Muted Yet Festive Holiday Decorating
Living Etc.

Most holiday decorations are all about the bright, the shiny, or the snow white. But take a look at these muted holiday settings for a little dark and dreamy inspiration.

Muted doesn't have to mean somber - it can be rich, relaxing and luxurious instead. We love the dark wall colors in these photos put together with natural deep hues from fruits and plants. Deep berry colors seem to work best for creating a dark yet festive holiday setting. What do you think?

Images: Living Etc.

Categories: Style, Decorating

Posted by Regina Yunghans

Regina is an architect who lives with her husband and son in Lawrence, KS. As a LEED Accredited Professional and longtime contributor to Apartment Therapy and The Kitchn, her focus is on healthy, sustainable living through design.
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Comments (8)

I like it! I'm going to try that this year. I have a grey-blue accent wall in my main room and I had trouble trying to find festive "holiday" colors to compliment it. Thanks!!!

Yeah, it's easy to forget that with design and lighting (and food and everything else) that more isn't necessarily better. Holidays benefit from these kinds of intimate decorations, which is what the holidays are about, getting to together with family and friends, right? And they're a nice antidote to the commercial hubbub outside the house!

I used to decorate my tree in navy blue glass balls and pink ribbon - I thought it was rather dramatic, but my boyfriend said it looked funereal. Now that we are married, our blue balls are headed to Goodwill.

I would love to know the name of the paint!!!!!!

I would love to know the name of the blue paint!!!!!!

Nah! Glitz! Dazzle! Lights! This is way too elegant and subdues, no fun at all!!!

Where is the after photo?

I love this. So cozy. I'm going to try this style on the cheap this year.

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