6 holiday decor trends that already have designers rolling their eyes this year

Every year, a few Christmas ideas take over social media…and then designers start begging people to stop. Recent trend roundups are all saying the same thing: people are tired of decor that feels overly themed, cheap, or like it came straight from one big-box aisle.

If you want your holiday setup to feel pulled together instead of try-hard, these are the trends worth rethinking.

1. Matching everything from one store “collection”

When your tree, pillows, stockings, and ornaments all come from the same set, your house looks like a catalog page. Designers now say perfectly matched, store-bought collections feel flat and overdone compared to more collected, personal decor.

You don’t have to throw everything out. Mix in handmade ornaments, older pieces, and a few thrifted finds. Keep the best of the matching stuff and let the rest breathe. A little mismatch makes your house feel lived-in, not staged.

2. Heavy reliance on inflatables

Holiday inflatables are fun for kids, but they’re on pretty much every “skip this” list now. Experts say yards crammed with giant characters look more chaotic than welcoming and hide the actual house.

If you already own them, pick one favorite and retire the rest, then add string lights, lanterns, and greenery. If you’re starting from scratch, consider classic lights and a good wreath first. You’ll still make a statement without your yard looking like a seasonal car lot.

3. Overloaded themed trees

Designers are moving away from strict themes like “candy cane tree” or “farmhouse buffalo check everything.” Those trees photograph well, but in real life they can feel stiff and a little cheesy.

Instead of committing to a theme from top to bottom, let your tree have a general direction—cozy, vintage, natural—and then work in sentimental ornaments and different textures. It looks richer and doesn’t scream “bought this whole box on sale.”

4. Cheap, plastic greenery everywhere

Experts keep calling out flat, shiny plastic greenery as one of the biggest ways people cheapen their holiday decor. The newer trend is fuller, denser garlands and wreaths that look more natural or actual real greenery, even if you mix both.

If replacing everything isn’t in the budget, upgrade a few key pieces: the front door wreath, mantel garland, or a centerpiece. Tuck in real clippings, pinecones, or better ribbon. One great strand beats five thin, plasticky ones.

5. Word art and signs in every corner

A sign or two is fine. A house where every surface says “Merry,” “Joy,” “Believe,” or “Hot Cocoa Bar” is exactly what designers mean when they talk about tired trends.

Pick the one or two you really like and pack the rest away. Let your tree, lights, and greenery be the main “statement.” You don’t need every wall to literally spell out that it’s Christmas.

6. Icy, ultra-cool color palettes that fight the house

Those icy blue and silver schemes had their time, and they’re still pretty in the right place. But most newer trend pieces highlight warmer, nostalgic palettes—deep reds, earthy greens, warm metals—because they feel more like real life and less like a mall display.

If your house leans warm—wood floors, cream walls, brown leather—it’ll usually look better with richer colors. You don’t have to go full red-and-green, but even switching out a few icy pieces for warmer tones can make the whole space feel more comfortable.