As the holiday season settled over the winter landscape of 2017, color forecasters and design enthusiasts turned their attention to the evolving palettes defining the year's celebrations. Christmas color trends in 2017 marked a distinct shift from the traditional red and green dominance, embracing a more sophisticated and nuanced approach to festive styling. This year was about depth, contrast, and the artful combination of classic holiday spirit with modern, minimalist elegance, setting the stage for a season that felt both timeless and contemporary.
The dominant narrative of the 2017 holiday season was rooted in nature and organic warmth. Instead of relying on synthetic brightness, designers and homeowners looked to the earth for inspiration. This manifested in a collection of tones that mirrored the winter forest and the setting sun, creating a backdrop that felt authentic and grounded. The focus was on creating a sophisticated atmosphere that invited quiet reflection and cozy gatherings, moving away from the sometimes-garish holiday clichés of previous decades.
Earthy & Muted Palettes
At the heart of the 2017 Christmas aesthetic was a collection of muted, dusty tones that provided a serene canvas for celebration. These colors drew direct inspiration from the natural world, capturing the essence of winter’s quieter moments. The overall effect was one of understated luxury, where richness came from depth and combination rather than sheer intensity.
Deep Forest Greens
Moving away from the bright, sometimes artificial-looking greens of the past, 2017 embraced deep, almost evergreen shades. These greens were reminiscent of pine boughs and holly leaves, offering a rich, grounding presence. When paired with natural materials like wood, burlap, or linen, these greens created a space that felt like a cozy cabin retreat, transporting individuals straight into the heart of the winter woods.
Earthy Reds & Terracotta
Red remained a key player in 2017, but it evolved dramatically. The vibrant, candy-cane red was largely replaced by deeper, more complex hues. Think burgundy, oxblood, and rusty terracotta. These shades drew inspiration from dried spices like cloves and cinnamon, as well as the changing colors of autumn leaves. They added a warm, inviting glow to decor, whether through a single statement piece like a velvet throw or a collection of terracotta-wrapped gifts.
Metallic Accents: Rose Gold & Brass
While natural tones dominated the color field, metallics provided the necessary shimmer and glamour for the season. The metallic trends of 2017 were defined by a move away from the cool, sterile shine of silver. Instead, warmer metals took center stage, adding a touch of old-world charm and romantic elegance to the festive setting.
Rose gold emerged as a particularly popular choice, offering a soft, blush-like contrast to the deeper greens and reds. It signaled a more romantic and modern take on holiday glitter. When combined with classic brass, which continued its resurgence from the previous years, the effect was a mix of vintage sophistication and contemporary warmth. These metals were often seen in candle holders, picture frames, and decorative ornaments, catching the light beautifully against the matte textures of the natural palette.
Classic Elegance: Navy & Burgundy
For those seeking a more formal and timeless aesthetic, the combination of deep navy blue and rich burgundy became a hallmark of sophisticated 2017 Christmas styling. This palette exuded a sense of old-world grandeur and class, perfect for elegant dinner parties or upscale holiday events. The pairing created a dramatic yet harmonious contrast that felt both festive and refined.
Navy acted as a luxurious, dark backdrop that made the burgundy elements—whether in the form of plaid textiles, glassware, or floral arrangements—pop with incredible vibrancy. This sophisticated duo moved Christmas decor into the realm of interior design, proving that the holidays could be both joyous and impeccably styled. Think of it as the color equivalent of a well-tailored holiday sweater: classic, effective, and endlessly chic.
The Rise of Monochromatic & Neutral Schemes
In contrast to the bold combinations of other years, 2017 also saw a significant trend towards monochromatic and neutral-based palettes. All-white or near-white Christmas trees became increasingly popular, adorned with clear glass ornaments, mercury glass decorations, and soft pastel lights. This trend stripped away the traditional colors entirely, focusing instead on texture and form.
Similarly, schemes built around creams, ivories, and soft greys created a calming, spa-like atmosphere in the home. When accented with natural greenery and wood, these neutral palettes offered a modern, serene alternative to the traditional festive riot of color. It was a trend that catered to the growing desire for mindfulness and calm during the often-hectic holiday season, proving that Christmas could be peaceful as well as vibrant.
Patterns and Textures: Plaid and Velvet
While not colors in the traditional sense, the patterns and textures associated with 2017 Christmas trends were inextricably linked to its color story. Plaid, particularly in the classic red and green colorways but also in navy and burgundy, made a strong comeback. However, the plaid of 2017 was less about kitsch and more about rustic charm, appearing on throws, pillows, and table runners to add visual interest and warmth.
Velvet was the quintessential texture of the season, bringing a tactile richness that complemented the muted color palette perfectly. From velvet stockings and pillows to elegant gowns and table settings, the material added a layer of depth and luxury. The combination of soft, fuzzy textures with the sharp, defined colors of the year created a dynamic and visually stimulating holiday environment that felt both cozy and curated.
