Unconventional Winter Holiday Decor Ideas for a Unique Seasonal Interior

Holidays are never too far away, as we blink and almost miss them. It’s never too early to think about how to decorate your home for the winter holiday season (unless it’s January, that’s way too early). Now, sure — you can always go down to your local dollar store, fill your shopping cart with plastic Santas, cheap string lights, and tacky wreaths, take them home and line your walls, doors, and fireplace mantle with them. Of course, it’s the thought that counts, and surely your household and guests will find your enthusiasm for the holidays charming.

But if you’re looking for something that is unique and speaks to you specifically, there are more original decor ideas out there that work on two fronts. First, they fulfill your desire to decorate for the winter holidays, bringing that heartwarming aura into your home. And second: they are also unique and full of character as opposed to those kitsch decorations we’re all used to hanging around the house. This by no means implies that those simple holiday decorations are in any way worse than their less conventional alternatives, as they also have their charm. Not to mention how modern faux plants and decor can look almost as authentic as the real thing sometimes. But for those looking for something unconventional and unique, there are some fantastic ideas for you to explore. 

Colorful Pine Tree

Unique Alternative Colors to The Traditional Pine Tree

If you’re looking to set up an evergreen for your holidays, you could purchase a natural one that has those rich green hues and that distinct smell that emanates throughout the room. But why pay for a tree every year, haul it home, and risk damaging it on the way only to have to throw it out a month later, when you can invest in a fake one? Not only is this a more cost-effective alternative, but you can also purchase an artificial evergreen that matches the rest of your interior. It may not be the traditional green that your guests are used to, but that’s the point. You’re looking for something that goes with the rest of the festivities and matches your interior vibe. 

Unorthodox Color Palette

Using Unique Colors to Decorate for the Holidays

When you think of the winter holidays, a few colors immediately come to mind. Green, red, and white are the famous trinity of the holidays, but there is also a bit of gold and yellow, as well as blue. But simply because these are the colors that remind us of the winter holidays does not mean you should limit yourself to them by any means. You can explore unique color combinations that turn winter holiday traditions on their head.

For example, you can try muted colors that complement your contemporary interior as opposed to garish ones. Soft beige and other creamy hues are perfect examples of how this can be done. Also, extensive use of white can help to brighten up the interior even further, which is perfect for the winter holidays that are all about having a wholesome time with those you love.

Minimal Table Centerpieces 

The Cozy Feels of Holiday Candles

Continuing with our motif of minimalist design elements in our unconventional winter decor, table centerpieces can be a little overwhelming sometimes. With so much festive imagery in your mind, it’s easy to overwhelm the table with all kinds of nifty decorations, from pine cones and fake pine branches to little Santa boots, holiday ornaments, and a slew of other items. Now yes, they can be very cute in their own right, but sometimes they are too much and may even become a burden on the eyes, regardless of how much you love the holidays.

Consider a more minimalist approach with your table centerpiece. All you need is a natural wooden tray that can fit a few simple candles and a mini vase that you can put little pine twigs into and even a few sprigs of spice for some added aromas. One way or another, this simpler approach will look a lot more charming and add a more minimalist feel to the decor, as opposed to dumping everything you have onto the table. 

Candle Lanterns

The Combination of Two Lighting Types to Create Something Truly Charming

Who said that you can only have lanterns or candles? Why not have both? Leaving candles out bare can be attractive in its own right, but it is a bit bare. A charming candleholder can also go a long way in bringing more character to your holiday decor. Lantern candleholders are quite possibly one of the easiest winter holiday decorations you can make yourself. Fake lanterns can be purchased in any home goods or department store. But instead of using them as intended, with the little flame-shaped bulb sitting inside, pull it out and instead put a few candles in there. It’s simple, yet extremely charming and evokes the feeling of the holidays. But do keep in mind, that some of these plastic lanterns may not be suitable for an open flame. Make sure to purchase ones that are made of a material that won’t melt when exposed to high temperatures, such as metal. 

Work With Your Plants

Why You Should Use Your Plants In Your Holiday Decor

If someone in the household is really into horticulture and has a few plants around the house, use them as a part of your decor. Many homeowners tend to overlook these plants as aloe vera is hardly the most festive winter holiday plant out there. Most homeowners will overlook these plants as they settle for more “holiday-appropriate” options like pines. But if you can use these plants in your decoration, even something like an aloe vera can work to your advantage as it brings more heterogeneity to the decor and visual complexity, something that those tacky holiday garlands typically lack. So let the biophilic design in your home parallel with the decor and you will notice how much more character your winter decorations will have as a result.

Rustic Cottage Decor

How Less Is More With Rustic Decor

Let’s shed the manufactured plastic decor for a second and settle for something more organic like people did centuries ago. After all: what matters is the spirit of the holidays and also a bit of color. So, to get both in one convenient package without lining your shelves and mantle with plastic Santa figurines, try for a more subdued approach to the decor. Nothing says the winter holidays like a cozy cabin with a few pieces of red accenting.

So, instead of going for the typical “all in” approach to holiday decor, try something that is more nuanced. Bring in plenty of natural textures and materials, such as wood, leather (hopefully fake), linen, and cotton. If you can find a minimal red wreath, that could also work wonders. Place some red textile around the room on various surfaces such as tables and drawers to bring in a tinge of the holiday spirit while appreciating the beauty of less is more as your home turns into a cozy winter cottage.

Pine Cones Everywhere

How to Use Pine Cones In Your Winter Holiday Decor

Each season has its own little motif that you want to see more of in holiday decor. Fall decor, for example, features a lot of pumpkins, be it for Halloween or Thanksgiving. The winter season has similar motifs, with the aforementioned pine trees, wreaths, and holiday ornaments. But one element that isn’t always in the center of attention for most households is pine cones. First, you need to consider the pine cones themselves. Dip them in white, silver, or gold paint to give them a more unique appearance, as opposed to the natural dark brown we are all accustomed to. Sprinkle a little glitter on them too as this will make them more reflective and eye-catching.

Then place them around in various spots around the interior where they can accentuate the rest of the interior and decor. This doesn’t mean you should pile hundreds of pine cones in the middle of the room, but scatter a few around the table, on the mantle, near the base of cabinets, and anywhere else where they can be decorative. Just avoid overdoing it or causing a tripping hazard. Another great example of how this can be done is to tie them to the bottom of your staircase banisters, but won’t be a tripping hazard as they droop over the side of the staircase. Put them in and around small vases, on the dining room sideboard, and a slew of other places that need a little extra holiday cheer. 

Swag Wreaths

An Interesting Alternative to a Classic Door Ornament

Reading the title of this holiday decoration idea, you probably had a completely different image in your head, but I can promise you it’s definitely not what you were thinking. Swag wreaths are just a different take on your classic donut-shaped door ornament. Unlike the ring-shaped ornament with the hole in the center that we are all used to, swag wreaths come in alternative shapes and sizes. One of the most common shapes for a swag wreath is almost like an upside-down drop, where the top is more rounded and the bottom is sharper as the longer branches of the wreath droop down.