The holiday season is a tough time for minimalists. Between the vibrant colors and sheer excess of decorative knick-knacks (nutcrackers, Santa figurines, snowflake motifs, the list goes on), those who subscribe to a more pared-back aesthetic likely struggle to embrace a single red ribbon, let alone a full-on red, green, and gold palette.
Fortunately, traditional holiday decor has come a long way. Gone are the days of strictly red and green everything with 15+ nutcracker figurines sprinkled throughout. Natural accents, pops of texture, and non-cliche color palettes like black and white now have a place in the holiday lexicon. In fact, you can now find a neutral version of just about any piece of holiday decor, from garland to ornaments and beyond.
Ahead, Havenly designer Kelsey Fischer is proving just that. Find five of her favorite minimalist holiday decor ideas below, just in time for 2023 festivities.
1. Traditional Minimalist
You can still subscribe to a traditional design aesthetic while embracing understated holiday decor. The traditional minimalist look is all about keeping the color palette and decor simple, with plenty of brass accents for a subtle festive touch. Go with classic evergreen garland, white candles, clustered brass lanterns, and natural paper trees.
2. Modern Farmhouse Minimalist
To give your modern farmhouse aesthetic a seasonal touch, embrace cozy, non-traditional accents like olive wreaths and wood bead garland. Natural pieces like windowpane throw pillows, wood bead garland, and olive wreaths add a festive touch, without deviating too much from your day-to-day home palette. It’s sophisticated, simple, and chic!
3. Parisian Modern Minimalist
You really don’t need much to refresh an already gorgeous and warm Parisian modern home for the holidays. Let your existing hero pieces shine (like ornate brass mirrors and sculptural accent chairs), and pepper in natural, laid-back accents like pine cones, natural garland, brass and rope bells, and of course, a checkered throw blanket.
4. Whimsical Minimalist
There’s more to minimalist holiday decor than green, white, and brass. Embrace a non-traditional color palette like soft pinks and amber tones, and lean into the whimsical vibe with pampas grass, twinkle light wreaths, and sculptural trees. The finished look is modern, unexpected, and straight-up fun!
5. Luxe, High-Contrast Minimalist
For a cool, ultra-modern holiday look that’s a hint unexpected, embrace a high-contrast black and white color palette with plenty of velvet and brass. Warm up the look with yellow accents in the form of gift wrap, tree tinsel, and twinkle lights, and finish it off with a single oversized disco ball. Bonus: this look is perfect for a New Year’s Eve party, too (just add martinis).
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