I'm Spiritually Opposed To Minimalist Christmas Decor, But Julianne Moore's 'Nearly Naked' Tree Has Shown Even Me That Pared-Back Decorations Can Look Ultra-Chic

A mini Christmas tree covered in just lights in the actor's living room has changed my opinion on minimalist decor – here's what sets her look apart

julianne moore on a plain background
(Image credit: Pascal Le Segretain via Getty Images)

As a staunch maximalist, minimalist Christmas decor sits in opposition to everything I stand for. I know that beige ornaments, clean-lined trees, and boucle angels are the pinnacle of chic to many designers, but for me, they tend to fall flat, and I much prefer a gaudy display bursting with color and lights. However, even I have to admit that Julianne Moore's pared-back Christmas display is stunning.

The actress took to Instagram to share the simple Christmas tree idea in her lower Manhattan townhouse. Julianne's miniature tree is naked except for a smattering of warm Christmas lights, highlighting the simple beauty of the small, spare evergreen. Positioned to the left of her large windows, every detail feels beautifully intentional.

Recreate Julianne's Look at Home With The Minimalist Christmas Edit

Furthermore, Julianne Moore's minimalist Christmas design works because it makes the natural world a central feature. The spare branches of the actor's tree let the light reflecting off the snow outside light the entire room, creating an expansive and bright feel. It also keeps the decor from taking away from the rattan and wooden textures already in the room.


If Julianne Moore's design has even the staunches of maximalists recanting her stance, it might be time to try something new. With a little attention to balance, and a careful hand, the look is well within reach.


Sophie Edwards
News Editor

Sophie is a writer and News Editor on the Celebrity Style team at Homes & Gardens. She is fascinated by the intersection of design and popular culture and is particularly passionate about researching trends and interior history. She is an avid pop culture fan and has interviewed Martha Stewart and Hillary Duff.

In her free time, Sophie freelances on design news for Westport Magazine and Livingetc. She also has a newsletter, My Friend's Art, in which she covers music, culture, and fine art through a personal lens. Her fiction has appeared in Love & Squalor and The Isis Magazine.

Before joining Future, Sophie worked in editorial at Fig Linens and Home, a boutique luxury linens brand. She has an MSc from Oxford University and a BA in Creative Writing and Sociology from Sarah Lawrence College.

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