How to Decorate for the Holidays with Minimal Holiday Decorations

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hat's right! Holiday decorating with minimal holiday decorations! Now, if you are a hard core holiday decorator who pulls out all the stops in grand Griswold style, you might want to avert your eyes. This post is all about NOT decorating in the traditional sense of the word. No, I'm not being a grinch! I'm simply applying some "simple living" principles to my holiday decor.

This year, I worked on changing the mood of the kitchen to create a holiday feeling instead of a holiday theme. The secret is in the color and a few simple accessories. It's like putting a new outfit on the room. For example, the WhisperWood Cottage kitchen went from everyday garb to festive holiday attire in one fell swoop...simply by choosing one color and using what I had on hand by shopping the house and garage. This year's holiday color of choice? Red!

MOVE THAT MOUSE...
For the next four photos, move your mouse over the image to see the before and after!
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THE ACCESSORIES

There are a few key accessories that speak directly and indirectly to the holiday feeling. The first is this tiered display holding some holiday projects I am making out of vintage metal cupcake tins. The second is the pop of red created by changing out these lampshades (found at IKEA) on the two vintage glass lamps.

The third is this fantabulous piece of metal goodness (the bottom of a bird cage, no less!) that I hung to serve as a special spot to hang those holiday greetings.

The fourth is the happy holidays sign, which is stenciled on a vintage tin ceiling tile. It is clearly the most blatant holiday item here! Lastly, these vintage red Cosco stools (along with the vintage gum ball machine shown a few photos earlier) bring a pop of the inspiration color to the floor level.

3 secrets to holiday decorating with minimal holiday decorations:

{1} have a neutral foundation

A neutral foundation provides you with a blank slate that can be updated with a change of colors, patterns, or textures. Think shades of white, black, grey, and brown for the major pieces in your room...like walls, floors, built-in cabinets, large upholstered items, etc. That allows you to give the room an instant facelift by changing out the smaller pieces in the room. You can see that white and cream form the foundation for the WhisperWood Cottage kitchen.

{2} choose an inspiring color

Choose an inspiration color to create the feeling you want in the room. Reds are vibrant and connote energy, celebration, and/or romance. In this case, red is a festive interpretation of the holiday season. Black and silver accents around the room add depth and shine. Time to party! Apply your inspiration and accent colors to rugs, pillows, smaller furniture, throws, photos, lamp shades, towels, and even bowls of fruit!

{3} shop the house, garage, shed, attic, etc.

Nine times out of 10, it is likely you have things around your home, garage, etc. that will fit with your color choices. If you don't have what you want, consider getting out the spray paint to transform a piece. Not that handy? Try a thrift or discount store. Keep it simple and use a few key pieces that you love.

Whatever decorating approach you take during the holiday season, savor each second of creating a space that is magical for you and your family. It is a time to gather, celebrate, and appreciate each other. Wishing you a happy and simple holiday season!