Tag Modern

We know you know: we’re obsessed with a streamlined aesthetic. Here at Camille Styles, natural, organic, and minimalist are all design values we each adhere to in our homes. (And beyond—our earthy vibes know no bounds.) But of course, when the holidays roll around, this presents a bit of a challenge. Our aim is festive without going over the top—and no, that doesn’t have to be a paradox. In an effort to speak to the modernists among us, we culled the best modern Christmas tree decorations.

And since “modern” can be vague, we set out to find a variety of unique inspirations. From streamlined ornaments and a completely contemporary take on the Christmas “tree” to a woodland-inspired approach, we have your chic halls covered.

10 Modern Christmas Tree Ideas for a Contemporary Aesthetic

This time of year, while all things are merry and bright, it can seem like you’re trying to take the holly-jolliness out of it all by keeping things pared-back. But fear not, there are plenty of ways to weave in a little character and narrative to your tree without going overboard. Ahead, discover over favorite modern Christmas tree decorations and the homes that inspired them. We guarantee you’ll find a look you love.

Every product is curated with care by our editors and we’ll always give an honest opinion, whether gifted or purchased ourselves. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Modern, but Cozy

This year, Camille’s holiday decor was all about keeping things as comfy as possible. After all, with all the hustle and bustle December brings on, it’s important we soak up the seasonal comforts as best we can. A few years back, Camille opted for a faux Christmas tree—one that’s tall enough to fill her high ceilings. Though her exact tree is out of stock, we found the perfect lookalike to help your decor make a subtle statement. Pair it with a linen tree skirt and kraft paper-wrapped presents so that your heirloom ornaments can speak for themselves.

See more: Camille’s Cozy Winter Haven Holiday Decor

Put a Bow on It

Bows are one of the year’s biggest holiday trends—both on and off our heads. While I love doing a half-up hairstyle with my favorite velvet bow, the look is also so chic on the tree. Purchase a few spools of velvet ribbon in coordinating colors (I love how dramatic and modern jewel tones look on the tree), and tie bows all around with long tails. They’ll echo the accents on your presents perfectly. Pro tip: Be sure to keep the rest of your ornaments fairly minimalist so your bows can shine.

Image via Chèr House

Add a Pop of Orange

For me, oranges are synonymous with the holidays. I love having them on the stove in a simmer pot with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and other spices—and I can eat my weight in the citrus all throughout December. But my favorite way to enjoy them this season is drying slices in the oven and stringing garlands of oranges all over my tree. It’s a natural, easy way to bring a pop of understated color to an otherwise minimal tree.

Image via B Vintage Style

The Christmas “Tree”

Okay, this is art—the distilled essence of a Tannenbaum. If you don’t have room for a tree, we love this simple alternative. Visit a thrift store or your local Goodwill to source old music sheets and tape in a tree formation using neutral or festive washi tape. It’s the ultimate in Christmas minimalist—and there’s nothing Charlie Brown about it.

Image via The Nordroom

Make It Match

Last year, Camille opted for a tree design that mimicked an evergreen forest. She wanted a look that was streamlined while still echoing the character and whimsy of her Christmas trees past. To do so, she matched her tree to the faux garland and wreath that hung from her mantle. The whole look is amplified and brought together by a mirror that makes the space feel even larger than it is.

See more: Camille’s Evergreen Christmas Decor

Place It in a Basket

This is a brilliant modern touch to bring into a small space. Rather than trying to balance a too-big tree in a corner where it will overwhelm the space, opt instead to go smaller-scale. And with such a petite tree, you can sneak it into a pretty woven basket. Trust me, the vibes will be so cozy—and it’s a project you can take from start to finish in about 10 minutes.

Image via The Merrythought

The Scandinavian Tree

Scandinavian style is synonymous with sleek, modern minimalism, and the less-is-more approach translates beautifully to the holidays. Finding a way to make a natural tree warm and festive is peak Scandi-chic. With a streamlined color palette, furry blanket, and barely-there twinkle lights, the look is simple but highly effective.

Image via @zilya_home

Make It Moody

I love creating elegance with a pared-back palette. Tones of cream, dark burgundy, and deep taupe echo this home’s modern, Nordic aesthetic. If you like incorporating many pieces into your modern Christmas tree decorations but still want the look to bring a sense of calm to your space, keep your ornaments darker while letting your twinkly lights shine.

Image via These Four Walls

The Naturalistic Christmas Tree

Because we’re all so excited for the holiday season to begin, Camille tends to deck out her Austin home a bit on the early side. And though she went all out a few years back, the natural vibe and neutral color palette kept things feeling organic.

See more: Camille’s Natural, Woodland-Inspired Holiday Decor

When the Star Is a Star

The Christmas tree topper is often the icing on the cake, but what if you really gave it a moment. Pick an avant-garde take on the traditional star for a twinkling statement that draws the eye.

Image via Viv & Tim Home

In a time where kitchens are typically customized within an inch of their smart refrigerators’ lives, it’s surprising how long islands remained just, well, islands. The standalone structures seemed to go on for years without much dramatic tinkering, until a relatively recent contemporary design trend: the waterfall kitchen island.

For guidance on the eye-catching style (where the counter extends to cover the sides of the island), I tapped the team behind some of the most stunning waterfall island installs I’ve seen yet, the all-women trio behind Dallas-based BuildTX Solutions.

Featured image of Camille’s kitchen by Michelle Nash.

Breaking Down the Waterfall Kitchen Island Trend

“What we appreciate most about the waterfall kitchen island trend is its ability to blend functionality with high-end design,” says Yelitza Mora, BuildTX’s director of business development. “It provides a seamless look that can make a kitchen appear more spacious and uncluttered. Additionally, the design offers added protection to the sides of the cabinets, which can be particularly beneficial in high-traffic areas.”

The streamlined look can also help with flow, creating continuity between the kitchen and other living areas. “This is important in open-concept layouts, where the kitchen is often visible from other parts of the home,” adds Mora.

And thanks to the availability of new, more affordable materials, like quartz and laminate, a waterfall island doesn’t have to destroy your budget. (Though nothing can truly beat the look and durability of natural stone.)

For clean-lined inspiration, we gathered up 12 striking examples of great waterfall kitchen islands, including some that feature Mora’s favorite custom touches.

12 Waterfall Kitchen Islands for Every Style (and Budget)

The Fluted Waterfall Island

Much like the waterfall kitchen island, the fluted trend isn’t going anywhere. “This new trend is everywhere, from walls to tile and furniture,” Daniella Villamil shared with us this summer. “It’s a beautiful way of playing with organic shapes and textures and we welcome it!”

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The High-Contrast Waterfall Kitchen Island

Up the drama by pairing a white marble waterfall countertop with dark-painted wood and cabinetry for even more visual interest.

The Butcher Block Waterfall

As striking as it is utilitarian, this wooden take on a waterfall island (or, in this case, peninsula) offers a slightly more affordable take on the trend while maintaining that continuous flow.

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The Built-In Waterfall Wine Fridge

Our absolute favorite way to blend form, function, and the waterfall look.

A Waterfall Island With Built-In Shelving

A waterfall island is a statement-making focal point enough on its own, but adding shelving to display things like cookbooks or artwork makes for a true storage showstopper.

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The All-White Waterfall Island

Why stop at the stone when it comes to continuity? Keep the streamlined look going by placing your “waterfall” over an existing peninsula and keep the baseboards (and outlets!) intact.

A Built-In Beverage Station

One of the coolest custom additions Mora has seen requested for a waterfall island installation.

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A Concrete Waterfall

For a more industrial spin on the modern kitchen trend, opt for cement or concrete countertops.

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Tuck in Your Dishwasher

“A clever way to maximize space in a small kitchen is to house an under-counter refrigerator or dishwasher in the waterfall element,” Mora notes.

Under Cabinet Lighting

Display your island like the work of art it is.

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Make It a Marble Statement Piece

Waterfall islands have a reputation for being pricey, mainly because of how much expensive stone (like marble) goes into creating the look. But think about it this way: if you go big on the island, you can minimal on everything else, à la Ashley Robertson. Just be sure to treat your stone if you do go with marble slabs since the material can be so porous.

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A Durable Quartz Waterfall Kitchen Island

And speaking of porous, opting for durable quartz over marble can easily solve that problem. Camille has always embraced the waterfall island trend (in bother her bungalow and her family’s Austin home). In the airy bungalow, she opted for Caesarstone Calacatta Nuvo to act as a neutral for their mostly white contemporary kitchen.

Wallpaper has always held design currency. In my years covering aesthetics and poring over people’s houses in architectural magazines, I’ve found the homes with the most regal touches and confidence to have modern wallpaper finishes. This décor staple has deep roots.

It also has transformative power. When I reached out to corral wallpaper insights and expertise, I was surprised by designers’ eagerness to share how they’re incorporating modern wallpaper into their current projects—from bedrooms to billiards rooms to kids’ rooms and beyond. Their following forecasts, tips, and predictions prove: Wallpaper continues to reign.

Featured image by Ryann Ford; design by Sara Malek Barney of BANND/DESIGN.

Image by Ryann Ford; design by Sara Malek Barney of BANND/DESIGN.

12 Designer Tips for Decorating With Modern Wallpaper

Every product is curated with care by our editors and we’ll always give an honest opinion, whether gifted or purchased ourselves. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

#1: Look to Large-Scale Natural Landscapes

“These patterns really allow our clients to feel surrounded by nature even when inside,” shares Jennifer Morrison of Morrison Design House. “Natural landscape wallpaper also stays a bit more timeless rather than bright graphics or patterns that might fall in and out of style.”

#2: Seek Quality

“Nothing beats handcrafted wallpaper,” says Hayley English of Hayley English Interiors.  “Think block printing or roller methods. The texture is breathtaking in person.”

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Image courtesy of Jennifer Morrison of Morrison Design House.

#3: Consider Guests’ Enjoyment

“Traditionally, public spaces in a home include those that are enjoyed not only by homeowners but also by family and friends, while private spaces, such as the office, are rarely seen by others,” explains English. “If you’re willing to splurge on wallpaper, we suggest installing it in a public space of your home.”

#4: Go for Fun

“We are using textured wallpaper and abstract and floral designs that bring a fun element to a space,” shares Sara Malek Barney of BANDD/DESIGN. “To incorporate these looks at home, start by selecting a room that could use a visual lift or a new focal point. Consider the existing color scheme and furnishings in the space to choose a wallpaper that complements the overall aesthetic.”

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Image courtesy of Color Kind Studio.

#5: Wallpaper the Kids’ Rooms

In children’s spaces, I love incorporating a mural via the ceiling or a wall to add a unique eye-catching moment,” says Jasmine Crockett, founder of JoyMeetsHome. “I love a mix of textured wallpapers and murals.”

#6: Create a Statement Wall

“If budget is a concern and the architecture feels right, one wall of wallpaper surrounded by a coordinating paint color can sometimes be just as effective,” suggests Morrison.

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Image of Justina Blakeney’s LA home.

#7: Go Geometric

“We are currently partial to using wallpapers with subtle geometric patterns,” says Cameron Johnson, founder & CEO of Nickson Living. “Subtle geometric patterns softly say ‘hi’ to their observers versus scream ‘look at me.’ The wallpapers often have solid colored backdrops with textured feels that allow them to be used in any room.”

“Wallpaper can instantly transform a space and add depth, texture, and personality.” — Sara Malek Barney of BANDD/DESIGN

#8: Lean Into Moody and Textured

“I am currently working on a billiards room and am loving textured wallpapers,” shares Abby Gruman of Abby Leigh Designs. “Velvet and lacquer! Dark and moody is the vibe of this space.”

#9: Don’t Shy From Maximalism

“We can’t help but lean into moody maximalist-inspired prints,” says Katie Browning in tandem with Heather Lucas, both of Lucas Browning Designs. “This dramatic look is perfect specifically for powder rooms by instantly elevating the tone of the space and allowing you to make a bold choice in a small space.”

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Image courtesy of Lucas Browning Designs.

#10: Give Love to Windowless Walls

“Wallpaper can be great in rooms with large walls that do not have openings or windows—such as the bed wall in a bedroom, the couch wall in a living room, the only wall in a dining room, or one side of a hallway,” adds Johnson. “These walls are typically hard to carry with a single piece of artwork and make great candidates for wallpaper.”

#11: Non-Committal? Go for Stickers

“A lot of companies make peel-and-stick wallpapers. If the budget is tight, you can use these and get the same look,” says Gruman. “Decals are also great for children’s rooms.”

#12: Just Play!

“I encourage anyone interested in wallpaper to just play!” exclaims Jill Elliott of Color Kind Studio. “Order swatches of your favorite patterns and live with them in your space for a bit […] It’s such a great way to set the tone for the home!”

Ready to switch up your space? Camille shares her biggest design mistakes—and how she fixed them along the way.