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Do you love Christmas, but find that copious amounts of green and red and an army of Santa Clauses don’t work for your decor? Do you want to invest in accents that you can leave out all year? Keeping things simple doesn’t have to be boring! 

Make your own rules and refresh your decor with metallics, beige, white and pops of black and copper to add interest and depth. Add texture through natural materials, metal and glass to elevate your seasonal decorating and make it stylish and chic. If you’re in the northern hemisphere, a modern look will bring the festive winter wonderland indoors without the cold; while down south, wooden elements give a coastal vibe for summer. Here’s 7 ways to add some sophisticated touches to your decorations.

1. Make first impressions count

The first place you welcome your guests is at your front door, so add seasonal cheer with a beautiful door decoration. Go big, but keep it simple – it doesn’t have to be flashy to make a statement. As with all modern decor, keep in mind that less is more. Choose a simple colour palette of green and black, or silver and gold and then use that to inform your decorating choices for the rest of your home.  

2. Mix up materials

Wood, metal and glass are all great materials to work into your decorating. Wooden bead garlands, copper and brass stars and glass Christmas trees all add a touch of modern scandi to your home and are easy to source. Offsetting these with black and touches of deep green keep the modern theme going. Opt for geometric decorations, such as cones, stars, triangles and stylised reindeer, rather than more detailed, traditional shapes.  

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3. Deck the halls — modern style

Choose a gorgeous Christmas tree and make it the focal part of your living room, while keeping other decorations minimal. Let your tree shine and decorate it sparingly in colours that match your decor and tie in with your wreath. There’s no need to be limited to traditional Christmas colours! Wooden or monochrome decorations tipped with gold or silver add a luxe look without overwhelming your tree. If you want to go even more minimal, there are gorgeous LED-light branch trees in silver or gold that are a striking alternative to a traditional green, fluffy tree.

4. Light up your space

One of the most simple, but effective ways to decorate is by playing with lighting. At night, the glow of Christmas lights is cosy and festive without being overwhelming. There are so many gorgeous LED decorative features available these days. Choosing simple forms with lighted elements, such as woven cone trees for the mantle, dresser or coffee table, is a great way to bring Christmas into your house while keeping your look fresh. Don’t forget the outside of your house – twinkling fairy lights are an elegant but low-key way to add a hint of the holidays to your exterior.

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5. Hang your stockings with care

Opting for modern decor doesn’t mean ditching your stockings! Beautiful Christmas stockings are a must for your family no matter what style of decor you choose. Make them a feature with a simple pattern in neutral colours, add a sparkle with lurex thread or opt for a chunky knit.

For those celebrating in the northern hemisphere, dress your mantle with lights and bare branches for a festive touch while the yule log burns – or create a makeshift mantle out of a sideboard or buffet. Showcasing family photos from past Christmases printed in black and white is a great way to personalise your decor. Think simple but striking, and don’t be afraid to pare back your decorations.

6. Dine in style

If you’re hosting a Christmas or holiday meal, dining in style with beautiful table decorations and dinnerware is a must. Start with matte black stoneware for an organic feel, then continue the gold or silver theme with fabric napkins and simple table decorations, such as small metal or porcelain trees or bare branches. Use tea lights or string lights to make your table an extension of your decor.

Get the party started with a luxe silver or gold bar cart filled with all your favourites for effortless entertaining with a touch of glamour. Use glasses and decanters with a hint of gold and silver to complete the look. An open bar cart will have you prepared for any thirsty guests and Santa might thank you for something stronger than milk too (are there rules on drinking and sleigh driving?).

7. Complete the look

Without turning every nook and cranny of your house into the North Pole, think about adding touches of Christmas to rooms where they’ll have the most impact. Small decorations in the powder room and kitchen will complete the look (without risking the Grinch’s ire!). Luxe throws – faux fur for those experiencing a winter Christmas and lighter materials for antipodeans – add depth to beds and sofas.

Homemade posters featuring quotes from favourite Christmas carols or books are a fun way to update your existing decor for the holidays with a personal touch. Even better, swap out photos or prints in existing frames to keep the cost down. Monochromatic or metallic Christmas cards can also be used as a low-budget way to bring Christmas art into your home.