New build homes are bright, modern and beautifully neutral. So, when the festive season rolls around, you have lots of freedom to decorate in a way that suits your tastes. There are loads of great ways to invite the season into your home, and you don’t have to break the budget doing it.
With a dash of creativity and a little bit of foraging, you can bring natural texture, warmth and festive charm into your new build without cluttering its clean lines. In this article, we’ll show you how to create a festive vibe in your new build home with foraged items to create DIY festive decorations.
Why Foraged Decorations Work Perfectly in New Builds
Most new builds give you the perfect foundation for setting up your Christmas decorations, with open-plan design and clean finishes. Foraged decór complements this style beautifully by bringing in organic shapes, earthy tones and a little bit of seasonal flair.
During winter, you can pick up pinecones, branches, berries and greenery outdoors for free. These additions are perfect for festive decorations, as they make your spaces feel cosy and welcoming without overwhelming things.
Using foraged items is also great fun, as you can enjoy a crisp winter walk while gathering your decorations. It’s also affordable, sustainable and unique to your area. Every piece tells a story and reflects the season naturally rather than relying on mass-produced ornaments.
Where and How to Forage Safely
If you’re planning to get your winter decorations through foraging, make sure you’re doing it right. Try to minimise your impact on nature by targeting fallen branches, cones and leaves. The aim is to not disrupt the surrounding wildlife, so be mindful of this.
In terms of places to look, parks and woodland walks are great options. You can even have a look around your garden or neighbourhood to see if you can hunt down some decorative materials. Be on the lookout for:
Pinecones and fir cones
Evergreen branches (pine, spruce, holly without berries)
Twigs and curly willow
Dried grasses, seed heads and eucalyptus
Acorns and chestnuts
Remember to avoid private land and protected areas, and give everything a gentle clean and dry before bringing it indoors.
Simple Foraged Centrepieces for Modern Spaces
A minimalist table or kitchen island is the perfect base for a natural festive centrepiece. This is a great option if you’re hosting a party, as it creates a lovely central point to socialise around. Arrange evergreen clippings, pinecones and a few dehydrated orange slices along a runner or wooden board. You can then add simple white candles to keep the look clean and contemporary.
For a subtle scent boost, tuck in cinnamon sticks, star anise or sprigs of rosemary. These natural fragrance works especially well for conjuring up those traditional festive aromas!
Festive Wreaths With a Contemporary Twist
You can design your own wreath in whatever style you want; it doesn’t have to be too modern or traditional. To start, use a willow branch base (or buy a pre-made wreath base) and attach your foraged greenery loosely for an airy, modern feel. Keep the colour palette restrained with greens, browns and muted reds that work beautifully against new build doors and neutral interior walls.
Wreaths are actually quite versatile, so get a little experimental. You can hang wreaths on doors, of course, but try placing them on mirrors or cupboard fronts. This can create a great sense of festive cohesion throughout the home without breaking the bank.
Styling Shelves and Corners Naturally
If your new build home has any shelving or alcoves, you can transform these nooks with a bit of seasonal styling. For example, you can cluster pinecones in glass jars, layer branches in tall vases or drape fairy lights through foraged twigs. This approach is great because it adds festive interest without sacrificing the uncluttered aesthetic many new homeowners love.
A Festive Home That Feels Personal
Decorating with foraged items allows you to embrace the festive season in a way that feels intentional, calm and connected to nature. For new build homes especially, this natural approach adds warmth, character and personality. With the right approach, you can cultivate a festive vibe without taking any plastic boxes from the loft. Instead, just take a wander outside and see what you can forage!
If you’re looking for your dream home to make festive memories in, then our team at Sanctuary would love to help. Please take a look at our developments or get in touch with us today to discuss your needs.