It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Well, sort of. If there were ever a time to be “extra” and try something new to spruce up that space of yours, 2020 would be the year to do it. Between the pandemic (and all that comes with that), the complicated political climate (and all that comes with that), I think 2020 is deserving of some magic to end the year. Magic by way of 16 modern Christmas tree styles you can try!
Many are and have been struggling, so going along with the whole “it’s-the-most-wonderful-time-of-the-year-so-have-a holly-jolly-Christmas” sentiment seems like we’re trying too hard. So let’s lower the bar and our expectations and instead of forcing joy, let’s make space to create that joy naturally and in abundance. We do that by creating within our spaces.
I’m not a fan of forced joy (or forced anything for that matter), so I say that Christmas is a time to celebrate the reason for the season, which is the source of joy that can be found under any emotions of the year. Either way, 2020 has been a bit grim, to say the least, and this Christmas, I’m feeling myself gravitating towards magical decor. Maybe it’s a form of escapism, but I’m cool with that. Whatever works and makes my soul dance is what I’m going for this year.
My Christmas Tree Journey
My first ever Christmas tree purchased as a 26 year old adult was from Target. I thought I wanted something colorful and exciting. That was ok for a few years and then I craved something that wouldn’t clash with my decor. I wanted more minimalism and softness, as opposed to the bright glass ornaments in jewel tones that I owned.
Over the next years, I would oscillate between wanting a stuffed to the brim tree of neutrals and wanting a tree with more negative space between ornaments. I’m still oscillating, but this year I am feeling a lot of soft textures. I’m googling where to find white feather garland, I’m sourcing non-stupid birds and faux flowers for the tree, I’m looking up DIY citrus garland, I’m sourcing vintage brass bells. Basically, I’m craving lightness and soul in my mental space and my living space.
If you’ve seen my instastories, you saw I put up my brand new tree this week! We oscillated between getting a real tree or replacing our dilapidated faux with a newer fancier flock. Like I said, I was craving lightness and fluff, so a flocked tree sounded magical.
The original plan was to get a real tree and have that be our yearly tradition. However, with Covid, the tree lots are still not up in NYC (at least not near us). The outdoor dining bubbles/igloos have taken over where the tree lots have been each year, so we weren’t confident about getting a real tree. We also weren’t willing to possibly expose ourselves to Covid for the sake of a tree outing. So a faux flock was ordered!
We went with the 8′ pencil flock from King of Christmas. It was on sale so we paid just $139 and that included free shipping! This will be our forever tree since we bought one a little pricier and nicer. Best part? I called them to see what the flocking was made of to make sure it was safe for our kitties. It’s non toxic, made of no synthetic ingredients, and is completely safe. Of course, pets shouldn’t chow down on the flocking, but it makes me feel good that if that did, it would be no harm done. If you want to see the tree progress, I’ll be posting on my instagram!
Enough about me, let’s talk about YOUR modern Christmas tree styles I’ve promised to show you options for!
16 Modern Christmas Tree Styles for 2020
When I think of modern Christmas tree styles, my mind doesn’t go to red and green. Shocking, I know. But a giant part of being a designer is translating something obvious into something more elevated and understated. Red and green is the obvious (and totally ok!) choice, so my designer mind says we need to keep pushing and see what creative ideas are beneath red and green.
That’s what I’m aiming to show you today. I want to introduce you to some cool designs that might give you some ideas on how to make this Christmas extra special. In this roundup, there will be something for everyone: the maximalist, the gone country, the color lover, the abstract enthusiast, etc. So get a cup of hot chocolate, hot tea, or hot toddy if that’s more your jam, bust out that gingham fleece and get cozy because we are taking a break with some serious eye candy.
1. The Full Flock
Ms Craftberry Bush
My tree this year is a mix of this style and #3. It’s so beautiful, elegant, but also warm and accessible. I don’t like things in my space that are too precious; For me, it prevents relaxation if you or your guests are afraid of breaking things! All my ornaments are from Target and nothing is glass…which is perfect for my 4 month old kittens.
2. The Tinsel Townie
Orlando Soria
So you’re a minimalist, uber cool, a design and DIY enthusiast, and you’re itching for a quarantine project. Well, my friend, a homemade tinsel tree might just be your saving grace. There is no wrong way to holiday.
3. The Oh, Holy Night
Elle Decor
Fun fact: all my gifts and art sold on this site is wrapped in hand painted brown craft paper. I love the warmth and invitation of this easy to find material. I love the versatility, the price, and the personalization. It’s special, not precious, so it’s perfect.
4. The Pastel Panorama
Town and Country Living
Hot dang! If you’re wanting a color explosion in your home, this is one of the modern Christmas tree styles you can adopt. This is also a great inspiration if you have children. You can have a home tree in a living space, and then you can do it up in your kids’ room! Remember: your vibrant tree doesn’t have to be this scale! Growing up, I had a mini tree in my room that I decorated myself and it was the best.
5. The Touch Above Traditional
The Makerista
The Makerista is known for her fresh traditional aesthetic, and her tree is no different. She takes one of the modern Christmas tree styles and adds some vintage flare. Metallics, velvet, vintage thrifts, it’s all too good. Gwen has a collection of vintage ribbons that she finds at thrift stores. What a cool (and affordable) way to add some glam and soul to your home and gifts? Not everything special needs to be new, in fact, the older it is, the better it is.
6. The Real and Rustic
Atlanta Homes
Ah, Brian Patrick Flynn. He is one of my go to people for inspiration–especially when it comes to seeing how other designers translate specific aesthetics. True to form, we have mid century and Scandinavian minimalism, mixed with gingham and natural textures. It screams ‘Christmas in the cabin’.
7. The Bold Blitzen
Alexander Renee Design
Fun fact: this is the same brand of flocked Christmas tree we got and yes, it is THAT AMAZING in person. Many people are getting in to foraged and faux greenery in their trees this year and I’m loving it. I also found myself googling if it was illegal to take branches from Central Park. Spoilers: it is.
8. The Merry and Bright
Josh Young
This citrus palette is so unexpected, yet somehow subtle. A very modern take on Christmas tree styling that picks up on the warmth in the other furnishings like the rug and stool. Josh gives us maximum impact without all the visual weight with his Merry and Bright styling.
8. The Comfort and Joy
Domicile
Jessica just KNOWS how to decorate. She’s a big supporter of vintage and thrifting, but also using what you have. See all those dried florals in that tree of hers? It brings a fresh perspective to holiday interior styles that makes the space fill with joy even if the outdoors seem dreary.
9. The Vintage Inspired Vixen
The Makerista
Ohhhh, so I think our tree also has a little vintage influence like The Makerista! I already told you about Gwen’s vintage ribbon, now check out these vintage ornaments! She also loves to buy vintage wrapping paper which adds an extra special level to your soulful holiday decor.
10. The Feathery Flamingo
Jewel Marlowe
This is what I was actually envisioning this year! Filled to the brim and looking like a magical cloud. However, I have 2 kittens who would tear this tree to shreds if I put birds, flowers, and feathers in it. So for now, I’ll just have to admire Jewel’s modern glam tree.
11. The Metallic Mistletoe
Jenwood House
Another flocked tree makes an appearance on this modern Christmas tree styles list. I just love a flocked tree; it adds so much texture and dimension. One thing I’ve never enjoyed about the typical tree is that it’s this giant dark spot in the room. Even if you dress it up, even if you add lights and reflective ornaments, it’s still a dark green color that takes up a lot of real estate.
Enter: the flocked tree. Everything is magical in the snow, right? So a flocked tree for me feels more natural. It feels light and bright, especially when you add in plenty of metallics! I love metallic ornaments because they reflect the beautiful twinkle of the lights.
12. The Snow Scene
Living with Landyn
Ah, doesn’t this scene just make you want to snuggle up with some tea, a fire, and a plaid fleece blanket? It’s so minimal, but definitely not lacking in interest. Out of all the trees on this list, this is one of the most monochromatic modern Christmas tree styles you can use in your home.
Just like in interior design, neutrals are not boring! You just play up the texture and layer, layer, layer. Maybe if you’re needing some respite this year, consider a totally monochrome palette and see what you can create. Take it a step further by adding monochrome gift wrapping in a different color or keeping it in the same family!
13. The Ornamental Ombre
Inspired by Charm
You know there is nothing I love more than a good graphic design. I love graphic patterns and am especially drawn towards Scandinavian prints. This tree skirt is the perfect bold anchor for a delightfully ombre Christmas tree. If this is too colorful for you, you can translate this into something more neutral by using pastels, white/gray/black, or off white, champagne, gold hues!
14. The Pinecone and Pearl
Love Grows Wild
I’m not big on farmhouse, and I feel like the rest of the world is slowly phasing out this style. BUT! That doesn’t make this tree any less beautiful. How I interpret the farmhouse style is that people desire an aesthetic that embodies nature, family, warmth, comfort, and simplicity. It’s kind of like slow living, but make it decor.
You can do an amped up farmhouse style by using natural elements and playing with texture and scale. You can also modernize this look with some unexpected glamour like these pearl (matte white) ornaments and silver brushed oversized artichokes. Farmhouse is a mix of cozy feelings and you can translate that any way you wish.
15. The Yuletide Eucalyptus
Caitlin Marie Design
More greenery in trees this year is a YES for me, dawg. Maybe this style is carrying over from our new found love of foraging large branches and vasing them up? We just want greenery in all the things. If I didn’t have kittens, I would fill my tree with dried lavender, eucalyptus, magnolias, and pampas grasses.
16. The Merry Message
Tomkat Studio
This is for the DIY enthusiast who appreciates cozy country cottage. You can paint or stain your own wooden letters (available at all craft stores) and make a garland graphic message. Why not mix your love of typography into your decor in a way that makes sense? I’m looking at you, wooden signs that I personally dislike. I know, I know. But no hate if that’s your jam:-)
If you have a wooden sign in your kitchen that says something like, “gather”, “eat”, etc. then you might consider adding a garland sign to your tree!
How did I do? Did you see anything in this roundup of modern Christmas tree styles that you want to replicate? Maybe you want to do what I did and combine a few of these into something that suits your personality best.
Anything you do, I’m sure will be beautiful. Happy holidays!
-Kristen
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