Not everyone connects with the most traditional Christmas color palettes. Although red, green and gold are undeniably festive, they don’t always blend well with certain décor styles.
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That’s why turning to more unexpected colors for Christmas décor can offer renewed inspiration — a trend recently highlighted by Homes & Gardens.
But what are the surprising colors that convey bold design and joy, while still maintaining the festive spirit? The publication consulted interior designers who shared modern and daring choices to brighten the season.
From icy blues to soft pinks, these five non-traditional colors align perfectly with the latest trends, ensuring a contemporary home full of personality.
Five non-traditional colors to inspire your Christmas décor
1. Mauve
Mauve, once considered outdated, is making a strong comeback in décor — and now also in holiday styling.
“Soft mauve is a beautiful choice for Christmas,” says designer Lauren Saab. “It has a romantic glow that never gets close to red.”
To balance the shade, she suggests pairing it with classic greens, brass accents and natural foliage. The secret is moderation: velvet ribbons, flowers and small ornaments already create a nostalgic yet modern look.
2. Pink
A current alternative to traditional red is pink.
“I love using pink instead of red, paired with green,” says designer Alexandra Kaehler. “It’s a fresh and gentle reinterpretation of the Christmas classic.”
Suzanne Barrow adds: “Wine tones combined with pink refresh any décor. Wine brings sophistication; pink brings warmth.”
Velvet and silk ribbons are key to adding dimension and elegance without overdoing it.
3. Light blue
Cool palettes also have their charm.
Designer Kelly Neely recommends light blue with metallics or sage green for a contemporary touch. “The secret is mixing these colors with traditional elements to maintain the festive feel,” she explains.
The blue + sage green combination results in an unexpected, fresh and elegant visual.
4. Brown
For lovers of neutral tones, brown is the perfect choice — modern, cozy and sophisticated.
“Brown tones convey warmth, stability and comfort, exactly what I want at Christmas,” says color consultant Charlotte Cropper.
She suggests using this shade in richly textured materials: warm wood, amber glass, burgundy, natural fibers and brass. This gives brown depth and intention.
5. Chartreuse
If green is one of the most festive colors, chartreuse — a vibrant lime green — is its bold version.
Designer Katie Kiser recommends pairing it with olive green to create a chic and unexpected look.
Imagine garlands with lime-green ribbons, olive velvet bows and Granny Smith apples scattered throughout the décor. On the table, Bordallo Pinheiro plates and Christmas porcelain complete the look.
Each of these colors offers a refreshed take on Christmas. Whether it’s the coziness of pink, the modern appeal of blue or the vibrancy of chartreuse, the important thing is to create an environment that reflects your style — as Homes & Gardens highlights, breaking the rules may be exactly what your home needs this season.
Source: Homes & Gardens. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
