5 Holiday Décor Trends That Feel Dated in 2025 – And the Stylish Swaps Designers Prefer

No time of year puts your home to work quite like the holidays. With guests flowing through and every space suddenly under a spotlight, the pressure to get your décor just right is real. But those familiar formulas that once felt charming can fall flat fast, holiday trends shift quickly, and what felt fresh in 2023 may read as tired in 2025. Because Christmas décor lives in such a tight, highly visible window, it’s one of the clearest signs of where design is headed. So, before you deck the halls, we asked top designers which trends are officially out for 2025 and what to bring in instead to keep your home feeling polished, current, and effortlessly inviting.

Cold Minimalism

Designers say we’ve drifted a little too far into cold minimalism during the holidays, and those once-trendy pared-back looks now feel flat and forgettable. After years of modern, monochromatic décor, there’s a renewed craving for warmth, tradition, and pieces that actually tell a story. People are gravitating back toward richer, “old money” touches, think timeless materials, polished finishes, and classic patterns while steering clear of anything overly kitschy. The key is mixing eras and textures: vintage finds, locally sourced pieces, meaningful heirlooms, and a few cozy details like tartan throws or glowing fireplaces. When your holiday décor feels lived-in, welcoming, and collected, not overly styled you get that effortless, real-home magic that truly resonates.

Red-and-Green Only

Red and green will always have a place in holiday décor especially with the rise of that cozy “Ralph Lauren Christmas” look but designers say forcing the classic palette into every corner of your home feels a little outdated. Homeowners are moving away from repainting their entire holiday scheme just to match tradition. Instead, they’re embracing the colors already woven into their spaces: bold blues, deep navies, teals, lush pinks, even rich eggplants. It’s a practical shift, too. Working with your existing palette means you’re not buying an entirely new color story for one month of the year. In a season that can already stretch budgets, choosing décor that complements what you have keeps your home feeling effortless, elevated, and authentically yours without the pressure to make red and green fit where they don’t.

Colorful Christmas Tree Lights

The holiday trend falling out of favor fastest is anything that feels overly artificial especially bright, multicolored Christmas lights. Instead of adding charm, they tend to overwhelm the tree and create visual clutter that steals from the warmth of the room. A better approach is simple: use warm, small LEDs and tuck them deep into the branches so the tree glows gently from within. It creates a softer, more inviting look and lets the natural shape shine through. And if you love color, keep it intentional. Choose one or two tones at most so the tree’s greenery stays the true focal point.

Tinsel

A handful of designers agree on this one: tinsel has officially had its moment. What once felt festive now reads more 1980s nostalgia than elevated holiday style, and it simply doesn’t match the more refined look homeowners gravitate toward today. Instead of the metallic shimmer that can cheapen a space, consider decorations made from natural or artisanal materials, glass, carved wood, and pieces that bring real texture and craftsmanship to a room.

And if you’re craving a little sparkle without overspending, start with what you already have. Even simple backyard finds can look incredibly luxe with a quick refresh. Think magnolia leaves lightly sprayed in metallic tones and added to garlands or the tree. You get that subtle, elegant shine without the tinsel, and without the extra cost.

Lack Of Personality

The most dated holiday look right now is a Christmas setup with zero personality. For years, anything sentimental, mismatched ornaments, handmade pieces, family photos—was pushed aside in favor of a hyper-curated, catalog-perfect tree. But that spotless, anonymous aesthetic has officially lost its charm. Today’s homeowners are leaning back into a décor that feels lived-in and meaningful. Think sentimental ornaments, pieces collected over time, and details that tell the story of who actually lives in the home. The key is balance: mix heirlooms and handmade treasures with varied textures, natural greenery, and warm, ambient lighting so the tree feels effortless rather than crafted. When your holiday décor feels personal, layered, and a little imperfect, it delivers that inviting, memory-making energy that no matching set can replicate. Even that macaroni star from school? It belongs because real homes shine brightest when the personality stays in the picture.

Bottom Line

Trends shift every year, but a home that feels warm, personal, and thoughtfully styled never goes out of fashion especially if you’re thinking about selling. Buyers connect with spaces that feel lived-in yet elevated, not overly themed or overly curated. So as you decorate this season, focus on creating a welcoming, authentic atmosphere that highlights your home’s character. And if a move is on your mind, Slater Realty Group is here to help you make the most of your home holiday glow and all.

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Homes & Garden