Christmas by Design: Upcycled and Thrifted Holiday Décor Ideas

Interior & Landscape Design - December 5

The Christmas season has a way of inviting warmth into every corner of our homes — not through excess, but through intention. And when we design with intention, creativity, and stewardship, we step into a deeper expression of what this season truly represents: light entering the world, hope taking shape, and beauty emerging from places we might have overlooked.

This week’s Facet Fridays post is all about upcycled and thrifted holiday décor ideas, weaving sustainability with meaning and turning the space of your dreams into a brilliant reality.

When Christmas Becomes a Canvas for Creativity

There’s something special about holiday décor created with your own hands or rediscovered on a thrift store shelf. Every piece carries a story — and in your home, those stories become part of the atmosphere.

Upcycling and thrifting during the holiday season isn’t just sustainable; it’s spiritually symbolic. It mirrors the heart of Christ, who takes what has been overlooked, forgotten, or discarded… and breathes new life into it.

It’s a reminder that brilliance is already within — sometimes it just needs a little polishing. ✨

1. Thrifted Vessels Turned Centerpieces

Goodwill shelves are full of vases, bowls, and candleholders waiting to be transformed.

Paint them in rich Christmas tones like deep emerald, soft metallic gold, or matte black for a modern, elegant touch.

Fill with:

• Evergreen clippings

• Dried citrus slices

• Cinnamon sticks

• Wooden beads

• Thrifted ornaments in mixed textures

These pieces make perfect table centerpieces, entryway moments, or fireplace vignette accents.

2. Upcycled Ornaments with Meaning

Instead of buying new sets, refresh old ornaments by:

• Wrapping them in scrap fabric for a cozy, rustic feel

• Adding gilded touches using metallic paint pens

• Decoupaging them with sheet music, scripture, or handwritten prayers

• Painting them with your brand-inspired rich tones for cohesion

Let each ornament represent something you’re grateful for, believing for, or surrendering.

3. Evergreen Branches as Wall or Gallery Accents

For your landscape-inspired touches, gather fallen branches or clipped greenery.

Display them:

• Above door frames

• Layered into gallery walls

• Over mirrors for a luxe woodland feel

• As part of styled shelves for natural movement and softness

A simple branch becomes a reminder of creation, renewal, and the beauty God grows outside our walls.

4. Thrifted Textiles Transformed into Holiday Layers

Scarves, blankets, runners, and even shirts can become:

• Tree skirts

• Mantle runners

• Table linens

• Stocking accents

• Layered throw combinations

This is one of the easiest ways to bring warmth into a holiday design — and the textures tell their own stories.

5. Upcycled Outdoor Décor for Landscape Moments

Don’t forget your exterior!

Thrifted finds and natural elements can elevate your outdoor space just as beautifully:

• Turn old wooden crates into porch displays

• Spray-paint thrifted lanterns for a cohesive color story

• Use found pinecones and branches to style planter arrangements

• Create a reclaimed wood sign with a simple scripture like “Unto us a Child is born.”

These moments greet your home — and your spirit — with peace long before you step inside.

6. Scripture-Centered DIY Art

Creating custom art is not only on-brand for you — it’s a way to invite God’s Word into your home visually.

Use thrifted frames and add:

• Handwritten or calligraphy scripture

• Botanical pressed leaves

• Minimalist line art inspired by the Nativity

• Upcycled canvas painted in soft neutrals or jewel tones

Art therapy meets holiday décor — blending meaning with beauty.

7. The Heart Behind Brilliantly Sustainable Holiday Living

Holiday décor doesn’t have to be expensive or excessive. Sometimes the most beautiful spaces come from honoring what already exists… adding a little creativity… and allowing God’s guidance to shape the atmosphere.

Upcycling reminds us that nothing is wasted in God’s hands.

Thrifting reminds us that beauty can be found in unlikely places.

Design reminds us that creativity is a spiritual gift — a reflection of the Creator Himself.

And as always, the goal is to design in a way that honors Him, our homes, and the earth He entrusted to us.

As you step into this season, may your home reflect more than décor — may it reflect gratitude, stewardship, creativity, and the quiet brilliance that emerges when we stay aligned with God’s heart.

Whether it’s a thrifted ornament made new or a simple branch woven into your gallery wall, every detail can carry meaning. Every corner can speak peace.

If you’re ready to turn your dreams into a brilliant reality, complete your design discovery questionnaire today HERE.