Vibrant colors is what Chinese New Year decor is all about – red, round, and usually very loud – definitely festive but also kind of tacky.
The color red is auspicious in Chinese culture, signifying prosperity and good luck. However red as a shade can be jarring when found in big obvious items like cloth banners or giant paper lanterns. I like to instead add red touches to simple arrangements. Classy and subtle is what you should be aiming for, not overbearing and eyeball-burning.
Instead of generic store bought cardboard items, I opt for flowers that are always are a more elegant choices to jazz up any room. In Chinese culture, flowers signify the formation of fruits, which in turn represent rewards and wealth. Blossoming flower arrangements and evergreen plants symbolize renewal and good things to come in the lunar new year.