5 Holiday Decor Trends Designers Don't Want to See This Year (and You Should Skip)

For many people, decorating their homes for the holiday season is one of the most exciting parts of the year. Whether you’re unboxing your favorite holiday decorations or looking for fresh ideas, there are plenty of ways to personalize your space for the upcoming festivities.

Unfortunately, some concepts don’t elicit the same level of enthusiasm. In fact, there are a few trends some designers are not so holly jolly about seeing pop up this year. We spoke with Nancy Swanton, interior designer and CEO of Abundant Home Design, to see which holiday trends designers don’t want to see in 2024.

Clashing Color Palettes

When choosing how to decorate your home for the holidays, color plays a huge role. According to Swanton, nothing throws off the holiday energy like colors battling for attention.

“Red and green can work magic when balanced, but toss in neon pink, silver, and gold, and suddenly, you’ve created a visual argument,” she says. 

This doesn’t mean you can’t have a colorful space or are solely limited to red and green. There are plenty of unique holiday color schemes you can incorporate into your home—the key is to choose hues that already complement your home in a balanced way.

“Harmonious palettes raise the vibration of your space and support a cohesive flow that invites joy,” says Swanton. 

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Too Much Plastic

Decorating for the holidays often involves plenty of ads and recommendations for trinkets and decor made of plastic, making it all too tempting to stock up. It's important to keep track of what's on display, though, as these items can bring a plasticky, mass-produced energy to your home. 

“Opt for natural materials like wood, glass, or metal to ground your holiday aesthetic,” Swanton recommends.

Natural materials can help you feel grounded while adding vivid texture and dimensions to your space. For example, incorporating real evergreen wreaths, pinecones, and dried fruit slices can create a rustic feel that uses less plastic and is more sustainable.

Unbalanced Decor Themes

Holiday decor can feel like an exciting way to express yourself, especially with so many styles and crafts available. While you may feel tempted to squeeze in a touch of everything, it's always good to use a little discretion and maybe save things for next year.

“Mixing too many themes can confuse the energy of your space, leaving it feeling scattered,” Swanton says.

She advises that consistency creates clarity, which can help ease the stress of the holiday season. Try sticking with one theme, but don’t be afraid to add small personalizations to suit your space and preferences.

Unlit or Overlit Spaces

It’s no secret that lighting can make or break a space. The holidays provide plenty of opportunities to brighten things up to get in the spirit, from illuminating a Christmas tree to lighting festive holiday candles.

Swanton warns that some decor trends push people too far in one direction or another—too little light creates a gloomy atmosphere, while too many flashing LEDs generate more of a carnival vibe. She recommends layered lighting—such as candles, fairy lights, and a warm glow—to set the tone for intimate gatherings and create a nice energy that keeps things cozy and festive. 

Overly Thematic Decorations

For many, the holidays are the perfect excuse to go all out—particularly with themed decorations. While maximalist touches can be playful and vibrant, doubling down on too many holiday-specific decorations has its downsides.

“Overly themed decorations can make your space feel chaotic and disconnected from your home’s style,” explains Swanton. “Instead, try incorporating less theme-y, intentional touches that blend seamlessly with the rest of your space.”

This doesn’t mean your space should be devoid of any holiday theme decor—it’s okay to have fun with your decor choices. Try switching out full-on reindeer and candy canes for garlands, ornaments, and other seasonal touches that are aligned with your home’s color palette. With a few intentional swaps, your space feels festive without losing its personality.