Festive Glamour – Brilliant ideas for indoor Christmas decorations

The 2025 Christmas season will be anything but ordinary. Interior designers are already talking about a quiet revolution in holiday decorating—one that combines tradition and fresh inspiration in unexpected ways. While red and green retain their symbolic power, softer, muted tones are taking over living spaces: blue, soft green, purple, and warm browns, as well as golden accents, are shaping the new Christmas aesthetic.

"Kitschmas" —that's what experts are calling perhaps the most important trend of the season. This playful interior design movement celebrates nostalgic elements and theatrical flair with a naturalness that surprises. Ribbon motifs on monochrome plates, glass baubles trimmed with velvet—modern Christmas decorations focus on luxurious details without forgetting the personal touch. Particularly striking: XXL decorations are taking over rooms, bringing a bold, theatrical twist to festive decor.

Who would have thought that holiday decorating would evolve in such diverse directions? Lovers of a more rustic elegance adore the luxurious woodland look , while others Nordic minimalism —with its clean lines and soft palette of white, silver, and muted green. For the truly daring, jewel tones combined with lavish use of gold and glossy finishes offer a standout alternative, perfect for dramatic festive glamour throughout the home.

The Christmas revelations of the design world 2025

We spoke to interior designers who lifted the curtain for Christmas 2025, revealing a fascinating spectrum ranging from whisper-quiet elegance to full-blown theatrical spectacle. These emerging trends capture something deeper than mere aesthetic shifts—they reflect our collective desire for both comfort and drama, tradition and innovation.

Soft luxury is the focus

The color revolution has begun, and it's remarkably subtle. Designers are resolutely eschewing the bright reds and greens that once dominated holiday decorating. Sage green, dusty rose, and deep berry tones now create sublime, tranquil atmospheres that feel more like luxurious retreats than festive showrooms.

Texture becomes the secret weapon in this approach. Velvet ribbons drape with luxurious weight, frosted ornaments gently catch the light, and polished metals add depth without calling attention to themselves. This trend appeals to those who prefer their festive decor to whisper rather than shout—a sophisticated rebellion against holiday excess.

“Kitschmas” – the joyful counter-revolution

Sometimes the most powerful trend is the one that breaks all the rules. "Kitschmas" comes as a conscious celebration of everything that restrained decorating usually avoids: color, nostalgia, personality, and outrageous glitz. This isn't unintentional excess—it's intentional joy.

James Cunningham Homes & Gardens editor at Good Housekeeping , captures the spirit perfectly:

Fun is the most important ingredient for any celebration, and the kitsch look will make this festive season even more exciting! This playful trend is all about being wonderfully extravagant

The nostalgia factor is strong this season. Gisela Graham , creative director at giselagraham.co.uk , observes that "nostalgia will be big again" for the 2025 festive season. Multicolored lights make a triumphant comeback, vintage-inspired ornaments take over the branches, and yes—even tinsel is making a comeback. The goal? Decorations that feel like heirlooms, . "

What makes this trend particularly compelling is its psychological basis. When the world is full of uncertainty—both politically and economically—we instinctively reach for things that offer emotional security and simplicity. Kitschmas aren't just about aesthetics—they're about emotional comfort, wrapped in glittery paper.

Heavenly magic meets capricious romance

The celestial trend offers something completely different: a magical interpretation of the "whimsigoth" aesthetic that blends melancholic romance with playful charm. Deep, mysterious hues form the backdrop for star- and moonlit motifs that transport homes to otherworldly realms.

Dunelm's "Celestial Glamour" theme draws directly from the opulence of Art Deco , creating festive arrangements ideal for sophisticated interiors. The color palette combines dramatic dark backgrounds with gold tones, sky blue, berry red, and forest green accents—colors that feel both antique and utterly contemporary.

The trend goes far beyond the color choice. Crescents, teardrops, moons, and stars appear as ornamental shapes on dramatically oversized scales. The result creates festive environments that are both theatrical and intimate, mysterious and inviting—perfect for those seeking festive magic with true sophistication.

Size becomes a star

The designers of 2025 are thinking monumentally. Oversized decorations steal the show and bring bold, theatrical touches that transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary festive showcases. Giant Christmas tree baubles, oversized paper-scrap decorations, and eye-catching pieces that demand attention rather than beg for it.

Cox & Cox is leading this movement with oversized ornaments designed specifically to amaze—including a giant 40cm monumental disco ball and immense 45cm hanging tinsel starbursts. These dramatic pieces solve practical problems while creating visual drama, particularly effective in compact apartments where floor space remains at a premium.

“For compact apartments, a hanging installation of giant Christmas baubles can work brilliantly where a conventional tree would simply take up too much floor space,” explained Danielle Le Vaillant , Head of Photography & Film at Cox & Cox, in a statement. “They can beautifully reflect light and add a sense of movement and atmosphere .

The styling approach requires strategic thinking. Designers recommend starting with the most striking ornaments as visual anchors. Then balance texture with size by pairing oversized pieces with soft velvet ribbons or metallic mesh for a sophisticated contrast. Scale isn't just about size; it's about creating a dialogue between proportions.

Decorate like a pro: Interior designers' styling tricks

Bring some greenery from your garden (eucalyptus is great if you're lucky enough to have a tree). Add it to a golden vase, perhaps along with some berries or pussy willows, to create a wintry and stylish decoration for a table or sideboard

– Lucy, Interior Designer, My Bespoke Room

Professional interior designers don't just follow trends—they create magical spaces through clever styling tricks that masterfully combine beauty, practicality, and personal meaning. The most beautiful Christmas interiors aren't created by the annual purchase of new decorations, but through thoughtful approaches that achieve maximum impact with minimal effort.

Start early with autumn decorations

Who says Christmas decorating only starts in December? The boundaries between fall and Christmas decorating are becoming increasingly blurred, and many designers are starting their festive transformation long before the first Advent. This approach allows for a more sustainable and gradual approach to the holidays.

We see more and more people decorating their homes for fall, and Christmas seems to come earlier and bigger every year when it comes to decorating our homes – so the two themes naturally merge together,”

explains Lucy Mather , design expert at Arighi Bianchi .

This crossover strategy serves multiple purposes simultaneously. It extends the joy of festive decorating, reduces waste by reusing items already on display, and creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels coherent throughout the season.

Award-winning interior designer Kathy Kuo recommends maintaining a consistent foundation: "When I refresh my decor for the fall season, I focus on creating warmth and coziness—super-soft throw blankets, thick knit pillows, cinnamon-scented candles, and vases filled with seasonal greenery or branches."

Combine heirlooms with new acquisitions

Family heirlooms and vintage decorations carry an emotional significance that can't be replicated. Design experts suggest several approaches to showcasing these special pieces:

• Display old serving platters with neutral plates to emphasize their uniqueness.
• Place valuable knick-knacks under glass domes or bells with greenery and fairy lights
• Vintage bowls for storing ornaments or seasonal fruits
• Frame handwritten family recipes in floating frames for kitchen presentation

For the best tree decorations, there's nothing better than reusing old classics. I've been using decorations I inherited from my parents for years.”

explains Irene Gunter of Gunter & Co. What she means by this are beautiful, hand-painted pieces, carved from wood and full of memories from her childhood.

Combine unexpected items such as fruits and fabrics

Creative decorators often transform everyday objects into outstanding decorations. Dried orange slices, for example, offer both visual appeal and fragrance. These can be scattered across Christmas tables, attached to tree branches as ornaments, or strung together to create garlands.

Beyond fruit, fabrics offer endless possibilities. Sofa Club recommend:

Drape a garland over the back of the sofa, but instead of the usual greenery, use a garland made of pom-poms, mini ornaments or felted wool in unusual colors.”.

Another unexpected decoration idea? Collected branches.

Hanging it upside down works particularly well for those who have little space.”

suggests Shelley Cochrane , accessories buyer at Furniture Village .

Layer textures for depth and warmth

Creating visual dimension through layering is a designer favorite for Christmas 2025. One designer describes her mantelpiece plans this way:

“Our Christmas mantelpiece will be layered with two fir garlands. I will layer some wooden bead garlands, my small white Scandinavian illuminated house garland, and a vintage-looking brass bell garland above and below the fir.”

To maintain visual interest, experts recommend creating varying heights in displays with candle holders, cake stands, or decorative boxes. More is more with this approach. Boldly layer textures, patterns, and colors to create a visually rich environment.

This philosophy extends beyond decoration—it also includes lighting. From twinkling lights to candlelight to modern light sculptures, layering different light sources creates depth and atmosphere, perfect for festive entertaining.

Modern Christmas decorations for every room

For Christmas decorations, I like to use popular greenery such as pine and fir branches, and I love adding eucalyptus and rosemary. This mix gives the home a wonderful fragrance. Greenery acts as a great neutral accent, so add metallic accents with candle holders or garlands for a touch of glamour if you wish.

Every room tells its own Christmas story. Design experts instinctively understand this and develop space-specific approaches that create cohesive holiday experiences while respecting the unique function and character of each space.

Living room: statement garlands and cozy corners

Your living room is the centerpiece of holiday gatherings, so the decorations here need to make a serious impression. Statement garlands have emerged as the centerpiece, often even outshining the Christmas tree itself. Picture this: several varieties of greenery winding around your mantel, flowing generously over the edges, and creating that lush, luxurious look that sets the tone for everything else.

But don't stop at the mantelpiece. Cozy corners deserve just as much attention during this busy season. Texture becomes your secret weapon—sheepskin rugs layered with woven pillows, soft throws invitingly draped over chairs. These elements work together to transform ordinary seating areas into intimate holiday retreats that guests will naturally gravitate to.

Dining room: luxurious table decorations and candlelight

The dining room, of course, takes center stage when it comes to Christmas entertaining. Your table deserves a thoughtful design, starting with a disciplined color palette of just two or three complementary shades. This restraint prevents your table arrangement from appearing chaotic or overwhelming—a common pitfall when enthusiasm trumps planning.

Candlelight changes everything. Different heights and shapes on your table create the visual depth that makes the meal special. Tall candlesticks alternating with tealights, perhaps a few scattered throughout—this layered approach to lighting encourages guests to settle down and enjoy both the food and the moment.

Entrance: oversized wreaths and mirrored arches

First impressions are crucial, which is why your entryway deserves bold choices. Extra-large wreaths—we're talking sizes between 1 and 1.5 meters—immediately create a wow factor and signal to guests that something special awaits them inside. These impressive pieces are especially well-suited for entryways with generous ceiling heights or ample wall space.

Mirrors offer another option for the entryway that's gaining popularity this season. Decorating them with elegant bows creates a gift-like presentation. The decoration feels both unexpected and sophisticated. The technique works beautifully regardless of the room size: simply attach a velvet bow to the top of the mirror so that the ends cascade down the sides, creating an elegant, designer-approved look.

The personal touch: How Christmas decorations become your calling card

True personality in Christmas decorating doesn't come from simply following trends. It develops from the conscious decision to create spaces that tell your story—from the first moment guests enter your home.

Find a topic that suits you

The right theme doesn't have to be reinvented every year. Focus on one of four elements: a color scheme (like blue and white), a pattern (like checks), specific Christmas flowers (fir green or hydrangeas), or your favorite Christmas motifs (snowflakes or stars).

Designer Nina Lichtenstein sums it up:

Your Christmas decorations should reflect your personality. If your home has a modern style, avoid overly traditional pieces and opt for elegant, geometric ornaments

Family traditions and homemade treasures

Family traditions add emotional depth to rooms that nothing can replace. One family began sewing personalized Christmas stockings as gifts for everyone—and inadvertently created an annual tradition.

Handmade ornaments become treasured heirlooms, whether they are children's drawings or DIY paw prints of beloved pets. Even simple rituals like the evening "light parade" through the neighborhood create meaningful memories.

Minimalism meets festive glamour

“Less is always more for me ,” explains a designer who “warm minimalism” —selecting a few beautiful elements and giving them space to shine. This approach works particularly well with high-quality pieces of understated elegance.

A minimalist Christmas doesn't mean giving up personality – neutral palettes, natural textures, and subtle sparkles create calm yet festive atmospheres.

Sustainable decoration – beautiful and environmentally conscious at the same time

Sustainability transforms Christmas decorating into an endeavor that is both environmentally conscious and aesthetically pleasing. Thoughtful choices today create lasting holiday traditions for years to come.

Artificial greenery and ceramic art jewelry of the highest quality

High-quality artificial greenery offers impressive environmental benefits by reducing the environmental impact of growing and transporting fresh plants each year. Premium wreaths and garlands with True Needle® PE tips provide realistic texture while remaining 100% recyclable. These pieces can be reused for decades, reducing the environmental impact of growing and transporting Christmas trees each year.

Ceramic jewelry adds lasting, timeless charm—from hand-painted baubles to elegant figurines that become treasured heirlooms.

Creatively reuse ribbons, bells and balls

Old decorations deserve new life through creative redesign. Velvet ribbons can be reused in countless ways – tied around napkins, draped over mirrors, or shaped into bows for wreaths. Even glass baubles (even broken ones) can be transformed into impressive table decorations.

• Fill clear vases or wooden bowls with collected ornaments
• Wrap old ribbons around glass containers
• Store ribbons, bows and working fairy lights carefully to extend their lifespan

Energy-efficient lighting and natural materials

LED technology makes Christmas lights exceptionally efficient—they consume 90% less energy than conventional light bulbs and last up to 30,000 hours compared to the 1,000–3,000 hours of incandescent bulbs. Programmable timers further minimize unnecessary consumption.

Natural materials offer ideal additions – dried orange slices, pine cones, and moss create biodegradable decorations with a wonderful seasonal scent.

Silent night, stylish night…

Christmas 2025 promises a captivating blend of nostalgia and innovation for decoration enthusiasts everywhere. The new trends truly offer something for every taste – be it the gentle elegance of muted colors, the playful vibrancy of kitsch , the mysterious charm of celestial motifs, or the dramatic impact of oversized decorations.

Professional designers have revealed their secret weapons for creating magical spaces this season. Starting festive decorating early with fall-inspired decor allows for a more gradual, sustainable approach. Combining treasured heirlooms with new finds creates spaces full of meaning and personality. Unexpected items like fruit and fabrics, as well as thoughtfully layered textures, add depth and warmth to your home.

Every room deserves special attention during the holidays. The most magnificent Christmas homes reflect the unique stories of their inhabitants. Choosing themes that complement your existing decorations, honoring family traditions through DIY elements, and finding your ideal balance between minimalism and glamour create spaces that are authentically festive rather than generically decorated.

These ideas, from experienced interior designers, serve as inspiration rather than rigid rules. Your perfect Christmas could incorporate elements from several trends or focus exclusively on what brings you joy. While trends come and go, the holidays ultimately celebrate connection—creating spaces where memories are made remains the most meaningful decorating of all.

Now you are ready to create a Christmas home that enchants guests and feels wonderfully, uniquely you!