14 Indoor Christmas Themes to Rethink for Modern Times
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It’s that time of year again: the holiday season, and the age old dilemma of how to decorate the halls without feeling like you’re reusing last years decor. Who doesn’t want to feel cozy and festive in our homes, but it can be tricky keeping the vibe fresh and inviting. I mean, no one wants to hear ‘this is just like last Christmas’ from their guests.
Christmas is a time to be joyous, warm and to make memories that will last for a lifetime. Why not skip tradition and opt for a few fun, creative, and modern indoor themes instead? Whether you’re the one hosting the big dinner, or you just want to be the one to bring a smile to your family’s faces, these ideas will inject a new life into your celebrations.
Vintage Glam
A vintage inspired Christmas brings back the glitz and glamour of Christmas yesteryears with gilded ornaments and velvet ribbons and antique candlestick. Keep the metallic tones going with gold and silver and throw in some deep reds and greens for a finish that is classic. Pull out your grandma’s old ornaments for a spot of charm and history in your space. Pro tip: The treasures at thrift stores are a lot less than a cup of fancy coffee!
Nordic Minimalism
If you have a thing for simplicity, maybe a Nordic theme is for you. Use natural materials for your decorations, like wood, wool and paper. Stay away from neutrals—white, beige, and soft grays—with little pops of greenery or red. It’s soft and a little bit cozy, like sinking into a Scandinavian cabin. Let it spark joy — as Marie Kondo would say.
Pop Culture Christmas
Christmas can be fun and fandom too! Add themes based off your favourite shows, movies, or games. Floating candles and tiny broomsticks on a Harry Potter tree? Yes, please. Or you could go full Marvel and get superhero ornaments. The trick is to mix nostalgia with personal interests in order for the decor to become a conversation starter.
Sustainable Celebrations
This Christmas, do something for you, do something for the environment—go green this Christmas, literally and figuratively! When decorating, be on the lookout for ways to incorporate upcycled materials — why not turn some old jars that are cluttering your cupboards into lanterns, or make some garlands from dried orange slices? The Environmental Protection Agency reported that Americans create 25 percent more trash during the holidays. Not only is reducing waste a good thing to do, it’s good for the planet.
Winter Woodland
Make your home a little enchanted forest. Add earthy tones, faux fur throws on the couch, and decorate with tree inspired accents. Wooden ornaments, pinecones, branches, and other organic items make your decor a little more rustic. Twinkling fairy lights add that magical glow; it’s camping without freezing your toes off!
Rainbow Riot
It’s not like Christmas has to be red and green, right? A rainbow theme can swing with loud colorful energy. Use multi colored lights to tie it all together and decorate your tree with ornaments in every color of the spectrum. It’s fun, quirky and perfect for houses with kids (or grownups who are not so grown up).
Global Inspirations
Bring the world to your decor. Combine animated Mexican papel picado banners with a German nutcracker or a Japanese origami ornament. This is a nice way to celebrate diversity and learn about the world holiday traditions. Bonus: it is a great conversation piece for the holidays.
Cozy Cottagecore
If you like the sound of soft, rustic, and homely, a cottagecore aesthetic may be for you. Crocheted ornaments, dried flowers and lots of plaid fabric. It’s set to a roaring fireplace or at least a convincing digital one. Don’t forget hot cider and a plate of cookies!
Monochrome Magic
Keep your color palette to just one to achieve sleek, modern vibe. An all white tree is crisp and wintry, while an all black tree is a scream of edgy sophistication. It wouldn’t feel too one note without the addition of metallics like silver or rose gold. Anyone who loves bold statements is going to love this theme.
Retro Revival
Recycle the funky spirit of the ’60s or ’70s with bold colors, geometric pattern, and vintage lights. Tinsel is your friend here, and you should love it! It’s the groovy disco decor version of Christmas. Put on some old school holiday tunes and you’ve got a party!
Rustic Farmhouse
Boring doesn’t have to be a part of rustic. Warm a space by mixing burlap ribbons, wooden stars and mason jar centerpieces. There should be a simple color palette, white, green, and touches of red. If you like traditional vibes with a modern twist, it’s perfect for you.
Underwater Wonderland
This year, dive under the sea for a Christmas! Add blue, teal and silver shades to your tree, and decorate with ornaments that are shaped like seashells, fish or starfish. Pearl garlands, glass baubles and netting in the form of water and bubbles. Who knew nautical could be so festive?
Black-and-White Elegance
Black and white decor is effortlessly chic for those that like a clean polished look. Depth without overwhelming the eye is created with striped ribbons, polka dot ornaments, and mix of matte and glossy finishes. Proof that sometimes, less is more.
Bookish Bliss
Why don’t you base your decor on your favorite reads, for the bookworms out there? Stack books, wrapped in holiday paper; hang ornaments that are typewriter or scroll shaped; and put mini book quotes around the house. As a fan of words, J.K. Rowling once wrote, “words are, in my not so humble opinion, the ‘most inexhaustible source of magic.” Use that magic for your Christmas!
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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