Does holiday decor need to “match” the interior? That’s a question we ask ourselves every year. We worry that if we ditch the Christmas village and opt for decorations that follow established styles, we’ll look like Scrooge. Or, on the flip side of the coin, are our visions of sugar plums and happy holiday decor overwhelming our true design sensibilities?
To help alleviate some of your worries during this busy holiday season, we asked designers to share their thoughts on the subject. And they didn’t hold back. From holiday traditionalists to design purists, there are good points on both sides, and the final decision is up to you. Here are some words from designers about holiday decorations that match your interior.
No, tradition trumps perfection.
Even if you’re a designer, you’re not immune to some fun chaos. Atlanta-based designer Katie Wolf says of her home, “Everything is nostalgic all day long: red and green, decorations from school, and even colorful lights!” Wolf says. suggests that replacing tradition with a matchy-matchy theme can feel too unnatural. “Most people don’t stray from the classic Valentine’s Day or Halloween colors, so why should the winter holidays be any different?”
Designer Jessica Davis, also based in Atlanta, adds that themed holiday decor can be quite specific. “Just because you live in a midcentury modern home, you don’t want to get stuck with flocked wood or tinsel.”
But designers are weaving hints of the interior palette into their holiday plans, like Charlotte, North Carolina-based designer Mary Cobb Reeves’ custom tree skirt in a fabric that coordinates with your living room decor. They agree that it can alleviate sentimental feelings. Even more seamlessly. “If you have fuchsia-colored pillows, why not sprinkle in some fuchsia ornaments? Bonus points if the ornaments mean something to you,” Wolf says.
tag rice
Yes, stay on the “good” list!
Meanwhile, pros like Connecticut-based Fiona Leonard warn that ignoring the beauty of the hall when decorating it will “put you on the naughty list.” These designers stop short of demanding that holiday decor match the interior, but they do emphasize floral decorations with complementary schemes, even if that means ditching the reds and greens. I support.
“The color scheme, style, and whimsy are determined by the venue,” says San Francisco-based designer Cory Alisa Feliz. LA-based designer Jeff Andrews agrees: “In my house, that means classic, timeless metallics. No reds, no greens, no gingerbread men, no nutcrackers. And don’t even get me started on holiday lights. The lights are totally must be transparent, always on, and never flashing.
Synchronizing your holiday decor with your decor doesn’t have to mean avoiding nostalgia entirely. New Jersey-based designer Christina Phillips says, “I encourage my clients to bring out heirloom ornaments, but be restrained.” “Not every piece needs to be released every year.” Don’t worry, these designers are inspired by a certain green Dr. Seuss character. It is worth noting that their enthusiasm for natural holiday decorations knows no bounds.
veranda magazine
Published in the November/December 2024 issue. Illustration by Tag Rice.
