The ALT Collective is set to present its most ambitious edition yet when ALT ART returns to Manila this February. Moving to the SMX Convention Center at the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay, the fourth iteration of this contemporary art showcase represents a significant leap in scale and ambition for the Philippine art scene. […]
4 Interior Design Trends to Upgrade Your Christmas Decor This Year
This 2024, we’ve seen a lot of emerging design ideas, taking inspiration from fashion, music, psychology, and philosophy, that changed the way we perceive interior spaces. And now that we’re approaching the Yuletide season, you might want to break away from your usual way of decorating and try something fresh and out of the ordinary. So, here are four interior design trends from MyHome’s archive you can apply to your Christmas decor.
Unexpected Red Theory
The Unexpected Red Theory posits that a splash of red can easily elevate any space, even where it’s least expected. This means that any decor in this color, regardless of its size and form, can automatically improve your home’s look due to its innate dominant visual and psychological properties.
Since red is among this season’s trademarks, you might have been accustomed to using it liberally—from Christmas tree ornaments and fabrics to table centerpieces and other design accents. But with this interior design trend, utilizing red should be minimal and intentional.
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Instead of randomly incorporating this hue in every detail you like, you can strategically use it in two ways. One is by making it the focal point of your Christmas decor. This works best when you apply it in statement pieces like Christmas trees, lanterns, and wreaths. Since these items naturally command attention, adding a touch of red further emphasizes their striking features.
Another method of applying this theory is when you want to emphasize overlooked or subtle details and areas. For instance, if you want guests to notice your window treatments, try putting red ribbons or bows on them. Or if you like your console table as appealing as the rest of your holiday decor, adorn it with red candles, artwork, or vases.
Wrong Shoe Theory
Aside from curated pops of red, adding “mismatched” or “misplaced” pieces also make your Christmas decor more intriguing. As the Wrong Shoe Theory suggests, inserting something odd or out of place breaks the interior’s visual flow. This results in a visually stimulating space since the clashing detail appears more prominent among the matching objects surrounding it.
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When decorating for Christmas, most people follow a theme. Sticking to a consistent color palette or material creates a cohesive and polished look. But with this design trend, you can break free from the usual and stand out as fresh and unpredictable.
There are two ways to bring this concept to life in your space.
Add an Unexpected Twist
If your theme is traditional red and green, introduce a few ornaments in contrasting colors like blue, orange, or purple to add a playful element of surprise. Similarly, if your decor focuses on natural elements such as wood, branches, or pinecones, incorporate metallic or industrial accents to create contrast and visual interest.
Reimagine Placement
Move your Christmas tree to an unconventional location, such as the dining area or entryway, instead of the living room. You can also repurpose traditional ornaments by hanging them from lighting fixtures, the edges of coffee tables, or mirrors to give your space a fresh, creative vibe. This way, your holiday decor feels unique and anything but predictable.
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Dopamine Decorating
For a stylish and personalized approach to holiday decor, Dopamine Decorating is a great way to go. Here, your definition of joy dictates how you choose and style your Christmas decor. Anything that instantly uplifts your mood is welcome to be part of your holiday aesthetic. So, if you want to add vibrant colors or have clashing sentimental knick-knacks, you do you.
You have complete freedom to either entirely skip traditional Christmas items or layer them with your personal pieces. It could be something like a passed-down Christmas tree ornament paired with handmade decorations.
Moreover, you can showcase your hobbies and blend them with your new items. Either hang your own paintings over a sofa with holiday throw pillows or display your crochets on the dinner table with a new set of tableware.
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The good thing here is the opportunity to use your existing decor, recycle and upcycle treasured antiques, and make more thoughtful and intentional purchases.
Tiny Art Trend
If you feel the first three trends are a bit bold and overwhelming, you can still make your decor chic but less imposing with the Tiny Art Trend. This microtrend is all about showcasing small-scale artwork to fill up bare walls and underutilized spaces. It also lets the surrounding empty space highlight the items that occupy it, drawing attention to them. By providing ample breathing room, it ensures that even small decor pieces stand out and make a greater impact.
Filipino Christmas celebrations are traditionally grand and maximalist, characterized by oversized decorations, vibrant colors, and dazzling lights. In contrast, the minimalist style of the Tiny Art Trend offers a refreshing departure from this exuberant holiday aesthetic.
All you have to do is to simply downsize and reduce these items. For example, instead of a large Christmas tree, opt for a tabletop one. You can also replace other majestic ornaments with more delicate miniature versions like tiny figurines, nativity, and Christmas village.
Christmas is a magical time of year and deserves to be celebrated in a way that’s fresh and festive. Why not break away from tradition and embrace the latest interior design trends to create a truly memorable Christmas experience? These innovative ideas can help you infuse your holiday decor with a unique and stylish flair.
Read more: The Complete Buyer’s Guide for Elevated Essential Christmas Decor Ideas
The CWC Design Center (CDC), along with the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Philippines, hosted its Resilience by Design: Strengthening Cities, Buildings, & Communities event. The event invited Architect Eric Manuel of ARCH Capital, Architect Gelo Mañosa of Mañosa & Co., and Oliver Chan of Arthland as panelists. Aptly named, the event discussed how good design […]
Situated in Cubao, Quezon City, MIRA by RLC Residences offers a warm and thoughtful environment for couples preparing for their next chapter. Driven by the idea of home beginning long before one starts a family, this community is built around comfort, community, and the everyday rhythms of family life. Family First MIRA offers compact and […]
On January 15, 2026, the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls opened its doors to take a bold step towards showcasing Filipino creative excellence. On that day, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., joined by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and former First Lady Imelda Marcos, led the official opening ceremony. Situated along Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, its 8,000-square-meter […]
As Filipinos embrace the new year and the changes it brings, they are also bringing an introspective look into their living spaces. BluPrint offers a list of interior design trends suitable for the modern Filipino home. Modern Folk Modern folk blends traditional craftsmanship, cultural expressions, and natural materials with modern simplicity. This design style taps […]
“I would like Flow to hopefully turn into a place where artists can come together, collaborate and create an overall experience,” says chef Kevin Uy. This desire of his is manifested in different ways throughout FLOW— a sleek, new restaurant he opened with his childhood friend, chef Gabriel Ong. Uy is full of ideas, fairly […]
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