Just because you’re using plaid, natural decor elements, and wall signs, doesn’t mean your Christmas decorating scheme has to feel like everyone else’s. However, when it comes to decking the halls of your home this Christmas, the best way to achieve a rustic look while still remaining modern can be puzzling. For rustic Christmas decor ideas that are still fresh, there are a few approaches. From worn wood frames to natural elements, you can adorn your space with wintery decor pieces that are sure to wow your family and friends while still giving off that warm holiday vibe.
It’s all about how you incorporate these elements into your existing decor. If you’ve been looking for some inspiration with your Christmas decorations this year, keep reading. We’ve collected 10 unique ideas that will appeal to your cozy country style in a fresh and modern way.
1. Copper color palette
This year, professional designers and creative homeowners alike are experimenting with unique holiday color palettes that diverge from the traditional red, white, and green hues. If you’re looking to revamp your Christmas decor, opting for a copper color palette could be just the change you need! Copper is neutral and metallic and pairs lovely with lush browns and dark greens. Sanctuary Home Decor uses copper pieces as a staple for one of its Christmas decorations, and we love it!
2. Classic red, white, and gold
If you want to take a more classic approach when it comes to adorning your farm home or rustic cabin, you can’t go wrong with a traditional red, white, and gold color scheme. The Painted Hinge showcases this palette, illustrating how to make these colors look lively against white and natural wood-toned furniture. As a final touch, the centerpiece on the table is a simple setup of a gold plate, tall candles, and small red ornaments.
3. Use plaid to dress the space
When looking for rustic Christmas decor, you can’t go wrong with classic plaid. Red and black plaid is a trending choice for blankets, couches, and pillows, but don’t stop there. As seen in this design by White Arrows Home, this technique helps brighten the dark wood textures of a log cabin and draws attention to the plush furniture.
4. Natural elements look stunning
A key feature of rustic design is using natural elements wherever possible. This Christmas, go all-natural with a real Christmas tree, festive garland, and pine cones to bring a bit of the outdoors inside. Country Sampler Magazine showcases how to incorporate these natural elements into your kitchen with fruit bowls, wooden frames, and garlands. Not only do these features look great, but they will also bring a naturally woodsy smell inside your home.
5. Drape fairy lights around
Wind fairy lights around wooden posts or pillars or hang them in various places for a magical glow. You can also mimic this pinner and hang bulbs above the fireplace to illuminate the mantel. For a more organic look, wrap garland around the beams and hang some mistletoe overhead to complete the Christmas aesthetic. Really, anywhere you want to incorporate fairy lights is a good idea around the holidays.
6. Classic white and blue
This year, bring the winter wonderland vibe to your home with soft blues, whites, and silver. Follow in Creative Cain Cabin’s footsteps and decorate with light blue napkins, white tablecloths, and silvery ornaments to create a snowy escape inside your home. Even if your home is otherwise dark, white and blue will bring a brighter holiday feel.
7. Show off the fireplace
Whether you have a farmhouse, log cabin, or modern home showing off your fireplace will make a statement in your house this holiday season. Like Wedding Chicks on Pinterest, you can drape garland across the mantel, decorate it with some lively candles, and dress up the hearth with plenty of pine cones and ornaments.
8. Keep it light and bright
Many homes naturally have plenty of light, and you can brighten this space even further with white-colored items like stockings, beaded garlands, pillows, and Christmas signs. Pinterest user Tiffanyish’s version of a bright fireplace is like a breath of fresh air, incorporating white stockings, beads, pillows, and white paneling.
9. Wall signs are welcoming
Modern farmhouse homes are well known for their abundance of wall signs, encouraging guests to make themselves at home. This season, invest in signs that display merry quotes written in stunning calligraphy to softly say, “Happy holidays!” Wilshire Collections‘ simple Christmas sign in the entryway makes for a super adorable way to inspire merriment.
10. Incorporate faux fur
Incorporating faux fur into a rustic holiday decor theme adds a touch of warmth and elegance to your seasonal festivities. The soft texture of faux fur perfectly complements the cozy, natural elements of rustic decor. Consider draping faux fur blankets or throws over wooden furniture, creating a plush contrast to the rugged surroundings.
For a charming focal piece, place faux fur-trimmed stockings by the fireplace or hang them on a wooden mantel. Add faux fur pillows to your seating arrangements for an extra layer of comfort and style. To complete the look, use faux fur tree skirts and garlands, bringing a touch of luxury to your rustic Christmas tree.
By blending the opulence of faux fur with the simplicity of rustic elements like wood, burlap, and greenery, you can create a rustic holiday decor theme that’s both inviting and sophisticated.
When in doubt, DIY
Whether you’re a cabin lover or you prefer farmhouse decor, both styles can benefit from a DIY Christmas project. Beaded or braided garland, pine cone centerpieces, wooden trees, rustic sign frames, and fairy-light ensembles are just a few DIY Christmas decor ideas that will transform your holiday scene this year. Also, these little personal touches go a long way toward infusing the home with your personality.
What to avoid if you want your rustic Christmas decor to look modern
Be intentional with your design scheme as you decorate your space this holiday season. For a fresh take on classic Christmas decorum, you’ll want to avoid a few design pitfalls.
Avoid excess greenery
Keep your greenery and natural elements minimal. A few evergreen sprigs in a glass jar for a table centerpiece and a simple, plain evergreen garland on the mantle can be the perfect touches your design needs. You don’t have to go all out with pine cones and evergreen wreaths spread throughout the house.
Skip the kitschy decor
Instead of purchasing classic nutcrackers, poinsettia arrangements, and vintage pillows, opt for more sophisticated versions of the sesame Christmas themes. A porcelain Saint Nick and an unpainted nutcracker will look more elegant and modern in your space.
Don’t add too many clashing colors
Traditional Christmas decor often incorporates clashing colors. Christmas trees are a collection of trinkets from over the years, and blankets and pillows may not match your sofa or chairs. If you really want your design to feel cohesive, limit your color palette and avoid clashing tones.
If you’re looking for some rustic Christmas decor ideas that are sure to wow your family and friends as you celebrate the holidays this year, give one of the ideas above a try. If you need even more inspiration, head over to Pinterest. To stay on trend this year, take advantage of copper and neutral palettes and try your hand at a DIY project or two. We also encourage you to take inspiration from these ideas to make a holiday-themed scheme that’s all your own.
