This Unexpected Color Is Dominating 2024 Holiday Decor, According to Pros
The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year, largely thanks to all the festive decorations. But instead of the standard reds, greens, and golds you see everywhere in December, it’s time to switch things up. Enter 2024’s unexpected trending color: chocolate velvet (at least, according to TikTok).
This rich, stunning neutral couldn’t be more versatile, and, depending on how you style it, it can complement any special occasion and a variety of color palettes. From Christmas and New Year’s — or even all the way back to Halloween and Thanksgiving — the beauty of the deep brown is that it can work year-round. Gone are the days of seasonal decor that you’ll have to pack up as soon as the celebrations are over. To prove this theory, I went straight to the experts and got their insight on how they’d use the dark tone in a space, for the holidays and beyond.
Which Colors Pair Well with Chocolate Velvet?
There’s a sense of elegance and sophistication that comes with this trending shade. Unlike other dramatic hues, a dynamic, velvety brown can go in many directions — whether it’s paired with greenery that mimics nature or layers of similar-toned neutrals. Don’t be afraid to experiment and consider color combos you may not have thought of before, too.
Bring on the Blue
Balance out the boldness of brown with airy blues. “My personal favorite would be to pair chocolate brown with a pale blue, particularly a muted tone similar to a winter sky shade,” says digital creator Lexi Poer, who runs the Instagram account @strollinginthesuburbs. “It offers a fresh, modern take on holiday decor while maintaining warmth.”
Keep It Classic
For a timeless pairing, stick with soft neutrals. “Tones like taupe and beige add a subtle warmth and pair beautifully with brown for an understated elegance,” says interior designer Juliette Byrne.
Go for Jewel Tones
Forget your quintessential holiday colors and explore similar shades. “Take traditional palettes of berry red and pine green and replace them with jewel tones like burgundy and emerald or pine green,” says Tom Magill, senior home stylist at Anthropologie. “Jewel tones feel warm and rich for the cooler season and will still look great after you’ve removed the layers of holiday decor.”
Channel the Great Outdoors
Browns and greens go hand in hand in the wild, so why not do the same at home? “Chocolate velvet is a luxurious color, making it perfect for creating a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere,” Balsam Hill’s chief merchandising officer Jen Derry explains. “Earthy tones like deep greens and caramels also pair wonderfully. Turn to woodland glass accents like Balsam Hill’s glass mushroom ornaments and decor set.”
How to Style Chocolate Velvet in Your Home
When it comes to decorating with chocolate velvet, the sky’s the limit. You can go big or small. It could be as simple as displaying brown throw pillows or accent pieces such as garlands and wreaths. On the other hand, you could hang up striking dark curtains. Just keep it cohesive and find balance in whatever you decide to do.
Elevate and Accentuate
Don’t go overboard with brown. “Make chocolate velvet be the accent color against lighter shades, rather than giving the brown and the paler color equal space,” says culinary influencer and designer Stephanie Nass. “For example, opt for chocolate brown trim on a white napkin, chocolate brown pillow on a beige couch, or a dark wood table on a creamy carpet. This way, the chocolate velvet will pop in a visually pleasant way.”
Ribbons, Ribbons, Ribbons
No matter what you’re celebrating, ribbons are an excellent way to spread some cheer. “Using an inexpensive chocolate velvet ribbon you can make beautiful bows and tie them to almost anything in your home,” Poer suggests. “Add them to the top of framed art, tie them onto taper candleholders, or use them on the tree or garland. The beautiful thing about chocolate velvet is that you can incorporate this into your decor very early in the holiday season, and it looks beautiful from Halloween through Thanksgiving and into the new year.”
Brown Velvet Ribbon 1'' 25 Yards for Christmas Tree
Amazon
$19.99 (was $23.99)
Dare to Drape
Make a statement with eye-catching floor-to-ceiling brown drapes, especially if you have large windows. It’s a purposeful and dramatic way to include the color that’ll instantly “elevate your interiors,” Byrne emphasizes.
Pops of Texture
Shine is key, but make it contemporary. “Gold and silver accents are timeless and pair well with everything,” Magill points out. “However, I encourage you to think about unexpected metallics like matte brass or chrome for a more modern look.”
Make sure to also weave in different textures that could transition between seasons. “Consider warm-weather linens or a fall leather to balance the richness of the velvet,” Magill adds.
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