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It’s an everlasting decor conundrum: do you go for the hip and modern look? Or something more traditional that will be in style for years to come? Holiday decor can be as unique as the ridges in our fingerprints, and there are a million reasons to choose one direction over another.

We are here to break down exactly when modern style is appropriate, or when the traditional route might be better. 

Modern Decorations 

There are many directions you can take with modern decorations: chic and sophisticated or bright and unexpected? Avant-garde or ironic and hip? Modern holiday style may shift with the years, but it can also be an exciting way to express your personal style each and every year. 

Here are some of our favorite looks:

This is one of the most flexible types of modern holiday decor. Clean lines, muted colors, and accent pieces, such as bespoke floral designs characterize minimalist decor. For this look, you can also play with light. Get some fairy lights to wrap a festive statue, or drape them under shelves and other decorations. 

The key to achieving a minimalist modern look is to create a design that blends seamlessly into your existing decor. 

Ever seen New York City in December? Elegant decorations burst out of every storefront, the lights of the city blend seamlessly into the decorations, and everything feels elevated with a hint of sophistication. For a city chic look, we lean into silver and gold motifs, elegant baubles and bells, and Broadway-worthy aesthetics for our decorations. 

Living that real city chic life and short on space? There are always space-saving alternatives that give you the full look without taking up too much precious real estate. 

Wanting to explore unusual or uncharted holiday territory? Want to bring an interesting twist to the usual holiday looks? Avant-garde decoration is a departure from reality, as seen in Salvador Dalí’s Christmas cards. Everything is a bit off-kilter and surreal. 

Maybe instead of reindeer pulling a sleigh, there are bullfrogs. Instead of ornaments on a tree, you could hang handwritten poems you love. There are no limits to your imagination; why should there be limits to your decoration?

Postmodern holiday decor is for the totally ironic amongst us. Feeling a little burnt out by traditional holiday cheer? Lean into the tongue-in-cheek and offbeat vibes of it all! Get a ‘Charlie Brown’ Christmas tree, get some cheeky ornaments, and repurpose some everyday items into holiday decorations (some brightly colored cans can make for a fun garland!) 

The name of the game here is to have fun, lean in, and never take yourself too seriously. 

If you’re looking for a modern look, there are so many paths you can take. But personal style also applies to decorations, and you should listen to your heart when it comes to decorating your home. The season only comes once a year. Why not lean in and let it be a full reflection of you?

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Traditional Decorations 

Perhaps when the holidays arrive, you prefer a more traditional approach to holiday decorating. After all, don’t we all want to feel the same comfort we had as children when we celebrate the holidays? Traditional decorations evoke feelings of happiness, nostalgia, and warmth within us. 

However, there are numerous routes you can take when it comes to traditional decor. Here are some of our favorites. 

This is the holiday decor of Thanksgiving and Christmas movies and claymation memories. A big green tree, candy-colored boxes, and cheerful snowmen. For the autumn holidays, you can build a beautiful balloon arch with fall balloons and work off that same design when the winter holidays roll around.

The classic Americana holiday look exudes a lived-in and comfortable feel. These are the holidays your parents and grandparents celebrated as well. 

Opulence is the name of the game when it comes to sugar-plum fairy core. Think grand! This style is inspired by the Nutcracker ballet and all the fun elegance that comes with it. With this style, more is more. Lean into bright jewel tones, ornate decorations, and fun accouterments for each motif in your home. 

Embrace your inner ballerina, put a gilded edge on every corner, and go full sugar-plum with this look!

For a cozy take on a classic holiday, we recommend a cottagecore aesthetic. This incredibly popular look has taken social media by storm lately. What is fun about cottagecore is how accessible the style can be. It depends upon homemade elements and personal touches. 

This style is a great way to get the kids involved with all the holiday preparations, and maybe even learn some new skills! Think hand-knitted stockings, papier-mache angels, and popcorn chains strung by hand. 

This style is a blend of cottagecore and the Americana aesthetic, but the key to it is not to overthink it. Think of the holidays you grew up with, what comes to mind? Is it pristine and perfect decorations? Or is it a cacophony of joy, color, and comfort? The cozy chaos aesthetic leans more into the second idea. 

The key to this style is not perfection; it’s the little homemade and sentimental things that you love pulling out of their boxes year after year. Cozy chaos embraces holiday spirit to the max. Bring out some holiday-scented candles to really enhance the full sensory experience of the decor. 

Traditional decor can be comforting, fun, and remind you of all your past holidays. 

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No Matter the Decor, Remember the Season

Whether you take the traditional route or the modern route, the most important part of the holiday season is spending time with family and friends. Take some time for gratitude, tell your loved ones how much you care for them, and lean into your favorite parts of the season. After all, it only comes once a year. 

Written by Tess DiNapoli

 

About the Author

Tess DiNapoli is an artist, freelance writer, and content strategist. She has a passion for yoga and often writes about health and wellness, but also enjoys covering the fashion industry and world of fitness.

 

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