Parent? It’s Time for a Guilt-Free Christmas
Related Stories
Interior Design
The Golden Rules of Proportion: Decor Laws You Need to Know
An interior designer reveals the essential rules for achieving a perfectly balanced interior
Full Story
Most Popular
An Interior Designer's Guide to Arranging Cushions
By Anne Ellard
Get to grips with your ever-growing pile of cushions with these professional tips for choosing and arranging cushions in your home
Full Story
Decorating
The Power of Negative Space in Interior Design
By Janet Dunn
A design element that's not even there can forever change how you view your home
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Queensland Houzz: A Cute Cottage Awash With Colour and Pattern
Bold colour, quirky prints and an abundance of art transformed this 1920s cottage into an inviting and relaxing gem
Full Story
Project Of The Week
Before & After: A Cheap & Cheerful Makeover of a 1980s Caravan
Armed with an AU$1500 budget, a Melbourne couple rolled up their sleeves and transformed a caravan in just three months
Full Story
Most Popular
Ask the Experts: What Goes With Tan Leather?
Embrace this versatile material, colour and texture with inspirational ideas from designers in the know
Full Story
Most Popular
Masonry Magic: 15 Ways to Trick Out Your Exposed Brick Wall
Do you find exposed brick walls cold? Add contemporary warmth and interest with these 15 transformative ideas
Full Story
Projects Born on Houzz
Before & After: From Dump Zone to New 'Welcome Home' Living Area
Home office, yoga zone, dumping ground... this front room was having a serious identity crisis – but look at it now!
Full Story
Picture Perfect
30 Christmas Schemes to Inspire and Delight
Our coffee-break escape offers you five minutes' worth of images to inspire and delight. Jump right in...
Full Story
Most Popular
16 Clever Ways to Create Zones in Open-Plan Spaces
Create distinct areas in large, open rooms with these creative design ideas – no walls or other fixed vertical structures required!
Full Story
I love the cherry blossom light - Nicole's Interior Creations is using, I'd want to keep it up all year round too!