We are keen believers at H&G that decorating for the holidays is personal. There's no right or wrong, no formula to follow, but rather just taking joy in decking out your home in beautiful, meaningful decor that works for your home and its style. However, whether your style is neutral and minimalist, or kitschy and colorful, you always want your holiday decorations to look luxurious and expensive.
And 'expensive' definitely doesn't mean upping the decoration budget, it has more to do with the curation, creating displays that have depth, and character, and intrigue. Decor that draws you in and is a real visual treat. We asked designers for their tips on how it's done – what are the tricks for elevating your holiday decor ideas?
1. Mix and layer styles and textures
'A layered decor – one with a variety of textures and a mix of old and newer styles, feels elevated. I think the same is true of Christmas decorations,' explains Rebecca Udall.
'Whilst I will keep most colors within a certain tone or color palette – having a mixture of styles works well. Mix motif kitsch glass baubles, for example, with hand-blown colored glass and silk thread baubles. This gives a layered look but done with some consideration, it won’t look chaotic.'
Designer Kathy Kuo agrees, when it comes to making your holiday decor look more expensive, it's all in the textures. 'I love to add a variety of rich textures to create a luxurious holiday look. Think velvet bows on the tree and velvet throw pillows on the sofa, crystal trees on the dining table and console, and cashmere throw blankets on every chair possible. Creating contrast with texture helps keep the holiday color palette in check and is really the epitome of the festive spirit of the season,' she explains.
2. Decorate with bows
Decorating with bows and ribbons was a huge trend last year, but it's a classic look that's a simple way to make your Christmas decor look more sophisticated.
'To elevate your Christmas decor, rather than tinsel, we tie more satin ribbon in vibrant colors on every branch, and this works as beautifully on trees outside the house as inside,' explains Caroline Kent Founder of Scribble & Daub.
Ali Childs Founder of Studio Alexandra agrees, 'A really simple way of making decorations look luxurious is to use ribbon. This could be to elevate existing Christmas decorations by replacing the hanging string on baubles with a thicker velvet ribbon, or making ribbons into statement bows and adding them to wreaths or the tree itself as decoration. We love to layer thick ribbons with different textures and rich colors to create a playful and luxurious finishing touch.'
If you are after a soft, vintage look, Terrain has handily recreated the aged look with their Antiqued Frayed Velvet Ribbon. There's plenty of colors to choose from and sizes too.
3. Bring in some dried flowers and foliage
'Something I would love to try for holiday decor this year is growing everlasting flowers, which when dried, can be threaded to create beautiful garlands,' explains Caroline Kent.
For when fresh foliage is hard to come by over the colder months, decorating with dried flowers can be a lovely way to add some natural texture to your Christmas decor. Make your traditional evergreen displays look all the more beautiful and organic by adding in some dried elements too. Even bare branches can add that all-important shape and depth to a display.
If you want to go faux rather than real so you can get your decor out year after year, Amazon has a surprisingly good selection. Designer Drew Micheal Scott has rounded up some lovely, realistic-looking foliage on his storefront.
4. Add personal touches
Vintage Christmas decor is a big trend for 2024 and it's a guaranteed way to make your displays look more elegant. Take a characterful, not-overly curated approach to decorating, that incorporates vintage pieces and unique antiques.
'Selecting and mixing in items that channel an “heirloom look” is a great way to upgrade your Christmas decor,' says interior designer Kate Marker. 'Items to consider may include an unusual or antique-inspired pattern on a serving dish, a patina on brass candleholders, delicate ornaments that may have been passed down generations, or interesting objects that hint of traditions from far away. These will not only elegantly elevate but also be conversation starters with family and guests alike.'
5. Take a minimalist Scandi-style approach
Sometimes even with Christmas decor, the answer is less is more. If you want your Christmas decor to look elevated and expensive go for a minimalist approach. Keep the color scheme stripped back and muted and be inspired by Scandi Christmas decor with clean lines and simple ornaments. You can still bring in plenty of texture to ensure it feels warm and welcoming.
'Keep it simple in your design decisions,' says interior designer Artem Kropovinsky. 'Fewer, better quality pieces convey that sense of elegance more powerfully than crowding things too much.'
H&M Home's recently launched holiday collection is filled with elegant piece that are perfect for creating this minimalist, Scandi feel. All really affordable price points too.
6. Always opt for ambient lighting
Interior designer, Bethany Adams advises that to create a Christmas decor display that looks timeless and expensive, it's all about creating dimmed Christmas light ideas for a cozy feel. Simple yet very effective.
'Rule number one, dim the lights,' she says. 'Even better, light a bunch of candles and look for decor made from luxurious materials like feathers or glass. The low light will show these off to tremendous effect. Splurge on a little fresh greenery and your trinkets will be shown off to maximum effect.'
There are so many ways to elevate your Christmas decor to make it look and feel more expensive. Whether you choose to decorate with colors or focus on adding natural elements, the key is not overdoing it – an understated approach will go a long way in creating a sophisticated look.
If you're looking for more ideas specifically for the tree, we've explored tips to make your Christmas tree look more expensive to help give you some inspiration.
