December 2016 was that magical time of year when your house wanted to be three things at once:
(1) cozy, (2) company-ready, and (3) somehow still functional after you wrapped approximately 900 gifts
and hid the evidence in a closet you promised you’d “organize in January.”
That’s why a monthly roundup like Remodelaholic in Review hits so perfectly in December:
you get a greatest-hits playlist of DIY inspirationholiday decor, smart little upgrades, and
big-impact projectswithout having to click around like a caffeinated squirrel.
What “Remodelaholic in Review” really delivers
Remodelaholic’s monthly “in review” posts are part recap, part inspiration board, and part friendly nudge
that says: “You can totally make your home feel betterwithout taking out a second mortgage or sacrificing
your weekend to the Renovation Gods.”
The December 2016 edition, in particular, leaned into three seasonal superpowers:
- Holiday style that feels curated, not chaotic.
- Practical DIY (the kind that makes life easier, not just prettier).
- Community creativity via contributors and linked inspiration.
The December 2016 DIY mood: cozy, rustic, and “please be easy”
If December DIY had a soundtrack in 2016, it would’ve been a mashup of
crackling fireplaces, tool sounds, and someone whispering, “We can do this in one weekend.”
The vibe was warm and approachable: farmhouse charm, woodland textures, and neutral foundations
dressed up with seasonal greenery and sparkle.
Why farmhouse energy was everywhere
By late 2016, modern farmhouse style had become a household phrasepartly because it’s flexible.
You can go full-on “rustic beams and a farmhouse sink” or just borrow the greatest hits:
simple trim, warm wood, black accents, and a little vintage soul.
December is when that style really shines: it makes holiday decor feel more intentional.
Put a wreath on a classic door, add twinkle lights to warm wood, and suddenly your home looks like it has
its life together (even if the pantry contains three kinds of marshmallows and one emotional support bag of chips).
Color notes from the era
2016 wasn’t just “white walls forever.” You saw soft, calming tonesplus deeper, moodier colors used
as accents to keep neutral spaces from feeling flat. That’s why a rich green-blue paint moment
(hello, sophisticated teal) paired so well with winter decor. It’s festive without screaming “I ONLY WEAR RED IN DECEMBER.”
The headline moments from the Remodelaholic December recap
The December 2016 roundup didn’t try to reinvent the holidays. It did something better:
it showed how small style decisionsplus a few smart DIY projectsstack into a home that feels
both special and livable.
1) The Woodland Christmas Tree: theme without the cheesiness
A woodland-themed Christmas tree works because it’s basically nature’s version of a capsule wardrobe:
textured neutrals, earthy shapes, warm metallics, and lots of “found” vibes (pinecones, faux fur,
wood ornaments, and anything that looks like it could star in a cozy winter movie).
Steal this idea: Build your theme from three anchors:
- Texture (wood + knit + faux fur + greenery)
- One metal (gold or bronze for warmth, silver for crisp)
- One repeating shape (stars, snowflakes, or simple circles)
That combination keeps your tree from turning into a random ornament yard salewhile still letting Grandma’s
sentimental ornament make an appearance without breaking the aesthetic.
2) A Christmas mantel look that makes you wish you had a mantel
Mantels are basically holiday billboards for grown-ups. And in the December review, the mantel styling
showed the power of “layering”: a few coordinated elements repeated in different heights and textures.
No mantel? You’re not out of luck. Fake it with:
- a floating shelf above a console,
- a long picture ledge,
- or a buffet/sideboard that acts like a “mantel surface.”
The formula stays the same: greenery + a focal point (mirror/art) + warm light (candles or string lights)
+ one “surprise” element (a sentimental piece, vintage bells, or a quirky figurine that makes you smile).
3) Candy cane wreath: festive, kid-friendly, and surprisingly classy
Candy cane projects can go one of two ways:
adorable… or “my eyes are now sticky.” The trick is controlling the color palette.
Keep it mostly red/white with one neutral (kraft paper, greenery, or a soft metallic bow),
and it reads intentional rather than chaotic.
Make it look more designer: Choose one statement bow,
then keep the rest simple. Think “holiday chic,” not “candy store explosion.”
#LightTheWorld: the “home” idea that isn’t about decor
One of the most memorable callouts in the December 2016 review was the
#LightTheWorld trend. It spread across social media as a December service-focused challenge
essentially an advent calendar of kindness. In a month obsessed with appearances,
it was refreshing to see a reminder that the best “holiday atmosphere” is what people feel in your home,
not just what they see.
If you want to borrow the spirit (no matter your beliefs):
add a “kindness calendar” next to your regular holiday decor. It’s one of the few trends that makes your home
prettier from the inside out.
The practical upgrade that feels like a superpower: automatic light switches
The December roundup also featured a small tech upgrade with big everyday payoff: an automatic motion sensor
light switch. This is the kind of change that quietly improves your life 20 times a day.
It’s perfect for:
- laundry rooms (where you always walk in carrying a basket like it’s your job),
- pantries (hands full of snacks you don’t want to share),
- mudrooms, closets, and garages.
In other words: it’s not flashy, but it’s the DIY equivalent of upgrading to the good headphones.
Once you have it, you wonder why you waited.
DIY tutorials with “I can actually do that” energy
December isn’t the season for 47-step projects that require a workshop, a ladder, and emotional healing.
It’s the season for quick wins. That’s why the roundup’s tutorial vibes worked so well:
approachable, festive, and doable.
Muffin tin advent calendar: cute, reusable, and delightfully low-stakes
The muffin tin advent calendar idea is peak December practicality:
it’s structured, it’s fun, and it gives kids something to focus on besides shaking gifts like maracas.
Plus, you can customize it endlesslytreats, notes, mini toys, or little “family activity” prompts.
Budget tree decorating: the thrill of a $50 challenge
There’s something undeniably satisfying about making a tree look expensive on a tight budget.
The trick isn’t buying “cheap stuff.” It’s buying fewer things that look cohesive:
pick a theme, repeat a few ornament styles, and use ribbon or garland to create volume.
Contributor spotlights: December 2016’s greatest DIY hits
A standout part of the Remodelaholic review was the contributor lineupprojects that covered
exactly what people want in December: beauty, function, and inspiration you can carry into the new year.
Bathroom upgrades: storage with personality
Reclaimed wood and pipe shelving is a classic “industrial farmhouse” move: functional storage that also
looks like you meant to do it. It’s especially smart in bathrooms, where square footage is limited
and vertical storage is basically free real estate.
Lighting glow-up: the DIY plug-in chandelier
Lighting changes the mood of a room faster than almost anything else. A plug-in chandelier approach is a favorite
because it can deliver a dramatic look without major rewiringperfect if you want impact without
turning your ceiling into a construction zone.
Storage that looks like furniture: corner cabinets and built-ins
December is when you realize you own 19 serving trays and nowhere to put them. A catalog-inspired corner cabinet
is a clever way to claim an underused corner and turn it into storage that feels “built-in” and intentional.
The tile moment: Moroccan fish scale tile in the shower
Fish scale tile (also called mermaid tile) has that rare quality of being playful and timeless at the same time.
Used in a shower, it becomes a statement without needing a bunch of extra decor.
Smart design move: Pair statement tile with calmer surrounding finishes.
Let the tile be the star; keep fixtures and paint supporting cast.
Fireplace and mantel makeover: farmhouse charm that lasts past December
Mantel and fireplace updates pay off year-round. In December, they frame the holiday decor.
In January, they keep the living room from feeling bare when the tree comes down and reality returns.
IKEA hacking energy: live edge desk + RAST media center
IKEA hacks were already a beloved DIY lane in 2016, and December’s roundup featured that spirit:
take an affordable base, add personality, and create something that looks custom.
The appeal is simple:
- Cost control (you choose where to splurge),
- Customization (trim, paint, doors, hardware),
- Confidence (because hacking feels like winning).
Color spotlight: Newburg Green
A deep teal-green is one of those colors that behaves like a neutral when used thoughtfully.
It can look traditional, modern, coastal, or moody depending on lighting and what you pair with it.
In winter, it’s especially gorgeous with warm wood and brass accents.
Printables and holiday styling: easy wins with big impact
December is when printables shine. They’re quick, inexpensive, and they make your home feel curated
like you have a personal graphic designer on standby (or at least a printer that isn’t out of ink for once).
Holiday inspiration that still feels useful today
One reason December roundups are so popular is that they hit multiple “holiday needs” at once:
decor, gifts, food, activities, and the unglamorous hero topic of the seasonstorage.
Edible ornaments, sweet treats, and “make it with kids” ideas
These are the projects that become traditions. Not because they’re perfect,
but because you remember making them: the messy frosting, the giggles, the candy mysteriously disappearing.
Christmas porch styling: curb appeal with cocoa energy
Porches in December are basically your home’s handshake. A few evergreen branches, a wreath,
warm lighting, and one bold seasonal element (a giant bow, lanterns, or a statement sign)
can make everything feel festive before anyone even rings the doorbell.
Storage hacks: the gift your January self deserves
Holiday storage doesn’t feel exciting… until you don’t have it. Then you’re stuffing ornaments into random boxes
like you’re playing a high-stakes game of Tetris at 11:47 p.m.
The takeaway: plan storage while you’re still decorating, not after you’re exhausted.
Label bins, separate fragile items, and future-you will write present-you a thank-you note.
What to take from December 2016 into your own home projects
The best part of revisiting a December roundup like this is realizing how many ideas are timeless:
cozy textures, practical upgrades, smart storage, and a few statement moments that make your home feel personal.
A simple “steal-this” checklist
- Pick a holiday theme (woodland, neutral farmhouse, classic red/green, or coastal winter).
- Choose 3 recurring elements (greenery + warm lights + one metal).
- Do one practical upgrade (motion sensor switch, better entry hooks, a closet organizer).
- Make one tradition (advent calendar, edible ornaments, or a kindness calendar).
- Plan for teardown (storage solutions before the decorations come down).
Extra: December DIY experiences (about )
If you’ve ever tried to “do a few quick DIY projects” in December, you already know the secret:
December has the audacity of a full-time job and the schedule of a toddler. You start out confidentmaybe even smug.
You have a list. You have supplies. You have a fresh roll of painter’s tape and the belief that this year
you’ll somehow avoid last-minute chaos. Then life happens. Someone needs a gift. Someone needs a ride.
Someone (possibly you) needs a nap. And suddenly the only thing you’re building is a towering pile of Amazon boxes.
That’s why a roundup like Remodelaholic in Review: December 2016 feels strangely comforting.
It’s not just inspirationit’s permission to choose the kind of project that fits the season.
In December, the best DIY isn’t the biggest. It’s the one that gives you the most joy per minute.
Printing a hand-lettered calendar for the new year? That’s a win. Making a candy cane wreath with kids?
Also a win (even if half the candy canes end up “accidentally” broken and replaced).
The woodland Christmas tree idea is especially relatable because it rewards a realistic approach.
You don’t need 200 matching ornaments; you need a consistent mood. A handful of natural textures,
a repeating shape, and a few warm lights can make even a slightly lopsided tree feel intentional.
And if you’ve ever stared at a tree thinking, “Why does this look like a craft store aisle exploded?”
you learn quickly that theme is the cure for holiday decor chaos.
Practical upgrades hit differently in December, too. Installing a motion sensor light switch sounds small
until you’re walking into the laundry room with full hands and the light just… turns on.
It feels like the house is helping you. In the middle of the holiday rush, that tiny moment of convenience
is basically a spa treatment. It’s the kind of project that doesn’t just look nice; it reduces friction.
And anything that reduces friction in December is worth its weight in wrapping paper.
Then there are the “aspirational but doable” projects you file away for January.
Tile ideaslike fish scale tile in a showerare the kind of design detail that sticks in your brain.
Even if you’re not ready to renovate immediately, seeing a statement tile used well teaches you something:
let one element be bold, and keep everything else calm. That lesson applies everywhere, from bathrooms to
holiday mantels to your overstuffed entryway. One hero piece. Everything else supports it.
And finally, there’s the best December DIY lesson of all: plan for the aftermath.
Storage hacks aren’t glamorous, but they’re the difference between “holiday memories” and
“why is there tinsel in my sock drawer in March?” The real success story isn’t just decorating beautifully
it’s packing it away like a person who cares about their future self. Which, in December,
is honestly one of the most generous gifts you can give.
Conclusion
Looking back at December 2016 through Remodelaholic’s recap is a reminder that the best home ideas
are the ones that balance style, function, and heart.
From woodland holiday textures to practical lighting upgrades, the month was packed with inspiration that
still works todaybecause it’s grounded in real life, real homes, and projects people actually want to finish.
If you take one thing from this review, let it be this: pick a theme, pick a practical win,
and make room for a little meaning alongside the decor. Your home doesn’t have to be perfect to be memorable.
It just has to feel like you.
