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5 Ways to Decorate and Keep a Minimal Aesthetic for the Holidays

by | Nov 16, 2016 | Living Urban | 0 comments

We’ve all seen the Portland neighborhoods where homeowners deck the halls (and everything else) with an overabundance of energy-guzzling holiday lighting and enough theme decor to populate a Macy’s parade float. However, not every homeowner needs to hit their neighbors over the head with a holiday in order to celebrate.

Some people would rather embody the spirit of the season by giving of themselves and keeping the decor to a minimum. You can certainly embrace a minimal aesthetic for the holidays where Portland modern homes are concerned.  There are definitely ways to display your holiday spirit along with your sense of economy and eco-friendliness. Here are a few ways to meet your goals and have a merry and modest holiday.

1. Outdoor Decor

We’re not talking about stringing up lights on the eaves, although if you’re going to do this, consider strings of solar powered fairy lights (which, believe it or not, can charge even on an overcast day). Rather, we’re talking about bringing the outdoors into Portland lofts.

Fallen leaves, pine cones, and boughs make for beautiful garlands, wreaths, and center pieces.  Plus, when you’re done, you can simply return them to nature to biodegrade, or throw dried pieces on your fire for kindling.

2. Color Wonderful

Seasonal color palettes aren’t necessarily set in stone.  If you need a boost after months of gray skies, adding a splash of holiday colors to your home is definitely in order. You don’t need to festoon your home with garish, manufactured holiday knickknacks.  Instead, think about decorating with winter squash (pumpkins included), bowls of oranges and cranberries, or a few potted poinsettias.

You can gain all the beautiful holiday colors you’re craving without spending an arm and a leg on manufactured decorations that you’ll have to shove into storage for the rest of the year.

3. Potted Trees

Cutting trees for the holidays is so wasteful, especially considering they’ll go straight to the dump in the new year. A better option is to get one or two potted pines. You can wrap them with festive ribbons that are easy to store for next year.

4. Candy Cane Lane

A little decor can go a long way in tiny Portland condos and lofts. If you’re looking for ways to spruce up your mantle, bannister, or tree, why not go for candy canes?

Classic red and white will make your home look both festive and sophisticated.  You can look forward to fresh breath for weeks after you transfer your decor to your candy dish.

5. Paper Crafts

Whether you’re making paper chains or craftily cutting snowflakes to hang around your home, make sure to purchase recycled paper for your minimalist holiday decorations.